Reviews (9)

SONJA`S BEST
This is remembered primarely because of the excellent music of Glenn Miller. He was to do only another film, Orchestra Wife, before being killed in a planecrash.
However; by the early 40s, Sonja Henie had developed into a good comedienne and this is her best - as a dumb, simpleminded blonde. Her timing is impeccable as is her delivery of dialogue... As if that isn`t enough; the supporting cast includes great efforts by The Nicholas Brothers, Dorothy Dandrige(then married to 1 of the N. Brothers and with whom she gave birth 2 a multihandicapped daughter), Milton Berle, Lynn Bari(singing voice dubbed) and John Payne as Sonja`s loveinterest.

It`s 1 of the best musicals ever made, though Sonja`s skating in this 1 is not her best.

Want to see the mechanics of the Miller Band?
This review applies EQUALLY to Orchestra Wives and Sun Valley Serenade.

Remember the Elvis movies that were basically a thin plot excuse to have the "star" sing? Well these movies are the 1940's equivalent featuring the pre-war (and so definitive) Glenn Miller Band.

Forget about the plots which are almost identical and don't even stand up today. Boy meets Girl, Falls in love, Another girl is jilted or gets in the way, disharmony in the band, all is sorted out. Big set piece number to finish. (Both movies - honest!). In fact unless you are interested in period movie making and Hollywood fashions you can safely fast forward between the tunes. You can figure the plot as it whizzes by - though how Milton Berle (playing the band's "publicity agent" in Sun Valley Serenade) got his wise crack about the size of a girl's chest past the production code is beyond me! Must have been the war.

BUT - the real reason to own these tapes (when are we going to get the DVD versions?) is watching the mechanics of how the Miller Band produced the sound. Sure - it was shot to be showy - and it is - but it is WELL shot and you can see how the components of the sound were built - even if the "recording studios" are the size of movie studios...... Couple this with the restored soundtrack (some tracks are in early stereo!) and you have a reason to own these movies. If you can only afford one - Orchestra Wives - there are more hits on it!

A fine slice of wartime Americana
This light romantic comedy is one of only two feature films to include Glenn Miller and his big band (the other being the superior "Orchestra Wives")... Miller himself is stiff as a board onscreen, and his acting parts are entirely unmemorable, although the musical performances are stellar. The orchestra's highly choreographed stage routines translate well onto film, and the visual razzle-dazzle of Miller's well-honed showmanship gives this film its real sizzle. Tex Beneke shines on a hep vocal update of "Chattanooga Choo-Choo," a number which closes with some singing and hoofing by the ever-acrobatic Nicholas Brothers, as well as actress Dorothy Dandridge, who sort of appears out of nowhere, just to take a brief solo. The plot is simple enough: actor John Payne stars as Ted Scott, a featured performer in Miller's (supposedly) struggling band, gets caught between two gals, Lynn Bari's tempremental big band diva, and Sonja Henie, as a perky war refugee from Norway. (War refugee? Norway?? Oh, never mind...) As ever, Henie's appeal may be lost on some; personally, I find her incredibly vapid, and her giant, phony smile is somewhat disturbing. That being said, this is actually one of her better performances, and Payne is a very likable leading man. The film is padded out with extensive skiing sequences and plenty of Henie-delic skating scenes, so the fast-forward button may come in handy. Milton Berle also has a big role as the band's fast-talking, nebbishy business manager -- a surprisingly nonabrasive early performance in the late, great comedian's decades-long career. All in all, a nice bit of pre-war American fluff. A must-see for Glenn Miller fans.

Watch the most sensational musical number in movies!
I can't believe this movie isn't on DVD. Shame! I'm glad I bought this years ago on Laserdisk (a double with Orchestra Wives, another winner). I've watched it a dozen times at least.

True, the plot is pretty clichéd & old. The most recent time I saw that snowed-in-together-in-a-ski-cabin scene was on the Simpsons. But the MUSIC - WOW!! Glenn Miller & his orchestra at their most brilliant (thankfully, since it was to be their last appearance).

The Chattanooga Choo-Choo number is unbelievable. It's breathtaking. I'm paralyzed every time I see it. You watch each section of the band play & bounce off each other with fanastic joy & precision & verve & the number just goes on & on. Tex Beneke puts his sax aside & strolls over to join the Modernaires in their perfect 4-part harmony (which set the bar for vocal groups for decades) & their part is filmed like a Busby Berkeley musical. Then when you think it just can't go on being this good, it gets even better with Bayard & Harold Nicholas, the most exciting dancers who ever lived, leaping into the frame with the incredibly scrumptious & gorgeous & talented teen-aged Dorothy Dandridge in what has to be one of the screen's greatest show-stoppers - & it's still The Chattanooga Choo-Choo!

That number by itself makes the movie worth having (& with the laserdisk, I've watched it many times in a row) but there are other fine numbers as well, & it is a funny movie thanks in great part to a young Milton Berle.

So how about a DVD?

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra Revisited
If you want to see Glen Miller leading his orchestra and hear the original music plus see the orchestra perform...this is it.
It brought tears to my eyes to see the orchestra that I had been
reading about.I feel the loss and tragedy of Glenn's death at such an early age and at the height of his career. The men and women that performed are on their way to their own deaths or have
already died due to the 1941 time frame of this movie. This is a valuable video because it's an important piece of history. I believe Glenn wanted us to see the orchestra in an accurate way. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

WOW
There is almost nothing else to say. The Duke is wonderful, so is the plot and overall the movie was superb!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This race-relations film from 1957, based on a novel by Alec Waugh and set on a West Indies island, stars James Mason as a wealthy man who runs against a local union leader (Harry Belafonte). The rest of the players, one way or another, deal with the consequences of their rivalry. Mason and Belafonte leave a strong impression, but the film overall doesn't live up to its own sense of significance. Joan Collins is good as Mason's sister, who worries that the contest will cost her an engagement to the governor's son. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A PRETTY GOOD SOAP with A GREAT CAST!
After many years of trying to finally catch this one on "the telly", I recently was afforded the opportunity. As a "period piece" and "social commentary", the film works fairly well. One most realize that miscegenation was still a taboo in the 50's when this film was made; thus, it was considered a violation of "the natural order of things" in much of the Deep South. While the "romance" between Dorothy Dandridge ("Margot Seaton") and John Justin ("David Archer") was displayed, all that Harry Belafonte ("David Boyeur") and Joan Fontaine ("Mavis Norman") could muster were some occasional glances and a verbal exchange about the pros and cons of interracial relations.

In light of the controversy surrounding the recent "Monster's Ball", we may not have matured as much as we think.

Many of the other roles are filled by those that were under contract to Twentieth Century-Fox, the releasing company: Joan Collins (Jocelyn Fluery"), previously seen in "Land of the Pharoahs", Michael Rennie ("Hilary Carson"), earlier featured in "The Robe" and the classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still", and Patricia Owens ("Sylvia Fluery")from"The Fly".

Even James Mason ("Maxwell Fluery") had been featured in the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz vehicle for Fox "Forever, Darling".

Future "Ben-Hur" villain Stephen Boyd ("Euan Templeton") is on hand as the romantic interest for Collins.

While the acting is equal to the talented cast, it is character veteran John Williams that steals the show. As "Colonel Whittingham", the police investigator of a character's demise, he seems as a precursor to television's "Columbo". Crafty, witty, and verbally adept, his "flatfoot" is not one's typical cop.

In all, the film is enjoyable, not only for the performances but for the lush scenery and the glimpse at how movies "dared" to do something different in the 50's.

Way too much going on here!
Race-relations film that just has too much going on--this is based on Alec Waugh's book and is a prime example of the difficulties of adapting a novel with many complex themes and characters into only a 2-hour film (it should have been more like 3) since it felt as if they tried to cram as much people and story lines in as possible and as a result some of the characters lacked essential development. The ensemble cast includes a whole roster of name-stars: James Mason, Joan Fontaine, Harry Belafonte, Joan Collins, Dorothy Dandridge and Stephen Boyd. The story takes place in the beautiful Caribbean on the small island of Santa Marta--and as we soon discover, it is a hotbed of race relations (and interrelations!). Mason stars as Maxwell Fleury, the prodigal son of one of the island's oldest and most prominent families. Despite having no shortage of money, living in an impressive villa-like home by the sea (but then again, on a tiny isle like this I'm sure every home is pretty much near the sea!) with a lovely young wife, he's an intense, insecure and embittered middle-aged man who makes himself miserable believing wifey is cheating and (understandably) angered over his father's favoritism with Max's deceased older brother. Joan Collins is eye-catching in both appearance and performance as Max's very beautiful sister Jocelyn, an enchanting young woman under whose calm, unruffled surface runs conflicting emotions and smoldering passions that are ignited when she falls for the governor's dashing son (Boyd)--resulting in unintended consequences and surprising revelations. The very handsome and charismatic Belafonte plays David Boyeur, a fiery union leader-populist who wants to usher in a new era of change for his people and is scornful of the old guard which families like the Fleurys represent.

Tensions flare when Max decides the island "is going to the dogs" and since he has a well-known name and nothing much to do with his time, he decides to make an ill-conceived run for the legislature against David. Further complications ensue when Max discovers that he has mixed blood, or as they say in the quaint vernacular, "a touch of the tar brush." Fontaine and Dandridge's characters I felt were lacking character development in their peripheral roles as two women--one white, the other black--who get involved in interracial affairs. Fontaine plays Max's sister-in-law Mavis Normand, an unmarried and older society woman, who becomes David's lover; and the ravishing Dandridge plays Margot Seaton and catches the eye of an ambitious governor's aide. Too bad more screen time wasn't spent exploring them--instead it seemed as if they were "used" as examples of one mixed relationship being "successful," the other not. Oh yeah, besides these matters of race, romantic entanglements, adultery, premarriage pregnancy and politicking, there's murder too. I'm surprised the makers of this movie didn't include incest, rape and natural disaster as well! But in fairness the film handles the subject matters in a nonjudgemental and nonlurid fashion and was enhanced by the gorgeous color cinematography, beautiful island scenery and lovely tropical title tune sung by Belafonte.

A Film That Captures the Turbulence of its Time
"Island in the Sun" is a beautiful film that was partially filmed in Barbados. It includes scenes of the sugar mill where my mother played as a child, which is now owned by my aunt, Shirley King, who, at present, is Secretary to the country's Prime Minister, Owen Arthur, and it gives the viewer a splendid shot of the beach where my parents walked with my older sister and me when I was a toddler.
The interracial romances may have raised a few eyebrows at the time, and I am all too familiar with life in the state that banned this film upon its original release. The majority of Americans probably couldn't relate to an educated Black populace
struggling for its independance, or shouting down the orations of a white politician they didn't trust, as was played by James Mason. But the charismatic character, David, played by a strapping Harry Belafonte, is typical of many Blacks in the Carribean. What Americans often fail to appreciate is the fact that the slaves of the Carribean were freed and educated sooner than they were in the United States, and that few who understand the culture of most Carribean Islands would bat an eyelash at the thought of their being in positions of leadership.This film was made to entertain an America that still had a long way to as far as improvement in race relations was concerned. Consequently, Dorothy Dandridge's Margot could not kiss her White lover.
But in showing the corruption of the White establishment, exemplified by Joan Collins, James Mason, et. al, we see the justification for the fight for the full citizenship of the Blacks of the island. Joan Fontaine is Harry Belafonte's love interest who is sympathetic to his plight, but still condescending towards the people he represents. Ultimately David sacrifices their relationship to appease those who would consider him a sell-out if he married a White woman while fighting on behalf of Blacks. Dorothy Dandridge, who is free of similar preasures, although not free of criticism, marries the man she loves.
This is a terrific presentation, filled with beautiful tropical scenery, and multiple tales about jealousy, murder,bigotry, scandalous behavior, sacrifice, of the rising status of some, and the declining status of others.It is also a tale of finding one's proper place in life, and remaining true to oneself.--A great movie! One of the best of 1957!

Island in the Sun
Island in the Sun makes you wish you where on the that Island. What can I say, Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and Joan Collins were youngest and most attractive in this movie. This movie displays interacial relationships, pre-marital sex, marital affairs, and even murder. There's so many scandals going on in this movie you can hardly keep with all of them. The movie ending is so peaceful....almost like it started.....with a view of the Island.....It's a must see!

Island in the Sun
I've not yet seen the movie, but i'm dying to do so. If anyone out there can tell me how to get a copy of the movie, I would really appreciate it. I'm starting a new collection of movies and this one is on my list. (also on the list: Cotton Club, Porgy and Bess) I'm having trouble finding these as well. :) ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Few actresses have captivated the camera as powerfully as DorothyDandridge in Carmen Jones. Her polished beauty plays in irresistible contrast to her title character's leonine sexuality and fluid emotions; a man can't decide from moment to moment if he wants to save her from doom, build her a castle, or never let her out of bed. Of course, that's the problem with the boys in this semi-experimental adaptation of Bizet's opera, Carmen. Straight-arrow Joe (a strapping Harry Belafonte), an obedient corporal on a Southern military base during World War II, is all set to go to flight school and marry his hometown sweetie, Cindy Lou (Olga James), when his troublemaking sergeant orders him to accompany Carmen to a civilian court. In short order, Joe is swept up in Carmen's carnal anarchy and her craving forrelease from lousy options in life. An impulsive act of violence ensures that Joe's future is gone forever, putting Carmen in the difficult position of destroying their relationship to save him. Oscar Hammerstein II tookBizet's music in 1943 and rewrote the book and lyrics. The result is largely a smashing success with a few missteps (the bullfighter in Bizet's piece becomes a heavyweight boxer here, which breaks up a certain grace in thestory) and a couple of perfect stretches (the long prelude to Carmen and Joe's first embrace, set on Carmen's hoodoo-ish home turf). Despite the fact that both Dandridge and Belafonte were singers, their vocal performances weredubbed by LeVern Hutcherson and Marilyn Horne. (Yes, it is a little disconcerting to hear another voice come out of the more familiar Belafonte's mouth.) Otto Preminger directed with his usual eye on economy of action and production, as the numerous musical numbers tend to be shot in lengthy, single,carefully choreographed takes. The result can be a little visually static at times, but the passion behind the singing pulls everything through. --TomKeogh ... Read more

Reviews (26)

WOW!
Oscar Hammerstein took the fabulous classic work of Bizet "Carmen", and made it into a contemporary work and an instant classic now some fifty years ago. There are just not enough superlatives to adequately describe this movie. The first time I saw this was on the stage in LOndon years ago, and I had to seek out the video.

Dorothy Dandridge made her career in this one epic work. It is nothing short of transfixing. Seeing her use her charms to turn Harry Belafonte into her slave (what an incredibly lucky SOB!) and then torment him was like nothing I had ever seen before. It is interesting to note that even given the social morays of the time, D.D was so much more erotic in the simple act of putting on her stockings than we see today in a hour of almost total nudity on the screen! I am not sure that there has ever been anyone who burned up the screen any more before or since. Also featured were a young Pearl Bailey and Dianne Carroll.

My only question? Both D.D and H.B were fabulous singers in their own right. I have never understood why their singing parts were dubbed. Nonetheless, the contemporary adaptation of this classic music is wonderful.

Marilyn Horne's voice and Dorothy Dandridge's acting--Wow!
I've seen the stage version of this amazing show, and though I usually prefer the immediacy of live shows, the movie is still tops in my book. Dorothy Dandridge *is* Carmen, and though her voice is dubbed, who can complain when it's dubbed by Marilyn Horne? Every time I see this movie, I find myself wishing again that Dorothy had lived longer, or at least made more movies in her short life. Can you imagine what she'd accomplish in today's film industry?

The Easy Way To Get Into Opera
1954's Carmen Jones is a classic film of great value. Otto Preminger directed the film in the new CinemaScope, Dorothy Dandridge was a black actress in the pre-Civil Rights Movement period to be playing a serious role and it's an easy transition into the Georges Bizet French opera from which it was based. The movie used Bizet's music but they translated the lyrics into English. Dorothy Dandrige stars as Carmen Jones and Harry Belafonte as Joe, or Carmen and Don Jose respectively. The film was successful, since it was Rodgers and Hammerstein's concept. The film is like a realistic musical without too much sugar or sunshine. The story of Carmen, itself drawn from the French short novel by Prosper Merimee, is a dark story of passion and obscession that results in a crime of passion, the death of Carmen as she is stabbed by the jealous Joe. Carmen, a free spirit, gets into all sorts of trouble, oozes sensuality and sex appeal, and wins all the men with her Habanera song. When she seduces Joe in a World War II military camp, he abandons his homely and well-mannered girlfriend Cindy Lou (Micaela in the opera) he lives with Carmen as lovers. But the affair declines for Carmen who takes an interest in the attractive boxer Oscar Miller (a play on the name Escamillo from the opera who was a bullfighter). Joe gets decisively jealous and begs Carmen to forget about the boxer and continue their romance. The last scene is particularily impressive, and is full of taut, dramatic tension. The rest of the movie is of course all musical numbers and dramatic scenes, such as Carmen Jones discovering her doom through reading the cards and reading her death card. The whole thing is a miracle to watch, because it seems to work effectively as both musical and opera. It's highly enjoyable and I recommend anyone interested in the opera Carmen to watch it.

GREAT MOVIE
This movie is awesome. I love the singing, dancing, and acting. Another great Carmen is Carmen:A Hip Hopera. That is as great and lovely as this one but only updated. JUST PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE BUY THIS DVD IT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST CLASSIC MOVIES YOU WILL SEE.

Talk about your works of art!!!
When one thinks of the great screen couples, one of the two was slightly more appealing physically than the other. Nelson Eddy with his chiseled looks flattered the screen better than his frequent co-star Jeannette McDonald. Robert Taylor, Tony Curtis, and Paul Newman outshone their respective real-life and film spouses Barbara Stanwyck, Janet Leigh, and Joanne Woodward. His female co-star always overshadowed Humphrey Bogart, especially when that co-star was wife Lauren Bacall. Elizabeth Taylor was definitely more appealing to the eye than husband and seven-time co-star Richard Burton.

And it seems that the actress had to have something special to be in front of the camera with Cary Grant. It might not be just a coincidence that beauties such as Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn shared screen time with Mr. Grant.

Even the late-lamented movie duo of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman had the camera favoring the "top gun".

Only did Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn match each other in the "serviceable" looks department.

The point of the aforementioned is that "Carmen Jones" has the distinction of featuring two performers that not only matched each other in the acting arena but also were as aesthetically compatible as any great work of art. Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte are just too pretty to behold in this Technicolor marvel. The camera just seems to capture every flawless angle of their picturesque features.

Opera "purists" may scoff at the liberties taken in Bizet's composition, but film buffs realize that "Jones" was a landmark film, featuring an awesome (and at that time, unprecedented) array of African-American talent. From the major performers (including Pearl Bailey, Olga James, and Diahann Carroll) to the familiar character actors handling minor but significant parts (Roy Glenn, Brock Peters, and Nick Stewart), the film is worthy of time capsule placement as an icon in American cinema.

"Carmen Jones" may not be among AFI's TOP 100 list, but it is among one of THIS reviewer's movie gems. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Whoaaa!!!
A surprisingly entertaining movie. I had not heard of this one before but it surely ranks up there as one of their best by far. Some incredibly funny sequences, Costello trying to milk the cow stands out as one of the funniest. Great comedy a must for any Abbott & Costello fan and most comedy fans will find something good about this old time classic.

ONE OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO'S BEST FILMS
A TERRIFIC mix of songs, a western film, and comedy. Abbott & Costello play rodeo peanut venders who get mixed up with Indians and cowboys. 5 STARS again for this HILARIOUS, UPROARIOUS comedy and to Abbott & Costello.

many funny moments..great music
although the story line is farfetched, the boys seem to be enjoying themselves in this film. the music is great..ella fitzgerald is tops...good supporting cast//dick foran//johnny mac brown/there are so many different sequences that seem to be stand alone comedy bits that you can always find something you like....

Trains, Busses and Automobiles and Bud and Lou
Just about all of the ingredients that made the first half of the 20th century a renaissance of great entertainment is here in one movie. This is not necessarily a great film, but very good and historically interesting. There is a rock and roll attempt in this 1942 comedy/musical. The song is called "Rockin' and Reelin' (Rockin' Around the Square.)" It has most of the ingredients necessary for rock and roll. A mixture of all the cultures and musical styles and rhythms, but the music form wouldn't be fully realized for another 10 or 12 years. Ella Fitzgerald does well in her first film appearance but her time had not quite happened yet. Abbott and Costello are in fine form especially in a chase scene that makes me woder how did they train that pigeon to do his trick? Dick Foran is the good guy. Johnny Mack Brown is the other good guy. Dick Foran did a lot of varied film roles including starring in "The Mummy's Hand." Abbott and Costello, of course, have a movie called "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein." The pair also did some fun things in other films such as "The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap." This western ,"Ride 'Em Cowboy" is a western with boogie and swing and light opera music. It also has some nice dancing. Trains chasing cars, bears driving cars, stunt guys jumping out of windows and a pretty girl who is tough and likeable. Tom Willett ... Read more

Reviews (26)

WOW!
Oscar Hammerstein took the fabulous classic work of Bizet "Carmen", and made it into a contemporary work and an instant classic now some fifty years ago. There are just not enough superlatives to adequately describe this movie. The first time I saw this was on the stage in LOndon years ago, and I had to seek out the video.

Dorothy Dandridge made her career in this one epic work. It is nothing short of transfixing. Seeing her use her charms to turn Harry Belafonte into her slave (what an incredibly lucky SOB!) and then torment him was like nothing I had ever seen before. It is interesting to note that even given the social morays of the time, D.D was so much more erotic in the simple act of putting on her stockings than we see today in a hour of almost total nudity on the screen! I am not sure that there has ever been anyone who burned up the screen any more before or since. Also featured were a young Pearl Bailey and Dianne Carroll.

My only question? Both D.D and H.B were fabulous singers in their own right. I have never understood why their singing parts were dubbed. Nonetheless, the contemporary adaptation of this classic music is wonderful.

Marilyn Horne's voice and Dorothy Dandridge's acting--Wow!
I've seen the stage version of this amazing show, and though I usually prefer the immediacy of live shows, the movie is still tops in my book. Dorothy Dandridge *is* Carmen, and though her voice is dubbed, who can complain when it's dubbed by Marilyn Horne? Every time I see this movie, I find myself wishing again that Dorothy had lived longer, or at least made more movies in her short life. Can you imagine what she'd accomplish in today's film industry?

The Easy Way To Get Into Opera
1954's Carmen Jones is a classic film of great value. Otto Preminger directed the film in the new CinemaScope, Dorothy Dandridge was a black actress in the pre-Civil Rights Movement period to be playing a serious role and it's an easy transition into the Georges Bizet French opera from which it was based. The movie used Bizet's music but they translated the lyrics into English. Dorothy Dandrige stars as Carmen Jones and Harry Belafonte as Joe, or Carmen and Don Jose respectively. The film was successful, since it was Rodgers and Hammerstein's concept. The film is like a realistic musical without too much sugar or sunshine. The story of Carmen, itself drawn from the French short novel by Prosper Merimee, is a dark story of passion and obscession that results in a crime of passion, the death of Carmen as she is stabbed by the jealous Joe. Carmen, a free spirit, gets into all sorts of trouble, oozes sensuality and sex appeal, and wins all the men with her Habanera song. When she seduces Joe in a World War II military camp, he abandons his homely and well-mannered girlfriend Cindy Lou (Micaela in the opera) he lives with Carmen as lovers. But the affair declines for Carmen who takes an interest in the attractive boxer Oscar Miller (a play on the name Escamillo from the opera who was a bullfighter). Joe gets decisively jealous and begs Carmen to forget about the boxer and continue their romance. The last scene is particularily impressive, and is full of taut, dramatic tension. The rest of the movie is of course all musical numbers and dramatic scenes, such as Carmen Jones discovering her doom through reading the cards and reading her death card. The whole thing is a miracle to watch, because it seems to work effectively as both musical and opera. It's highly enjoyable and I recommend anyone interested in the opera Carmen to watch it.

GREAT MOVIE
This movie is awesome. I love the singing, dancing, and acting. Another great Carmen is Carmen:A Hip Hopera. That is as great and lovely as this one but only updated. JUST PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE BUY THIS DVD IT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST CLASSIC MOVIES YOU WILL SEE.

Talk about your works of art!!!
When one thinks of the great screen couples, one of the two was slightly more appealing physically than the other. Nelson Eddy with his chiseled looks flattered the screen better than his frequent co-star Jeannette McDonald. Robert Taylor, Tony Curtis, and Paul Newman outshone their respective real-life and film spouses Barbara Stanwyck, Janet Leigh, and Joanne Woodward. His female co-star always overshadowed Humphrey Bogart, especially when that co-star was wife Lauren Bacall. Elizabeth Taylor was definitely more appealing to the eye than husband and seven-time co-star Richard Burton.

And it seems that the actress had to have something special to be in front of the camera with Cary Grant. It might not be just a coincidence that beauties such as Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn shared screen time with Mr. Grant.

Even the late-lamented movie duo of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman had the camera favoring the "top gun".

Only did Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn match each other in the "serviceable" looks department.

The point of the aforementioned is that "Carmen Jones" has the distinction of featuring two performers that not only matched each other in the acting arena but also were as aesthetically compatible as any great work of art. Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte are just too pretty to behold in this Technicolor marvel. The camera just seems to capture every flawless angle of their picturesque features.

Opera "purists" may scoff at the liberties taken in Bizet's composition, but film buffs realize that "Jones" was a landmark film, featuring an awesome (and at that time, unprecedented) array of African-American talent. From the major performers (including Pearl Bailey, Olga James, and Diahann Carroll) to the familiar character actors handling minor but significant parts (Roy Glenn, Brock Peters, and Nick Stewart), the film is worthy of time capsule placement as an icon in American cinema.

"Carmen Jones" may not be among AFI's TOP 100 list, but it is among one of THIS reviewer's movie gems. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Captures the quality of the time
Tamango captures a wonderful story line, that has never been touched on before, or after. Although the movie seems somewhat "underbudgated" it is well worth the money to see this film. It captures the essence, beauty,and talent of Ms. Dandridge. This film also happens to be one of Dorothy Dandridge's last films. Tamango (1958), Porgy and Bess( 1959), and her final finished film Malaga (1960), and her final film that was never finished Marco Polo. Although the quality of the film is poor, you canot deny the quality of the actors and exhuberamt plot. Tamango is well worth it.

Dorothy Dandridge saves the movie...
Tamango is the story of a slave ship, during the early 1800's, on a voyage to Cuba. Curd Jürgens plays the captain of the slave ship ~ Dorothy Dandridge plays Aiche, a mulatto/mixed slave who is also the Captain's lover. When a new slave, Tamango (played by an unknown actor, Alex Cressan) comes aboard, he plans (with the help of the other slaves) to take over the ship so they can return back to Africa to become free again. While they manage to take over part of the ship, they don't do as well as they planned; but they have taken Aiche hostage. Aiche must choose to help her fellow slaves, or the Captain (who happens to own her, although he doesn't mistreat her and gives her special treatment). Dorothy looks beautiful as usual (she grew her hair long for the role) and her acting talent shines all through out the film. However, I am dissapointed at how cheap the movie was made. A lot of the actors voices have been dubbed (their mouths don't match what they are saying) and the sound and picture quality is not very good. Also, the ending kind of leaves you wanting more. "Tamango" never became very popular because sadly in 1959, it was banned in the United States because of the depiction of interracial romance.

Didn't see this movie yet, but
please at least get the date that it was made right. It was made in 1959, NOT 1969. Ms. Dandridge had already died four years before then so it's not possible that the film came out in that year! ... Read more

Description

Volume 2: Hook & Ladder/ The First Round-Up/ Teacher's Beau/ Hearts Are Thumps

Hook & Ladder:
No sooner does the gang start their own fire department, than they've got their own fire! Fire chief Dickie Moore, Stymie and tag-along Spanky are hot to put out the blaze- but they have to find it first.
The First Round-Up:
The gang decides to go camping an they've brought everything...except their courage! Darkness falls, the fire burns out, and the ghosts and goblins (in their heads) get the best of them- even brave little Scotty and Spanky.
Teacher's Beau:
The gang's teacher, Miss Jones is leaving to get married...just when they were starting to like her.But Spanky and Alfalfa have an idea to get Miss Jones "unhitched"- so they cook up a plan for her going-away party.
Hearts Are Thumps:
Spanky, Alfalfa and Buckwheat have a heartfelt reaction to Valentine's Day: they start the infamous "He-Man Woman-Haters' Club".But when Alfalfa falls for the dimpled Darla, Spanky bursts his freckled friend's bubble. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Oh, there is not going to be a better volume than this one
When you see what Little Rascals episodes are included on Volume 2 of this collection you will wonder why they did not just make this the first in the series. This tape offers up four merry misadventures: (1) "Hook and Ladder" (1932) has the Little Rascals responding to a newspaper headline asking the public to answer all fire alarms because of a manpower shortage. The result is some the best machinery gimmicks the series every produced as gang creates their own fire trucks and respond to a real fire. Kids today are still going to be impressed by what the gang puts together for this one. This two-reeler features Spanky, Dickie, Stymie, Spud, and Dorothy. (2) "The First Round-Up" (1934) has the gang setting out for a camping trip that they expect will last at least a week (but Wally's dad thinks they will be back as soon as it gets dark). Wally, Stymie, Tommy and the others head off without Scotty and Spanky, telling them they are too little. Of course, the duo responds to the challenge. Another classic episode. (3) "Teacher's Beau" (1935) has the gang in shock when Miss Jones announces on the last day of school that she is getting married and that their teacher next fall will be "Mrs. Wilson." Of course the kids miss the point and go to great ends to make sure they do not lose their beloved teacher by getting her fiance to dump her. This one features Spanky, Alfalfa, Scotty, Buckwheat and Stymie. (4) "Hearts are Thumps" (1937) focuses on Valentine's Day which inspires Spanky, Buckwheat and Alfalfa to start the He-Man Woman-Hater's Club. However, as soon as Darla makes goo-goo eyes at Alfalfa, he leaves the club, uttering that immortal line, "I have to live my own life." Another classic episode that is certainly one of their most memorable. In fact, Volume 2 of the Little Rascals collection offers up three absolute classics, which is pretty good as far as these things go. The episodes are introduced by Leonard Maltin, who co-authored "Our Gang: The Life and Times of the Little Rascals." ... Read more

Description

The life of the actress who broke racial barriers to become the firstAfrican-American dramatic female movie star, but who committed suicide after years ofbattling depression. Includes an interview with her ex-husband, dancing star HaroldNicholas. ... Read more