Reviews (4)

There'll always be an England...
A quirky British comedy wherein the Olympian gods grant miraculous powers to a nebbish from Essex, one Mr. Fotheringay, who at first is quite modest in his use of reality-bending, and eventually succumbs to the temptations of (near) absolute power. The prewar concerns of war, peace and the polite class politics of the UK are at the heart of this film; nice cameo by Ernest Thesiger (of James Whale horror film fame) as Mr. Maydig, a Bertram Russell-style swords-into-plowshares peacenik intellectual who is as quickly seduced by the lure of ultimate power as are his Establishment counterparts. Odd film; worth checking out.

Sledgehammer parable
Roland Young fudges his way nicely through any movie, but to imagine him as a vindictive man with unwieldy power is a bit of a stretch. Ralph Richardson, another man who seemingly can do no wrong, is badly miscast as the threatened retired British officer who becomes flummoxed when his weapons collection is transformed to ploughshares by the title character Young. The movie has a bright attitude, very spry, but the story is tired and the characters aren't able make up for it. A nice conceit but with nothing much to say in the end, other than, "Power draws calamity, well-intentioned or not."

Interesting Thought-Provoking Premise
This is an interesting and very entertaining film, which still holds up well after more than 60 years. The angels decide to bestow miraculous powers upon a common, little man. He can make things change, move, appear, or disappear at will. In addition to providing for some very comedic episodes, it raises some though-provoking questions as to the use of such power.

The special effects are executed quite well, and one can only speculate as to what a remake would be like, given today's cutting edge special effects technology. But don't wait for the remake; this film is well worth seeing.

THE MAN WHO COULD WORK MIRACLES
IF EVER A MOVIE NEEDED TO BE REMADE THIS IS THE ONE.WITH TODAYS SPECIAL EFFECTS AND A TERRIFIC CAST TO EQUAL THE 1937 ENSEMBLE OF GREAT ACTORS IT WOULD BE A SMASH.I FIRST SAW THIS MOVIE WHEN I WAS QUITE YOUNG AND IT IMPRESSED ME GREATLY.NATURALLY YOU WOULD EXPECT A DIFFERENT REACTION WHEN VIEWING IT AS AN ADULT BUT TO MY SURPRISE IT HELD UP AS ONE OF THE MOST IMAGINATIVE FANTASY FILMS I HAVE EVER SEEN.TRY IT ,YOU'LL LIKE IT! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

There'll always be an England...
A quirky British comedy wherein the Olympian gods grant miraculous powers to a nebbish from Essex, one Mr. Fotheringay, who at first is quite modest in his use of reality-bending, and eventually succumbs to the temptations of (near) absolute power. The prewar concerns of war, peace and the polite class politics of the UK are at the heart of this film; nice cameo by Ernest Thesiger (of James Whale horror film fame) as Mr. Maydig, a Bertram Russell-style swords-into-plowshares peacenik intellectual who is as quickly seduced by the lure of ultimate power as are his Establishment counterparts. Odd film; worth checking out.

Sledgehammer parable
Roland Young fudges his way nicely through any movie, but to imagine him as a vindictive man with unwieldy power is a bit of a stretch. Ralph Richardson, another man who seemingly can do no wrong, is badly miscast as the threatened retired British officer who becomes flummoxed when his weapons collection is transformed to ploughshares by the title character Young. The movie has a bright attitude, very spry, but the story is tired and the characters aren't able make up for it. A nice conceit but with nothing much to say in the end, other than, "Power draws calamity, well-intentioned or not."

Interesting Thought-Provoking Premise
This is an interesting and very entertaining film, which still holds up well after more than 60 years. The angels decide to bestow miraculous powers upon a common, little man. He can make things change, move, appear, or disappear at will. In addition to providing for some very comedic episodes, it raises some though-provoking questions as to the use of such power.

The special effects are executed quite well, and one can only speculate as to what a remake would be like, given today's cutting edge special effects technology. But don't wait for the remake; this film is well worth seeing.

THE MAN WHO COULD WORK MIRACLES
IF EVER A MOVIE NEEDED TO BE REMADE THIS IS THE ONE.WITH TODAYS SPECIAL EFFECTS AND A TERRIFIC CAST TO EQUAL THE 1937 ENSEMBLE OF GREAT ACTORS IT WOULD BE A SMASH.I FIRST SAW THIS MOVIE WHEN I WAS QUITE YOUNG AND IT IMPRESSED ME GREATLY.NATURALLY YOU WOULD EXPECT A DIFFERENT REACTION WHEN VIEWING IT AS AN ADULT BUT TO MY SURPRISE IT HELD UP AS ONE OF THE MOST IMAGINATIVE FANTASY FILMS I HAVE EVER SEEN.TRY IT ,YOU'LL LIKE IT! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"That damned elusive Pimpernel" finds a dashing embodiment in Leslie Howard, who has the steel to be an action hero and the wit to hide behind his alter ego: a British fop. Based on Baroness Orczy's novel, the story focuses on the efforts of this British dandy to aid members of the French aristocracy in escaping the guillotines of the French revolution. He also romances Merle Oberon, a beauty forgotten by recent generations, and engages in a wonderfully wicked duel of wits with the humorless enforcer for the French Republicans (Raymond Massey). If somewhat short on swashbuckling, it's long on the kind of costume drama that Hollywood seems to have forgotten how to do. Remade in 1982 for television, in an equally engaging version starring Anthony Andrews. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (31)

SINK ME! ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS
My mother, who was a lover of great old movies, introduced me to this film years ago. At first I thought it dull and dry, being too much accustomed to the new special effects that were beginning to dominate film.

The more I watched it the more I came to understand that this film is one of the true classics ever made and features some of the greatest actors and actresses to ever grace the silver screen. It is now easily one of my very favorite movies.

Leslie Howard (Gone With The Wind) stars as Sir Percy Blakeney, a super hero of the French Revolution, who masquerades as a man who should be afraid of his own shadow. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the Zorro stories were spawned in part by exposure to The Scarlet Pimpernel. Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights), one of the great leading ladies of Hollywood, stars as Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a woman who holds a terrible secret about her past and wonders why her husband is a dandy. Rounding out the cast is Raymond Massey (East of Eden) who stars as the sinister Citizen Chauvelin.

A movie's greatness is shown in whether its remakes offer something new and revolutionary or copy it verbatim. The remake of this movie that aired in the late seventies/early eighties, was a complete copy of this 1934 classic. Don't waste any time on it and relish the classic performance by Howard, Oberon and Massey.

The Movie vs. the Book
I would have liked this movie had I not read the book first. But once you read the book, you realize that this movie is a VERY poor adaption. The book is a lot more exciting and fun. And Leslie Howard was really miscast as Sir Percy Blakeney. He's too.....I guess depressing is the word. The point is that he doesn't do the character any justice. If you want "The Scarlet Pimpernel"....Read the Book.

a very good film
This film has most everyting adventure romance, but also an underlying sadness as its during the French Revolution. Merl Oberon is beautiful does a great acting job and also Leslie Howard plays the Scarlet PImpernel so very very well. Hes very talented in all his films this I think is one of his best.

A Decent Old Movie Gets Shortsheeted.
I had a tattered old copy of this movie on video for years that had finally begun to degrade due to the number of passes it had endured through the VCR. When I brought this DVD home I had such high anticipation to see the classic on a digital format, but was sorely disappointed to find out that Madacy Entertainment had shortened the movie by removing scenes from it. Now, why they had done this is unknown, but it was a great disappointment to both me and my wife.
I constantly wonder why the scenes aren't there (being in video post production myself), and often question whether the DVD has an error in it's encoding and is skipping the scenes, or if Madacy for some reason took the scenes out due to time constraints.
In spite of this flaw, the movie is still a classic.

A Story for Our Times
Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, I think, are in their most romantic roles ever.

This movie is based on the legendary story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, risen in a time of rampant Leftism (revolutionary France, set on social and political implosion) and burgeoise England (eventually saved only by the rise of Rev. Wesley).

My wife is one for early romantic movies, but I am the one who thinks the most romantic and tear-jerking scene (don't psychoanalyze me here -- I think I just love the play of raw courage vs. naivite) I have ever seen is in this movie. Holding Oberon by the shoulders in his palms, Howard stares her straight in the eyes, "What price did you pay?!!" he declares. This is the crux of their relationship.

The political savior, Howard, is in a much more subtle plot -- saving men, women, and children one at a time from the reach of hard-Leftists set on destroying stability in Europe militantly and in blood in order to rebuild the society under their own ideal.

Perhaps many people won't get it, but this movie is well worth the watching no matter by whom, a lesson for those who can think, and real entertainment for those who will not. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Challenge
The film depicts the story of the first party to reach the summit of the Matterhorn and the subsequent tragedy that befell them. The script, which embellishes history to a degree, is, nevertheless, based in fact. The story of Edward Whymper and the assault of his conquerors on the last remaining unclimbed mountain in the Alps (1865) begs to be told to anyone with even the slightest interest in mountain climbing. The film version offered here is cut somewhat from what I remember viewing on late night movie shows on tv in the 1950's, but is still worthwhile viewing if you can overlook some of the jaded theatrics. More than likely, after viewing the film, you will want to read more about Edward Whymper's bittersweet victory.

The Challenge
This is a quite enjoyable, if rather melodramatic, fictionalized version of the first successful climbing of the Materhorn. The climbing sequences were directed by Luis Trenker (also costared in the film) who was Leni Riefenstal's mentor in mountain climbing, and, for all I know, film making as well. I first saw the film in the middle 50s as a matinee on commercial television. Obviously, the film was memorable enough to have stuck in my brain all these years. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more

Reviews (31)

SINK ME! ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS
My mother, who was a lover of great old movies, introduced me to this film years ago. At first I thought it dull and dry, being too much accustomed to the new special effects that were beginning to dominate film.

The more I watched it the more I came to understand that this film is one of the true classics ever made and features some of the greatest actors and actresses to ever grace the silver screen. It is now easily one of my very favorite movies.

Leslie Howard (Gone With The Wind) stars as Sir Percy Blakeney, a super hero of the French Revolution, who masquerades as a man who should be afraid of his own shadow. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the Zorro stories were spawned in part by exposure to The Scarlet Pimpernel. Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights), one of the great leading ladies of Hollywood, stars as Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a woman who holds a terrible secret about her past and wonders why her husband is a dandy. Rounding out the cast is Raymond Massey (East of Eden) who stars as the sinister Citizen Chauvelin.

A movie's greatness is shown in whether its remakes offer something new and revolutionary or copy it verbatim. The remake of this movie that aired in the late seventies/early eighties, was a complete copy of this 1934 classic. Don't waste any time on it and relish the classic performance by Howard, Oberon and Massey.

The Movie vs. the Book
I would have liked this movie had I not read the book first. But once you read the book, you realize that this movie is a VERY poor adaption. The book is a lot more exciting and fun. And Leslie Howard was really miscast as Sir Percy Blakeney. He's too.....I guess depressing is the word. The point is that he doesn't do the character any justice. If you want "The Scarlet Pimpernel"....Read the Book.

a very good film
This film has most everyting adventure romance, but also an underlying sadness as its during the French Revolution. Merl Oberon is beautiful does a great acting job and also Leslie Howard plays the Scarlet PImpernel so very very well. Hes very talented in all his films this I think is one of his best.

A Decent Old Movie Gets Shortsheeted.
I had a tattered old copy of this movie on video for years that had finally begun to degrade due to the number of passes it had endured through the VCR. When I brought this DVD home I had such high anticipation to see the classic on a digital format, but was sorely disappointed to find out that Madacy Entertainment had shortened the movie by removing scenes from it. Now, why they had done this is unknown, but it was a great disappointment to both me and my wife.
I constantly wonder why the scenes aren't there (being in video post production myself), and often question whether the DVD has an error in it's encoding and is skipping the scenes, or if Madacy for some reason took the scenes out due to time constraints.
In spite of this flaw, the movie is still a classic.

A Story for Our Times
Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, I think, are in their most romantic roles ever.

This movie is based on the legendary story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, risen in a time of rampant Leftism (revolutionary France, set on social and political implosion) and burgeoise England (eventually saved only by the rise of Rev. Wesley).

My wife is one for early romantic movies, but I am the one who thinks the most romantic and tear-jerking scene (don't psychoanalyze me here -- I think I just love the play of raw courage vs. naivite) I have ever seen is in this movie. Holding Oberon by the shoulders in his palms, Howard stares her straight in the eyes, "What price did you pay?!!" he declares. This is the crux of their relationship.

The political savior, Howard, is in a much more subtle plot -- saving men, women, and children one at a time from the reach of hard-Leftists set on destroying stability in Europe militantly and in blood in order to rebuild the society under their own ideal.

Perhaps many people won't get it, but this movie is well worth the watching no matter by whom, a lesson for those who can think, and real entertainment for those who will not. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"There comes a time in a man's life when he needs rest, and I'm going to have it!" So says the aging Don Juan (Douglas Fairbanks), badly needing a vacation from his status as the world's greatest lover. And so it was with Fairbanks himself in this, his final film after decades of swashbuckling stardom. It was 1934--the Great Depression was in full swing, and Fairbanks wasn't faring much better; audiences grew weary of the adventures that made him a superstar throughout the 1920s. Here, Fairbanks's farewell takes the form of self-deprecating satire, showing Don Juan on a diet, getting a massage after a night of leaping from the balconies of bored wives and swooning maidens.

It's fun to a point, and although Fairbanks seems as tired as his character, he gamely pokes fun at his image while upholding its screen traditions. The film itself is '30s comedy at its stodgiest; veteran British producer-director Alexander Korda has all of England's filmmaking resources at his disposal, including sets and costumes as lavish as they come, and yet he seems to have no affinity for the humor. It's hit-and-miss, with Don Juan faking his own death to earn his much-needed rest. The plan backfires, naturally, forcing the still-vital lover to convince his true beloved (played by Merle Oberon) that he'll be faithful to the end. Clearly, the best way to appreciate The Private Life of Don Juan is to view it in the context of Fairbanks's stellar career; isolated from that legacy of screen charm and physicality, this movie badly needs Viagra. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very watchable and entertaining!
My first impressions of this 1934 comedy were all positive so I was surprised to read many negative comments in the reviews, but after watching it again in case I missed something, I still give it the same high rating I had originally intended. It seems to me that far too much emphasis has been put on Douglas Fairbanks, and that viewers who have enjoyed his 1920s swashbuckling silent films were disappointed to see him in quite a different role. I will bet that anyone who doesn't even know who Fairbanks was would enjoy "The Private Life of Don Juan" without giving the lead part a second thought because they have no preconceived ideas or expectations. Unfortunately, this is what happens to many actors who become well-known for a certain kind of role of film, and in many people's minds this image becomes synonymous with the actor. Perhaps we need to step back and view things more objectively and neutrally, seeing each performer only in context of the film in question.Ironically, the main theme of this film shows exactly this, namely the stereotyping of Don Juan who caused all the ladies of Seville to swoon and jealous husbands to challenge him to a duel, then returns after a 20-year absence only to find that the legend of the young Casanova has grown far bigger than he ever was. Even a book entitled "the Private Life of Don Juan" is published and read by swooning women who fantasize about this romantic ideal, and it all reminds me of real-life legends like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Kennedys, Princess Diana, etc who have been immortalized in the public's mind as far greater than any mere mortal could ever be! Apparently, the same fate has befallen Douglas Fairbanks, and maybe this was part of the reason he retired from acting after this film, realizing that the public wanted and expected the silent swashbuckler, not Fairbanks the actor.I simply could not find any fault in either Fairbanks's acting nor in any other aspect of this film. I've heard that silent screen stars often did not have the same appeal to the public in 'talkies', but in the case of Douglas Fairbanks, I can only assume it has to do with this phenomenon of stereotyping and unrealistic expectations. Every peformer in this film acted well, and Fairbanks suited the role of Don Juan perfectly, adding as much expression in his speech as he did non-verbally in earlier silent films. Although Don Juan is supposed to be getting fat and unappealing, I saw no such signs on Douglas Fairbanks himself, who appeared as slim and spritely as ever, so once again I have to wonder how much preconceived ideas can affect our judgement and perception if some viewers saw a tired, sluggish old man instead! Finally, this is not a Douglas Fairbanks film after all, rather a clever and well-presented film making light of some real and serious issues (the age-old problems between men and women concerning love and marriage, as well as stereotyping and making legends out of practically nothing!) and every performer and creative person behind the scenes deserves equal credit for this entertaining film.

Sir Alexander Korda in Seville
Even by the often unstable conditions of the movie industry, Sir Alexander Korda (1893-1956)had quite a varied career. He started out in 1916 as pioneer director in his native Hungary, then emigrated to Austria in 1919, where he made the epic Samson and Dalila (1922), before ending up in Hollywood like so many talented figures from Central Europe. Although he was quite successful here--one of his hits was The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927)--he was, I believe, ruined in the Market Crash of 1929 and returned to Europe. After a brief sojourn in France, he went to England and founded London Films in 1932.

Korda's London Films productions were the absolute antithesis of run-of-the-mill British movies at that time: cosmopolitan rather than provincial; literate rather than stagy; and often distinguished by an unusual visual flair. Nevertheless, precisely the things that made Korda's movies attractive to educated moviegoers in the 1930s are exactly the things that are likely to make them a deadly bore to present day viewers. The Private Life of Don Juan well illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of Korda's work as producer, especially in the casting. As one of the ladies of Seville, Merle Oberon looks photogenic enough and performs well, but as the aging Don Juan, the aging Douglas Fairbanks doesn't cut a happy figure, and his rather prosaic American enunciation clashes with the sculpted tones of British thespians. Moreover, the movie's coy attempts at risque humor, in contrast to the gutsy ribaldry of contemporary American pictures, come across today as the kind of stuff primarily intended to titillate someone's maiden aunt.

But Korda as a director is a rather different story--he may be the unique example in movie history of a producer whose best director was himself. Sadly, many of Korda's silent films have vanished, but the extant evidence from the 1930s suggests that Sir Alexander was on occasion capable of rivalling such masters of staging and composition of the 1920s as Lubitsch and Lang. Although The Private Life of Don Juan is not as effectively filmed as The Private Life of Henry VIII nor Rembrandt--his real masterpiece--it is still a stylish piece which exploits the scenic possibilities of 18th century Spanish architecture such as imposing facades, latticework, jalousies, wrought iron gates, and various structural decorations for all they are worth. One particularly impressive example of Korda's eye for composition is the scene of Don Juan's supposed funeral, with masses of black-garbed mourners juxtaposed against the neutral tones of the set, a scene that quite transcends the rest of this etiolated farce.

As might be expected in a Korda picture, the production values are first-rate. The delicious sets were designed by Korda's brother Vincent and the costumes by Oliver Messel; the great French cinematographer Georges Perinal did the photography; and the movies features quite a good score by Ernst Toch. As an added bonus, The Private Life of Don Juan includes one of the few screen appearances by Natalie Paley, a luminary of cafe society and Romanov princess who tried unsuccessfully to break into the movies.

A Dull Farewell From Douglas Fairbanks
"The Private Life of Don Juan" emerged as a disappointing swansong for Douglas Fairbanks, even though he was appropriately cast in the title role. Directed by Alexander Korda, this 1934 production was a lackluster attempt to duplicate the success of Charles Laughton's "The Private Life of Henry VIII." To make matters worse, the aging Fairbanks had little enthusiasm for his sound films, with the exception of the light-hearted "Mr. Robinson Crusoe" (1932) -- which would have been a more appropriate farewell. Despite Korda's fine production values, "The Private Life of Don Juan" remains a flat and somewhat depressing "romantic satire." One wishes that Fairbanks had not made this film. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

SINK ME! ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS
My mother, who was a lover of great old movies, introduced me to this film years ago. At first I thought it dull and dry, being too much accustomed to the new special effects that were beginning to dominate film.

The more I watched it the more I came to understand that this film is one of the true classics ever made and features some of the greatest actors and actresses to ever grace the silver screen. It is now easily one of my very favorite movies.

Leslie Howard (Gone With The Wind) stars as Sir Percy Blakeney, a super hero of the French Revolution, who masquerades as a man who should be afraid of his own shadow. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the Zorro stories were spawned in part by exposure to The Scarlet Pimpernel. Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights), one of the great leading ladies of Hollywood, stars as Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a woman who holds a terrible secret about her past and wonders why her husband is a dandy. Rounding out the cast is Raymond Massey (East of Eden) who stars as the sinister Citizen Chauvelin.

A movie's greatness is shown in whether its remakes offer something new and revolutionary or copy it verbatim. The remake of this movie that aired in the late seventies/early eighties, was a complete copy of this 1934 classic. Don't waste any time on it and relish the classic performance by Howard, Oberon and Massey.

The Movie vs. the Book
I would have liked this movie had I not read the book first. But once you read the book, you realize that this movie is a VERY poor adaption. The book is a lot more exciting and fun. And Leslie Howard was really miscast as Sir Percy Blakeney. He's too.....I guess depressing is the word. The point is that he doesn't do the character any justice. If you want "The Scarlet Pimpernel"....Read the Book.

a very good film
This film has most everyting adventure romance, but also an underlying sadness as its during the French Revolution. Merl Oberon is beautiful does a great acting job and also Leslie Howard plays the Scarlet PImpernel so very very well. Hes very talented in all his films this I think is one of his best.

A Decent Old Movie Gets Shortsheeted.
I had a tattered old copy of this movie on video for years that had finally begun to degrade due to the number of passes it had endured through the VCR. When I brought this DVD home I had such high anticipation to see the classic on a digital format, but was sorely disappointed to find out that Madacy Entertainment had shortened the movie by removing scenes from it. Now, why they had done this is unknown, but it was a great disappointment to both me and my wife.
I constantly wonder why the scenes aren't there (being in video post production myself), and often question whether the DVD has an error in it's encoding and is skipping the scenes, or if Madacy for some reason took the scenes out due to time constraints.
In spite of this flaw, the movie is still a classic.

A Story for Our Times
Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, I think, are in their most romantic roles ever.

This movie is based on the legendary story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, risen in a time of rampant Leftism (revolutionary France, set on social and political implosion) and burgeoise England (eventually saved only by the rise of Rev. Wesley).

My wife is one for early romantic movies, but I am the one who thinks the most romantic and tear-jerking scene (don't psychoanalyze me here -- I think I just love the play of raw courage vs. naivite) I have ever seen is in this movie. Holding Oberon by the shoulders in his palms, Howard stares her straight in the eyes, "What price did you pay?!!" he declares. This is the crux of their relationship.

The political savior, Howard, is in a much more subtle plot -- saving men, women, and children one at a time from the reach of hard-Leftists set on destroying stability in Europe militantly and in blood in order to rebuild the society under their own ideal.

Perhaps many people won't get it, but this movie is well worth the watching no matter by whom, a lesson for those who can think, and real entertainment for those who will not. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THEY LIKE ME...THEY REALLY LIKE ME
This 1934 film is an interesting historical drama. Flora Robson is wonderful as the Empress Elizabeth, intelligent and politically astute, though wanton. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is well cast in the role of the Grand Duke Peter, playing him as a weak, lascivious, rake of a fellow. The role of Catherine is well played by Elisabeth Bergner.

At first, Catherine, a German princess intent only upon marrying the Grand Duke Peter, the man to whom she has been promised since she was ten, seems to be a humble, simple soul. They marry, and Peter proceeds to treat Catherine badly, humiliating her at every turn. When his aunt, the Empress, dies and Peter becomes Emperor, it becomes clear that he is not fit to rule. Catherine, however, tries to ameliorate some of Peter's harsh edicts and rulings.

It soon becomes clear as time passes that it is Catherine who is fit to rule and in the interest of Russia to see to it that she does. How this comes about, and what happens to ensure that Catherine becomes Empress, is quite interesting, making it a film well worth watching. Unfortunately, I do not know whether this film is historically accurate or not. It is entertaining, nonetheless, with good performances by the entire cast.

Elisabeth the Grate
Bergner's voice. Peter's lunacy. More than coincidence?

An intriging film of the great Russian Empress
I became interested with Catherine the Great, since 1994. I saw the cover and I wanted to buy it. Flora Robson plays a malicious, brutal character of Empress Elizabeth, with a firm belief that women can see into men's hearts by the look in their faces, but can be able to hide their true feelings inside and out. Douglous Farbanks Jr. is a fine Peter with a hint of devilish ambition in his behavior. Mostly, Elisabeth Bergner takes most of the credit with her sweet toned, intellegent, and humble Grand Duchess. This is quite a brief film, but the soft moments where the Empress dies and Catherine learns the truth of Peter's death make the film worth remembering. The moment where Gregory tells Catherine that he loves her could have had more romantic emphasis. But other than that, this film is a must have in every library. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very watchable and entertaining!
My first impressions of this 1934 comedy were all positive so I was surprised to read many negative comments in the reviews, but after watching it again in case I missed something, I still give it the same high rating I had originally intended. It seems to me that far too much emphasis has been put on Douglas Fairbanks, and that viewers who have enjoyed his 1920s swashbuckling silent films were disappointed to see him in quite a different role. I will bet that anyone who doesn't even know who Fairbanks was would enjoy "The Private Life of Don Juan" without giving the lead part a second thought because they have no preconceived ideas or expectations. Unfortunately, this is what happens to many actors who become well-known for a certain kind of role of film, and in many people's minds this image becomes synonymous with the actor. Perhaps we need to step back and view things more objectively and neutrally, seeing each performer only in context of the film in question.Ironically, the main theme of this film shows exactly this, namely the stereotyping of Don Juan who caused all the ladies of Seville to swoon and jealous husbands to challenge him to a duel, then returns after a 20-year absence only to find that the legend of the young Casanova has grown far bigger than he ever was. Even a book entitled "the Private Life of Don Juan" is published and read by swooning women who fantasize about this romantic ideal, and it all reminds me of real-life legends like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Kennedys, Princess Diana, etc who have been immortalized in the public's mind as far greater than any mere mortal could ever be! Apparently, the same fate has befallen Douglas Fairbanks, and maybe this was part of the reason he retired from acting after this film, realizing that the public wanted and expected the silent swashbuckler, not Fairbanks the actor.I simply could not find any fault in either Fairbanks's acting nor in any other aspect of this film. I've heard that silent screen stars often did not have the same appeal to the public in 'talkies', but in the case of Douglas Fairbanks, I can only assume it has to do with this phenomenon of stereotyping and unrealistic expectations. Every peformer in this film acted well, and Fairbanks suited the role of Don Juan perfectly, adding as much expression in his speech as he did non-verbally in earlier silent films. Although Don Juan is supposed to be getting fat and unappealing, I saw no such signs on Douglas Fairbanks himself, who appeared as slim and spritely as ever, so once again I have to wonder how much preconceived ideas can affect our judgement and perception if some viewers saw a tired, sluggish old man instead! Finally, this is not a Douglas Fairbanks film after all, rather a clever and well-presented film making light of some real and serious issues (the age-old problems between men and women concerning love and marriage, as well as stereotyping and making legends out of practically nothing!) and every performer and creative person behind the scenes deserves equal credit for this entertaining film.

Sir Alexander Korda in Seville
Even by the often unstable conditions of the movie industry, Sir Alexander Korda (1893-1956)had quite a varied career. He started out in 1916 as pioneer director in his native Hungary, then emigrated to Austria in 1919, where he made the epic Samson and Dalila (1922), before ending up in Hollywood like so many talented figures from Central Europe. Although he was quite successful here--one of his hits was The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927)--he was, I believe, ruined in the Market Crash of 1929 and returned to Europe. After a brief sojourn in France, he went to England and founded London Films in 1932.

Korda's London Films productions were the absolute antithesis of run-of-the-mill British movies at that time: cosmopolitan rather than provincial; literate rather than stagy; and often distinguished by an unusual visual flair. Nevertheless, precisely the things that made Korda's movies attractive to educated moviegoers in the 1930s are exactly the things that are likely to make them a deadly bore to present day viewers. The Private Life of Don Juan well illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of Korda's work as producer, especially in the casting. As one of the ladies of Seville, Merle Oberon looks photogenic enough and performs well, but as the aging Don Juan, the aging Douglas Fairbanks doesn't cut a happy figure, and his rather prosaic American enunciation clashes with the sculpted tones of British thespians. Moreover, the movie's coy attempts at risque humor, in contrast to the gutsy ribaldry of contemporary American pictures, come across today as the kind of stuff primarily intended to titillate someone's maiden aunt.

But Korda as a director is a rather different story--he may be the unique example in movie history of a producer whose best director was himself. Sadly, many of Korda's silent films have vanished, but the extant evidence from the 1930s suggests that Sir Alexander was on occasion capable of rivalling such masters of staging and composition of the 1920s as Lubitsch and Lang. Although The Private Life of Don Juan is not as effectively filmed as The Private Life of Henry VIII nor Rembrandt--his real masterpiece--it is still a stylish piece which exploits the scenic possibilities of 18th century Spanish architecture such as imposing facades, latticework, jalousies, wrought iron gates, and various structural decorations for all they are worth. One particularly impressive example of Korda's eye for composition is the scene of Don Juan's supposed funeral, with masses of black-garbed mourners juxtaposed against the neutral tones of the set, a scene that quite transcends the rest of this etiolated farce.

As might be expected in a Korda picture, the production values are first-rate. The delicious sets were designed by Korda's brother Vincent and the costumes by Oliver Messel; the great French cinematographer Georges Perinal did the photography; and the movies features quite a good score by Ernst Toch. As an added bonus, The Private Life of Don Juan includes one of the few screen appearances by Natalie Paley, a luminary of cafe society and Romanov princess who tried unsuccessfully to break into the movies.

A Dull Farewell From Douglas Fairbanks
"The Private Life of Don Juan" emerged as a disappointing swansong for Douglas Fairbanks, even though he was appropriately cast in the title role. Directed by Alexander Korda, this 1934 production was a lackluster attempt to duplicate the success of Charles Laughton's "The Private Life of Henry VIII." To make matters worse, the aging Fairbanks had little enthusiasm for his sound films, with the exception of the light-hearted "Mr. Robinson Crusoe" (1932) -- which would have been a more appropriate farewell. Despite Korda's fine production values, "The Private Life of Don Juan" remains a flat and somewhat depressing "romantic satire." One wishes that Fairbanks had not made this film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"That damned elusive Pimpernel" finds a dashing embodiment in Leslie Howard, who has the steel to be an action hero and the wit to hide behind his alter ego: a British fop. Based on Baroness Orczy's novel, the story focuses on the efforts of this British dandy to aid members of the French aristocracy in escaping the guillotines of the French revolution. He also romances Merle Oberon, a beauty forgotten by recent generations, and engages in a wonderfully wicked duel of wits with the humorless enforcer for the French Republicans (Raymond Massey). If somewhat short on swashbuckling, it's long on the kind of costume drama that Hollywood seems to have forgotten how to do. Remade in 1982 for television, in an equally engaging version starring Anthony Andrews. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (31)

SINK ME! ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS
My mother, who was a lover of great old movies, introduced me to this film years ago. At first I thought it dull and dry, being too much accustomed to the new special effects that were beginning to dominate film.

The more I watched it the more I came to understand that this film is one of the true classics ever made and features some of the greatest actors and actresses to ever grace the silver screen. It is now easily one of my very favorite movies.

Leslie Howard (Gone With The Wind) stars as Sir Percy Blakeney, a super hero of the French Revolution, who masquerades as a man who should be afraid of his own shadow. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the Zorro stories were spawned in part by exposure to The Scarlet Pimpernel. Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights), one of the great leading ladies of Hollywood, stars as Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a woman who holds a terrible secret about her past and wonders why her husband is a dandy. Rounding out the cast is Raymond Massey (East of Eden) who stars as the sinister Citizen Chauvelin.

A movie's greatness is shown in whether its remakes offer something new and revolutionary or copy it verbatim. The remake of this movie that aired in the late seventies/early eighties, was a complete copy of this 1934 classic. Don't waste any time on it and relish the classic performance by Howard, Oberon and Massey.

The Movie vs. the Book
I would have liked this movie had I not read the book first. But once you read the book, you realize that this movie is a VERY poor adaption. The book is a lot more exciting and fun. And Leslie Howard was really miscast as Sir Percy Blakeney. He's too.....I guess depressing is the word. The point is that he doesn't do the character any justice. If you want "The Scarlet Pimpernel"....Read the Book.

a very good film
This film has most everyting adventure romance, but also an underlying sadness as its during the French Revolution. Merl Oberon is beautiful does a great acting job and also Leslie Howard plays the Scarlet PImpernel so very very well. Hes very talented in all his films this I think is one of his best.

A Decent Old Movie Gets Shortsheeted.
I had a tattered old copy of this movie on video for years that had finally begun to degrade due to the number of passes it had endured through the VCR. When I brought this DVD home I had such high anticipation to see the classic on a digital format, but was sorely disappointed to find out that Madacy Entertainment had shortened the movie by removing scenes from it. Now, why they had done this is unknown, but it was a great disappointment to both me and my wife.
I constantly wonder why the scenes aren't there (being in video post production myself), and often question whether the DVD has an error in it's encoding and is skipping the scenes, or if Madacy for some reason took the scenes out due to time constraints.
In spite of this flaw, the movie is still a classic.

A Story for Our Times
Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, I think, are in their most romantic roles ever.

This movie is based on the legendary story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, risen in a time of rampant Leftism (revolutionary France, set on social and political implosion) and burgeoise England (eventually saved only by the rise of Rev. Wesley).

My wife is one for early romantic movies, but I am the one who thinks the most romantic and tear-jerking scene (don't psychoanalyze me here -- I think I just love the play of raw courage vs. naivite) I have ever seen is in this movie. Holding Oberon by the shoulders in his palms, Howard stares her straight in the eyes, "What price did you pay?!!" he declares. This is the crux of their relationship.

The political savior, Howard, is in a much more subtle plot -- saving men, women, and children one at a time from the reach of hard-Leftists set on destroying stability in Europe militantly and in blood in order to rebuild the society under their own ideal.

Perhaps many people won't get it, but this movie is well worth the watching no matter by whom, a lesson for those who can think, and real entertainment for those who will not. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Conrad Veidt (an early refugee of Hitler) and Vivien Leigh supply the chief interest in Dark Journey--they, and trying to follow what the hell is going on from scene to scene. During World War I, Stockholm in neutral Sweden is a hotbed of international espionage--an especially perplexing situation since everyone, regardless of nationality, speaks veddy British English. Madeleine (Leigh), a couturier with a Swiss passport, goes often to Paris to buy fashions, but really to collect troop-movement information for her employers, the German High Command. The vulpine Karl (Veidt) is a shameless playboy defector from Der Vaterland who's traded war-making for nightclub-hopping. However, if we strain, we remember that at the beginning of the film he seemed to be head of the German Secret Service. So really, these two work for the same side, right? And there will be no complications if they fall in love? You'd be surprised. Every two minutes. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THEY LIKE ME...THEY REALLY LIKE ME
This 1934 film is an interesting historical drama. Flora Robson is wonderful as the Empress Elizabeth, intelligent and politically astute, though wanton. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is well cast in the role of the Grand Duke Peter, playing him as a weak, lascivious, rake of a fellow. The role of Catherine is well played by Elisabeth Bergner.

At first, Catherine, a German princess intent only upon marrying the Grand Duke Peter, the man to whom she has been promised since she was ten, seems to be a humble, simple soul. They marry, and Peter proceeds to treat Catherine badly, humiliating her at every turn. When his aunt, the Empress, dies and Peter becomes Emperor, it becomes clear that he is not fit to rule. Catherine, however, tries to ameliorate some of Peter's harsh edicts and rulings.

It soon becomes clear as time passes that it is Catherine who is fit to rule and in the interest of Russia to see to it that she does. How this comes about, and what happens to ensure that Catherine becomes Empress, is quite interesting, making it a film well worth watching. Unfortunately, I do not know whether this film is historically accurate or not. It is entertaining, nonetheless, with good performances by the entire cast.

Elisabeth the Grate
Bergner's voice. Peter's lunacy. More than coincidence?

An intriging film of the great Russian Empress
I became interested with Catherine the Great, since 1994. I saw the cover and I wanted to buy it. Flora Robson plays a malicious, brutal character of Empress Elizabeth, with a firm belief that women can see into men's hearts by the look in their faces, but can be able to hide their true feelings inside and out. Douglous Farbanks Jr. is a fine Peter with a hint of devilish ambition in his behavior. Mostly, Elisabeth Bergner takes most of the credit with her sweet toned, intellegent, and humble Grand Duchess. This is quite a brief film, but the soft moments where the Empress dies and Catherine learns the truth of Peter's death make the film worth remembering. The moment where Gregory tells Catherine that he loves her could have had more romantic emphasis. But other than that, this film is a must have in every library. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

SINK ME! ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS
My mother, who was a lover of great old movies, introduced me to this film years ago. At first I thought it dull and dry, being too much accustomed to the new special effects that were beginning to dominate film.

The more I watched it the more I came to understand that this film is one of the true classics ever made and features some of the greatest actors and actresses to ever grace the silver screen. It is now easily one of my very favorite movies.

Leslie Howard (Gone With The Wind) stars as Sir Percy Blakeney, a super hero of the French Revolution, who masquerades as a man who should be afraid of his own shadow. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the Zorro stories were spawned in part by exposure to The Scarlet Pimpernel. Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights), one of the great leading ladies of Hollywood, stars as Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a woman who holds a terrible secret about her past and wonders why her husband is a dandy. Rounding out the cast is Raymond Massey (East of Eden) who stars as the sinister Citizen Chauvelin.

A movie's greatness is shown in whether its remakes offer something new and revolutionary or copy it verbatim. The remake of this movie that aired in the late seventies/early eighties, was a complete copy of this 1934 classic. Don't waste any time on it and relish the classic performance by Howard, Oberon and Massey.

The Movie vs. the Book
I would have liked this movie had I not read the book first. But once you read the book, you realize that this movie is a VERY poor adaption. The book is a lot more exciting and fun. And Leslie Howard was really miscast as Sir Percy Blakeney. He's too.....I guess depressing is the word. The point is that he doesn't do the character any justice. If you want "The Scarlet Pimpernel"....Read the Book.

a very good film
This film has most everyting adventure romance, but also an underlying sadness as its during the French Revolution. Merl Oberon is beautiful does a great acting job and also Leslie Howard plays the Scarlet PImpernel so very very well. Hes very talented in all his films this I think is one of his best.

A Decent Old Movie Gets Shortsheeted.
I had a tattered old copy of this movie on video for years that had finally begun to degrade due to the number of passes it had endured through the VCR. When I brought this DVD home I had such high anticipation to see the classic on a digital format, but was sorely disappointed to find out that Madacy Entertainment had shortened the movie by removing scenes from it. Now, why they had done this is unknown, but it was a great disappointment to both me and my wife.
I constantly wonder why the scenes aren't there (being in video post production myself), and often question whether the DVD has an error in it's encoding and is skipping the scenes, or if Madacy for some reason took the scenes out due to time constraints.
In spite of this flaw, the movie is still a classic.

A Story for Our Times
Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, I think, are in their most romantic roles ever.

This movie is based on the legendary story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, risen in a time of rampant Leftism (revolutionary France, set on social and political implosion) and burgeoise England (eventually saved only by the rise of Rev. Wesley).

My wife is one for early romantic movies, but I am the one who thinks the most romantic and tear-jerking scene (don't psychoanalyze me here -- I think I just love the play of raw courage vs. naivite) I have ever seen is in this movie. Holding Oberon by the shoulders in his palms, Howard stares her straight in the eyes, "What price did you pay?!!" he declares. This is the crux of their relationship.

The political savior, Howard, is in a much more subtle plot -- saving men, women, and children one at a time from the reach of hard-Leftists set on destroying stability in Europe militantly and in blood in order to rebuild the society under their own ideal.

Perhaps many people won't get it, but this movie is well worth the watching no matter by whom, a lesson for those who can think, and real entertainment for those who will not. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THEY LIKE ME...THEY REALLY LIKE ME
This 1934 film is an interesting historical drama. Flora Robson is wonderful as the Empress Elizabeth, intelligent and politically astute, though wanton. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is well cast in the role of the Grand Duke Peter, playing him as a weak, lascivious, rake of a fellow. The role of Catherine is well played by Elisabeth Bergner.

At first, Catherine, a German princess intent only upon marrying the Grand Duke Peter, the man to whom she has been promised since she was ten, seems to be a humble, simple soul. They marry, and Peter proceeds to treat Catherine badly, humiliating her at every turn. When his aunt, the Empress, dies and Peter becomes Emperor, it becomes clear that he is not fit to rule. Catherine, however, tries to ameliorate some of Peter's harsh edicts and rulings.

It soon becomes clear as time passes that it is Catherine who is fit to rule and in the interest of Russia to see to it that she does. How this comes about, and what happens to ensure that Catherine becomes Empress, is quite interesting, making it a film well worth watching. Unfortunately, I do not know whether this film is historically accurate or not. It is entertaining, nonetheless, with good performances by the entire cast.

Elisabeth the Grate
Bergner's voice. Peter's lunacy. More than coincidence?

An intriging film of the great Russian Empress
I became interested with Catherine the Great, since 1994. I saw the cover and I wanted to buy it. Flora Robson plays a malicious, brutal character of Empress Elizabeth, with a firm belief that women can see into men's hearts by the look in their faces, but can be able to hide their true feelings inside and out. Douglous Farbanks Jr. is a fine Peter with a hint of devilish ambition in his behavior. Mostly, Elisabeth Bergner takes most of the credit with her sweet toned, intellegent, and humble Grand Duchess. This is quite a brief film, but the soft moments where the Empress dies and Catherine learns the truth of Peter's death make the film worth remembering. The moment where Gregory tells Catherine that he loves her could have had more romantic emphasis. But other than that, this film is a must have in every library. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more