Amazon.com essential video

Consciously crafted by director George Stevens as a piece of American mythmaking, Shane is on nearly everyone's shortlist of great movie Westerns. A buckskin knight, Shane (Alan Ladd) rides into the middle of a range war between farmers and cattlemen, quickly siding with the "sod-busters." While helping a kindly farmer (Van Heflin), Shane falls platonically in love with the man's wife (Jean Arthur, in the last screen performance of a marvelous career). Though the showdowns are exciting, and the story simple but involving, what most people will remember about this movie is the friendship between the stoical Shane and the young son of the farmers. The kid is played by Brandon De Wilde, who gives one of the most amazing child performances in the movies; his parting scene with Shane is guaranteed to draw tears from even the most stonyhearted moviegoer. And speaking of stony hearts, Jack Palance made a sensational impression as the evil gunslinger sent to clean house--he has fewer lines of dialogue than he has lines in his magnificently craggy face, but he makes them count. The photography, highlighting the landscape near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, won an Oscar. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (93)

Farmers vs. Ranchers
Shane is the title of the movie and the main character of this well-made Western. Alan Ladd plays the stranger who arrives in a Western community where a range war between farmers and ranchers is about to play out. The farmers' leader is Joe Starrett, played by tough, reliable Van Heflin. He wants the farmers to stay, to stand up to rancher Rufe Riker and his hired hands.

Riker tries to buy Starrett out, but Starrett won't go. Then Riker hires a gunman - Wilson - played by Jack Palance. He's as mean as they come and he verbally goads one of the farmers into trying to "draw" on him. Wilson(Palance) kills the farmer without blinking.

The farmers are about ready to give up. But when Riker sets fire to a farmer's home as the community gathers to bury its dead, the farmers vow to "play one more hand." Riker sends men to Starrett's ranch to tell him that Riker wants to see him. But Shane stops Starrett by physically knocking him out. He knows that he must go into town to "talk" to Riker.

Civilization is fast approaching on the Western range. And Shane is going to hasten that change by going into battle against Riker.

Western Classic
Shane might well be the greatest western ever made and a true American classic. Recently in a New York Times article, Woody Allen of all people considered it the best American film of all time. The movie is about a mysterious stranger who unexpectently comes into a homestead family's life and helps in their battle against a greedy landowner who is threatening them to move off their land. Alan Ladd stars in the title role and he exudes an air of calm control and dark mystery. Shane is an expert gunman and a skilled fighter, but he doesn't want any trouble. He tries hard to avoid a fight in the local saloon, but no matter how hard he tries, trouble finds him. The homestead family is played by Van Heflin, Jean Arthur and the young Brandon De Wilde. Mr. De Wilde is excellent as a wild-eyed youngster who grows to idolize Shane. Mr. Heflin plays the strong, defiant landowner, but also loving husband to his devoted wife, played tenderly by Ms. Arthur, and his son. He stands by his new friend Shane, when the other homesteaders want him to leave when they feel he's stirring up trouble. A young Jack Palance is menacing as an icy hired gun hired to drive the homesteaders off their land. The showdown between him and Shane is a tense and taut showdown. Director George Stevens captures the breathtaking beauty of the American Old West. Shane was nominated for several Academy Awards, but failed to win any. Despite that fact, it remains a brilliant film worth repeated viewings.

Revisionist History as Entertainment
A lone rider approaches a family ranch. He observes a gang riding up to order the owner off his land. There is an economic conflict between a big land owner and small ranchers who are bringing in Jersey cows and working the land for agriculture. The big land owner wants to eliminate competition from small businesses; his government contract shows his political connections. The film shows the use of barbed wire, the invention that put an end to the open range. The settlers go into town for supplies. A barroom brawl occurs when Shane is attacked; Joe Starrett joins in to help his hired hand. Tavern owner Riker sends to Cheyenne for a hired gun, Jack Wilson, for a final solution to the homesteader problem.

The settlers gather for a July 4th celebration. They hear of Riker's hired gunfighter. That evening Riker show up to make a final offer to Starrett: join him for a good price, and abandon the other small ranchers. This offer is refused. The next day the gunfighter insults Torrey to force a duel, and kills him. Joe Starrett announces he will go into town next, without waiting for the other settlers. The question is: shall the people be oppressed and swindled by a rich powerful landowner? (Most of the large ranches were owned by corporations from back East.) Some of the small ranchers decide to abandon their claims. Yet they have the right to settle and farm the land. "This country wasn't made for just one man." The burning of one home makes the settlers decide to hang on for a while.

Riker makes an offer to draw Starret to his place (for an ambush). Calloway turns up to warn Shane of this trick. Starrett's wife argues for giving up and moving out now. (Credible?). Shane tries to stop Starrett, and they fight in the dark (to hide their body doubles?). Shane wins and leaves to keep the appointment, and force a final showdown. Shane successfully resolves the problem of Jack Wilson, then Riker, and moves on to new territory. [This avoids any retribution by Riker's allies.) {This film uses the dime-novel fantasy of a "fast-draw", which did not occur in historical records.]

This story is loosely based on the Powder River war. In reality, the settler's militia drove off the armed gang hired by the large landowners. The large ranchers tried to get rid of small ranchers by passing a law that gave them sole rights to all cattle in the state! Read the chapter in William Weir's "Written With Lead" for more details. "Unhappy are the people who want a hero."

Two stars. One for each time it put me to sleep.
Don't get me wrong, folks ,I am A HUGE fan of classic Westerns! This one, it just doesn't make it for me. Don't even get me started about Alan Ladd's "tough but gentle" potrayal of Shane. Ladd is unconvincing to this reviewer not only in the tough guy category, but his dramatic side is very, very "Ward Cleaver." AND THAT KID!!! That blasted kid. Joey, played by Brandon De Wilde. Good gawd, if he wasn't the most annoying little snot that came out of Hollywood. (before the debut of Pauly Shore) "Shane, are you gonna shoot that man? "Shane, are you gonna let me look through your Playboys?" I spent half the film (before I fell asleep) hoping Shane would say, "Come here, Joey, and help me change the wheel on this stagecoach" and have a little "accident." Joey's absence from the second half of this movie MAY have kept me awake. (but I doubt it.)

miscast but still legendary
SHANE is among the most renowned westerns in motion picture history, inspite of the miscasting of Alan Ladd in the title role. many other more accomplished actors come to mind of whom could have assumed the role, and many of these were offered the role. however it was Alan Ladd who was awarded the role.

Ladd was a formidable actor and delivered a fine performance inspite of the other more accomplished actors who may have given better performances.

regardless of Ladd in the role of SHANE, the movie was legendary and considered a true classic to this day. the other actors, which include: Van Heflin, Jean Arthur, Brandon De Wilde, Emile Meyer and Jack Palance all gave stellar performances. however it was George Stevens, a director whose name is synonymous with great filmmaking who was solely responsible for the renowned success of this truly legendary western classic. a true masterpiece. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Entertaining Package Feature
Before the review, I wish to note that, contrary to the other reviewers, this tape is not the Mini Classic, but the whole,
72-minute film.

The movie is essentially a tour of the old Burbank studio, with Robert Benchley and cartoon short-subjects thrown in for good measure. IMHO, the best part was the sound effects stage,where employees were recording for a cartoon featuring Dumbo's Casey Jr. the steam locomotive, my all-time favorite Disney character.

Cartoons shown were the afore-mentioned Casey Junior, Baby Weems in storyboard form, the first in Goofy's "How to...." series, the Reluctant Dragon, and quick cameos by Bambi and Donald Duck. Almost funnier than Bob was the bumbling, number-freak of a tour guide, as well as the music/voice recording session with the original voices of Donald Duck and that chicken whose name I can't recall?????? All in all, pure Disney fun!

The dragon who prefers fun than fighting
This Waly Disney Mini Classic is about a dragon who detests fighting and prefers to play,until a young boy and a dragon fighter try to teach the docile creature about the fine art of being bad.
I think this story is the best Walt Disney Mini Classics.My favourite scenes were:
1.The boy meeting the dragon in his lair,where the dragon recites poems
2.The knight meeting the dragon while the dragon is having a picnic
3.The battle,ending with the dragon pretending to die when he jumps out of smoke,pretending to have a spear through him

The Reluctant Dragon
The 1941 feature film was based around the writer, Robert Benchley, touring the Disney studios. This is why I was interested in purchasing this film. Unfortunately, the Disney "Mini Classic" release has been edited down to just the cartoon. Benchley is not to be seen or heard. For this reason I am disappointed in the release. If you have no interest in Robert Benchley, you will no doubt love this classic Disney "mini" feature (21 minutes long) and the accompnying short cartoon about a small moose. The transfer is well done and the sound is very good for the period.

the Reluctant Dragon
Having seen this feature in the movies when I was a child, I always remembered the delightful dragon and his fear of violence, and the fierce loyalty of the boy. Not only is the story theme a bit novel, and also a bit silly, about the dragon being forced to fight when he did not want to, it is resolved so delightfully that children will remember it well as I. I wish it would be available as children are always so curious about Dragons and this film has no real violence in it, except the "pretend" fight between the knight and the dragon. We need this happy film.

Classic Disney short movie.
I used to enjoy watching this when I was a kid (and before the days of videotape). I've been waiting for Disney to re-issue the tape version so I can get it for my kids. In a nutshell, it's about a dragon who does not particularly enjoy terrorizing peasants, a knight who does not particularly enjoy fighting dragons, and -- of course -- the charming little boy who tries to keep them from hurting each other. ... Read more

Description

World War II drama about a Quaker naval officer. At first he is reluctant to take part in the wartime activities because of his beliefs. But the officer eventually makes up for this by leading a perilous mission that takes him into the thick of things. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is not typical Alan Ladd performance
This is a movie about a Young man who has a Naval Reseverist and a Quaker and is called up for duty onboard a Destroyer at the beginning of World War 2. The biggest play of the movie is how Alan Ladd reacts to the way that the crew treats him when he shows his Quaker background at various times when a life or death decision is called for. There is also a love story sub-plot going on but it doesn't seem to fit real well with the main plot.

Overall this movie doesn't make much sense when you watch it. For each of the scenes of the Destoryer being in action the only thing that seems to tie them together is the characters being shown and the ship being shown. Also the director and producer seem to have two major climaxes which is confusing. Overall, this seems more like a cheesy training film produced by the Navy from around that time and just happens to start Alan Ladd. This is defeninatly not one of his best movies. This is better for a rental instead of a purchase.

Besides the Alan Ladd this movies has all your typical stock characters from World War 2 flicks from the 50's, James Whitmore William Bendix, Keenan Wynn, etc. Also look for Joey Bishop of Rat Pack fame playing a typical sailor Sterotype. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Hey, Paramount! You got it wrong once again!
What a shame! This wonderfully trashy movie deserved better treatment on DVD! When Paramount released "The Carpetbaggers" on LaserDisc years ago, they used the "censored" US version instead of the more "racy" European cut. I was one who wrote them about this, but apparently no one at the office took notice or cared, so here is the US cut once again. What is missing is Ms. Baker's nude back sitting in her budoir when her stepson comes in to tell her that she is now a widow. Ms. Baker's almost nude back is also displayed in the short montage in Paris before she goes down with the chandelier; in the scene missing she poses on a divan for a group of painters. (This image was even depicted on an American lobby card! People must have wondered where it went!) Not much to cry about maybe, but fun in any case! If these scenes were not to be found in the Paramount vaults in Hollywood, they could have asked for them from any surviving European print - existing in decent condition in state archives in both Sweden and Denmark.
Sad is also the fact that the print used for DVD transfer is absurdly grainy! The LaserDisc was much better in this respect! The speckles and dirt are gone, but I'd rather keep them for a smooth film-like image quality.
Now, please let us have other Paramount trash classics on DVD from this era: "Harlow", "Sylvia" and "Where Love Has Gone", to mention just a few! But please make sure they're mastered from first class complete prints! Is this asking too much?

"The Carpetbaggers" AKA "Is he crazy folks?"
I just finished watching the "The Carpetbaggers" on AMC; I thought the 'C' part of that acronym was "Classic", but now realize that perhaps 'Cornball,' 'Contagious,' or 'Compelling' may substitute since this movie seemed to be all of this. But, hey, maybe that's just the gin talkin. It is one of those movies that you cannot wait to end, so you can find out just who these B-film actresses really were - yet you continue to watch. But when it does end, you are somewhat saddened that it is over. Partially sad because you have been drawn in by this charismatic yet utterly ruthless SOB Jason Cord (George Peppard), but mostly just sad because AMC DOESN'T GIVE YOU THE CREDITS! that's why I'm here...finding out that the actresses were Caroll baker (as Rina Marlowe, the not-so-lovable Hollywood star; and Elizabeth Ashley (as Monica Cord) - the impossibly forgiving ex/not-so-happily-ever-after-wife of the unmarriable-unlovable-unrelenting-insanely ambitious Jason. Bob Cummings gets accolades as the fiendishly charming scumbag who plays Dan Pierce - most probably a very typical Hollywood agent. Someone who would put a rattlesnake in your pocket and then ask you for a match if he could get 10% of your blood in doing so. Go ahead and watch the dern thing (4/5 stars) - You'll understand. But hey - don't forgit the gin.

Devoid of Interest
I suppose THE CARPETBAGGERS may hold the same cult-film appeal for some views as such awful movies as VALLEY OF THE DOLLS hold for me--but I've quite been able to see it. Loosely based on Harold Robbins' trashy bestseller which was itself loosely based on the life of Howard Hughes, the film gives us glimpses of such performers as George Peppard, Elizabeth Ashley, Diane Baker, and an aging Alan Ladd, but even their presence can't spark up the deadly dull script. Give it a miss.

--GFT (Amazon.com Reviewer)--

CAN'T HELP MYSELF
C'mon. Admit it. Embarrasing though it may be, you probably have one. One of those films that by almost any standard of good taste is considered to be pure trash -- but you adore it just the same. Well, "The Carpetbaggers" is my source of shame and delight. Yes, it's cheap and tawdry, unintentionally laughable at times, and held together (barely) by a script with many a line in need of a rewrite. It sports hair styles and costumes that, although undeniably lavish, are often anachronistic to the 1920's and 1930's (those decades in which the story is set). Performances range from extreme and over-the-top to downright comatose. But this early 1960's contribution to the breakdown of the American cinema's once strict moral code never loses its ability to do what Hollywood does best -- to entertain. It's a film filled with a grand potpourri of characters ranging from an arrogant and ruthless Jason Cord (a wooden George Peppard) to a lushly lascivious Rina Marlowe (a questionably sexy Carroll Baker), from a charmingly unctuous (i.e., villanous) Dan Pierce (Bob Cummings) to a bubbling and bouncy Monica Winthrop Cord (a totally engaging Elizabeth Ashley). Classic character actors and actresses (e.g., Charles Lane, Tom Tully, Audrey Totter) abound. And Elmer Bernstein's jazz score boasts a main theme that is pulsatingly decadent. Yes, "The Carpetbaggers" is all flash and fire with very little substance. But I love it. Can't help myself.

Not frequently mentioned: A complex movie!
This movie starts out with a bang in the first five minutes. Itkept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie. It is a movie that I have remembered since I saw it the very first time years ago. George Peppard and Carol Baker are at thier top performance levels, and the movie keeps moving with intricate subplots going at all times. Many reviews mention the tycoon who is cruel and calculating, the insights into the movie business, complex personal relationships, but few mention the situations that created these characteristics in him, one being a incident that is never totally shown or explained, but partially shown then implied, not explained thoroughly. This particular subplot may then get missed and is psychologically of great impact if one looks for and finds it.

For music fans, the soundtrack is fabulous, I have had it on Lp for almost 15 or more years, and it is one of very few soundtracks where I am willing to just listen to the music without always seeing the movie, it is wonderful all on it's own. Just on it's own, the music is well worth buying the movie. I sincerely appreciate Amazon for still carrying what many might consider an old, and outdated movie. I don't believe times have changed that much, much of it would still apply today. For anyone that likes phychological plots and mystery this is a movie for you, even if not, the other subplots make it a very worthwhile movie to have. I would recommend it to anyone, and especially George Peppard fans. END ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not ALAN LADD
I PURCHASED THIS MOVIE THINKING IT WAS A ALAN lADD MOVIE BECAUSE IT WAS GIVING AS A ALAN LADD MOVIE BY AMAZON BUT THE JOKE WAS ON ME IT IS NOT THE ALAN LADD BADLANDERS SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS CRAPPY MOVIE AND HAVE TO STILL BUY BADLANDERS WITH ALAN LADD SO ALL I CAN SAY IS AMAZON SUCKS

the badlanders
good movie but not great movie. Western version of "The Asphalt Jungle" Ladd and Borgnine are stiffed by local villan Kent Smith, in unconnected incidents. when released from klink team up to rob gold mine. Granted it's not Shane, but it's a good flick. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Stylish, but not genuine noir
The opening shot may be one of the most knowing and beautiful ones in film noir, a focus on the word 'Hollywood' which after the camera pulls away, is actually a destination on a bus sign. With fiml noir, just utter "Hollywood" and there is no need to explain betrayal, hypocrisy, seediness, injustice or pretence.

The screenplay is classic Raymond Chandler, sharply brilliant with rat-a-tat fire exchange. But the plot fails -- it's too simple, too linear, and not convuluted enough to darken the shadows and reflect the torn morals noir characters have to face. Veronica Lake as the femme fatale isn't quite vicious enough, and her own private agenda is boring enough to bleach white into the noir. In fact, that credit should go to man-caught-in-the-middle Johnny Morrison's (Alan Ladd) ex-wife, who goes out of her way to make a war hero look bad.

The Best of Everything
The Blue Dahlia is the finest noir film of it's kind and everything is absolutely perfect in the third of four films Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake would make together. Raymond Chandler wrote the origional screenplay and George Marshall turned in his finest directing job in this screen classic. This film has the perfect blend of grit and gloss, romance and female treachery, and for my money is better than the film often held up as the perfect noir, Casablanca.

Ladd returns from WWII with his two buddies only to find his wife has been unfaithful, in your face unfaithful, and responsible for his son's death while he was away. He confronts her at a party and blows out in a storm, unaware that someone kills her with his gun only hours later. Veronica Lake picks him up in the pouring rain and an attraction begins between the two.

The dialog is crisp and the atmosphere perfect as Ladd finds out by accident he is being sought for the murder of his wife. Like Ladd, Lake is running from something as well and trying to help Ladd takes her right back to The Blue Dahlia. Ladd's loyal buddies, who have been through so much together overseas, are on hand to help also. Did his shell shocked friend, played nicely by William Bendix, kill Ladd's wife or was it the owner of The Blue Dahlia, or maybe someone unknown?

Finding out is about the most entertaining 100 minutes you'll ever spend watching a movie and this is certain to be one of your all time favorites after you see it for the first time. Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake were the perfect screen duo. Ladd tells Lake early on in the film that every guy had seen her somewhere before, meaning the girl we all see in our dreams. When things are all wrapped up Ladd stops her from driving away, reminding her of what he said. We know then as she does that she is Ladd's dream, and ours as well.

This film is everything others of it's kind during the '40's tried to be. The Blue Dahlia is a film you HAVE to own if you love the movies.......

Why isn't this on DVD
Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake made some of the best film noir movies of all time and none of them are on DVD. These are great movies if you love old black and white intrigue and mystery however. They are worth getting in any format.

Engaging Early Noir
Although riddled with improbabilities, Raymond Chandler's tough story and script is well served with a glossy look and the hard-edged performances drawn by director George Marshall from a superior cast. THE BLUE DAHLIA concerns a recently discharged military man Johnny Morrison (Alan Ladd) who returns home to find his wife Helen (Doris Dowling) has been as unfaithful as the day is long--and is presently carrying on with club owner Eddie Harwood (Howard da Silva), over whom her hold is not entirely romantic. After stomping out into the rain, Morrison learns Helen has been murdered, and must race to prove his innocence before the coppers pick him up.

Ladd would give considerably more sophistocated performances in his later years, but he strikes all the right ultra-tough chords, and although Veronica Lake is a rather wooden actress she is remarkably beautiful and as a team the pair has considerable chemistry. The standouts in the cast, however, are Da Silva, who gives the role of the heavy a surprising interpretation, and William Bendix, who plays Ladd's war-wounded buddy to great effect. THE BLUE DAHLIA lacks both the moodiness and grittiness of truly great film noir, so it is not in the first rank of the genre--but it is no less enjoyable for that. The film cracks along at a rapid pace with plenty of action and a surprise twist or two that will keep you guessing to the very end. Ladd and Lake fans will love it, and any one who likes the hardboiled style will be in for a real treat. Recommended.

One Of The Best Noir Films I've Ever Seen!
I love Noir films. And while Hollywood tries to keep this genre alive today, the movies that come out now, can never be compared to the "classics" of the 30's and 40's. If a noir film doesn't have Alan Ladd, Lana Turner,Veronica Lake, or Orson Welles in it, then, I don't want to see it! "Dahlia" was the first time fammed novelist Raymond Chandler took a crack at writting a screenplay. And the results were amazing. Directed by George Marshall (Some might know him for directing a couple of Bob Hope films like "Fancy Pants", and Monsieur Beaucaire")this movie has all the mystery, suspense,and entertainment you could want from a movie. Alan Ladd plays Johnny Morrison, an ex millitary man comes home to find out that wife has been cheating on him since he's been away with Eddie Harwood (Howard Da Silva) who runs a club called "The Blue Dahlia". When Johnny and his two friends return Buzz (William Bendix) and George (Hugh Beaumont)he's furious! He's yelling and screaming and is even more bitter when he finds out that it's because of his wife that their daughter has died! After a house detective notices that Johnny is pushing his wife around, he warns him if he plans on doing that he can at least close his shades. Johnny full of hate steams out of the room and is never seen again. The very next morning his wife is found dead! But did Johnny actually do it?? Well, all I'll say is be was with Joyce Harwood (Veronica Lake) at the time picking up a ride. Soon he finds out tha she's Eddie's wife, and she finds out he's on the run from the police. A lot of twist and turns take place and make this movie enjoyable to watch. We're lead to believe one thing and then in the end, find out something complete different is what happened. A classic noir film is I ever saw one. Great acting by Lake and Ladd, not to mention Da Silva. Good solid directing by Marshall, and a terrific screenplay by Chandler. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A mixed bag... but still good nostalgic fun
Bing Crosby croons the closing number in this flimsily-scripted wartime tossoff in which Paramount Studios hosts a patriotic all-star revue to entertain our men in uniform. Eddie Bracken is a goofy sailor back home to get a girl... Lucky for him that Betty Hutton -- in her first major role -- has her eyes set on him as well. She fast-talks and finagles (in a very Lucy-like way) to get Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Fred MacMurray and a bunch of other stars to come on board for the (spontaneous, yet amazingly elaborate) really big show, and in the process Hutton gets her man. The song and dance numbers, despite being written by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen, are notably not first rate, although the Golden Gate Quartet have a nice cameo (even if they are playing train porters...) and a trio of starlets -- Paulette Goddard, Dorothy Lamour and (aroooogah!! woof! woof!) Veronica Lake -- do a hilarious number together, based on their images as stars. Also notable is a silly, prolonged skit in which men pretend to be women (eek.) and Bing's big patriotic number at the end, which is some of the clumsiest wartime propaganda committed to film. Betty Hutton is given the film's biggest role, and though she hams it up, she's still totally adorable. Let's see more of her!! Film buffs will also enjoy the chance to see director Preston Sturges and studio legend Cecil B. DeMille onscreen.

Absolutely crazy!
This combination of Paramount's stars during World War II is great! The storyline is typical of musical comedies from that era: Betty Hutton is a telephone operator at Paramount who, along with Victor Moore, pretends that Moore is the head director of the studio in order to impress Moore's sailor son (played by Eddie Bracken) and his shipmates. In reality, Moore is only a gate guard known as Pop, and when he is discovered by the director whom he is impersonating (Walter Abel) he and Hutton are fired and thrown off the lot. Unfortunately, they have promised Bracken that the stars of the studio will put on a show for the men on his ship. Hutton manages to sneak back into the studio and coaxes several actors and actresses to help their beloved Pop. The whole movie is a lot of fun. My family loves it, especially the part when Hutton is trying to get back into the studio! With a few exceptions--Hutton, Moore, Bracken, Abel, etc.--everyone in the movie plays themself, including several well-known Paramount directors of that time. Definitely a must-see if you love goofy movies from the forties! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nifty action western
This 1954 western benefits from beautiful scenery, a good cast topped by Alan Ladd, a director who knows how to keep the action moving at a brisk pace [Raoul Walsh] and an interesting story that features several rugged cavalry-Indian clashes. When the warlike Sioux head north to Canada after wiping out Custer and the Seventh Cavalry, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police decide to err on the side of caution and disarm the peaceful Cree tribe, confiscating their weapons and ammunition to discourage an alliance with Sitting Bull's fierce warriors. Sgt. O'Rourke's daring and mutinous bent is the film's raison detre and he has the solid backing of his men as he leads the column of Mounties through the southern Saskatchewan wilderness to avoid the Sioux who are hot on their trail. Jay Silverheels is once again a faithful Indian companion, this time as Cajou, a blood brother to O'Rourke, and J. Carrol Naish is colorful as Batouche, a French trader and scout who knows Indians. The romantic angle has a fugitive woman [Shelley Winters] chasing after O'Rourke while spurning the advances of a crooked lawman who has charged her with murder. There are fist fights, canoe chases, explosions and Indian attacks and O'Rourke's fearless leadership saves the day for the Mounties and Western Canada.

NWMP & the Canadian Rockies
I loved this movie! The Canadian Rockies more than made up for any flaw. For those in love with the Canadian Rockies, this movie is a must! The opening scene of Peyto Lake is breathtaking. Makes you want to call a travel agent! Although others may disagree, I found the acting by Alan Ladd believable. "Shane" was my favorite Alan Ladd movie, but this is a close second. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hey! Lighten up, it's a B movie and it's fun to watch.
OK, so it's not perfect, but it is entertaining. And, Hugh Herbert is not "some 5th rate comedian" he's a hoot! The overall appearance, photography, lighting, setting are all worth a look. To me, it's a campy take on the classic Hollywood "who dunit." There's shadows, lightening & thunder, cats, scheming relatives all in glorious black & white. The cast is delightful and includes a very young Alan Ladd. I recommend it!

Meow
Years later, Gale Sondergaard described this as the kind of movie actors do strictly for the money. Despite the cool cast, the nice title and the very clever packaging from MCA, don't even think about purchasing this incredible turkey... described perfectly in the reviews below.

Atmosphere and more
I highly recommend this movie. It has good photography, a storm, cats that meow hauntingly, and even some humor. I love horror and comedy together but this movie didn't quite find the perfect blend of the two but still is an excellent film. You can't go wrong with this one!

Bizarre! Weird! A real horror!
This has to be one of the most bizarre movies ever produced by a major studio during the early 40s. First of all, this is not a horror movie. It's an hysterical hybrid of comedy/old house creeps/suspense. Someone wearing a disguise runs around the house killing people. But what a fantastic cast: Basil Rathbone, who acts so uncomfortable, he must have realized too late what kind of a mess he had gotten into; Gale Sondergarde (who had won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and this is what she ended up with!); Bela Lugosi, who does nothing more than leer, smirk, bulge his eyes. And the others: Broderick Crawford, Alan Ladd, Gladys George (who had just played Bette Davis' bitch mother in the classic, Now, Voyager); and cute B-actress Claire Dodd (she has only ten words). What's so exasperating is that the characters act like lunatics. Crawford bumbles, mumbles, trips,falls, does double-takes. Even worse is his horrendous sidekick, some fifth-rate comedian who is supposed to be an antique dealer. He's even worse. He acts so stupid he doesn't even know what a clock is. One example of how insane this movie is. The camera films a group of faces, as possible killers. One of them is Sondergarde. For no reason at all, she suddenly bursts into maniacal laughter. What's really strange is that the photography and lightning is a knockout. Because legendary Stanley Cortez was the camera man! This would certainly make a fascinating article for FilmFax. Or maybe even a book, like "Hollywood Gothic".You've got to see this curiosity to believe it. Paging James Whale, Tod Browning, George Waggner. Yes, even Reginald le Borge.

Boris karloff is not in this movie
Just wanted to point out, Karloff is not in thi ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Branded
If you enjoy good OL westerns this is one of the most entertaining. Good story, one of Alan Lad's best westerns. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A great film noir
Great performances in the classic thriller from the 40's. There is good chemistry between Lake and Ladd. It is a whodunit that will keep you guessing. A must for any collection of movies from that era.

Strong Supporting Cast
Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake star in this remake by Paramount of the Hammett classic. Brian Donlevy has the role of Paul Madvig, the political boss. The script is not too faithful to Hammett's original work but I still recommend the movie. William Bendix and Joseph Calleia round out a strong supporting cast.

My favorite Ladd/Lake vehicle, good book adaptation
There are many reasons to check out this film. First, it is the second and best on-screen teaming of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake (they were first paired in This Gun For Hire with Ladd playing the bad guy) Second, it is based on a novel of Dashiell Hammett whose exterior narration style transfers very well to screen. Third, it's just a good 40s whodunit.

The book is toned down but for the most part its satire of politics is allowed to remain intact. Most of what gets eliminated are subplots and partying which, though interesting, do not add to the story much. The movie is much leaner but less complex than the book but it is still faithful to the overall spirit.

Alan Ladd plays a tough guy/toadie to a local politician, Madvig, who has his fingers in a few too many pies. Madvig falls in love with Veronica Lake and burns a few political bridges to win her hand. Lake is the daughter of a senator, one of Madvig's political rivals. All seems to be going well until Lake's no good brother is found dead in a gutter and all fingers point at Madvig. The only person who seems to care about proving him innocent is Ladd. Even Madvig seems determined to get himself convicted. Ladd becomes obsessed with finding out the truth and goes through beaurocratic red tape, underworld sleaze, a torture session and his own feelings for Lake to find out who the real killer was.

Alan Ladd does a great job in the strong-silent role. He is stoic without being cartoonishly so. (The injury makeup is so convincing that you want to flinch for him) Veronica Lake is also good but really isn't given much to do besides show up onscreen in a series of ever more outlandish hats. (I love 40s fashion!) She isn't given any really good scenes until the last third of the movie. The supporting cast is universally good, it includes former Nancy Drew actress Bonita Granville as Madvig's kid sister. (changed from daughter in the book to make up for the relative youth of the actor)

This is a good bit of film history and a very good mystery (you think you have it figured out when it suddenly takes another twist) It is also a chance to see one of the great 40s screen teams in action. A must for classic film noir fans, don't miss it

Fairly good adaption of an excellent book.
I was impressed how this movie stuck very close to the story and dark overtone of the book itself. I highly recommend the book, you will get a sense of Hammett's brilliance as a writer. The movie itself stands fairly well by itself. Alan Ladd plays the dark hero (Ed Beaumont, Ned in the book) and henchman of political magnate Paul Madvig. Madvig is currently busy on promoting his newest senator candidate into power. Madvig's sister however is secretly seeing the candidate's gambling, conniving son behind his back. After an ultimatum by Madvig to his sister, the senator's son is found shortly thereafter dead in the street. Thus the mystery begins. Veronica Lake (who is stunningly beautiful) plays the senator's daughter who Madvig is in love with. Won't go into more detail, but will say that it is well worth your time to both watch the movie and read the book. Crime noir at it's best.

William 'Billy' Benedict a bad guy? Never, well maybe
What ever happened to William Bendix "Boys' Night Out (1962) ASIN: 6302985293" and "Life of Riley Vol 02 (1953) ASIN: 6304212550"? I always thought of him as a good guy. Boy, this shatters my image of him.

They mention "the glass Key" at the beginning of the film as the key to a position. A warning says, "it is a glass key, be sure it does not break off in your hand."

This movie was supposed to be the one that made it for both Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd. I did not read the book but Dash-it-all Hammett is usually a lot darker and his characters are usually a lot sleazier. The only really dark scene was probably the encounter between Ed Beaumont and Jeff. The mystery was good. The who-done-it and why lasted up to the end. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

What More Can You Want?
Very good film with Alan Ladd as the head of his O.S.S. team dropped into Germany. Each one the team members do there part and each one pays dearly. The ending is a shocking twist! Buy This Film!

Excellent WWII action/drama
A great supporting cast which makes the movie happen and a great semi-documentary story of action and drama. A real cliff-hanger based on files of the OSS so it plays well.
Alan Ladd and Geraldine Fitzgerald (who's worth the price of admission just to look at) both early in career's do a great job. He was an exceptional natural athelete which shows well in the movie, and their obvious acting talent really come out.
Well worth seeing. She is also excellent in that time in Watch On The Rhine, a real classic of the war and the movies. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Tortured Soul Finds Peace
This was the first time Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake were in the same film together, and when box office receipts exploded because of the gritty and tortured performance of Ladd as the killer Raven, Paramont knew it had a star. The chemistry of Ladd and Lake together was electric also, and Paramont also knew it had a couple. Ladd might not have gotten her in this one, but they ended up together in the other three films they would make and everyone loved it.

This was a dark and star making performance from Ladd. From the very first scene, as Raven stops on the stairs, gun in hand, to pause and decide if he should shoot the little girl who has seen him, he was a star. Raven has been double crossed by "Neptune Club" owner Willard Gates (Laird Cregar) and is out to settle the score. Ellen Graham (Veronica Lake) has a nightclub act and a cop boyfriend played by Robert Preston.

The government wants Ellen to help get the goods on Alvin Brewster (Tully Marshall) who runs a chemical company that has sold poisonous gas to the Japanese and also happens to be Gates's boss, the man pulling all the strings. But when Ellen senses the pain inside Raven and becomes his only friend, other than cats, we know the bad guys don't have a chance.

Doom follows Phillip Raven also though, his horrific chidhood slowly revealed to Ellen, his willing captive. She begins to reach Raven and make him human once more, maybe human enough to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and put his personal demons to rest. It was a teriffic turn from Ladd and one of his most memorable roles.

It's a good movie made great by Ladd's performance. It was also the beginning of screen magic for he and Lake. You have to see this movie if you like crime noir and/or you like Ladd and Lake, and how could you not? They were lightening in a bottle and the cork is blown completely off here....

A nice, slick bit of 40s movie-making
This Gun for Hire was based on the Graham Greene novel A Gun for Sale and was considerably toned down and glammed up for the early 40s movie going public. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I found this movie rather enjoyable, it is easy to see why Ladd and Lake were made into a screen team. They are supported by Laird Cregar as a plotting spy with no stomach for violence and Robert Preston as Veronica Lake's cop boyfriend. Alan Ladd steals the show as Raven, a killer for hire who really only likes cats. (as a cat lover, I was automatically more sympathetic to him) Cregar's Gates betrayed him to the cops and now he wants revenge.

Raven and Lake's Ellen, a nightclub magician, cross paths throughout the movie and she begins to strip down his tough guy veneer to reveal an abused childhood. Armed with her brains and a considerable amount of flag waving, Ellen tries to persuade Raven to give up his vengeance and uncover an Axis plot.

Ladd, Lake and Cregar are all marvelous but the usually wonderful Preston (best known for his smooth con-man in Music Man) isn't given much to work with and his cop character feels flat especially next to Raven.

This movie is really a must-see for any fan of 40's films and even with its flaws (I also found the final image to be annoying and totally against Lake's independant character), it is still a pleasant way to pass an evening.

Over-rated....Lake and Ladd make up for a tired scenario
This is the movie that made Alan Ladd a star, and his teaming here with Veronica Lake caused quite a stir back in 1942.

Sadly, THIS GUN FOR HIRE is really second-rate noir, a tired melodrama that really doesn't hold up, especially for repeat viewings.

Universal's DVD looks very similar to the old Image laserdisc release from a few years back. Not really any improvement

There's a lot of film-noir available on DVD, but this one doesn't live up to the hype. Skip it.

RAVEN A CHILLING SCREEN CREATION
"This Gun For Hire" is a watered down, glammed up version of Graham Greene's novel A Gun for Sale. It represents the first of four cinematic outings that teamed sultry Veronica Lake with the stoically handsome Alan Ladd, a potent cocktail of personalities that proved to be much in demand over the next decade. Perhaps a tad heavy on sentimentality than most film noirs, the plot concerns Philip Raven's (Ladd) obsession with Ellen Graham (Veronica Lake) a nightclub dancer with a rough and rumble cop boyfriend, Michael Crane (Robert Preston). Ellen is supposed to be working on exposing Alvin Brewster (Tully Marshall), a chemical company CEO who sold poisonous gas to the Japanese. But an odd and Freudian driven relationship surfaces between Ellen and Raven when she senses his childhood pain and angst. Ellen becomes Raven's willing captive, in the process transcending his nightmares and making him more human. The very first scene in this film is so incredibly chilling it begs special mention. After having been double crossed by ne'er-do-well, Williard Gates (Laird Cregar), Raven (Ladd) contemplates killing an innocent little girl who has seen him. Even though the resulting decision is typical "golden age" morality, Ladd makes one believe, if only for a moment, that such cold blooded silencing might be possible.
THE TRANSFER: Universal's DVD transfer is remarkably solid and clean. The gray scale is very well balanced with deep solid blacks and whites that are almost pristine. There's a hint film grain and some age related artifacts. Also, some edge enhancement and pixelization occur, but nothing that will distract from a visual presentation that is a considerable improvement over previously issued VHS tapes. The audio is mono and very well represented.
BOTTOM LINE: There are no extras on this disc. Nevertheless, it is a good disc to add to your library of classic cinema.

this gun for hire
In the world of film noire I found all the elements here, with wonderful casting. Lake and Ladd are imbued with a gorgeous chemistry, there is an underlying element that suggests that if the circumstances had been different:they would easily have succumbed to each other. This is indeed Ladd at his best,he carries the subtle,seething world of hatred just beneath the surface, and the camera is fascinated by the intensity of his physical gestures, and facial expressions. In particular when he recounts the nature of the injury to his wrist, you get a window into how his mind works and what motivates him to be who he is. Lake is strong, and vulnerable and I see no mistep in her performance. This is a film that mesmerized me when I was much younger and I still find it to do so. Laird Cregar as Willard Gates is as oily as grease and I felt his performance too was a standout,a coward at the core but willing to have murder done on his behalf . I enjoyed the whole spy-thing interwoven into the plot, and as well very memorable atmospherics, especially the scene where Ladd and Lake are trapped in the railroad yards; the fog just added an extra dimension to the scene. I also found Robert Preston did a fine job too in his role as Lake's detective love interest with an understated performance, but with just the right touch of resolve to win through the day. ... Read more

Description

Fictional biography of a Korean war hero returned home who becomes a jet test pilot despite his wife's reservations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

spectacular flying sequences
This bio-pic has action and romance. Alan Ladd is a bit aloof as Joe McConnell, but June Allyson counterbalances this nicely with her usual exuberant enthusiasm. The plot is standard fare for the era, though the twist of transport pilots dreaming of glory as fighter aces is novel. Allyson's role as the loving wife who wants Ladd to stop flying and settle down is familiar, as she basically plays the same part with Jimmy Stewart as the pilot hubby in Strategic Air Command. What really sets the The McConnell Story apart from other cold war military dramas of the 1950s are the spectacular flying sequences. It is unclear whether Major Stephen Bittinger or Captain Pete Fernandez flew the F-86 that was supposed to be McConnell's plane during the filming; both were ace pilots in Korea, and Fernandez was also McConnell's best friend, going back to the transport pilot days. (Fernandez is the only airman listed in the film's credits, as technical advisor.)
So sail off into the clouds with the aces of Korea in this technicolor delight.

True story of America's triple-jet ace
Alan Ladd is Joe "Mac" McConnell, who became a triple-jet ace in the Korean war and later died during a critical test flight. At the outset, Mac is a man who feels he's born to fly - while in army training, he sneaks off base for flying lessons. (The movie begins before the end of WWII, when the Air Force was just another branch of the US Army.) Unfortunately, Mac washes out of flight training, and spends the war over Europe as a bombardier-navigator - watching impotently as his plane is menaced by German fighters. Even though he survives the war and snags "Butch" Brown (June Allyson) as his bride, Mac returns home feeling painfully unfulfilled. With the help of "Dad" Whitman (James Whitmore), Mac gets a second chance to break into pilot training. Unfortunately, the advent of jets raises the stakes. Nevertheless, Mac manages to ace his check flight (in a single-seat Lockheed F-80). From there, Mac proceeds to the F-86, a jet fighter like the F-80, but in just about every other respect, an airplane completely unlike the F-80. Shipped off to Korea, Mac wipes the skies clean of MiG fighters, becoming an ace, then a triple ace. Returning home again, where Butch hopes he'll settle down, Mac continues flying. Only now, his skills are put to work in high-risk flight-test.

I don't know enough about the real McConnell to comment on this flick's accuracy. Though the story is great, it's better early on - before Mac achieves his dream of becoming a pilot. Like most movies about pilots, it's heard to get excited about guys who spend most of their time sitting down while a matte-sky "flies" past, and stock footage of enemy jets erupt into geysers of burning jet fuel. The cockpit sequences seem unnecessarily static - as if the producers were unwilling to put in the slightest imaginative effort to convince us that Alan Ladd was actually strapped to a real airplane. (In contrast, note how in "Firefox" the effects simulated movement by changing the apparent direction of sunlight playing off Clint Eastwood's face). Then there's McConnell himself - he's a much more appealing character and pilot when it's not clear that he'll be allowed to become a pilot. Once he gets his wings, he's more aloof, senseless to how much Butch and Dad fear for his life. (The script seems to follow the example - after emerging victorious from an early dogfight, Mac leads his triumphant wingmen in a smoothly flying formation while they all relax to a Waltz. Are we supposed to believe that the real McConnell felt no fear or self-doubt once he made his first kill?) Also, the script makes McConnel a virtual one-man air force, though air combat is mostly about team work (even "Top Gun" stressed that). The script has Dad Whitman leading the way for McConnel to become a combat pilot, but then has him do little more than warn McConnell not to work to hard once he's in combat (the script also gives Whitmore's character the unpleasant task of begging McConnell to fly a crucial yet extremely hazardous test flight). On the plus side - it's still a flick worth catching. For aviation fans, the film happily stages dogfights (as opposed to using stock footage), with Republic F-84's as convincing stand-ins for the infamous MiG-15 (F-84's flew in Korea, but only early models designed with primitive, un-swept wings; those that appear in this movie are a more advanced design using swept-wings, and had not begun entering USAF service until the armistice halted combat in Korea). For those mystified by military aviation, the flick uncannily manages to touch on the human element of hazardous test-flights so that even Butch can appreciate the sacrifices of her husband.

Such a great movie
This movie tells the tragic story of America's first jet ace, and it does a pretty good job of it. I just thought it was easy to sit through and watch and I think everyone will enjoy watching it.

Interesting story of the top USAF ace in the Korean War
Joe McConnell was a man driven to become a top fighter pilot. This movie tells the story of Joe as he gets selected to become a navigator in a B-17 bomber in WWII. Unsatisfied in this role, he fights hard to become a pilot and even harder to get in to combat in the skies over Korea. He became the top scoring ace before he was done. The movie ends with the tragedy of his death while test flying new fighter jets.

The McConnell story showcases a period of time in America when the Cold War first turned bloody. It also shows the determination and courage of the American fighter pilots during the Korean War.

The flying scenes are exceptionally good, and very authentic in the aircraft, the lingo and the procedures. Any flying or military history buff would like the movie.

(Side note: I may be biased--my father,then Major Stephen Bettinger, piloted the aircraft "Joe" was flying in the F-86 scenes for the movie and was a jet ace in Korea himself...) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A solid version of Gatsby
Alan Ladd was often dismissed as a one film wonder in Shane, but every so often he was allowed to break free and act against type. In The Great Gatsby, he plays the central role of Gatsby quite well. I under stand he really wanted the part and he deserved it.

The problem is not Ladd, it is the rest of the film. The central character of Daisy is not well played and it is hard to see anyone throwing their life away on this woman. Some of the other characters are wooden and their interpretation is often stiff. The actor who plays Tom Buchanan just looks wrong. He should be a massive footballer, he looks like a tall thread of a man.

The art direction is very good and the scenes with Ladd looking over the water at the East Egg building of Buchanan is very strong. I have no idea why this film is not on video,but Paramount seems a little slow in releasing their films for some reason.

Ladd & Gatsby
The 1949 "Gatsby" is a long buried classic that deserves the commercial video light of day. Produced by Paramount, it has been buried since it's release. The above reference to a Universal Home Video release is inaccurate, as Universal claims to not own the production rights. This film is haunting, and probably Ladd's finest dramatic performance. Macdonald Carey as Nick Carraway, is the moral conscience in a decadent time of any thing goes, as long as you win. NB: I recently encountered a commercial version of this film. It was released in 1980 by "Hollywood Home Theater," in a plastic clamshell case. The quality is very good - the best I've seen for this film. The problem is that this version is very rare and hard to find.

ALAN LADD is the authentic JAY GATSBY.
Make no mistake, this picture was badly reviewed and underpromoted by Paramount Pictures even though it was made during LADD's prime years. Unlike the overstaged and stilted film with Robert Redford, LADD's Jay Gatsby is nearer the character written by Fitzgerald. Paramount may have buried this picture in its vaults, but it has been resurrected via the internet and has sold many times for in excess of ($). I highly recommend this picture, but just don't overpay.

"Shane" does Gatsby
This second film adaptation of Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece is a lavish production and possesses the somberness and substance so badly lacking from the 1974 Robert Redford one--in my opinion a stinker but with some admirable elements, such as Gatsby and Daisy's "reunion," a meaty characterization of Myrtle Wilson, and Gatsby's watery "surprise" death with only his untarnished illusions as his companion. An unjustly "forgotten" classic completely eclipsed by the inexplicably famous later film, and which unfortunately bombed at the time of its release--apparently moviegoers and critics alike didn't want Alan Ladd in "serious" roles. In my movie casting fantasies I would have the dreamy, introspective and inwardly turbulent persona of Montgomery Clift in the title role, but in what I consider one of his best yet most underrated performances, the cool and aloof "loner" quality of Ladd serves him to great effect as the mysterious Gatsby, the young man done in by his dreams. Unlike the novel where Gatsby takes on near mythic and godlike proportions despite his criminal enterprises, in this film he's portrayed in an earthy and carnal fashion as he engages in some roughneck activity and pre-Daisy lovin'--since Ladd seems slightly too realistic and no-nonsense, it woulda been nice to see his detached persona combined with Redford's stubbornly wistful dreaminess of Gatsby. Ladd was about 36 but still looked young and boyish--too bad the same can't be said about Betty Field as Daisy Buchanan. Though once a luminous beauty (her roles in "King's Row" and "Flesh and Fantasy" attest to that), she's about 10 years too old for the role and unfortunately looks it, but thankfully imbues her role with depth, sincerity and maturity--a Daisy with a conscience--so badly absent in Mia Farrow's vapid acting in the same role. Still, considering her age and fading looks Field is miscast, and I thought younger actresses like Jennifer Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, or (especially) Gail Russell woulda been perfect since they possessed the required breathtaking beauty, lovely "full of money" voices, never-cold yet unattainable aura, and enchanting quality to make us believe Gatsby would be obsessed for five years with one of them as Daisy. But one thing pleased me--this is the only one of four versions where Daisy is dark. Though called a "golden girl" in the novel, it's meant figuratively and in one passage she's referred to as having "dark shining hair," so it was good to see this version kept to that, though admittedly a trivial point. Barry Sullivan gives a convincing performance as Daisy's despicable heel-of-a-husband Tom, playing with the necessary hauteur and disdainful attitude of a high-class cad. I only wish he had a moustache as in "The Bad and the Beautiful"--he's dapper with it and without it he's slightly thuggish looking, but by far still better than Bruce Dern's Tom in the later film, who's more like a tawdry and vulgar used-car salesman. In a role that would be a precursor to Alice Tripp in "A Place in the Sun" and lead to a career forte of playing downtrodden dames, Shelley Winters is wasted in a small and underdeveloped part as Tom's mistress Myrtle Wilson, the desperately driven dame from "the wrong side of the tracks." Howard da Silva makes an effective departure from his usual bad-guy roles as her hapless husband George. The pivotal role of Nick Carraway, the principled and grounded young man who's both insider and outsider to this dazzling yet destructive world of high society, is well done by MacDonald Carey--though he does no narration here and Sam Waterson in the later film is not to be topped. But what made this version particularly stirring was it included the crucial events of Gatsby's lowly beginnings as dreamy young nobody James Gatz who is put on the fast track toward becoming somebody in his fortuitous association with the rich and rugged Dan Cody--something unfortunately left out of the 74' film. Cody is marvelously played by Henry Hull complete with long pointed beard and thick, highly-arched demonlike brows and apparently represents a Mephistophelean figure--appropriate since Cody is an archetypal, almost otherworldly and wizardly character who introduces "Jimmy Gatz" to opportunities and riches, the likes of which he has never known before. In an interesting twist the character of Ella Kaye, the Madame de Maitenon of newspaperwomen, is included as Cody's young and beautiful, though cunning, wife who inflames the first sparks of grand possibilities in "Jay Gatsby." However, in this version at the end Gatsby becomes disillusioned and unfortunately dies in gangster-like fashion, and though this takes away the mythical and mystical symbolism of his demise, it's fitting since it woulda been hard to swallow savvy Ladd being fooled for long. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Clark Gable as gentleman-thief
The "Star of Bombay" is a legendary precious stone. It hangs around the neck of the duchess of Beltravers (Jessie Ralph). Two jewel thieves have designs on it, but their strategies differ: Gerald Meldrick (Clark Gable) is a "gentleman-thief" in top hat and white shawl who considers himself an artist and resides at the Ritz. In order to come into possession of the stone he poses as commissioner of Lloyd's of London and offers his services to take care of the stone. Anya Van Duren (Rosalind Russell) on the other hand, plans to worm her way into the confidence of her prey. She succeeds in making the duchess drunk and seizes the stone. But a fake "Star of Africa" is put in circulation too...

They flee from Bombay (Gable in tropicals in a wild chase under palms) to a ship with destination Hong-Kong. But the chinese captain of this ship (Peter Lorre with glued-on eyelids) is a traitor: Since 10.000 pounds have been set on Gable's head he plans to extradicate him. Gable and Russell pass themselves off as runaway lovers and vacillate between the confession of how much they loathe their immoral existence and the desire to get rid of each other. Finally they escape from the ship. In Hong-Kong Gable poses as captain of the army and recruits an entire regiment. He forces the chinese to open the safe with the stone, but his plans to escape disguised as missionary are thwarted when the japanese invade the country. He is ordered to evacuate 130 european and chinese civilians from a monastery. Since this is a film, he intimidates the enemy rather quickly. Now we get to see an impressive scenery and an expensive-looking battle in the mountains. During a hail-of-bullets, he manages to sneak behind enemy-lines and throws some hand-grenades on them. He is wounded, but recovers and is decorated with the Victoria-cross.

Quick: name the sexiest criminal according to Hollywood: Yes, it's the "gentleman-thief". Since the penal-code is full of equally promising crimes I wonder: why don't they make a movie about a sexy hit-and-run-offender or and attractive polluter...In the long list of actors who played gentleman-thieves, the seductively sensitive Ronald Colman (Raffles, 1930)and the amiably crazed John Barrymore (Arsene Lupin, 1932) stand out. The audacious Edward G. Robinson (The amazing Dr. Clitterhouse, 1938) and Cary Grant in Hitchcock's "To catch a thief" are equally good. Gable is brazen and sexy and smart. He and Russell do what they can, but even their joint efforts cannot save this script. The film looks exotic and expensive and some scenes are funny, like the one when they exchange secrets of their trade (Drug the victims and smash their heads with an axe, Gable suggests). Jessie Ralph is a battleship of a duchess: ("I hate caviar: It's like eating golf-balls"). Gable and Russell order "a cabin for two" and she forces him to sleep in a shabby corner and once she exclaims:"It belongs to me. After all, I was the one who stole it". Her outfit is hilarious: With her headkerchief she looks like the sphinx - with a hat better suited for Ascot on top of it - Her co-stars try very hard not to break down laughing. But this is not enough to sustain the entire film: The dialogue should have been wittier, snappier...

JEWEL THIEVES IN INDIA.
Gable plays a suave jewel thief named Gerald Meldrick. While in India, he encounters an equally smooth lady crook named Anya Von Duren; both are after the same loot: a diamond penant owned by Duchess Jessie Ralph...This is a surprisingly underrated and entertaining sleeper in which both stars are seen in rare form. Their styles are light and assured, and even though the story is quite preposterous, the smart dialogue is made smarter by the expert comic delivery of Gable and Russell. The love story angle is hardly believable, but it doesn't really matter: Gable is in fine form as the thief (who is also a master in posing) and Roz is superb as usual. Their particular talents are exqusitely exploited in this adventure farce which was never meant to be taken seriously in the first place! Peter Lorre plays Captain Chang - who exploits the duo to the police inspector. But, alas, they escape - again ...

Somewhat Stream of Consciousness
"They Met in Bombay" is a curious film because although Rosalind Russell and Clark Gable meet in Bombay, they seem to get a move on and wind up in several different places, trying out several different plot line developments. It's not necessarily a bad movie, but you wind up feeling lost because of all the upheavals. Features Peter Lorre as an Asian sea captain. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Troubled star of Shane and other classic films, Alan Ladd struck a chord with his three-dimensional characters and nonthreatening demeanor.Alan Ladd: The True Quiet Man explores his career and motivations through interviews with colleagues, footage from his films, and archival photos. Growing up poor and fatherless, he struggled to overcome the many obstacles to stardom but never fully believed himself worthy of his fame.His mother's suicide, a string of unrewarding roles, and internal pressures drove him to self-destructive behavior, documented poignantly herein. The man who single-handedly redefined Hollywood bad guys (who at his peak of fame rivaled Marilyn Monroe) died alone in his early 50s, leaving behind just his work and his fans crying, "Shane! Come back!" --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Amazon.com

When you've got Charles Laughton and Bela Lugosi, how can you go wrong? Shipwreck victim Edward Parker (Richard Arlen) is stranded on an island run by the mysterious Dr. Moreau (Laughton). Moreau is hospitable enough, but the jungle is full of menacing shapes--and what about those ominous references to the House of Pain? Parker gradually learns of Moreau's unholy experiments and worries that he'll never escape. Though it has aged a bit, Island of Lost Souls is surprisingly spine-tingling, particularly the horrifying climax. Light and shadows are used especially well--occasionally, Moreau speaks with his face entirely hidden, except for his glittering eyes. Laughton turns in yet another superbly evil performance and even the somewhat worse-for-wear Lugosi is creepy as the pronouncer of the law. ("Are we no