Reviews (4)

Delightful ghost story based on a classic tale
Based on a short story by non other than the legendary Oscar Wilde this version of the "The Canterville Ghost" makes really delightful viewing boasting top notch production values, a superb cast in fine form, and a terrific look that gives the film an appealing and enjoyable appearance.

Being in theory a ghost story the story is full of much well seasoned comedy and really is a film suitable for the whole family to enjoy. I tend to watch this film around Christmas each year and never fail to enjoy the high spirited carryings on of Charles Laughton in what I feel is one of his most appealing roles. "The Canterville Ghost", set in one of those far off misty castles that only MGM could cunger up, tells the story of how Sir. Simon de Canterville through an act of cowardice is walled up in a room of the castle and is doomed to walk the face of the earth for all eternity unless a relative can commit an act of bravery to lift the curse from him. The story jumps ahead a few centuries to the present (1944) where the castle is occupied by visiting soldiers involved in the war. Among them is Sir. Simon's distant relative Cuffy Williams (Robert Young at his most endearing) who is the one selected to perform the brave deed to free his ancestor from his ghostly imprisonment. The tale is an amusing one as Laughton's character first tries to scare and then win over his cynical relative to help him. Charles Laughton is wonderful as the cowardly ghost appearing out of nowhere, screaming, rattling chains and showing his own failings only too obviously. He is surrounded by a terrific supporting cast beginning with gifted child actress Margaret O'Brien as Lady Jessica de Canterville the present owner of the castle. O'Brien, at the peak of her career around this time with triumphs in "Journey for Margaret", and "Meet Me in St. Louis", is a cute delight as the spunky little girl who is not afraid of Laughton's over the top bellowing and corny scare tactics. Robert Young in his last MGM film is also in top form as the young soldier who first is in danger of falling into the same habits as Sir. Simon but who in the end comes through to succeed in freeing his ancestor from his ghostly sentence by an unselfish act of bravery.

"The Canterville Ghost" is about as English a tale as you can get and came along during the war years when all things British were revered in Hollywood. Keeping company with such British outings as "Mrs. Miniver", and "The White Cliffs of Dover", "Canterville' also boasts a superb supporting cast of stalwart British performers so popular in Hollywood during these years. Headed by Laughton himself the film contains great work by the likes of Reginald Owen, Una O'Connor and Peter lawford who give just that right British feel to a production which because of the war had to be filmed in the USA. Technically the film is a superb achievement with Laughton's ghostly special effects a remarkable effort. The sight of Laughton disappearing through walls and flying across a room remind one of that great 1930's ghost story "Topper". Being a product of MGM the film boasts top flight production values in every department and has superb settings with the castle interiors appearing wonderfully spooky and beautiful on the eye.

Among the many versions filmed of "The Canterville Ghost", I feel this is by far the best. Centred on Charles Laughton's unforgettable ghost the production is enjoyable and a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Before computers created all the special effects this film proved what the old Hollywood was capable of achieving. A totally delightful film to be enjoyed by the whole family.

A Charming Bit of Hollywood Fluff
Very, very loosely based on a short story by Oscar Wilde--so loosely that he is probably turning in his grave--THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is nonetheless a charming bit of 1940s Hollywood fluff about an English ghost who runs afoul of American pragmatism. In the film version, the Americans arrive in the form of WWII soliders, including Robert Young, who are billeted at a notoriously haunted castle where they encounter a legendary spectre much given to theatrical materializations.

Although the story is very, very slight, the cast makes it enjoyable. Child star Margaret O'Brien gives a typically enjoyable performance as the unwilling heiress to the castle, and Robert Young and his fellow actors mug their way through the script with entertaining aplomb. The greatest pleasure, however, is Charles Laughton as the ghost, which he plays most delightfully. The emphasis is on comedy rather than ghostly thrills, and although the comedy is quite mild it is expertly done. THE CANTERVILLE GHOST will never make any one's short list of "great cinematic art," but both grown-ups and kids alike will have a good time with it; recommended for an old fashioned family night.

How could it miss?
This is a movie that could cure a rainy day. Great story, great cast, fun SFX (even by modern standings). I think this is the kind of movie they're trying to make again, with mixed success. Funny without being coarse, outrageously sentimental without being cloying, and, my goodness--the "chemistry"! Entertainment you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying.

Very Enjoyable!
By far the Best version of the many made of Canterville Ghost! Robert Young plays his part so well! And the little girl is an inspiration! Many laughs! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

I Wake Up Squinting
No one wakes up screaming in this feature, though it's a wonder, given the way the characters show up in each other's darkened apartments! A good deal of the action, as well as the dialogue, appears to be utterly fantastic--so it seems appropriate that Grable's presence is often accompanied by strains of "Over the Rainbow". Such incredibility does lend to the unpredictability of the plot-line, though, so the movie can be enjoyable if one doesn't think about it too deeply. It's also fun to watch Grable in a film noir--and amusing to see how a swimsuit scene is worked into the story!

A Different Grable
Betty Grable resisted doing dramatic roles but she is pretty good in this film. Not really very suspensful, but the plot moves along and its a great treat to see a non-singing Betty.
Carole Landis is a nifty actress and very lovely.
They could have lost the swimming pool scene which is just there
to show off Betty's legs and Vic's beefcake. Grable herself
claimed to have "loathed" the scene - she was right.

UNUSUAL GRABLE FARE.
A surprisingly nifty, engrossing little thriller from 1942. Mature is a promoter accused of the murder of an actress he represents; he hides out with Grable, the actress' sister, but is finally tracked down by detective Laird Cregar. A cleverly ironic twist insures watching this little gem won't be in vain! A very unusual film for musical star Grable and quite successful in it's day; the ultimately tragic Carole Landis is memorably beautiful and the film's theme is, amazingly, OVER THE RAINBOW (!). Remade in 1953 as VICKI. Carole Landis was a beautiful young blonde of Polish/Norwegian stock who first made her mark in Hollywood in 1940 playing Loana in the cultish Hal Roach production ONE MILLION YEARS B.C.

Betty Grable takes on the law to help clear boyfriend.
When ambitious waitress Carole Landis reaches for Hollywood fame, she is found murdered in the apartment she shares with sister Betty Grable. Suspicion falls on Victor Mature's, Carole's promoter, but Betty believes in him and helps, through devious ploys, to unmask the real killer. Plenty of twists to keep you guessing in this exellent film noir, based on the book by Steve Fisher. Grable had one number to sing in this but, in order to sustain the dramatic content of the film, it was cut and Grable's occupation changed from songplugger to stenographer.

When previewed, this film (then entitled Hot Spot) was given the thumbs down by the audience - they thought they were in for a Grable musical treat. Zanuck and director Bruce Humberstone, re-edited the film and added new key scenes, working day and night to have it ready for its premiere. Reverted to its original title, it soon became a success and is a highly rated movie in its genre.

Laird Cregar steals the acting honours as the sinister detective investigating Landis's murder. And that excellent supporting actor, Elisha Cook Jr., is one of the "red herrings" under audience suspicion.

Cameraman Edward Cronjager does much to add to the atmosphere of this classic mystery with some fine low-key lighting and imaginative photography. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Just a Great Story
I will not belabor the reader with needless esoteric references to the subtle "hidden" meanings of this excellent and under appreciated film. It is not as wide sweeping and well known as "Best Years", yet it holds a timeless appeal.
I cherish the sweetness of the interaction between Dorothy Maguire and Guy Madison. The "Greatest Generation" are well represented, and I bow to their talents.
There is no need to read current foolisheness and "PC" stuff into this film. It stands on its own merits. My four uncles who all served in WWII applaud this one.
God Bless

Timeless Beefcake.
This movie is so forgotten that I'm the first person to review it! A nostalgic appreciation will definately contribute to your possible enjoyment of this film. This story of three returning World War 2 G.I.'s, and their readjustment into society, is much less celebrated than the similar themed "The Best Years Of Our Lives", even though this film was released before that Oscar winner. It's what you might call a "B" version of the celebrated "Lives." This was a very early vehicle for Robert Mitchum, and he effectively displays the tough-guy delivery and fledgling screen persona for which he later became well known. Dorothy McGuire is fine also as the troubled war widow/ love interest of Guy Madison. This film was my first look at Mr. Madison, whom I vaguely recall from his later "Wild Bill Hickock" television series. Though he was not at all what you'd call a great actor, in fact, he was self-consciously wooden in delivery, I must admit I was impressed by his screen sexuality, which oddly transcends the films time period of the 1940's. He was almost impossibly beautiful, not remotely feminine, yet totally unlike other male actors of that time, and sported a "look" that would fit in any Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue of today. This film has very palpable sexual undertones (at least I felt 'em!) There are times when the camera languishingly lingers (can something languishingly linger??) on Madisons bare torso, as he lies in repose on the bed, as if he were Jane Russell, with an unheard of for that time intensity, which really makes me wonder if this is what the director intended. I doubt that possibility, given the oppressiveness of the times and the storyline. However, there are several such scenes, with exchanged glances, so heavy in unintentional homo-erotic suggestiveness that they are now campily hysterical. So, I would recommend this film primarily as more of a curiosity piece, with its "war movie" appeal coming in a contradictary second. This is probably not the best reason to suggest watching a film, but the fact that Guy Madison, who is not exactly a household name, was quite possibly one of the handsomest men ever in film would be my major reason for suggesting this tale, where the story line comes in a distant second to all that beefcake in uniform. Ships AHOY! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Fast-paced comedy mystery.
Early Abbott and Costello flick that converts a murder mystery into frantic comedy. Nazi spies infest a major radio station in the early days of WWII. Bud and Lou are soda jerks at a nearby drug store lunch counter. When the "Murder at Midnight" program turns seriously deadly, our heroes pretend to be detectives and investigate the murder. The real detectives chase Bud and Lou around the radio station as the boys stay one step ahead of the crooks. Bud and Lou make the most of their comedic opportunities. They are more energetic and enthusiastic for the material than in their later films. There are none of the intrusive musical numbers that plagued some of A&C's other films. In fact, there isn't an Andrews Sister in sight. Some grumble that Lou Costello copied his comedy style from Curly Howard of the Three Stooges. Regardless of the merits of that argument, snappy dialogue and frenetic sight gags move the action right along. The laughs come in rapid-fire fashion. Check out Lou's encounter with the transcript recordings of killers in action, and the disembodied voice that inquires, "Do you have halitosis?" His attempt to make an urgent telephone call (ALexander 2: 2-2-2-2!) from a busy pay telephone with an unresponsive operator is also hilarious. William Bendix adds to the fun as a slow-witted police detective. Bud tells Lou to flirt with the station president's secretary (Mary Wickes) to help them get into the radio business. She studies a book on various ways to commit murder, or, in Lou's phrase, "...different ways to cook a guy's goose."

Great comedy is timeless. This movie has a very '40s look to it, but Bud and Lou manage to keep the comedy fresh and energetic. The movie is of value to collectors of classic comedy. It's also a good chance to introduce the kids to the world of Abbott and Costello. Enjoy the fun. ;-)

Absolutely Hilarious!
This one doesn't get mentioned as much as "Hold That Ghost" or "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstien" but it is one of their best. Chick (Bud) and Mervin (Lou) are working in a diner but trying to break into radio as writers for the mystery show "Murder at Midnight". There is just one great gag and skit followed by another, and Bud and Lou turn every situation in this great and well written comedy into utter chaos. In technical terms, this movie is a hoot!

The very pretty Louise Albritton trys to help Patrick Knowles break into radio but he is having none of it and offers to help Bud and Lou by inviting them to a live broadcast of "Murder at Midnight". During the broadcast of course a real murder occurs and the boys see this as their big break. They impersonate the police in order to solve the murder of the radio station owner themselves and become the only radio writers to actually solve a real crime. What could possibly go wrong?

Mervin romances very funny Juliet (Mary Wickes) along the way and William Bendix has a nice turn as Brannigan, a cop who isn't even as smart as Lou. The cops, headed by William Gargen as Lt. Moran, are after Chick and Mervin and since Lou has the real clue to the crime in his pocket, so is the murderer. Jimmy (Knowles) and Jane (Albritton) work together to find out who commited the crime while all this is going on and decide to go live with a new "Murder at Midnight" to flush out the real culprit.

The first shot of Bud and Lou working in the diner as Lou attempts to give a customer a slice of limburger cheese is worth the price of this movie alone. From beginning to end this film is side splittingly funny. While on the run from Lt. Moran and the killer Mervin wins a $10,00.00 radio contest. If avoiding the cops so they can collect isn't enough trouble Mervin has to come up with some kind of photo ID in order to collect. What does he finally produce? His membership card to the Girl Scouts, troup #34!

This is a terrific movie that will make you feel good. They even poke fun at themselves and their famous skit "Who's on First" in this one. I highly recommend this film if your a fan of Bud and Lou or old time radio or both. This film is a nice reminder of why many people consider Bud Abbott and Lou Costello to be the funniest comedy team ever. Don't miss this one!

One of My Favorite A&C's
Along with A&C Meet Frankenstein and The Time of Their Lives, this is one of my favorite A&C films. Don Porter is great as the villian. One of the first films where Costello and a cop are constantly fighting (pre-Mike the cop).

Some of the classic routines : Operator give me Alexander 2222 and Volts are Watt?

Great Bud and Lou Comedy from 1942.
Bud and Lou play Soda Jerks at a radio station who want to write mysteries for the station there. They attend a radio play and witness the manager being murdered. Bud and Lou then try to solve the murder only to find that both the police and the "real killer" want them taken in "dead or alive." Lots of laughs here including Lou trying to make a phone call only to be told "the line is busy" co-starring Mary Wickens and William Bendix, as a detective who is even dumber then the character Lou plays. Good clean comedy. a pity they don't make them like this anymore. Screenplay by John Grant, Stanley Roberts and Edmond Joseph. Directed by Erle C. Kenton.

Who Done It? Who Cares?
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello star as two guys trying to get into radio writing and performing, who stumble into a murder committed live on the air, and in order to make a name for themselves, pretend they are detectives that can solve it. The murdered man is the president of the network. Along for the mystery are such familiar classic film faces as Patric Knowles, William Bendix, Mary Wickes, Louise Allbritton, and Jerome Cowan. There's not much to the mystery, as it pretty much forms the thread for linking together the boys' antics and slapstick routines. So don't expect to be on the edge of your seat through the movie, waiting for the solution. Costello is especially manic in this one, bouncing off of everything and everyone. I did enjoy seeing them make fun of themselves a few times, and there were a some clever moments. It's an Abbott and Costello film, so you get what you get. It's not the best I've seen from them, but it's better than a number of their other films. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

After watching director Leo McCarey's 1945, black-and-white ode to sentimentality, it's intriguing to note how everything old becomes new again. As evidenced by 1998 box-office fare such as Stepmom and One True Thing, the "disease of the week" mentality has been tugging at filmgoers' hearts for decades. The Bells of St. Mary's is the "sequel" to McCarey's Oscar-winning Going My Way, for which star Bing Crosby incredulously took home a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the paternal priest, Father O'Malley. But in The Bells of St. Mary's, Crosby's undernourished, laconic technique barely registers against the luminous, playful gravity of Ingrid Bergman, who embodies the heart of a faith-abiding but forward-thinking nun named Sister Benedict. O'Malley is transferred to her poverty-stricken school, and the two square off, ultimately forming a respect and liking for each other despite the fact that the good Sister has taken ill with tuberculosis and Father O'Malley must send her away from her beloved parish to save her life. Sure, The Bells of St. Mary's feels outdated and even trivial in light of the successors to its throne, but it's still a contender. McCarey had the touch for striking a chord that hearkens back to everything we didn't get as kids. He fills a need, as it were, with his ability to reveal our human frailties. Too, he's got Ingrid Bergman, who makes us fondly remember every teacher who lovingly and patiently made a difference in our lives. The Bells of St. Mary's recalls better days and romanticizes a gentler way of being, as suggested when Sister Benedict, after overhearing Father O'Malley remark that sometimes a man must fight his way through life, offers simply in response, "Why not make him think his way through instead?" --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Bing's Tones, Ingrid's Charms,Remastered on DVD....Heavenly!
This review refers to the Silver Screen Classics Edition(Republic Pictures)DVD.......

A beautiful sequel to "Going My Way", is now a beautifully transfered to DVD. "The Bells of St.Mary's" is funny, poignant and will tug at your heartstrings.Father O'Malley(Bing Crosby) has now been assigned to a parochial school that is in dire need of repairs. The school has no money and O'Malley's job is to assess the possibilites, of perhaps sending the children to another school.He meets with some tough oppostion though, in the form of one Sister Benedict(Ingrid Bergman). She is the no nonsense type,and right away the two have some very different ideas on what's good for the kids.There is also the problem of a businesman(Henry Travers) who wants the building condemned so he can put up a parking lot for his own employees.Sister Benedict prays for miracle, will she get it?

The story and Ingrid Bergman are charming and delightful and will have you praying with her for that miracle.Bing's beautiful voice graces the film with song and Henry Travers(It's A Wonderful Life) is wonderful as always. It's not too often a sequel equals the original, but with the addition of Bergman, (along with some really adorable kids)and under the direction of Leo McCarey once again, this heartwarming story has accomplished that.

This Silver Screens Classic DVD has done a really nice job with the remastering of this Black and White Classic.The film made in 1945 barely shows it's age. It is a nice clear picture, and the Dolby Digital Sound is good as well. It contains the original Theatrical Trailer, Has French and Spanish language tracks as well as subtitles, and has captioning in English.It also comes with a little brochure with some facts about the filming.If your looking for some great old classics that look great on DVD to add to your collection, this would be a good one.

Happy Viewing......Laurie

ESSENTIAL in ANY collection
The first time I saw Leo McCarey's THE BELLS OF ST MARY'S was on Christmas Day of 2002 when it aired on TCM. I was blown away from the moment the Main Title rolled across the screen. I've always been a sucker for sentimental movies of the 40s (like MGM's MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME, both Judy Garland vehicles... btw, both have recently received beautiful DVD transfers; check them out), and ST MARY'S fits the bill to the "t". I picked up a copy of the DVD this past holiday season. I've seen the movie complete a number of times and never tire of watching it. This is the epitome of 40's motion picture entertainment.

An excellent cast turn in very praiseworthy performances. Bing Crosby is Father O'Malley. Crosby is the only actor ever to have been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar twice for the same role, having also played Father O'Malley in GOING MY WAY the previous year. Ingrid Bergman plays Sister Benedict, the Sister Superior of St. Mary's. Mr. Bogardus is played by Henry Travers... more famliarly known as Clarence from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

The film earned eight Oscar nominations and won for Best Sound Recording.
Nominated for...
Best Actor (Crosby)
Best Acress (Bergman)
Direction (Leo McCarey)
Editing
Score of a dramatic/comedy picture (Robert Emmett Dolan)
Song (Aren't You Glad You're You)
Sound Recording
Best Picture

It's a shame ST MARY'S didn't walk away with more Oscars, this truly is a beautiful film and is necessary in any collection. Good for watching anytime, especailly when your spirit needs a lift.

The DVD transfer is outstanding. Picture is stable and clear throughout. Sound is crisp, with little distortion whatsoever. There is a theatrical trailer included, but no other extras. My only complaint about the DVD transfer... what is up with the gray bar at the bottom of the screen that appears at about the 2nd or 3rd page of the Main Title? It looks like it was digitally superimposed over the film to cover something up, but what and why?

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in any collection. A classic.

Bells of St Mary's Beware
If you buy this DVD expecting it to be the video on disc, you will be quite disappointed. Within the first five minutes you'll discover that a scene has been cut. I purchased this version as part of transitioning our holiday film collection to disc from video and I'm quite disappointed.

Bing Crosby helps an order of nuns at St. Mary's.
Bing Crosby continues his tour-de-force in this sequel to the film, Going My Way (1944). This time Father O'Malley must help the nuns at St. Mary's. Father Fogerty has been sent to the rest home, so O'Malley will be taking his place as the Pastor. Although he does get upstaged by a kitten or two, now and then. Sister Superior, Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) will use him as an educator. The children use to have a playground across the way, but the church needed to sell the ground to fix the church before it could be condemned. With the money, they reinforced the foundation, put in a new sprinkler system and fire escapes. Now a construction company is building a grand building right in front of them. Meanwhile St. Mary's is still in the worst way. The roof is being repaired, but there is still overcrowding. Sister Superior has a prayer, that the big new building will be given to them. She prays that one day, the owner of the new building, Mr. Bogardus (Henry Travers) would wake up one morning and just "give" them the building. A new St. Mary's church would have been on this site, but they sold the land, so seeing a building there tugs at their heart. With the nun's prayers and the help of Father O'Malley, maybe faith can move a mountain. On VHS, available in original black & white or the computer-colored version. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor--Bing Crosby, Best Actress--Ingrid bergman, Best Dircetor, Best Song--"Aren't You Gald You're You", Best Scoring and Best Flm Editing. But only Sound Recording won the Academy Award. Trivia Note: In the "Pledge Of Allegiance", the children say, "...to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible..." If you notice, the words, "under God" was not said. "under God" was not added until 1954 by act of Congress.

The Disclaimer
Your disclaimer clauses need to contain the following information for all items: "Although an item on our web site shows it is available "On-the-Shelf", it in fact may not be. We are not sure what we have available when you order an item and we are making our best guess. So it may actually take 2-weeks for us to get the item. We are sorry for any inconvenience." ... Read more

Description

Freewheeling passion collides with hypocritical self-righteousness on a primitive South Seas island to the rhythms of hot jazz records and the steady beat of the falling rain. Based on Somerset Maugham's short story about a puritanical missionary determined to convert a wanton woman, "Rain" is a fascinating film, far ahead of its time in its honest depiction of human frailties. Academy Award-winners Joan Crawford and Walter Huston star in two of the strongest performances of their careers in this exceptional film directed by Oscar-winner Lewis Milestone (All Quiet on the Western Front). ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Nice but a bit "watered down"
"Rain" is a classic pre-censorship movie of the 30's. As usual with this type of film, one must do a fair amount of reading between the lines to get the full story. Joan Crawford gives a strong performance as Sadie Thompson, a trollop on the run from the law. Walter Huston as Alfred Davidson, a bible thumping, over the top preacher, is sufficiently scary. The rest of the cast puts in fine performances. The cinematography is also exceptionally elegant.

The story is a bit watered down from it's Somerset Maugham original, and some extreme leaps of believability are needed on the part of the audience to accept the denouement. But the story is strong and powerful and surprisingly up-to-date considering it is almost 70 years old. It would seem the religious right has been throwing its muscle around longer than we think.

I highly recommend "Rain", if for no other reason than to see Joan Crawford in the type of role that made her famous.

Rev. Davidson tries to save Sadie Thompson's soul...
"Rain" is one of the classic films from the early sound era. Joan Crawford plays Sadie Thompson, a prostitute quarantined with other passengers on the island of Pago Pago. Sadie gets along okay with the military men stationed on the island, especially Sergeant O'Hara (William Gargan), but then the Reverend Alfred Davidson, played by Walter Huston, decides to save her from the penitentiary. However, the repressed minister finds he is more interested in raping Sadie than in reforming her, sending the story to its tragic ending. W. Somerset Maugham's story "Miss Sadie Thompson" had been turned into a play by John Colton and Clemence Randloph, which was then adapted for the screen by Maxwell Anderson. But it is director Lewis Milestone, with his composition and camera movements, who ends up dominating this drama. The shots and sound of the rain falling on the huts is as memorable as Crawford's performance. The only problem with this DVD package is that there are no extras. I realize you cannot have commentary from the directors and actors of a film made in 1932, surely there are some film critics/historians who could be called upon to enhance our viewing experience of "Rain."

wonderful Crawford and Huston
the first time i saw the film was when i saw it in the sale in virgin mega stores.so i picked it up and put it on straight away a soon as i got home and i was totally amazed with Crawfords wonderful performance and also was amazed with Hustons performance too.in RAIN Crawford plays a prostertute called sadie tompson , who has ran away form her old life in san francisco.but as soon as she arrives at this hotel at pongo pongo she already gets into trouble as soon as she enters the hotel by this preachers wife .but later she has a run in with the preacher (huston). which isn't good for her . huston hypnotises her with prayers and it makes her want to go to san francisco.but huston in the ends slashes his throat and sadie turns back to normal.its one of the best films crawford has ever made.

Panned Then, Redeemed by Time
This movie was a critical flop at the time of its release, but history has been kinder. Crawford gives one of her best peformances as a bawdy prostitute who falls under the spell of a zealous preacher. Moody, frighteningly believable in spite of the period mannerisms, this ranks as one of the best films of its era and a great study in filmmaking, too. Surpasses even the short novel by Somerset Maugham.

story with surprises...
The reader can discover an exotic world through the eyes of the Macphails. He can very well feel the umcomfortable experiences and situations with which the two married couples are confronted after their arrival at Pago-Pago. That part is very well described. After the appearance of Miss Thompson the story becomes interesting, more and more until the climax, Mr. Davidson's death at the very end. And there are also some other unexpected turns and surprises in the story which make it interesting to read. The end is open and the reader can imagine himself what has happened to Mr. Davidson. This open end gives the reader the impression to have read a quite interesting book even if it is not so exciting in the beginning. Also the rain produces a lot of tension. But some parts are also a little bit to long. Next to the main story there are also other small stories. For example the hidden fight of Mr. Macphail against Mr. Davidson. I think the writer of this book also writes his opinion about the very enthusiasm missionary in this story. It is exaggerated a bit, for example the shocking methods with which the missionary couple tries to convert the natives. And the thinking of the people to that time after the second world is also obviously in this book. The natives are going to discriminated from the white people, they are regarded as not real human...In the whole the book is surelly a bit a special one but also a good desicion to read. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Fast-paced comedy mystery.
Early Abbott and Costello flick that converts a murder mystery into frantic comedy. Nazi spies infest a major radio station in the early days of WWII. Bud and Lou are soda jerks at a nearby drug store lunch counter. When the "Murder at Midnight" program turns seriously deadly, our heroes pretend to be detectives and investigate the murder. The real detectives chase Bud and Lou around the radio station as the boys stay one step ahead of the crooks. Bud and Lou make the most of their comedic opportunities. They are more energetic and enthusiastic for the material than in their later films. There are none of the intrusive musical numbers that plagued some of A&C's other films. In fact, there isn't an Andrews Sister in sight. Some grumble that Lou Costello copied his comedy style from Curly Howard of the Three Stooges. Regardless of the merits of that argument, snappy dialogue and frenetic sight gags move the action right along. The laughs come in rapid-fire fashion. Check out Lou's encounter with the transcript recordings of killers in action, and the disembodied voice that inquires, "Do you have halitosis?" His attempt to make an urgent telephone call (ALexander 2: 2-2-2-2!) from a busy pay telephone with an unresponsive operator is also hilarious. William Bendix adds to the fun as a slow-witted police detective. Bud tells Lou to flirt with the station president's secretary (Mary Wickes) to help them get into the radio business. She studies a book on various ways to commit murder, or, in Lou's phrase, "...different ways to cook a guy's goose."

Great comedy is timeless. This movie has a very '40s look to it, but Bud and Lou manage to keep the comedy fresh and energetic. The movie is of value to collectors of classic comedy. It's also a good chance to introduce the kids to the world of Abbott and Costello. Enjoy the fun. ;-)

Absolutely Hilarious!
This one doesn't get mentioned as much as "Hold That Ghost" or "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstien" but it is one of their best. Chick (Bud) and Mervin (Lou) are working in a diner but trying to break into radio as writers for the mystery show "Murder at Midnight". There is just one great gag and skit followed by another, and Bud and Lou turn every situation in this great and well written comedy into utter chaos. In technical terms, this movie is a hoot!

The very pretty Louise Albritton trys to help Patrick Knowles break into radio but he is having none of it and offers to help Bud and Lou by inviting them to a live broadcast of "Murder at Midnight". During the broadcast of course a real murder occurs and the boys see this as their big break. They impersonate the police in order to solve the murder of the radio station owner themselves and become the only radio writers to actually solve a real crime. What could possibly go wrong?

Mervin romances very funny Juliet (Mary Wickes) along the way and William Bendix has a nice turn as Brannigan, a cop who isn't even as smart as Lou. The cops, headed by William Gargen as Lt. Moran, are after Chick and Mervin and since Lou has the real clue to the crime in his pocket, so is the murderer. Jimmy (Knowles) and Jane (Albritton) work together to find out who commited the crime while all this is going on and decide to go live with a new "Murder at Midnight" to flush out the real culprit.

The first shot of Bud and Lou working in the diner as Lou attempts to give a customer a slice of limburger cheese is worth the price of this movie alone. From beginning to end this film is side splittingly funny. While on the run from Lt. Moran and the killer Mervin wins a $10,00.00 radio contest. If avoiding the cops so they can collect isn't enough trouble Mervin has to come up with some kind of photo ID in order to collect. What does he finally produce? His membership card to the Girl Scouts, troup #34!

This is a terrific movie that will make you feel good. They even poke fun at themselves and their famous skit "Who's on First" in this one. I highly recommend this film if your a fan of Bud and Lou or old time radio or both. This film is a nice reminder of why many people consider Bud Abbott and Lou Costello to be the funniest comedy team ever. Don't miss this one!

One of My Favorite A&C's
Along with A&C Meet Frankenstein and The Time of Their Lives, this is one of my favorite A&C films. Don Porter is great as the villian. One of the first films where Costello and a cop are constantly fighting (pre-Mike the cop).

Some of the classic routines : Operator give me Alexander 2222 and Volts are Watt?

Great Bud and Lou Comedy from 1942.
Bud and Lou play Soda Jerks at a radio station who want to write mysteries for the station there. They attend a radio play and witness the manager being murdered. Bud and Lou then try to solve the murder only to find that both the police and the "real killer" want them taken in "dead or alive." Lots of laughs here including Lou trying to make a phone call only to be told "the line is busy" co-starring Mary Wickens and William Bendix, as a detective who is even dumber then the character Lou plays. Good clean comedy. a pity they don't make them like this anymore. Screenplay by John Grant, Stanley Roberts and Edmond Joseph. Directed by Erle C. Kenton.

Who Done It? Who Cares?
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello star as two guys trying to get into radio writing and performing, who stumble into a murder committed live on the air, and in order to make a name for themselves, pretend they are detectives that can solve it. The murdered man is the president of the network. Along for the mystery are such familiar classic film faces as Patric Knowles, William Bendix, Mary Wickes, Louise Allbritton, and Jerome Cowan. There's not much to the mystery, as it pretty much forms the thread for linking together the boys' antics and slapstick routines. So don't expect to be on the edge of your seat through the movie, waiting for the solution. Costello is especially manic in this one, bouncing off of everything and everyone. I did enjoy seeing them make fun of themselves a few times, and there were a some clever moments. It's an Abbott and Costello film, so you get what you get. It's not the best I've seen from them, but it's better than a number of their other films. ... Read more

Description

Winner of three Emmy's for cinematography, this highly visual series marks Lorne Greene's last great animal tribute. It reveals the serious challenges, that animals in the wild face every day. Get up close to mountain gorillas, wolves, beavers, leopards, and sea otters as they mate, hunt, and confront or elude enemies - including man. The wild action will inform, entertain and appeal to your animal instincts. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Back when talkies had dialogue...
Nice one. Leslie Howard is a lot more interesting in this than he ever was as Ashley Wilkes. Perenially sympathetic Myrna Loy is sexy and not so nice. Ann Harding and William Gargan are quite solid. The dialogue is snappy and great. The acting is first rate. The conflict itself doesn't have so much merit. This is rather a shallow and quickly told story about a man choosing depth over surface. But still the movie is a lot more vibrant than some of today's fare, at once a little bit thoughtful and entertaining.

SOLID EARLY TALKIE.
Philip Barry's very successful stage play was the basis for this well-acted romantic vehicle which should still appeal to the sophisticated and intellectual. Howard plays a rich publisher who leaves his artist-mistress to marry socially active Loy, only to discover that the security of married life doesn't exist: his wife turns out to be a Lorelei who's encouraging an affair with another man (Hamilton)... In an ironic and interesting contrast, Loy acts more like his mistress and Harding is more wife-like. Howard's acting expertise is shown to advantage here, he being caught in a classic triangle and eventually realising just how essentially shallow Loy really is and what a prize he had in Harding. Ann Harding gives her usual sensitively sincere performance and although Myrna Loy was not yet considered star material when she was given the role of Cecilia, she clearly gives a masterful portrayal of the flirtatious vixen. There is a splendidly amusing performance given by William Gargan as Regan the butler: at a party, he pours himself drinks and oafishly makes himself at home, acting as if he belonged among the elite company. It is, however, Howard who carries the film: he was the epitome of the sensitive gentleman in films such as this in the decade of the 1930's.

I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!
In my opinion, a great film adaptation of Philip Barry's Play, with a luminous performance by grand actress, Ann Harding; Myrna Loy is excellent too, as Leslie Howard's alluring, sensual and manipulative wife; Leslie Howard's good as usual, and all of them get fine support from Neil Hamilton, Ilka Chase, Henry Stephenson, and especially, William Gargan, who is hilarious as a joke of a butler! (he's an ex-fighter). Perhaps it may be regarded as kind of talky and stagy by today's standards, but anyway it's pretty adult stuff with great dialogues and subtleties, and a great example of what could be done with a fine script and cast, before the Production Code was fully enforced in 1934. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

"A Toast to Martha Scott"
I have seen this movie only once, as a young child.I have much respect for a movie that touched my heart. If I can remember a movie;such as this one for many years and haven't seen it again. You know somehow through my life growing up, now as an adult, I feel somehow through the years the memories of Cheers for Miss Bishop , will never go away, I'd love to find this movie again and hopefully have one for myself. Truthfully, Martha Scott did a remarkably superb job in this magnificent film as Miss Ella Bishop. I raise my hat off to her and toast a lady who did very well in her field.

A Great, Heartwarming Story
"Cheers For Miss Bishop" is one of those undiscovered classics that have virtually been ignored. This film has much of the sentimental flavor of Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life"--which was also ignored for decades before another generation came along and "discovered" it.Martha Scott's portrayal of Miss Ella Bishop, the spinster college professor who's eternally unlucky at love, is a thoroughly convincing performance. She is surrounded by a great cast of character actors. The ending is a bit schmaltsy, but satisfying nonetheless. See this film and return back to a time when you could count on having friends for a lifetime.

Martha Scott's best performance as dedicated teacher.
The film belongs to Martha Scott who gives her best screen performance as Miss Bishop, a dedicated teacher, whose personal life is constantly being put on hold as she ministers to the needs of her pupils. Scott ages from a schoolgirl to an octogenarian and does a lovely, memorable job. The sentimental score is a plus. Oscar nom for Original Score. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THE US ARMY AIR CORP (US AIRFORCE) WILL NEVER RECOVER
Arthur Lubin directs this FUNNY 1941 Abbott & Costello vehicle. Bud and Lou with their stunt pilot friend Dick Foran enlist in the US Army Air Corp (now known as the US Airforce). The best highlight of the film is comdieanne Martha Raye who portrays twin waitress. 5 STARS again to Mr. Lubin and the UNFORGETTABLE Abbott and Costello.

Another A&C Winner--Plus Martha!
This rollicking comedy isn't as tight and inventive as the classic "Buck Privates" but it's still hilarious. But what helps this really zoom along is the marvelous Martha Raye. She portrays twin sisters--one quiet, demure, the other more like the real Martha--boisterous, funny, earthy. The highlights of this comedy is when Martha sings and dances and one of the best rock numbers ever recorded is her finger-snapping "Big Foot Pete" number, with a terrific boogie-woogie beat. This number was nominated for an Oscar as best song. Martha has been nearly forgotten today but she should be reverred as one of film's most endearing and talented stars.

Classic Costello!!
They did it once again. I remember sitting down for Sunday dinner when I was 4 years old and Abbott and Costello would come on. They kept me there for hours. Now I had to get the one I never saw and I am glad I did. This really brings back memories. A definate buy!! I miss the old days. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The Bells of St. Mary's works much better for its battle of wills between a parish priest and a head nun than the dopey musical interludes that pepper it, but Bells is still a winning, emotionally satisfying film. This sequel to Going My Way has Father O'Malley (Bing Crosby) taking over the St. Mary's parochial school and finding himself at loggerheads with Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman, looking gorgeous even in a habit). There's a wonderful balance to all of this: O'Malley takes a more worldly approach to administration and is wrong just as many times as the nun is when she insists on a more biblical approach. About four subplots suffuse the film, including the story of a young charge from the wrong side of the tracks, and the deteriorating state of St. Mary's in the shadow of a brand-new building (the owner is played by the avuncular Henry Travers). A dear film. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Bing's Tones, Ingrid's Charms,Remastered on DVD....Heavenly!
This review refers to the Silver Screen Classics Edition(Republic Pictures)DVD.......

A beautiful sequel to "Going My Way", is now a beautifully transfered to DVD. "The Bells of St.Mary's" is funny, poignant and will tug at your heartstrings.Father O'Malley(Bing Crosby) has now been assigned to a parochial school that is in dire need of repairs. The school has no money and O'Malley's job is to assess the possibilites, of perhaps sending the children to another school.He meets with some tough oppostion though, in the form of one Sister Benedict(Ingrid Bergman). She is the no nonsense type,and right away the two have some very different ideas on what's good for the kids.There is also the problem of a businesman(Henry Travers) who wants the building condemned so he can put up a parking lot for his own employees.Sister Benedict prays for miracle, will she get it?

The story and Ingrid Bergman are charming and delightful and will have you praying with her for that miracle.Bing's beautiful voice graces the film with song and Henry Travers(It's A Wonderful Life) is wonderful as always. It's not too often a sequel equals the original, but with the addition of Bergman, (along with some really adorable kids)and under the direction of Leo McCarey once again, this heartwarming story has accomplished that.

This Silver Screens Classic DVD has done a really nice job with the remastering of this Black and White Classic.The film made in 1945 barely shows it's age. It is a nice clear picture, and the Dolby Digital Sound is good as well. It contains the original Theatrical Trailer, Has French and Spanish language tracks as well as subtitles, and has captioning in English.It also comes with a little brochure with some facts about the filming.If your looking for some great old classics that look great on DVD to add to your collection, this would be a good one.

Happy Viewing......Laurie

ESSENTIAL in ANY collection
The first time I saw Leo McCarey's THE BELLS OF ST MARY'S was on Christmas Day of 2002 when it aired on TCM. I was blown away from the moment the Main Title rolled across the screen. I've always been a sucker for sentimental movies of the 40s (like MGM's MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME, both Judy Garland vehicles... btw, both have recently received beautiful DVD transfers; check them out), and ST MARY'S fits the bill to the "t". I picked up a copy of the DVD this past holiday season. I've seen the movie complete a number of times and never tire of watching it. This is the epitome of 40's motion picture entertainment.

An excellent cast turn in very praiseworthy performances. Bing Crosby is Father O'Malley. Crosby is the only actor ever to have been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar twice for the same role, having also played Father O'Malley in GOING MY WAY the previous year. Ingrid Bergman plays Sister Benedict, the Sister Superior of St. Mary's. Mr. Bogardus is played by Henry Travers... more famliarly known as Clarence from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

The film earned eight Oscar nominations and won for Best Sound Recording.
Nominated for...
Best Actor (Crosby)
Best Acress (Bergman)
Direction (Leo McCarey)
Editing
Score of a dramatic/comedy picture (Robert Emmett Dolan)
Song (Aren't You Glad You're You)
Sound Recording
Best Picture

It's a shame ST MARY'S didn't walk away with more Oscars, this truly is a beautiful film and is necessary in any collection. Good for watching anytime, especailly when your spirit needs a lift.

The DVD transfer is outstanding. Picture is stable and clear throughout. Sound is crisp, with little distortion whatsoever. There is a theatrical trailer included, but no other extras. My only complaint about the DVD transfer... what is up with the gray bar at the bottom of the screen that appears at about the 2nd or 3rd page of the Main Title? It looks like it was digitally superimposed over the film to cover something up, but what and why?

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in any collection. A classic.

Bells of St Mary's Beware
If you buy this DVD expecting it to be the video on disc, you will be quite disappointed. Within the first five minutes you'll discover that a scene has been cut. I purchased this version as part of transitioning our holiday film collection to disc from video and I'm quite disappointed.

Bing Crosby helps an order of nuns at St. Mary's.
Bing Crosby continues his tour-de-force in this sequel to the film, Going My Way (1944). This time Father O'Malley must help the nuns at St. Mary's. Father Fogerty has been sent to the rest home, so O'Malley will be taking his place as the Pastor. Although he does get upstaged by a kitten or two, now and then. Sister Superior, Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) will use him as an educator. The children use to have a playground across the way, but the church needed to sell the ground to fix the church before it could be condemned. With the money, they reinforced the foundation, put in a new sprinkler system and fire escapes. Now a construction company is building a grand building right in front of them. Meanwhile St. Mary's is still in the worst way. The roof is being repaired, but there is still overcrowding. Sister Superior has a prayer, that the big new building will be given to them. She prays that one day, the owner of the new building, Mr. Bogardus (Henry Travers) would wake up one morning and just "give" them the building. A new St. Mary's church would have been on this site, but they sold the land, so seeing a building there tugs at their heart. With the nun's prayers and the help of Father O'Malley, maybe faith can move a mountain. On VHS, available in original black & white or the computer-colored version. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor--Bing Crosby, Best Actress--Ingrid bergman, Best Dircetor, Best Song--"Aren't You Gald You're You", Best Scoring and Best Flm Editing. But only Sound Recording won the Academy Award. Trivia Note: In the "Pledge Of Allegiance", the children say, "...to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible..." If you notice, the words, "under God" was not said. "under God" was not added until 1954 by act of Congress.

The Disclaimer
Your disclaimer clauses need to contain the following information for all items: "Although an item on our web site shows it is available "On-the-Shelf", it in fact may not be. We are not sure what we have available when you order an item and we are making our best guess. So it may actually take 2-weeks for us to get the item. We are sorry for any inconvenience." ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Nice but a bit "watered down"
"Rain" is a classic pre-censorship movie of the 30's. As usual with this type of film, one must do a fair amount of reading between the lines to get the full story. Joan Crawford gives a strong performance as Sadie Thompson, a trollop on the run from the law. Walter Huston as Alfred Davidson, a bible thumping, over the top preacher, is sufficiently scary. The rest of the cast puts in fine performances. The cinematography is also exceptionally elegant.

The story is a bit watered down from it's Somerset Maugham original, and some extreme leaps of believability are needed on the part of the audience to accept the denouement. But the story is strong and powerful and surprisingly up-to-date considering it is almost 70 years old. It would seem the religious right has been throwing its muscle around longer than we think.

I highly recommend "Rain", if for no other reason than to see Joan Crawford in the type of role that made her famous.

Rev. Davidson tries to save Sadie Thompson's soul...
"Rain" is one of the classic films from the early sound era. Joan Crawford plays Sadie Thompson, a prostitute quarantined with other passengers on the island of Pago Pago. Sadie gets along okay with the military men stationed on the island, especially Sergeant O'Hara (William Gargan), but then the Reverend Alfred Davidson, played by Walter Huston, decides to save her from the penitentiary. However, the repressed minister finds he is more interested in raping Sadie than in reforming her, sending the story to its tragic ending. W. Somerset Maugham's story "Miss Sadie Thompson" had been turned into a play by John Colton and Clemence Randloph, which was then adapted for the screen by Maxwell Anderson. But it is director Lewis Milestone, with his composition and camera movements, who ends up dominating this drama. The shots and sound of the rain falling on the huts is as memorable as Crawford's performance. The only problem with this DVD package is that there are no extras. I realize you cannot have commentary from the directors and actors of a film made in 1932, surely there are some film critics/historians who could be called upon to enhance our viewing experience of "Rain."

wonderful Crawford and Huston
the first time i saw the film was when i saw it in the sale in virgin mega stores.so i picked it up and put it on straight away a soon as i got home and i was totally amazed with Crawfords wonderful performance and also was amazed with Hustons performance too.in RAIN Crawford plays a prostertute called sadie tompson , who has ran away form her old life in san francisco.but as soon as she arrives at this hotel at pongo pongo she already gets into trouble as soon as she enters the hotel by this preachers wife .but later she has a run in with the preacher (huston). which isn't good for her . huston hypnotises her with prayers and it makes her want to go to san francisco.but huston in the ends slashes his throat and sadie turns back to normal.its one of the best films crawford has ever made.

Panned Then, Redeemed by Time
This movie was a critical flop at the time of its release, but history has been kinder. Crawford gives one of her best peformances as a bawdy prostitute who falls under the spell of a zealous preacher. Moody, frighteningly believable in spite of the period mannerisms, this ranks as one of the best films of its era and a great study in filmmaking, too. Surpasses even the short novel by Somerset Maugham.

story with surprises...
The reader can discover an exotic world through the eyes of the Macphails. He can very well feel the umcomfortable experiences and situations with which the two married couples are confronted after their arrival at Pago-Pago. That part is very well described. After the appearance of Miss Thompson the story becomes interesting, more and more until the climax, Mr. Davidson's death at the very end. And there are also some other unexpected turns and surprises in the story which make it interesting to read. The end is open and the reader can imagine himself what has happened to Mr. Davidson. This open end gives the reader the impression to have read a quite interesting book even if it is not so exciting in the beginning. Also the rain produces a lot of tension. But some parts are also a little bit to long. Next to the main story there are also other small stories. For example the hidden fight of Mr. Macphail against Mr. Davidson. I think the writer of this book also writes his opinion about the very enthusiasm missionary in this story. It is exaggerated a bit, for example the shocking methods with which the missionary couple tries to convert the natives. And the thinking of the people to that time after the second world is also obviously in this book. The natives are going to discriminated from the white people, they are regarded as not real human...In the whole the book is surelly a bit a special one but also a good desicion to read. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Fast-paced comedy mystery.
Early Abbott and Costello flick that converts a murder mystery into frantic comedy. Nazi spies infest a major radio station in the early days of WWII. Bud and Lou are soda jerks at a nearby drug store lunch counter. When the "Murder at Midnight" program turns seriously deadly, our heroes pretend to be detectives and investigate the murder. The real detectives chase Bud and Lou around the radio station as the boys stay one step ahead of the crooks. Bud and Lou make the most of their comedic opportunities. They are more energetic and enthusiastic for the material than in their later films. There are none of the intrusive musical numbers that plagued some of A&C's other films. In fact, there isn't an Andrews Sister in sight. Some grumble that Lou Costello copied his comedy style from Curly Howard of the Three Stooges. Regardless of the merits of that argument, snappy dialogue and frenetic sight gags move the action right along. The laughs come in rapid-fire fashion. Check out Lou's encounter with the transcript recordings of killers in action, and the disembodied voice that inquires, "Do you have halitosis?" His attempt to make an urgent telephone call (ALexander 2: 2-2-2-2!) from a busy pay telephone with an unresponsive operator is also hilarious. William Bendix adds to the fun as a slow-witted police detective. Bud tells Lou to flirt with the station president's secretary (Mary Wickes) to help them get into the radio business. She studies a book on various ways to commit murder, or, in Lou's phrase, "...different ways to cook a guy's goose."

Great comedy is timeless. This movie has a very '40s look to it, but Bud and Lou manage to keep the comedy fresh and energetic. The movie is of value to collectors of classic comedy. It's also a good chance to introduce the kids to the world of Abbott and Costello. Enjoy the fun. ;-)

Absolutely Hilarious!
This one doesn't get mentioned as much as "Hold That Ghost" or "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstien" but it is one of their best. Chick (Bud) and Mervin (Lou) are working in a diner but trying to break into radio as writers for the mystery show "Murder at Midnight". There is just one great gag and skit followed by another, and Bud and Lou turn every situation in this great and well written comedy into utter chaos. In technical terms, this movie is a hoot!

The very pretty Louise Albritton trys to help Patrick Knowles break into radio but he is having none of it and offers to help Bud and Lou by inviting them to a live broadcast of "Murder at Midnight". During the broadcast of course a real murder occurs and the boys see this as their big break. They impersonate the police in order to solve the murder of the radio station owner themselves and become the only radio writers to actually solve a real crime. What could possibly go wrong?

Mervin romances very funny Juliet (Mary Wickes) along the way and William Bendix has a nice turn as Brannigan, a cop who isn't even as smart as Lou. The cops, headed by William Gargen as Lt. Moran, are after Chick and Mervin and since Lou has the real clue to the crime in his pocket, so is the murderer. Jimmy (Knowles) and Jane (Albritton) work together to find out who commited the crime while all this is going on and decide to go live with a new "Murder at Midnight" to flush out the real culprit.

The first shot of Bud and Lou working in the diner as Lou attempts to give a customer a slice of limburger cheese is worth the price of this movie alone. From beginning to end this film is side splittingly funny. While on the run from Lt. Moran and the killer Mervin wins a $10,00.00 radio contest. If avoiding the cops so they can collect isn't enough trouble Mervin has to come up with some kind of photo ID in order to collect. What does he finally produce? His membership card to the Girl Scouts, troup #34!

This is a terrific movie that will make you feel good. They even poke fun at themselves and their famous skit "Who's on First" in this one. I highly recommend this film if your a fan of Bud and Lou or old time radio or both. This film is a nice reminder of why many people consider Bud Abbott and Lou Costello to be the funniest comedy team ever. Don't miss this one!

One of My Favorite A&C's
Along with A&C Meet Frankenstein and The Time of Their Lives, this is one of my favorite A&C films. Don Porter is great as the villian. One of the first films where Costello and a cop are constantly fighting (pre-Mike the cop).

Some of the classic routines : Operator give me Alexander 2222 and Volts are Watt?

Great Bud and Lou Comedy from 1942.
Bud and Lou play Soda Jerks at a radio station who want to write mysteries for the station there. They attend a radio play and witness the manager being murdered. Bud and Lou then try to solve the murder only to find that both the police and the "real killer" want them taken in "dead or alive." Lots of laughs here including Lou trying to make a phone call only to be told "the line is busy" co-starring Mary Wickens and William Bendix, as a detective who is even dumber then the character Lou plays. Good clean comedy. a pity they don't make them like this anymore. Screenplay by John Grant, Stanley Roberts and Edmond Joseph. Directed by Erle C. Kenton.

Who Done It? Who Cares?
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello star as two guys trying to get into radio writing and performing, who stumble into a murder committed live on the air, and in order to make a name for themselves, pretend they are detectives that can solve it. The murdered man is the president of the network. Along for the mystery are such familiar classic film faces as Patric Knowles, William Bendix, Mary Wickes, Louise Allbritton, and Jerome Cowan. There's not much to the mystery, as it pretty much forms the thread for linking together the boys' antics and slapstick routines. So don't expect to be on the edge of your seat through the movie, waiting for the solution. Costello is especially manic in this one, bouncing off of everything and everyone. I did enjoy seeing them make fun of themselves a few times, and there were a some clever moments. It's an Abbott and Costello film, so you get what you get. It's not the best I've seen from them, but it's better than a number of their other films. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

"You cannot escape the person you are."
In the film, "Strange Impersonation" chemist Nora Goodrich (Brenda Marshall) is close to perfecting a new form of anesthesia, and she's also fending off fiance and fellow chemist, Dr Lindstrom. Lindstrom is pushing for a wedding date, but Nora's ambition dictates the conclusion of her experiments before moving on to personal business. Nora decides to accelerate product testing by experimenting with the anesthetic at home. She enlists the help of lab assistant Arline Cole. The experiment, however, goes horribly wrong, and Nora's face is scarred beyond recognition.

Following a bizarre encounter with female blackmailer Jane Karaski, Nora seizes the opportunity to assume Jane's identity. Nora--as Jane--goes into hiding and then undergoes over a year's worth of intense plastic surgery to restore her face.

Director Anthony Mann is considered one of the great film noir directors. So for those interested in the genre, "Strange Impersonation" is a must-see. However, that said, viewers should be aware that the film is seeped in 1940s technology and science (Nora's lab--Nora's experiments, etc), and so much of the film seems extremely dated. There are literally beakers full of smoking concoctions. Also, the film has a very high camp quality. The fights between females, a hideously scarred face hidden by veils, and the nonsensical inability to identify a body because the face is damaged beyond recognition, all add up to a good laugh. While the performances of the main actors are up-to-standard, some of the minor characters are definitely bad actors.

"Strange Impersonation" is absolutely not in the same league as "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Double Indemnity" or "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers." It's just too campy for that. However, I was extremely interested in Mann's portrayal of females in this film. Nora is a brilliant scientist, Arline is the wicked schemer, and Jane Karaski is a female thug. This is a film about strong women (not necessarily nice) who take fate into their own hands. The characters of the females are fascinating--whereas the males play only dull minor roles on the periphery of the film. "Strange Impersonation" is relatively short--68 minutes long, and if you want to see a "B" cult classic from the 40s, then this film--with all its flaws--is worth your while. This is a restored version of the film, and both the picture and sound were excellent quality--displacedhuman.

A NOTE TO CUSTOMER REVIEWERS...
Please warn readers about potential spoilers at the beginning of your reviews. The ending is revealed in one of the previous critiques. Thanks and happy viewing!

STRANGE "MOVIE".....
A chemist (Brenda Marshall) working on a new anesthetic takes the product home and tries it out. Her assistant (Hilary Brooke), who may be after Marshalls' husband, arranges an "accident" that reults in Marshalls' face being disfigured. Marshall then murders a woman trying to blackmail her over a previous car accident and has to go on the lam with the dead womans' identity. She plots to take revenge and everything snowballs into a nightmare worse than before. The finale sees it all as just a weird hallucination she experienced from the drug. Huh? All this mumbo jumbo is played out in a very short running time. I wouldn't call this a "movie" so much as a cheap experimental student project. There are no production values at all. The sets are cardboard and the acting is dull and at times amateurish. I know that Anthony Mann has a reputation as a low budget film noirist but this is the cheapest attempt at telling a story I've seen in a while. Ulmer's "Detour" is pretty cheap but at least it's interesting. This was interesting at first but the ending just left me flat. Low budget is one thing but out and out cheap is another. I will not fault this films' defenders. To each his or her own. But it's just too cheap for me to see more than once. So it's recommended for Manns' fans and others with their curiosity meter turned WAY up.

SKIN DEEP AND DEEPER
Skin deep is not deep enough.

Jealousy, murder, plastic surgery and revenge in a Hitchcockian tour de force from Director Anthony Mann ("El Cid," "Desperate," "Bamboo Blond," "God's Little Acre").

Mann was widely praised for his meticulous eye for detail and his instinctive sense of mise en scene which he prominently shows in "Strange Impersonation."

The radiant and beautiful Brenda Marshall is a scientist who spurns marriage for her pioneering breakthroughs in the science of anesthetics. That's right, anesthetics. But YOU won't fall asleep watching this very surreal, sly, primitive, artful but low budget tale with a stunning, surprise ending. (Full Screen, B&W, 68 minutes, Not Rated)...

A FEMINIST "DARK PASSAGE"
This cool movie has the production values of a Three Stooges short (Shemp-era), but the writing and acting more than make up for it. The story recalls the best stories by Cornell Woolrich (The Bride Wore Black) and David Goodis (Dark Passage). It's gratifying to see a noir film from the 40's that has so many strong female characters in it. This is an undiscovered gem. Kudos to Kino. ... Read more

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Though a bit stodgy, this 1932 film adaptation of a Philip Barry play features the star of the original Broadway production: Leslie Howard. While Barry had later, greater successes with film versions of his plays Holiday and The Philadelphia Story, The Animal Kingdom is something of a blueprint for those better-known comedies. Howard plays book publisher Tom Collier, a bohemian at heart and an enthusiast for great literature and artistic integrity. His lover, Daisy Sage (Ann Harding), is an equally open-minded artist. But while she's off in Paris, Tom considers making a show of respectability, and marries socialite Cee Henry (Myrna Loy), who intends to groom Tom for polite society. Cee's ambition and Tom's conflicts set the stage for one o