Reviews (140)

The BEST action/adventure film ever made.
Errol Flynn at his best...swashbuckling at its best...action and adventure galore. This film is simply the best of the genre. The casting is perfect, from Flynn in the best role of his career, to Herbert Mundin as Much the Miller's son. The 3-strip color photography remains as vibrant today as when it was released 61 years ago. The dialogue between Flynn and Oliva de Havilland, between Flynn and Basil Rathbone, between Flynn and Claude Rains, is always lively, always fun. And Miss de Havilland's costumes are absolutely gorgeous, as is she.

The film moves, never stops, and you are never bored. If you watch this movie alongside Kevin Costner's ill-advised Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, you realize why one should never try to improve on perfection.

As the New York Times said in its original review in 1938, this film entertains everyone from 8 to 80. No argument here!

The Greatest Robin Hood ,Flynn now a fantastic WB DVD set!
Warner Brothers (WB) Studios has begun meticulously digitally restoring its action classics of the 1930's & 40's under the "Two Disc Special Edition" Series. This 1938 TECHNICOLOR (awesome) film "The Adventures of Robin Hood" starring Errol Flynn, Olivia deHavilland, Basil Rathbone & Claude Rains is still the best rendition of this fictionalized English tale.

Warner Brothers has given us with this 2 Disc set the complete movie theatre experience circa 1938. DISC 1 - First we get a complete "Night at the Movies" program. Introduction by film critic Leonard Maltin explaining for your 10 cent investment what you got in a 1938 movie house. Next the entire continous show with; coming attraction, news reel, Bugs Bunny Cartoon, short subject feature and then the main feature, "The Adventures of Robin Hood". This is a totally ingenius idea!!! Also on Disc 1 - you have 12 Errol Flynn movie trailers and finally an indepth feature commentary by film historian Rudy Belhmer.

Disc 2 - Includes 3 hours of everything about Robin Hood, the movie, the stars, documentaries, cartoons, and a most informative documentary about TECHNICOLOR and why even today it still was the best color process ever.

I love this fun filled DVD set. My hat is off to Warner Brothers for their dedication to the golden age of Hollywood and bring back the grandest of movies for us to see again & again better than their original release. Enjoy.

great movie ....second DVD is amaaazing!
This is more a review of the package than the movie , which is a classic and extremely well presented on disc one....vivid colors , crisp images....not a complaint there....and the bonus features are very good....a comprehensive set of Errol Flynn movie trailers...WB night at the movies....(an exhausting Rudy Belmer commentary track that will have you gasping for air).
the SECOND disc is just ridiculous in its amount of archival coverage..
a wonderful documentary on the movie
a great feature on the history of Technicolor....
two very fun looney tunes cartoons with a Robin Hood theme...
outtakes from the movie!
home movies shot during filming!
a long lost Errol Flynn movie about yachting..
and a positively thrilling short film about archer Howard Hill...
and more.
HOURS of fun and informative viewing on disc two alone!
Warners should be congratulated for such a comprehensive set ....buy this and encourage them to keep this type of content coming!!!

Errol Flynn: Truly The Sheerwood Forest outlaw
One of the Greatest action/adventure films of the 20th century. The epic swashbuckling adventure of one of history's greatest heroes.the dashing Errol Flynn as Robin Hood or as they also call him "Sir Robin of Locksley" was perfect. He was what a swashbuckler should be and probably the greatest of all swashbucklers. Basil Rathbone and Claude Rains were brilliant as Robin's foes, Sir Guy and Prince John. Oliva DeHavilland was glamorous as the love of Robin Hood, Maid Marian. My Favorite scene was Robin and Sir Guy's sword fight during King Richard's return. Flynn and Rathbone two of cinema's sword fighting experts. I love the sound of sword clangling. If your looking for a classic film or a swashbuckler film, this is a great one. Because this a film that created Pirates of the Carribean, "Long Live King Richard."

The Kids Loved It!
This was one that our boys (ages 7 and 10) watched with their grandfather, who caught it in the theatres when it first came out. It's hard to say who enjoyed it more! A fun, spirited and utterly charming film, this one has aged beautifully. Everyone loved the bonus features, too. The DVD transfer is exceptional. Add some popcorn, and you've got a wonderful mulitgenerational hit that will enchant the whole family. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Don Ameche, silver haired and aged to classy elegance, tries to explain to the Devil (a deliciously underplayed Laird Cregar) why he should spend the afterlife down below. "Have you committed any major crimes?" he's asked. "No, but you might say my life has been one long misdemeanor," he replies. He then proceeds to tell his life story: romantic misadventure, infidelities, and the one true love of his life, his faithful wife, played by porcelain beauty Gene Tierney. Ernst Lubitsch's first film in color is a gorgeous evocation of America through three generations and a charming if meandering romantic comedy. Ameche is a fine performer but a limited actor, never capturing that knowing glance or the lively spark of Maurice Chevalier, while Tierney's charm carries her through her role. Cregar (in his brief scenes) and Charles Coburn, who plays Ameche's spunky grandfather, all but steal their scenes with puckish performances. Next to the colorful but vapid 20th Century Fox musicals and romantic comedies, this is a stylish breath of fresh air, but it hardly ranks with such masterpieces as The Shop Around the Corner or To Be or Not to Be. Still, Lubitsch in decline is better than many directors at their best, and Heaven Can Wait remains an amiable, often hilarious lark in exquisite Technicolor. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Some reviewers are just plain [stupid]
... It's a charming story, but I guess all the nudity and face-eating kisses we are bombarded with these days must have numbed you to some good old fashioned storytelling that does not need sex and drugs to be interesting. When looked at from that standpoint, this film has LOADS of substance ... Could the point of it also be that none of us is perfect but all are capable of achieving Heaven onetheless?

Second, judging something from the past - whether it is a movie or history - must be judged on the face of its merit as it was when it originally occurred. Judging today's behavior against standard decorum from the past is completely stupid.

Third, it is a very clever movie. There are several moments throughout the movie that are downright funny. For example, consider the woman who wound up in the ultra-hot environs while Don Ameche's character is there. A true comedic classic.

If you're still unsure, rent it. If your video store does not carry it, buy it (from Amazon!) It's THAT GOOD!

Although not great, still worth seeing
Don Ameche stars as a turn of the century playboy who still has a good heart, and so the devil isn't convinced he belongs in Hell. He gets to tell his life story, which is recounted in the film, to see whether he really belongs in Satan's Realm after all.

Although Ameche and Tierney have the starring roles here, Charles Coburn as the puckish and witty Grandpa steals many of the scenes. And Laird Cregar is superb as the Devil, a role he underplays with irony, wit, and charm, and he seems more like a bemused business executive rather than the Prince of Darkness himself. I would go so far as to say his supporting-role performance is actually the best part of the movie.

A brief note on Cregar, which I turned from up the IMDB database. Can you believe he was only 26 or 27 when he played this role? He looks and acts like a suave, sophisticated, man in his 40's! Unfortunately Cregar died of complications from a crash diet. He had wanted to play leading-man roles, but when the 6' 3" tall but husky Cregar decided to lose weight rapidly, he developed heart complications from the severe diet, and he died at only age 28--a great loss.

Although Ameche is good in the role, I think it required a little more intensity and energy, and perhaps even roguishness, than Ameche displayed, but he still comes off as a basically good human being, despite his philandering ways with women--who we really don't get to see much of anyway in the film--so he doesn't seem like that successful a playboy, either. And the goodness part is important, since that's why the Devil thinks he may have come to Hell by mistake.

Last but not least, the period sets are lavishly realized and certainly add to the overall ambience of the movie. And there are some funny scenes where the overly polite, New York upper- crust society of Ameche's family is contrasted with Tierney's crustier, but more down-to-earth and plain-speaking, parents from Kansas City.

In the end, the Devil decides in Ameche's favor. When Ameche steps into the elevator connecting Heaven and Hell, he turns to Cregar and says expectantly, "Down?" And Laird Cregar has the last scene-stealing word, as he manages to seem both playful and ironic as he pronounces his fateful decision and says, No--up!"

Overall, although not great, still a good movie. Big Steve says go see it (or in this case, rent it or buy it), and don't Bogart the popcorn.

Film Has Style But Little Substance
What was the point of the film? That adultery is forgivable and one can actually end up in heaven? The film lacks the wit of earlier Lubitsch films such as "Shop Around the Corner". It's way too talky and lacks action. For example, viewers would've sympathized with Martha the scorned wife more had the film shown her witnessing her husband's infidelity. Don Ameche is competent as the lead but lacks the spark and roguish charm the role requires. I found it hard to believe women would find him irresistable and that his wife would want to stay married to him. This film could've eliminated several scenes not quite pertinent to its story, which dilutes the impact of the storyline. Don't buy this film. Rent it first.

One of the Lubitsch's Best
Ernst Lubitsch's "Heaven Can Wait" - written by Lubitsch's long time collaborator Samson Raphaelson - is, quite simply, one of the sublime experiences of classic Hollywood cinema. Easily one of the Lubitsch's greatest accomplishements. As expected of a Lubitsch classic, "Heaven Can Wait" is a sheer delight full of grace, glory, and gaiety. Not to mention, every shot, every gesture, and every movement is close to perfection. Rarely has a classic used the Technicolor in such a stunningly beautiful manner. And what a terrific cast! Don Ameche, Gene Tierney, Charles Coburn, Marjorie Main, Eugene Pallette, and Spring Byington are nothing short of brilliance. Keep your prejudices to yourself - this is a film that needs to be judged in its own terms.

Pure marvel
Viewed it 5 times this month : a real marvel to me. I am sorry I don't master english enough to write a comment making justice to my feelings and thoughts. The main point is that every situation is dealt with the way real humanity would be in dreams. Fantasyland maybe, but such a pleasure ! And also, such fine acting and conducting... Definitely love it. Along with Night of a Hunter and Rio Bravo, this is my favourite english speaking movie. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of Betty Grable's better musicals
This movie gets criticized for having a "weak" male lead. First of all, it's called "Pin-Up Girl" not "Pin-Up Man." I am not interested in the male lead. John Harvey does a good job acting as a foil to Betty Grable - and that's all that's required. The last Betty Grable musical I tried to watch (Moon Over Miami) was going great until the male lead showed up and KILLED it. Another thing it gets criticized for is the "weak" finale. Instead of seeing a big song-and-dance number (for the 1000th time), you get to see Betty Grable marching around some kind of women's auxiliary force. This may have been necessitated by the fact that she was pregnant at the time, but it's pretty interesting to watch. It is also super-patriotic, whereas "Pan-American Jubilee," the ending to "Springtime in the Rockies," was a nameless celebration of the Western Hemisphere that made me want to shove my VCR through the TV screen.

Worth The Price To Watch The Ending
This film's finale is a staged rifle drill by dancing girls -- and they perform as well as almost any military unit you will ever see, with Betty Grable calling cadence. It's worth watching the entire film just to see them march.

A delightful confection!
Of course in this age of packaged pastries, that's a difficult metaphor to bite into. Forget the silliness of the plot (aren't all Hollywood plots, indies or otherwise, silly a year later?). Forget the mediocre songs. It's got a great cast, sensational clothes, wonderful sets & spectacular numbers. And it's light and deelish as a perfect meringue! They don't (can't) make them like this any more. (Sob).

Not one of Grable's best, but still enjoyable.
This film, although not one of Grable's best, is still enjoyable. The plot is rather contrived, but is still humorous. Some of the songs are corny, but, again, they are still enjoyable. Due to advancing pregnancy, producers didn't want to use the "Song of the Very Merry Widow" routine. Instead they substituted one that consisted of Grable leading girls in complicated military marches. Although the finale leaves much to be desired, the film is still enjoyable and was a top money-maker at its time.

Pin-up pins down war hero
Grable plays Lorry Jones, a stenographer and part-time USO entertainer in this WWII flagwaver. Slight plot concerning fibber Lorry, who gets herself into all kinds of bother with her fancy tales. But she bites off more than she can chew when she upstages Martha Raye for the attention of Gaudalcanal hero John Harvey. An unlikely plot, but Grable's sense of comedy and some expert dancing - with Hermes Pan - gives it lift off. Good support from Raye and Joe E Brown. The finale must be seen to be believed! Grable as a drill sergeant? However it a a perfect piece of parade-ground marching and should be in every military manual! Great fun, if you ignore the plot. ... Read more

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Despite its Larry Flynt-friendly title, Deanna Durbin is typically wholesome in the lavishly produced musical One Hundred Men and a Girl,which finds its heroine saving a fledgling orchestra led by financially challenged father Adolph Menjou, along with help from Leopold Stokowski.Not surprisingly, music is literally center stage for much of this delightful film; highlights include Stoki's batonless conducting of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony and Deanna's winsome trilling of Mozart's "Alleluia."The resulting package earned its star a special 1938 Academy Award (for her "spirit and personification of youth") and took home an Oscar of its own for Charles Previn's score. --Steven Smith ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best Deanna Durbin film of all time!
Criminally neglected actress these days. A wonderful, joyous performance by her in a wonderful, joyous movie.

If you like Judy Garland You'll love Deanna
Deann Durbin and Judy Garland were very alike in ages and in the way that studios used tham when they were young. But Deanna has a more operetic quality to her voice, she in fact studied opera. In 100 men and a girl you get the typical 1930's under dog winning from under what seems unsurmountable odds with the hopes and dreams of a young girl to lead them on. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When they say they don't make 'em like they used to, they're talkingabout 20th Century Fox's exhilarating The Mark of Zorro, starring Tyrone Power as the caped one, Linda Darnell as his love interest, and Basil Rathbone at his scurrilous best as Zorro's nemesis. More textured than the 1920 original with Douglas Fairbanks, this 1940 version has Don Diego/Zorro (Powers) returning from Madrid to defend his father and rally the caballeros (noblemen) against Los Angeles's corrupt new governor (J. Edward Bromberg), intent on taxing the peons to death.

If this all sounds like an Old California redo of the classic Adventures of Robin Hood, that's because it is. Powers has a field day as Don Diego, the "fancy clown" betrothed to the governor's niece, Lolita (Darnell). Don Diego the effete snob performs silly parlor tricks, peers through pince-nez, and yawns disdainfully at one and all. Power's cowardly alter ego is so believable, his transformation to masked superhero becomes all the more thrilling. Imagine Captain Pasquale's (Rathbone) shock when, in the film's brilliantly choreographed showdown, this annoying fop turns out to be a world-class swordsman.

Director Rouben Mamoulian, known for great period melodramas, does a skillful job of alternating garrison intrigue with big action scenes, including a nighttime ride that climaxes with Zorro on horseback leaping off a bridge. In the romantic highlight, Lolita confides her innermost desires to a suspiciously worldly friar. The first-rate supporting cast includes Gale Sondergaard as the governor's treacherous wife and the frog-voiced Eugene Pallette (Friar Tuck in The Adventures of Robin Hood) as a padre in cahoots with the masked one. Technically, this retelling rates an unqualified "Wow!" The cinematography, obviously influenced by Goya, makes full use of chiaroscuro shadows, and Alfred Newman's Latin-flavored score is irresistibly rousing and romantic. --Glenn Lovell ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Tyrone Power at his best!
During the age when swashbuckling action films were the most popular form of entertainment, there arose from Twentieth Century Fox an adventure film that topped all others. This film was "The Mark of Zorro" starring Tyrone Power and Basil Rathbone. The daring masked avenger cloaked in black has been an American legend for 80 years, and many films have been produced starring the masked fox. However, I believe that this film is the best Zorro production ever made.

The setting is Spanish California in 1820. Don Diego Vega (Tyrone Power), an expert fencer of Madrid an in the elite training corps, is summoned back to Los Angeles by his fahter, Don Alejandro (Montagu Love), the alcalde. Upon arriving home, Diego learns his father has been run out of office by Capitan Esteban Pasquale (Basil Rathbone). Esteban holds in his hand the perfect puppet, a superstitious, greedy alcalde, Luis Quintero (J. Edward Bromberg). However, Diego pretends to be a fop, unmotivated to fight the capitan, befriending the alcalde and his wife Inez (Gale Sondergaard). However, Diego soon dons the mask of a daring hero, identifying himself as Zorro. Zorro terrorizes the alcalde and robs Esteban of the money he has robbed from the peons. Zorro and a local padre (Eugene Pallete) work to return the money to the citizens of Los Angeles. Diego/Zorro also falls in love with the beautiful Lolita Quintero (Linda Darnell), the niece of the alcalde. She cares nothing for her father's plans, her full support to Zorro. However, when the padre is arrested, Diego abandons his mask and leads the caballeros on a revolt.

This film added into the Zorro figure a new trait. In most Zorro stories, Zorro forces his enemies to return stolen money themselves. This Zorro, more serious, delivers the gold himself. This is a definate classic.

Of course, the film has it's problems. Power spends less time as Zorro and more time as Diego. Zorro only battles one soldier, the main battle occuring between Esteban and Diego. However, dispite minor errors, this film is an undisputed classic, and cannot not be missed by Zorro fans.

The supreme Zorro film
After the success of Warner Brothers "The Adventures of Robin Hood," starring Errol Flynn, Twentieth Century Fox released a film of their namesake, "The Mark of Zorro," starring Tyrone Power. It was a box office hit, and is a classic of it's time. While not in color, and wary of action, this film holds up as, in my opinion, the best of the Zorro films.

In the 1800's, the Spanish Empire rules California. Don Diego Vega (Tyrone Power), is "the best fencer of Madrid." He is ordered home by his father, Don Alejandro. Upon arrival, he hears that the alcalde is an evil tyrant. But Diego's fahter is the alcalde!
Diego learns from Capitan Esteban Pasquale (Basil Rathbone) that his father resigned, and that Luis B. Quintero (J. Edward Bromberg). Both Esteban and Quintero are worthless land theives, taxing the peons into pverty to fill their own pockets. However, Diego suddenly appears to have lost his swordsman skills, now acting foppish and peaceful, much to Alejandro's dissapointment. However, Deigo soon becomes the black-clad Zorro, a daring freedom fighter rescuing both the rich and poor from the tyrants. To disguise himself, he must remain foppish. Only the padre Felipe (Eugene Pallette) knows his true identity, along with Diego's fiance Lolita Quintero (Linda Darnell), a kind girl against her uncle and his henchman. However, when Fray Felipe is arrested as Zorro for trying to defend the mission taxes, Diego abandons both disguises and leads the caballeros and peons to battle, personally taking on Esteban in a spectacular showdown.

"The Mark of Zorro" was bassed on three stories. One was Johnston McCulley's original Zorro story. Unlike the Fairbanks film, the theme here focuses on saving the people from corruption, rather than defending Lolita. Another was Douglas Faribanks's "The Mark of Zorro" (1920). The other was "The Adventures of Robin Hood." Basil Rathbone and Eugene Pallette had roles in the Robin Hood film before starring in "The Mark of Zorro." Zorro here as a Robin Hood characteristic: he steals tax money and returns it to the people. Most Zorros force their enemies to give the money back themselves.

Sword battles in this film occur mainly between Diego and Esteban. The fencing in this movie is excellent. Rathbone is one of the best fencer's of all time, as is Power. The Zorro in this film is the closest thing ever that fits the Zorro legacy. This is a beautiful colassic, one than cannot be missed.

the classic fox period
the films of 20th century fox had a sheen unlike the other studios output.
one of their main stars; tyrone power (an underrated star today)was an embodiment of this sylized sheen.
he was different than errol flynn. while you always sensed flynn's bad boy personality even when he played squaeky clean heroes, power was far more an actor and his performances always seem more professionally toned. he is more 'with the film' than standing out against it and this may be the reason for the lack of appreciation for him.
this film is the shining example to the hollywood of old.
its excellence was predictable when you mix the beauty of power and darenll with the down right fun villany of rathbone, the music of newman, the goya toned cinematography and the virtually flawless direction of mamoulian.
sadly, its the like of which we wont see again for numerous reasons.
NOW, IF FOX WOULD DIG INTO THEIR ARCHIVES AND RELEASE POWER'S BEST ACTING IN FILM; NIGHTMARE ALLEY' a film that has never even seen the light of vhs.

Zorro the fey blade.
Tyrone Power's Zorro is both effeminate and masculine, one moment the picture of delicate and fey passiveness and the next the masculine caballero of legend. The film has held up well, mostly due to the excellent swordplay and Power's magnetic persona. The lack of actual Spanish actors will be noticeable and perhaps offensive to today's audience, although in 1940 it was probably a minor point at best. The DVD transfer could have been better, although it is generally grain-free and vivid. A 60-year old film can only look so good, after all. A fine version of the Zorro legend, lacking somewhat in political correctness but making up for it in sentiment and charm.

Movies - and Ty Power - don't get better than this!
Beautiful faces, gorgeous b&w photography, an array of old Hollywood's best character actors, brawling and tumultous fight scenes, probably the best sword fight ever filmed, and a rousing musical score that must have sent people almost dancing out of theaters with big smiles on their faces in 1940 - and will still make you smile in your living room. And dialogue laced with wit and humor as well as drama. Now THIS is what a Hollywood action movie should be!

This is one of the all-time best. Got the blues? This ought to chase them right away. Really got the blues? Try a double-feature of this with Flynn's The Adventures of Robin Hood. And you can keep all the Wars and Treks in the stars. They are made by mere children as compared to these old pros.

Why doesn't Tyrone Power have a cult of his own today? He was handsome and versatile, and a good actor whose performances hold up better than many of his competitors'. Ty Power's the Man! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

timely
At a time when patriotism is more and more being defined as unqustioning support of administration policy, THE MALE ANIMAL offers a timely reminder of what Americanism truly is. I once heard a college president describe what education should be as "a window on the world, and a window is something you can look through from either side." This film provides a gentle reminder of the value of that insight. I still cheer at the end--every time I watch it.

One of the best films!
This a truly great film. I enjoy is immensly. It's funny romantic, and very moving at parts. Henry Fonda, is great as the English teacher husband and his wife, played by Olivia D'Havilland is so beautiful and charming. Jack Carson is funny and charming as well. He's a greta ctor. This is a must see movie, very decent, and one of a kind. I'd recommend it to anyone. It's one you can never get tire of it. Each time of viewing is like the first time. The plot and story is never dull and always makes sence.

5 stars for Nostalgia
The innocence and straight forward holsom theme and action of this film make it one of my lifetime favorites. When something is bothering me, I like to play non-stressful movies and this is one of them. It'll be boring to thrill seekers, but that's the point isn't it?

A Movie That Makes You Think And Laugh
The Male Animal is a movie that has you think about such serious issues as censorship and what it means to be a man, yet it doesn't sacrifice any laughs. Henry Fonda is perfectly cast as the professor who must learn whether he is man enough, and he is well supported by a beautiful Olivia deHavilland and a cast of good character actors. Not enough attention has been given to this movie over the years, and it deserves to be re-discovered. A great movie!

A great, old-time classic comedy, still relevant
This is the kind of socially-relevant James Thurber comedy Hollywood has all but forgotten how to make. Fonda and everyone are great, with a surprisingly nice job by Jack Carson. If you're a sports nut you won't care for the hilarious, all-too-true digs at college sports -- but the central theme of censorship still hits the mark, even if the movie is almost 60 years old. It's a dandy, lively story as well. And if you have an ounce of real American patriotism left (the more heartfelt kind, not the soppy apple-pie variety), you might even cheer at the end. ... Read more

Reviews (67)

The Little Guys Triumphs
I have to admit that I have never been a big fan of Frank Capra's directing or the stories he chose. But this movie scores for me. James Stewart is simply amazing as Jefferson Smith, the naive young man who discovers that Washington and politicians are not what they seem to be. Jean Arthur, an actress who seems to be forgotten these days, is excellent as the secretary who has seen it all. Claude Rains and Harry Carey do well in supporting performances as a senator and the president of the Senate. The underlying themes about political corruption and the power of the people still work today. The scenes surrounding the filibuster are unforgettable, and you'll find yourself routing for the little guy, something I thought I was too cynical to do myself.

Jimmy Stewart's Finest Performance in Capra Gem!
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a timeless, brilliant parable of Good Vs. Evil, played out in the U.S. Senate. Good is represented by Jimmy Stewart, in the film he SHOULD have won an Oscar for (MGM, trying to bolster 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' at the box office, influenced it's Academy members to award Robert Donat with the statue; the following year, Stewart appeared in 'The Philadelphia Story', for MGM, and won Best Actor!). He is magnificent as Jefferson Smith, an idealistic youth leader, who is offered up as an innocent and gullible replacement for a Senate vacancy. Evil is personified by Claude Rains, as the suave and corrupt senior Senator, and Edward Arnold, brilliant as a ruthless party boss.

In many ways, 'Smith' is cut from the same cloth as Capra's earlier masterpiece, 'Mr. Deeds Goes to Town', and both films costar the radiant Jean Arthur, here cast as Smith's secretary. She is an old hand at understanding political wheelings and dealings, and at first, she considers her new boss a total idiot! But Smith's integrity wins her over, and with the help of reporter Thomas Mitchell (1939's busiest actor!), the three manage to outlast the forces of Evil, in the most rousing filabuster Hollywood has ever filmed!

Two supporting characters deserve special attention; Harry Carey, one of Hollywood's most beloved Western stars, plays a warm, sympathetic Vice President, in a small but very crucial role; and Beulah Bondi is terrific as Stewart's mother (she would play his mother again in the Capra/Stewart classic 'It's A Wonderful Life').

The new DVD edition offers the insights of Frank Capra, Jr., son of the legendary filmmaker, as well as trailers, vintage material, and a whole lot more!

If you've seen 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' before, treat yourself with this lavish new edition! If you haven't seen it, you are in for one of the most wonderful cinema experiences you'll ever have, from the best year Hollywood ever had!

Simply put, this film is a masterpiece!

An All-American Film
This movie is perfect for July 4th..in fact, I watched this movie for the first time on this day! If you want to see how a bill is passed, what the Senate consist of in the government, how people in politics are after, great monuments like the Capitol and Lincoln, and a great storyline, this is the movie for you.
Jimmy Stewart played Jeff Smith, a Boy Scout ranger who loves America, was picked as a Senator. His honesty and rookie nature made him a ruse for the experienced Senators who are out to get him and throw him out of office with their lies. Meanwhile, he did find a friend who went with him all the way...his secretary, Clarissa (who falls in love with him). You will have to find out the rest of the movie what happens when people found out that Smith was telling the truth all along, and the bad guys.
This is a great movie!! Go watch it!

THE LAST "CONSERVATIVE" MOVIE?
In 1939, Frank Capra made "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", starring Jimmy Stewart. I have sources that tell me a film was made 10 years later that depicted the Republican as a good guy, but I could not verify it. To the best of my knowledge, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is the last big screen film in which the Democrat was the bad guy, and even then it is only inferred. In Capra's classic, a Midwestern political machine based on the corrupt Democrat organization in Kansas City that Harry Truman rose to power in, is exposed by an idealistic young Senator (Stewart). Claude Rains plays the Truman character. He looked just like him, and in end gives a Senate floor mea culpa of his complicity with Democrat crimes, which is highly, precisely and to quintessential effect the same one "Give 'em hell Harry" should have given, but never did. All is not lost for the Democrats, however, because Stewart is still a Democrat, and the hope for the future. In reality, the Democrats just got more corrupt, and Hollywood would be their willing ally.

STEVEN TRAVERS
Author of "Barry Bonds: Baseball's Superman"
STWRITES@aol.com

The movie will not yield.
Frank Capra captures the heart of american patriotism without ever becoming preachy. Mr. Smith is equal parts civics lesson, romance, tense drama and at its heart: the perfect fish out of water comedy.

Jimmy Stewart is fantastic as Jefferson Smith an honorory senator who accidentally stumbles on corruption. Stellar performances were turned in by Jean Arthur, Claude Raines, Edward Arnold and Thomas Mitchell, but it is Stewart who dominates this film.

The phrase Capraesque gets bandied about with too much regularity these days when describing recent films. I would strongly reccomend Mr. Sith goes to Washington as Capra at his most Capraesque. ... Read more

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Dashing Errol Flynn is the definitive Robin Hood in the most gloriously swashbuckling version of the legendary story. Warner Brothers reunited Michael Curtiz, their top-action director, with the winning team of Flynn and Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian) and perennial villain Basil Rathbone as the aristocratic Sir Guy of Gisbourne, and pulled out all stops for the production. It became their costliest film to date, a grandly handsome, glowing Technicolor adventure set to a stirring, Oscar-winning score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. The decadent Prince John (a smoothly conniving Claude Rains) takes advantage of King Richard's absence to tax the country into poverty but meets his match in the medieval guerrilla rebel Robin Hood and his Merry Men of Sherwood Forest, who rise up and, to quote a cliché coined by the film, "steal from the rich and give to the poor." Stocky Alan Hale Sr. plays Robin's loyal friend Little John (a part he played in Douglas Fairbanks's silent version), Eugene Palette the portly Friar Tuck, and Melville Cooper the bumbling Sheriff of Nottingham. Flynn's confidence and cocky charm makes for a perfect Robin Hood, and his easygoing manner is a marvelous counterpoint to Rathbone's regal bearing and courtly diction. The film climaxes in their rousing battle-to-the-finish sword fight, a magnificently choreographed scene highlighted by Curtiz's inventive use of shadows cast upon the castle walls. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (140)

The BEST action/adventure film ever made.
Errol Flynn at his best...swashbuckling at its best...action and adventure galore. This film is simply the best of the genre. The casting is perfect, from Flynn in the best role of his career, to Herbert Mundin as Much the Miller's son. The 3-strip color photography remains as vibrant today as when it was released 61 years ago. The dialogue between Flynn and Oliva de Havilland, between Flynn and Basil Rathbone, between Flynn and Claude Rains, is always lively, always fun. And Miss de Havilland's costumes are absolutely gorgeous, as is she.

The film moves, never stops, and you are never bored. If you watch this movie alongside Kevin Costner's ill-advised Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, you realize why one should never try to improve on perfection.

As the New York Times said in its original review in 1938, this film entertains everyone from 8 to 80. No argument here!

The Greatest Robin Hood ,Flynn now a fantastic WB DVD set!
Warner Brothers (WB) Studios has begun meticulously digitally restoring its action classics of the 1930's & 40's under the "Two Disc Special Edition" Series. This 1938 TECHNICOLOR (awesome) film "The Adventures of Robin Hood" starring Errol Flynn, Olivia deHavilland, Basil Rathbone & Claude Rains is still the best rendition of this fictionalized English tale.

Warner Brothers has given us with this 2 Disc set the complete movie theatre experience circa 1938. DISC 1 - First we get a complete "Night at the Movies" program. Introduction by film critic Leonard Maltin explaining for your 10 cent investment what you got in a 1938 movie house. Next the entire continous show with; coming attraction, news reel, Bugs Bunny Cartoon, short subject feature and then the main feature, "The Adventures of Robin Hood". This is a totally ingenius idea!!! Also on Disc 1 - you have 12 Errol Flynn movie trailers and finally an indepth feature commentary by film historian Rudy Belhmer.

Disc 2 - Includes 3 hours of everything about Robin Hood, the movie, the stars, documentaries, cartoons, and a most informative documentary about TECHNICOLOR and why even today it still was the best color process ever.

I love this fun filled DVD set. My hat is off to Warner Brothers for their dedication to the golden age of Hollywood and bring back the grandest of movies for us to see again & again better than their original release. Enjoy.

great movie ....second DVD is amaaazing!
This is more a review of the package than the movie , which is a classic and extremely well presented on disc one....vivid colors , crisp images....not a complaint there....and the bonus features are very good....a comprehensive set of Errol Flynn movie trailers...WB night at the movies....(an exhausting Rudy Belmer commentary track that will have you gasping for air).
the SECOND disc is just ridiculous in its amount of archival coverage..
a wonderful documentary on the movie
a great feature on the history of Technicolor....
two very fun looney tunes cartoons with a Robin Hood theme...
outtakes from the movie!
home movies shot during filming!
a long lost Errol Flynn movie about yachting..
and a positively thrilling short film about archer Howard Hill...
and more.
HOURS of fun and informative viewing on disc two alone!
Warners should be congratulated for such a comprehensive set ....buy this and encourage them to keep this type of content coming!!!

Errol Flynn: Truly The Sheerwood Forest outlaw
One of the Greatest action/adventure films of the 20th century. The epic swashbuckling adventure of one of history's greatest heroes.the dashing Errol Flynn as Robin Hood or as they also call him "Sir Robin of Locksley" was perfect. He was what a swashbuckler should be and probably the greatest of all swashbucklers. Basil Rathbone and Claude Rains were brilliant as Robin's foes, Sir Guy and Prince John. Oliva DeHavilland was glamorous as the love of Robin Hood, Maid Marian. My Favorite scene was Robin and Sir Guy's sword fight during King Richard's return. Flynn and Rathbone two of cinema's sword fighting experts. I love the sound of sword clangling. If your looking for a classic film or a swashbuckler film, this is a great one. Because this a film that created Pirates of the Carribean, "Long Live King Richard."

The Kids Loved It!
This was one that our boys (ages 7 and 10) watched with their grandfather, who caught it in the theatres when it first came out. It's hard to say who enjoyed it more! A fun, spirited and utterly charming film, this one has aged beautifully. Everyone loved the bonus features, too. The DVD transfer is exceptional. Add some popcorn, and you've got a wonderful mulitgenerational hit that will enchant the whole family. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Horsin' Around
Below par Abbott & Costello film. Would be good a very good movie on it's own standing but not quite as good as other Abbott & Costello flicks. The picture has one of the better stories and in my opinion is one of the pictures they've done that the whole family could watch together. There are very funny parts as with all Abbott & Costello pictures but it certainly could've been better. I would not recommend this is a purchase...if you want a good Abbott & Costello picture try "Time Of Their Lives", "Buck Privates" or "Hold That Ghost". This one you can skip.

Basic Good A&C Fun
One of Abbott and Costello's better excursions, this film was out of ciculation due to legal entanglements. Whatever circumstances allowed its video release, Universal MCA certainly didn't involve itself, and that is a shame. Their print would have been clean and fresh, as indicated by their other Abbott and Costello releases. The current video copy of "It ain't Hay" is a muddied, multi-generational print. To be fair, it still is very watchable (no splices). I recommend it.

it aint hay....nay
Not one of Abbott@ Costello's best. They seem to be going through the motions...routines are too short... Costello tries pathos with mixed results....Abbott is really mean to Costello when he slaps his face.... The music and dancing is grade z.......................Disappointing! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

In 1941, Barbara Stanwyck was offered two screwball roles equally suited to her tart intelligence, deft comic timing, and undeniable sex appeal, and it's a photo finish as to which was funnier--showgirl-on-the-lam Sugarpuss O'Shea, the title character in Howard Hawks's Ball of Fire, or con artist Jean Harrington a.k.a. Lady Eve Sidwich, the delirious fulcrum for this classic Preston Sturges comedy. Under Sturges's typically antic microscope, the collision between the gold-digging Harrington and the very rich, very hapless brewery-heir-turned-herpetologist Charles Pike (a wonderfully callow, guileless Henry Fonda) yields ample opportunity for the writer-director to skewer issues of class and sex; as always, Sturges is bold in pushing the censors' envelope, capturing a palpable erotic heat between the canny Jean and the literally feverish Charlie, who, after a year up the Amazon, is instantly smitten by the mere sight of her shapely ankles (in hindsight, a precursor to her subsequent effect in Double Indemnity). To give away the plot machinations driving the farce would spoil the fun, beyond confirming impersonations, mixed signals, and misunderstandings as the turns in a consistently rollicking ride that makes good use of Charles Coburn and screwball character veterans Eugene Pallette, William Demarest, and Eric Blore. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (41)

"Let us be crooked, but never common."
Preston Sturges' "The Lady Eve" is a romantic battle of the sexes done screwball style. Yet, to classify it solely as a romantic or screwball comedy would be a mistake. For "The Lady Eve" was a transition film set between the pure screwball comedies that preceded it and the more conventional romantic comedies that followed. It relied on pratfalls and misunderstandings like its predecessors but also added an additional level of wit and sophistication that downplayed the more juvenile aspects of the screwball genre.

"The Lady Eve" is about the complicated boy-meets-girl-boy-loses-girl-boy-meets-another-girl-who-turns-out-to-be-the-same-girl relationship between beer company heir Charles Pike (Henry Fonda) and crafty con artist Jean Harrington (Barbara Stanwyck). They first meet on a cruise ship where Jean pegs Charles as just another victim. However, she soon falls in love with him only to be tossed aside when Charles finds out about her true vocation. Jean bides her time, patiently waiting for an opportunity to exact revenge on the man who jilted her. The opportunity soon presents itself but Jean's romantic feelings get the best of her once more. After deciding to leave behind her fake Eve personage, she chooses true love over the con game and hooks up with Charles again.

Fonda is superb at playing the sincere but easily victimized Charles. Those familiar with him only through his dramatic roles will find that he can be just as home in a comedic part. Yet, it is Stanwyck who steals the show. At different points of the film, she is called upon to be vile, sweet, clever, or heartbroken, and she pulls off each new demand placed upon her effortlessly. Stanwyck remarkably manages to create a multi-dimensional character that you loathe and love at the same time. The supporting cast is also strong with Charles Coburn, Eugene Pallette, William Demarest all contributing winning performances. There's much to enjoy about "The Lady Eve" but perhaps the most important message to take away from it is that it is never good to have five aces in your hand.

_The_ Sturges Classic!!!
Wow. This film is a stunner. It is also one of the best romantic comedies of the 1940s, or of any era. As usual, Preston Sturges's dialogue and situations sparkle with humor and wit, while his direction keeps the action moving quickly. Both Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda turn in perfect performances. There are also notable supporting turns by Charles Coburn, Eugene Pallette, and Eric Blore (all practiced character actors that shined in romantic comedy). Several Sturges regulars also appear, notably William Demarest.

Stanwyck plays a con artist, who, with her father (Coburn), tricks unwary passengers on cruise ships. She decides that Fonda, a rich man who is heir to Pike's Pale [ale] fortune, will be her next victim. They meet "cute," as is required in an old romantic comedy: Stanwyck purposefully trips Fonda and breaks her shoe, then forces Fonda to take her to her room to replace it. The following scene on the chaise loungue is a keeper. Soon Fonda is falling under Stanwyck's spell, while Coburn is stealing his money at cards. But Stanwyck also finds herself falling in love, as she is slowly won over by Fonda's innocence. She decides to reform and give Fonda back his money. But then Fonda finds out that Stanwyck is a known criminal, and breaks up with her. Determined to have her revenge on Fonda for dumping her, Stanwyck disguises herself as the wealthy English "Lady Eve" and goes to Fonda's house. There, she quickly seduces him, without Fonda ever recognizing her. Then things get even more complicated. Of course, certain events result with our hero and heroine finally understanding each other and finding happiness.

This film is a treat from beginning to end (I loved the opening credits with the animated snake--nice Adam and Eve reference). Well worth the money. Also recommended: Easy Living, Hail the Conquering Hero (both also Sturges), Ball of Fire (also with Stanwyck), anything by Lubitsch.

Never play cards with a card sharp

Director: Preston Sturges
Format: Black & White
Studio: Universal Studios
Video Release Date: August 4, 1998

Cast:

Barbara Stanwyck ... Jean Harrington/Lady Eve Sidwich
Henry Fonda ... Charles Pike ('Hopsie')
Charles Coburn ... 'Colonel' Harrington
Eugene Pallette ... Horace Pike
William Demarest ... Muggsy (Ambrose Murgatroyd)
Eric Blore ... Sir Alfred McGlennan Keith ('Pearlie')
Melville Cooper ... Gerald
Martha O'Driscoll ... Martha
Janet Beecher ... Janet Pike
Robert Greig ... Burrows
Dora Clement ... Gertrude
Luis Alberni ... Emile, Pike's chef
Harry Depp ... Man With Glasses on Boat
Robert Dudley ... Husband on Boat
Ray Flynn ... Lawyer
Kenneth Gibson ... Party Guest
Sam Ash ... Husband on Boat
Alfred Hall ... Party Guest
Eddie Hall ... Chauffeur
John Hartley ... Young Man on Boat
Arthur Hoyt ... Lawyer at Phone in Pike's Office
Arthur Stuart Hull ... Party Guest
Jack W. Johnston ... Lawyer
Harry A. Bailey ... Lawyer

Ambrose Barker ... Mac
Bertram Marburgh ... Party Guest
George Melford ... Party Guest
Torben Meyer ... Mr. Clink, Purser
Frank Moran ... Party Bartender
Joseph North ... Second Butler at Party
Wilson Benge ... First Butler at Party
Victor Potel ... Second Steward
Jack Richardson ... Father of Girl on Board
Cyril Ring ... Husband on Boat
Abdullah Abbas ... Man With Potted Palm
Harry Rosenthal ... Piano Tuner
Reginald Sheffield ... Professor Jones
Norman Ainsley ... Sir Alfred's Servant
Julius Tannen ... Lawyer
Walter Walker ... Sparky
Robert Warwick ... Passenger
Pat West ... Ship's Bartender
Gayne Whitman ... Party Guest
Al Bridge ... First Steward
Jimmy Conlin ... Third Steward
Wanda McKay ... Daughter on Boat
Esther Michelson ... Wife on Boat
Ella Neal ... Daughter on Boat
Barbara Pepper ... Lady Wrestler Type
Jean Phillips ... Sweetie
Wilda Bennett ... Party Guest
Evelyn Beresford ... Party Guest
Frances Raymond ... Old Lady on Boat
Marcelle Christopher ... Daughter on Boat
Georgie Cooper ... Party Guest
Nell Craig ... Boat Passenger at Railing
Eva Dennison ... Mother on Boat
Helen Dickson ... Mother on Boat
Pauline Drake ... Social Secretary
Betty Farrington ... Mother on Boat
Bess Flowers ... Party Guest
Almeda Fowler ... Mother on Boat

A trio of card sharps on a cruise ship tries to take a rich man's son, Charles Pike (Henry Fonda) at cards. Unfortunately for both of them, Pike falls for Jean Harrington (Barbara Stanwyck), and she him. Also unfortunately, her background as a card cheat comes out and puts the kibosh on the romance.

The story develops from there.

This is a good story, ccompetently acted and directed, and very entertaining.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Best American Laugher
I saw bits and pieces of The Lady Eve on Turner occasionally and never watched long enough to have an opinion one way or the other. I enjoyed Preston Sturges, Sullivan's Travels and realize he's one of the greats of American film comedy, so I rented The Lady Eve on a friend's recommendation. I enjoyed young handsome Henry Fonda and particularly Barbara Stanwyck. Barbara Stanwyck is not a favorite actress of mine. Maybe it's her brassy delivery and non-leading lady face, but I've changed my mind. Barbara is without a doubt the equal of Claudette Colbert or Carole Lombard in screwball comedy. She might be better. There is a burning intensity, a wistfulness in her delivery of: "Sometimes a good girl can be bad and a bad girl can be good." Fonda has been in the Amazon for a year and on a ship home he runs into a family of card sharks. Barbara traps him, he trips, falls, lands on his ass, and holds her stocking foot. Then they fall in love in some of the most romantic photography of a beautiful couple ever shot. The farce goes on to its final brilliance. There is one pratfall that made me laugh out loud for five minutes. Preston Sturgis is one of the best five directors in all of film.

a very nice film with nice extras
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

This movie starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda remains a classic to this day.

In this film, a woman and her father meet the heir to a brewery company on a cruise ship and attempt to sucker him at a card table. The daughter soon falls in love with their would-be victim. He later learns of her plan and she tries to win his heart. The movie has much slapstick humor in it and is comparable to the kind seen in the Three Stooges shorts.

The film was also selected by the Library of Congress for the highly coveted National Film Registry and Preservation Board.

The Criterion DVD has many special features including a theatrical trailer, a large number of publicity photos and stills, costume design sketches and other ephemera generously shared by director Preston Sturges' family . There is also a video introduction by writer Peter Bogdanovich and audio commentary by scholar Marion Keane. As a bonus there is the unabridged Lux Radio Theater audio drama adaptation of the film presented by Cecil B. De Mille.

This is truly a classic of American cinema. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Film for Schools !
As a science teacher, it's fun to show a good, enriching, humorous, and educational film, but films like this are so very rare. Young Tom Edison is one of those unique Hollywood gems that fits the bill perfectly. Every year I show this film I hear the same thing: "Awww...do we HAVE to watch a black & white film ?" "These old films are never any good!" "How old is this ?" "Is the real Tom Edison in this?"
Every year I start this film hearing comments like this, but without fail, kids are laughing and really enjoying the film after just 10 minutes. After the first day (it takes two days to show Young Tom), kids can't wait to see the rest! It's that good! Mickey Rooney is perfect as the irrepressible Young Tom: both charming and curious almost to a fault, Tom blunders his way into big problems and then brilliantly uses science to get himself out of the trouble. From all I've read about Tom Edison as a young man, much of the adventures shown in this film are entirely factual, which only adds to the allure and charm of this family/school -friendly film. A must-see for all ages, and a great film for public school use.

Triumph of the American spirit... regardless of age
Made during a time not unlike today, when America found herself in the midst of a turbulent world on the brink of war, and needed a serious uplift, "Young Tom Edison" is a lighthearted drama starring Mickey Rooney, as the famous scientist at around the age of 12 or 13. While some of the events portrayed in the movie are most likely fiction, (the ending is a bit of a stretch to believe as actual history) this movie is still a delightful piece which tries to answer the question, "What would one of the world's greatest innovators, misunderstood, mocked and ridiculed as a boy, have been like in those days?" The casting is marvelous. Not only does Rooney shine as the head-in-the-clouds, chemistry-brilliant young Edison, but both Fay Bainter and Norman Taurog give believable performances as hardy, hard-working Midwesterners doing the best they can to understand their decidedly odd young son. Virginia Weidler (of Philadelphia Story fame) delivers a remarkable performance as Edison's younger sister, Tannie.

The upshot is: if you're looking for a lighthearted approach to history and are willing to suspend your disbelief for a couple of hours. Then this movie is nothing short of marvelous. Buy it.

Very good family picture, funny but honest.
This is a great movie for children and parents to watch together. It is good clean fun. We have used it as a family night movie at our church and all loved it.

A HOLLYWOOD CLASSIC!
MICKEY ROONEY REACHED THE ZENITH OF HIS CHILDHOOD ACTING CAREER,IN THIS STORY OF A GIFTED BOY GROWING UP MISUNDERSTOOD IN PORT HURON, MICH.A FILM THAT YOU WILL WANT TO SEE AGAIN AND AGAIN. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Fantastic Fun Movie
I absolutely love this movie. It is heartwarming! Shirleys talent shines in this movie.

Ching-Ching the Witch is Dead
Soon Wizard of Oz would come but in " 37 " for now Shirley was the queen of the screen. You wouldnt believe how much talent showed in this movie of hers. She spoke chinese and amazed the crowd. She did a hilarious imitation of Giner Rogers and Fred Astaire. I was surprised how well she did in this more dramatic film of hers not only was she all you wanted to see but the story of the other characters was really entertaning too. I was glued to the screen for the entie film!

Shirley at her dramatic best!
I love Shirley! This is one of her best dramas vs. musical. Her chemistry is good with Robert Young, and she even does well with foreign language. A must for a Shirley Temple collector.

A Great Temple Film
Filmed in 1936 at the height of Shirley Temple's popularity, "Stowaway" is a lovely, light-hearted comedy.

Shirley plays "Ching-Ching," the orphaned daughter of missionaries in China. When her village is threatened by invaders, she is plucked from school by the village elder and sent off to the big city for safety. Along the way, her purse is stolen, she loses her guide and, while wandering through the streets, she befriends American playboy Tommy Randall (Robert Young, in a character that is miles away from his clean-cut "Father Knows Best" role!). After falling asleep in Randall's car, she finds herself an unwilling stowaway on a luxury cruise ship. Of course, she gets to stay on the boat, plays Cupid with Randall and Susan Parker (Alice Faye) and attempts to stay out of the mean old orphanage.

The story here is a lot of fun, and the setting is interesting. Temple was given a great showcase for her dramatic, rather than musical, abilities, and worked well with both Faye and Young. She spoke hundreds of Chinese phrases with correct tone and accent and did hilarious imitations of Al Jolson and Ginger Rogers. "Goodnight My Love," which was sung in the film (with different lyrics) by both Temple and Faye, was a 1936 radio hit.

Playing matchmaker :)
As an orphan from China, Shirley plays a little matchmaker aboard a ship. She is discovered with her dog and claims she doesn't know how she got aboard ship.

There are some funny moments, as in all her films. This one is filled with Chinese Proverbs. Shirley also helps her "uncle" find the right girl and ends up with a mom and dad. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A lesser 1930s detective comedy-thriller
William Powell drifts through this brisk murder mystery, portraying detective Philo Vance in a B-grade preview of the infinitely suaver, more witty "Thin Man" roles he would later excel at. This film is entertaining enough, after a style, but the script is as clumsy as the stage is cluttered, as one great character actor after another bump into one another as the plot zips unsuspensefully by. A murder is committed, but the police peg it as a suicide until Vance pops up to prove them wrong, playfully locking horns with the inept Sargeant in charge of the case (delightfully portrayed by the gravel-voiced Eugene Palette). Not one of director Michael Curtiz's brightest moments -- things just whiz by too quickly and the formula isn't given enough time to develop a sense of charm or wit. This is okay, but there are plenty of other oldies-but-goodies to spend your time on first.

FINE VINTAGE MYSTERY.
Probably the best of the Philo Vance series which starred, for the fourth time, the debanaire William Powell as the clever detective. The setting of the film takes place in a Long Island kennel club where Philo solves a double murder with the aid of his Doberman! Michael Curtiz successfully helmed this film which was based upon the novel by S.S. Van Dine (a pseudonym for Willard Wright). The previous Vance films were filmed by Paramount; this was the first done by Warner Bros. Because Powell requested a rather high fee for his services, for the next entry into the series - THE DRAGON MURDER CASE - the lead was given to the fairly adequate Warren William. Powell's earlier Vance films included THE CANARY MURDER CASE (1929) which starred the unique silent star Louise Brooks. Brooks refused to lend her voice for the sound version (her dialogue was subsequently dubbed) and this attitude greatly hampered her career in Hollywood. Brooks made her finest pictures in Germany where she collaborated with director G.W. Pabst on PANDORA'S BOX & DIARY OF A LOST GIRL.

Philo Vance Is A Genius
THE KENNEL MURDER CASE is an old-fashioned detective movie complete with a locked room mystery and a case of mistaken identity. The detective work by the hero Philo Vance is brilliant. The film is based on a novel by S.S. Van Dyne. It is a fun movie even though the story takes place during the height of the Great depression in New York City.

The role of Vance is played convincingly by William Powell. The strong supporting cast includes Eugene Pallette, Mary Astor, Ralph Morgan, Jack LaRue, Helen Vinson, Etienne Girardot and Paul Cavanaugh.

The film's director Michael Curtiz also directed CASABLANCA and YANKEE DOODLE DANDY.

GREAT DETECTIVE - MARGINAL PRINT
Great story with a great actor. Too bad Alpha didn't care enough to find a good print... sound is okay. I would not buy from them again.

The Kennel Murder Case
This is a great murder mystery. There are twists and turns from the beginning to the end. There are several movies that have been made over the years since this one, it is often imitated but never made better. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Something for everybody.
While not less than the sum of the parts, Tales Of Manhattan really IS just parts. And some of the parts don't quite fit.

But you get your money's worth. A fine and hillarious segment with Henry Fonda and Ginger Rodgers. A brilliant, but desparately sad performance from Edward G. Robinson. A slow, boring and wildly implausible tale with Charles Boyer and Rita Hayworth. But she looks so beautiful, its almost beyond belief.

Rounding it out is a politically incorrect piece with Paul Robeson and don't miss the recently resurected part with W.C. Fields giving a temperance lecture.

As they used to say "You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll experience the entire range of human emotion". Not bad for $20.

And thereby hangs a tale--or five!
Like "The Yellow Rolls Royce", "Tales of Manhattan" is a movie about a single object owned by many different people over time, and how the object plays a role in the lives of those owners, in this case, a formal tailcoat. "Tales of Manhattan" is a virtual Syms clothing store of a movie, chock full of "names you must know": Ginger Rogers, Henry Fonda, Charles Boyer, Rita Hayworth, Charles Laughton, Edward G. Robinson, Cesar Romero, and WC Fields. I think it is about one tale too long--the WC Fields one--and that's why I bobbed this tail down to 3 stars instead of 4. His skit is way too long and frankly rather boring. Otherwise, there's a melodrama, a few get-out-your-hankie pieces, and a comedic romp. Really an omnibus, with something for everyone. Unless you're into WC Fields, fast forward when you get to that one, and you'll be okay.

Lesser-known Hollywood Classic
I became aware of this masterpiece through reading about W.C. Fields and his involvement. Always fascinated by stories of "lost" or "deleted" footage from classic stars (i.e. many Laurel and Hardy segments, Elvis Presley's 1955 movie short, the Three Stooges alternate version of "Malice in the Palice" with a cameo by Curly three years after he retired, etc.), I purchased this tape immediately after discovering that Field's originally removed segment, described as a fairly long, verbal sequence coming at a time when his film career was decidedly in decline, was included in this release.
I was not at all disappointed in the "temperance lecture" scene beautifully executed by the master. (It's somewhat understandable that the bit was cut, as the movie was very long. Too bad that the material could not have been fashioned into a one or two-reeler at the time, as slightly outdated as they were by '42).
Other memorable performances come from Edward G. Robinson (at a class reunion), and Ethel Waters, who is brilliant despite the stereotypical Southern scene.

Stars Over Manhattan!
Tales of Manhattan is a star-studded movie that featured 46 supporting players as well as a main cast including Charles Boyer, Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers, Henry Fonda, Charles Laughton, Edward G. Robinson, W.C. Fields, Paul Robeson, Ethel Waters, and Eddie Rochester Anderson. A film like this could never be made today because each star would demand so much money that the budget would be so high.

The film begins when a tailor and his assistants bring a tailcoat to the apartment of stage actor Paul Orman (Charles Boyer). They then inform him that the cutter put a curse on the suit, but he assures Mr. Orman¡Çs that it will bring him happiness.

Paul¡Çs next play is a smash hit, but he leaves as soon as he takes his bow. He tells Luther (Eugene Pallette), his servant, to drive him to Ethel Halloway¡Çs (Rita Hayworth) home. He is in love with her, but she is married to John (Thomas Mitchell). He is supposed to go hunting tomorrow in Canada, so the two lovers plan to meet in town. At Ethel¡Çs home, they discuss the plan, but the inquisitive John is always near. He decides to clean his gun when he begins to talk to Paul. While Ethel watches in horror, Paul is shot. But he gives a performance pretending he was missed. Paul manages to get out to Luther, who takes him the St. Luke¡Çs Hospital.

Now that Paul doesn¡Çt need the tailcoat any more, Luther brings it to his friend Edgar (Rolland Young). He is the butler for Harry (Cesar Romero) who is marrying Diane (Ginger Rogers) that evening. While in her own apartment, Ellen (Gail Patrick), Diane¡Çs friend comes and tells her that when she was looking in her husband¡Çs tailcoat, she found a comb with red hair. She knows her own husband has been cheating on her. They both go off the Harry¡Çs together.

While waiting for him to get up, they find his tailcoat just lying on the back of a chair. Ellen coaxes Diane into looking through it. In the last pocket she looks in, she finds a love letter from ¡ÈSquirrel.¡É They read it out loud, and Harry hears them. He runs to the kitchen and calls his friend George (Henry Fonda) to come and get him out of the fix. George comes and says that he accidentally left his own tailcoat at the apartment last night when he came for a party and he gives Harry Paul Orman¡Çs tailcoat saying its his.

There is also a big break for a musician (Charles Laughton) and another vignette in which Edward G. Robinson is transformed from a bum to a classy lawyer attending his college re-union. There is also a great segment with W.C. Fields. It was not included in the original release, but it is included in the new home video version. Finally, the coat falls on a poor sharecropper community with some stolen money in it. It provides the townspeople with a wonderful Christmas! The coat ends up as a scarecrow on the farm, a far way from the tailcoat of a wealthy actor!

This movie has something for everybody. My Dad¡Çs favorite vignette was the Edward G. Robinson episode. He liked it because it was very deep, talky, and ironic. My mom disliked that version because of the very same reason. Her favorite was the episode with Charles Laughton because it was heartwarming and charming. My favorite was the Ginger Rogers/Henry Fonda version because it went so smoothly and all the actors were at their best! All in all, it was a fantastic film, and everyone, not just film buffs, should enjoy it!

A True Classic!
This is the kind of film you buy (as opposed to rent) because you want to share it with your friends. Every person I've shown this film to agrees that it's a first rate classic. When they say, "They don't make films like that anymore," they're talking about this film. Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fun
Deanna Durbin and Kay Frances make a good daughter-mother team in this quite confused film which is fun enough, though it quietly dissolves into vague intentions. The last scene--Durbin as Saint Anne singing "Ave Maria"-- has nothing to do with ANYTHING which precedes and totally mismatches the mood of the film (or the play about Saint Anne Durbin is supposed to be starring in). What WERE they thinking? ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Fantastic Fun Movie
I absolutely love this movie. It is heartwarming! Shirleys talent shines in this movie.

Ching-Ching the Witch is Dead
Soon Wizard of Oz would come but in " 37 " for now Shirley was the queen of the screen. You wouldnt believe how much talent showed in this movie of hers. She spoke chinese and amazed the crowd. She did a hilarious imitation of Giner Rogers and Fred Astaire. I was surprised how well she did in this more dramatic film of hers not only was she all you wanted to see but the s