Description

1945, on an old cargo ship somewhere deep in the Pacific ocean: Captain Morton strives to become commander, so he demands the maximum quality of work from his crew, without granting them any freedom or favors - ignoring that they're thousand of miles away from the front. In one word: he drives his crew crazy. They are near mutiny, but no-one dares to do the first step. Until Ensign Pulver plays a prank on the captain that triggers fatal consequences... ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Should be a classic if not!
First time I seen this movie, I loved it! Hadn't seen Mr. Roberts prior to seeing Ensign Pulver, but after seeing Mr. Roberts...Ensign Pulver is the video I bought!

Interesting Premise for a Sequel
This is not a bad sequel from director Joshua Logan. It more or less picks up where MISTER ROBERTS left off but is presented with an entirely knew cast in familiar roles. Robert Walker Jr. is Ensign Pulver. Burl Ives is the Captain. Walter Matthau is good as Doc. He has the cynicism and wit but lacks the good-natured purpose of being that William Powell demonstrated in MISTER ROBERTS. To its credit the film tries to uncover the facade that the Captain wears night and day. Is he really a no good miserable excuse for a human being or is there something lurking deep inside that keeps his humanity from emerging. Pulver sets out unravel the enigma. There are some great moments of comedy and humanity and the film does have a great supporting cast that includes Jack Nicholson, James Farentino, Millie Perkins, Tommy Sands, Al Freeman, Jr., James Coco and Larry Hagman that keeps it all moving.

Mister Roberts #2
Although not as classic as Mister Roberts, this is still a great movie. Hech, I didn't even know there was a sequel, so I bought both copies. They have both earned a Top Shelf placing in my bookcase. All characters play great parts, even though James Cagney and Henry Fonda aren't in this movie. It would have been great to see some of the actors from the Mister Roberts, even though the 'new' doc, played by Walter Matthea does a great job. Both he and the "old Ensign" make great movies together! As most movies drag the chain nowadays going for 2-3+ hours, this is one movie I thought could go on and not get boring. Another classic and great fun for all family to enjoy. We wish more movies were like this nowadays. No Swearing, No Violence, No War .... not even a bullet is fired. An allround great movie.

Sound General Quarters!
The sequel to "Mister Roberts" returns to the worst ship in the navy, with the worst officer on that ship squarely in its sights. Pulver is equally the ressurection and damnation of the ship, being responsible for more action and chaos than the crew has seen in it's whole tour. Pulver's problems are only beginning when he's stranded on a raft with the Captain, a positively venemous Burl Ives. What happens after shows the transformation of the lecherous, ambitious, adolescent Pulver into an adult, or does it? Keep your eyes on the movie and always count your marbles.

One must divorce all thoughts of Mr. Roberts to truly enjoy.
This movie, although no where near the classic status of Mr. Roberts, from which it is drawn, is a decent comedy.

Robert Walker takes over the role of Jack Lemmon and Burl Ives, not James Cagney, is the captain. Walter Matthau is great as the ship's doctor. It has some great comedic moments ("tastes like dead frogs.")

Again, not a classic, but worth viewing. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

¿None but the Brave¿ is an ANTI-WAR movie ¿ not a war movie!
>> 'None but the Brave' is an ANTI-WAR movie - not a war movie! This film was the Vietnam-era equivalent of 'All Quiet on the Western Front' - and an excellent anti-war movie at that. Yet so far, every review completely misses the deliberate, deeper meaning of this outstanding film. Additionally, everyone completely misses the context of the times that this movie was made under. Frank Sinatra - a well-known, active supporter of JFK, directed this movie - and as such this film speaks volumes for Sinatra's often misunderstood and wrongly maligned character - a character of true personal courage. This movie was released in 1965, after the death of JFK (who wanted to curtail US involvement in Vietnam in late 1963)...and it was released during the presidency of LBJ (who escalated the Vietnam War with pitiful, dishonorable results for the US).

>>In a W.W.II setting, small bands of both American and Japanese military forces are stranded on a small, insignificant Pacific island. The leaders of both deadly enemies quickly realize that the only way to survival is for both groups to cooperate, collaborate, care for each other - and renounce war at their level. When taken in total context, this film examines the inherent tragedy and the uncertainty of war for every soldier; as well as the unknown fortunes and misfortunes of war for every soldier. This film also probes the sad and useless mindsets that soldiers are forced go to war with - vs.- the reality of and the capacity for humanity within every soldier at war. The film drives home the undeniable point that the humanity of soldiers in war is a direct product of sage Leadership - no less than any inhumanity of in war is a direct product of despicable directives that fosters the fears and prejudices of every soldier in combat. True military leadership never wants war - true military leadership only desires to survive war as a surviving victor.

>> Just like its predecessor, 'All Quiet on the Western Front', this low budget production has the obvious faults of obvious acting, an obvious script, an obvious plot, and obvious special effects - none of which rate very high by technical filmmaking standards of yesterday or today. However, despite all of its technical shortcomings, this film portrays an anti-war philosophy in a highly intelligent manner. For just like its predecessor, 'None but the Brave' has a powerful, timeless message about innate humanity - vs.- the inherent, tragic, deeper meaning of war.

>>Ultimately, this film espouses the poignant anti-war message that there are no real winners in any war. War always produces a tragic, lose-lose outcome camouflaged by a motley combination of victorious survivors versus vanquished refugees.

Frank Sinatra's None But The Brave
Again Frank Sinatra gives another fine performance (he has always been underrated as an actor in my opinion) and he even directed this film! This is an interesting W.W.II film set on an island in the Pacific where small bands of both American and Japanese forces are stranded. This film examines the human sacrifices made in war and questions if there is justification for those sacrifices examined through the camaraderie and reminisces of fellow combatants on both sides. Sinatra, as director, gives Clint Walker a chance to demonstrate his acting abilities in a fine dramatic performance. The stalwart cast also includes Tatsuya Mihashi, Tommy Sands, Tony Bill, Brad Dexter,Takeshi Kato and Sammy Jackson. Listen for an early score composed by John (Johnny) Williams. I always liked this one.

None But The Brave
Again Frank Sinatra gives another fine performance (he has always been underrated as an actor in my opinion) and he even directed this film! This is an interesting W.W.II film set on an island in the Pacific where small bands of both American and Japanese forces are stranded. This film examines the human sacrifices made in war and questions if there is justification for those sacrifices examined through the camaraderie and reminisces of fellow combatants on both sides. I always liked this one. Listen for an early score composed by John (Johnny) Williams.

Well worth it
Frankie works his magic once again in his rendition of a WWII story, None But the Brave. He made, however, not a 'bang it up, shoot it up, run run run' movie, but one that leaves the viewer pondering the meaning of war. Is it really worth it? The final message of the movie is spelled out in the end for those viewers who weren't willing to seek the deeper meaning for themselves. "Nobody ever wins". Nice going, Frankie, this one deserves more recognition than it's getting.

No One Ever Wins
Interesting view of soldiers on both sides of the war, brought together on a remote Pacific island, to live out a truce while awaiting rescue. Clint Walker gives another manly performance...what else could he do? ... Read more

Description

American and Japanese soldiers, stranded on a tiny Pacific island during World War II, must make a temporary truce and cooperate to survive various tribulations. Told through the eyes of the American and Japanese unit commanders, who must deal with an atmosphere of growing distrust and tension between their men. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

¿None but the Brave¿ is an ANTI-WAR movie ¿ not a war movie!
>> 'None but the Brave' is an ANTI-WAR movie - not a war movie! This film was the Vietnam-era equivalent of 'All Quiet on the Western Front' - and an excellent anti-war movie at that. Yet so far, every review completely misses the deliberate, deeper meaning of this outstanding film. Additionally, everyone completely misses the context of the times that this movie was made under. Frank Sinatra - a well-known, active supporter of JFK, directed this movie - and as such this film speaks volumes for Sinatra's often misunderstood and wrongly maligned character - a character of true personal courage. This movie was released in 1965, after the death of JFK (who wanted to curtail US involvement in Vietnam in late 1963)...and it was released during the presidency of LBJ (who escalated the Vietnam War with pitiful, dishonorable results for the US).

>>In a W.W.II setting, small bands of both American and Japanese military forces are stranded on a small, insignificant Pacific island. The leaders of both deadly enemies quickly realize that the only way to survival is for both groups to cooperate, collaborate, care for each other - and renounce war at their level. When taken in total context, this film examines the inherent tragedy and the uncertainty of war for every soldier; as well as the unknown fortunes and misfortunes of war for every soldier. This film also probes the sad and useless mindsets that soldiers are forced go to war with - vs.- the reality of and the capacity for humanity within every soldier at war. The film drives home the undeniable point that the humanity of soldiers in war is a direct product of sage Leadership - no less than any inhumanity of in war is a direct product of despicable directives that fosters the fears and prejudices of every soldier in combat. True military leadership never wants war - true military leadership only desires to survive war as a surviving victor.

>> Just like its predecessor, 'All Quiet on the Western Front', this low budget production has the obvious faults of obvious acting, an obvious script, an obvious plot, and obvious special effects - none of which rate very high by technical filmmaking standards of yesterday or today. However, despite all of its technical shortcomings, this film portrays an anti-war philosophy in a highly intelligent manner. For just like its predecessor, 'None but the Brave' has a powerful, timeless message about innate humanity - vs.- the inherent, tragic, deeper meaning of war.

>>Ultimately, this film espouses the poignant anti-war message that there are no real winners in any war. War always produces a tragic, lose-lose outcome camouflaged by a motley combination of victorious survivors versus vanquished refugees.

Frank Sinatra's None But The Brave
Again Frank Sinatra gives another fine performance (he has always been underrated as an actor in my opinion) and he even directed this film! This is an interesting W.W.II film set on an island in the Pacific where small bands of both American and Japanese forces are stranded. This film examines the human sacrifices made in war and questions if there is justification for those sacrifices examined through the camaraderie and reminisces of fellow combatants on both sides. Sinatra, as director, gives Clint Walker a chance to demonstrate his acting abilities in a fine dramatic performance. The stalwart cast also includes Tatsuya Mihashi, Tommy Sands, Tony Bill, Brad Dexter,Takeshi Kato and Sammy Jackson. Listen for an early score composed by John (Johnny) Williams. I always liked this one.

None But The Brave
Again Frank Sinatra gives another fine performance (he has always been underrated as an actor in my opinion) and he even directed this film! This is an interesting W.W.II film set on an island in the Pacific where small bands of both American and Japanese forces are stranded. This film examines the human sacrifices made in war and questions if there is justification for those sacrifices examined through the camaraderie and reminisces of fellow combatants on both sides. I always liked this one. Listen for an early score composed by John (Johnny) Williams.

Well worth it
Frankie works his magic once again in his rendition of a WWII story, None But the Brave. He made, however, not a 'bang it up, shoot it up, run run run' movie, but one that leaves the viewer pondering the meaning of war. Is it really worth it? The final message of the movie is spelled out in the end for those viewers who weren't willing to seek the deeper meaning for themselves. "Nobody ever wins". Nice going, Frankie, this one deserves more recognition than it's getting.

No One Ever Wins
Interesting view of soldiers on both sides of the war, brought together on a remote Pacific island, to live out a truce while awaiting rescue. Clint Walker gives another manly performance...what else could he do? ... Read more

Description

Enjoy a happy excursion into the world of Mother Goose in Walt Disney's first musical production! All roads lead to magical, merry Toyland as Mary Contrary and Tom Piper prepare for their wedding! But villainous Barnaby wants Mary for himself, so he kidnaps Tom, setting off a series of comic chases, searches, and double-crosses! The "March Of The Wooden Soldiers" helps put Barnaby in his place, and ensures a "happily ever after" for Tom and Mary! This joyful musical fantasy is a delightful experience for the whole family! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Marching Wooden Soldiers
This DVD release of this film adds nothing to the VHS, so do not think you are getting a better copy. No Widescreen, no re-mastering, and no extras. I will keep my VHS copy for now. Now on to the original film itself:

In this 1961 film was the first true live-action musical from the Walt Disney Studio, Tommy Sands is paired up with America's girl next door who got her start with Walt Disney, Annette Funicello. Also the famous Ray Bolger and Ed Wynn are featured, and Ann Jillian was a child actor in this movie. There is more great talent from the Disney in-house stable of stars, Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran, who played brothers in "Old Yeller", and "Swiss Family Robinson".

The story is simple enough, we are in Mother Goose land and the villain shrinks our heroes to toy size. They must enlist help from the toys in the Toymaker's shop to fight back. The effects were eye-popping at the time, and to see a toy army coming to life and fight the bad guys is a great treat for kids. The movie has some real fun stop motion style animation, where the toys are made to look like they are alive (30 years before computer animation did it for "Toy Story"). The Christmas parade at Disneyland has featured replicas of the marching soldiers from this film for over 40 years. The beautiful wooden toys that are seen in the film were all designed by veteran animator Ward Kimball. (X. Atencio and Bill Justice joined Ward on the stop-animation to bring the custom made toys to life).

The movie was promoted in advance on the Walt Disney television show, in a 1961 episode that also promoted "The Parent Trap", (the episode is "The Title Makers"). The film was promoted again that year in an episode called "Backstage Party", which celebrated the completion of the film and gave the viewers a tour of the studio. The sets specially built at the studio were so unique, they found a temporary home at Disneyland from the films release to 1963, and people could actually visit them inside the Opera House on Main Street.

The best part of the film is the music, which is the true star of any musical. The musical score features 11 songs from the in-house team of George Bruns (music) and Mel Leven (lyrics), and their score was nominated for an Academy Award.

But even with the music, great stars, incredible sets, special effects, nice costumes, the script and dialogue left a lot to be desired so the film is a dud for adults. Uncle Walt hated the end product, but gamely tried to promote it as best he could and use it as an exercise for the studio to lean from. Just 4 years later he released the studios biggest live-action fim ever, a musical to beat all musicals, "Mary Poppins". The lesson had worked.

Watch Babes in Toyland with light expectations, see it for the toys, and enjoy the music.

Not quite a classic but still an exceptional holiday movie
While it can't quite compare to the exemplary Laurel & Hardy 'March Of The Wooden Soldiers' this 1961 Disney version of the classic Victor Herbert operetta remains perfect holiday entertainment for young children. As always you can rely on any Walt Disney film from this era, their golden age, to have a terrific music score replete with memorable songs, the requisite slapstick routines, a nasty villain you love to hate and of course a happy ending. Ed Wynn as the Toymaker, Ray Bolger as the heavy, Mr. Barnaby, and especially Henry Calvin and Gene Sheldon as the hapless duo who assist Barnaby in his evil scheme are all fine; the climax of the film featuring the now legendary attack of the toy soldiers is handled quite well also. The set design is well conceived and the photography is excellent making great use of the brilliant and splashy colors scattered throughout. While it is thoroughly entertaining for the young audience at which it is squarely aimed to please it could be heavy going for adults who don't favor Disney films. My advice is to relax, take off your thinking cap temporarily and enjoy the onscreen shenanigans and exuberant musical numbers presented here.

What Was the Original Aspect Ratio for This Movie?
Babes in Toyland, Disneys remake of the old black and white Laurel and Hardy classic March of the Wooden Soldiers is a good movie and has bright colors that reminds me of movies like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and like those movies Babes in Toyland has cute catchy songs and delightful acting. Annette Funicello, Tommy Sands, Tommy Kirk and the rest of the cast are a delight and it's nice that this movie is now on DVD but I have heard that the movie on this DVD is only presented in fullscreen and not widescreen. Was this movie filmed in widescreen or fullframe? I see the movie was made in the 1960's and by then widescreen was how the majority of theatrical movies were filmed so I wouldn't want to buy this DVD if it was edited.

Its great!
Iffin ya want the real Babes in Toyland this is the movie you want! Its got little boy blue, its got peter piper, its got a lot of the characters from mother goose rhymes. The characters discussions are great and unless you pay attention ya won't notice that they speak in rhyme it flows that great. They go visit the toymaker after they have stumbled into the forest of no return, the help him make the toys since his assitant grumio made a right royal mess and blew up a lot of the toy factory. I have seen several different versions of the Babes in Toyland but this is the only one that I think does justice to it!

What a wonderous Journey!!!!!
Just when you feel you cannot find a movie that you could bare to show to young childrenand adults at the same time,here it comes, dancing along with a lovely lilt. It's one of those movies that will bring joy and happy memroies to you and create them for your children as they join Barnaby, Mary, Tom, Mother goose and everyone else in this perils of Pauline style movie. The movie stars Ray Bolger as Barnaby, the evil, but cute and lovable villian who has his infamous stovepipe hat that seems almost as tall as he is, dances around cape in tow, chasing Mary about, because he wants her inheritance. Ray's dancing and old comic villian style add to the uniqueness of this movie. Ray showed yet another wonder facet of his amazing talent here. He plots to drown Mary's fiancee, Tom, and the plan later falls through, with Mary and Tom marrying at the end. The movie has no vulgar language, no sexual innudendoes, no real viewable violence, and is a delightful story. Your family will love the slightly loudmouthed goose who really tries to lay it into barnaby for being so evil. Great movie, I highly recommend it. ;-) Mrs. Barnaby ... Read more

Description

Enjoy a happy excursion into the world of Mother Goose in Walt Disney's first musical production! All roads lead to magical, merry Toyland as Mary Contrary and Tom Piper prepare for their wedding! But villainous Barnaby wants Mary for himself, so he kidnaps Tom, setting off a series of comic chases, searches, and double-crosses! The "March Of The Wooden Soldiers" helps put Barnaby in his place, and ensures a "happily ever after" for Tom and Mary! This joyful musical fantasy is a delightful experience for the whole family! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Marching Wooden Soldiers
This DVD release of this film adds nothing to the VHS, so do not think you are getting a better copy. No Widescreen, no re-mastering, and no extras. I will keep my VHS copy for now. Now on to the original film itself:

In this 1961 film was the first true live-action musical from the Walt Disney Studio, Tommy Sands is paired up with America's girl next door who got her start with Walt Disney, Annette Funicello. Also the famous Ray Bolger and Ed Wynn are featured, and Ann Jillian was a child actor in this movie. There is more great talent from the Disney in-house stable of stars, Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran, who played brothers in "Old Yeller", and "Swiss Family Robinson".

The story is simple enough, we are in Mother Goose land and the villain shrinks our heroes to toy size. They must enlist help from the toys in the Toymaker's shop to fight back. The effects were eye-popping at the time, and to see a toy army coming to life and fight the bad guys is a great treat for kids. The movie has some real fun stop motion style animation, where the toys are made to look like they are alive (30 years before computer animation did it for "Toy Story"). The Christmas parade at Disneyland has featured replicas of the marching soldiers from this film for over 40 years. The beautiful wooden toys that are seen in the film were all designed by veteran animator Ward Kimball. (X. Atencio and Bill Justice joined Ward on the stop-animation to bring the custom made toys to life).

The movie was promoted in advance on the Walt Disney television show, in a 1961 episode that also promoted "The Parent Trap", (the episode is "The Title Makers"). The film was promoted again that year in an episode called "Backstage Party", which celebrated the completion of the film and gave the viewers a tour of the studio. The sets specially built at the studio were so unique, they found a temporary home at Disneyland from the films release to 1963, and people could actually visit them inside the Opera House on Main Street.

The best part of the film is the music, which is the true star of any musical. The musical score features 11 songs from the in-house team of George Bruns (music) and Mel Leven (lyrics), and their score was nominated for an Academy Award.

But even with the music, great stars, incredible sets, special effects, nice costumes, the script and dialogue left a lot to be desired so the film is a dud for adults. Uncle Walt hated the end product, but gamely tried to promote it as best he could and use it as an exercise for the studio to lean from. Just 4 years later he released the studios biggest live-action fim ever, a musical to beat all musicals, "Mary Poppins". The lesson had worked.

Watch Babes in Toyland with light expectations, see it for the toys, and enjoy the music.

Not quite a classic but still an exceptional holiday movie
While it can't quite compare to the exemplary Laurel & Hardy 'March Of The Wooden Soldiers' this 1961 Disney version of the classic Victor Herbert operetta remains perfect holiday entertainment for young children. As always you can rely on any Walt Disney film from this era, their golden age, to have a terrific music score replete with memorable songs, the requisite slapstick routines, a nasty villain you love to hate and of course a happy ending. Ed Wynn as the Toymaker, Ray Bolger as the heavy, Mr. Barnaby, and especially Henry Calvin and Gene Sheldon as the hapless duo who assist Barnaby in his evil scheme are all fine; the climax of the film featuring the now legendary attack of the toy soldiers is handled quite well also. The set design is well conceived and the photography is excellent making great use of the brilliant and splashy colors scattered throughout. While it is thoroughly entertaining for the young audience at which it is squarely aimed to please it could be heavy going for adults who don't favor Disney films. My advice is to relax, take off your thinking cap temporarily and enjoy the onscreen shenanigans and exuberant musical numbers presented here.

What Was the Original Aspect Ratio for This Movie?
Babes in Toyland, Disneys remake of the old black and white Laurel and Hardy classic March of the Wooden Soldiers is a good movie and has bright colors that reminds me of movies like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and like those movies Babes in Toyland has cute catchy songs and delightful acting. Annette Funicello, Tommy Sands, Tommy Kirk and the rest of the cast are a delight and it's nice that this movie is now on DVD but I have heard that the movie on this DVD is only presented in fullscreen and not widescreen. Was this movie filmed in widescreen or fullframe? I see the movie was made in the 1960's and by then widescreen was how the majority of theatrical movies were filmed so I wouldn't want to buy this DVD if it was edited.

Its great!
Iffin ya want the real Babes in Toyland this is the movie you want! Its got little boy blue, its got peter piper, its got a lot of the characters from mother goose rhymes. The characters discussions are great and unless you pay attention ya won't notice that they speak in rhyme it flows that great. They go visit the toymaker after they have stumbled into the forest of no return, the help him make the toys since his assitant grumio made a right royal mess and blew up a lot of the toy factory. I have seen several different versions of the Babes in Toyland but this is the only one that I think does justice to it!

What a wonderous Journey!!!!!
Just when you feel you cannot find a movie that you could bare to show to young childrenand adults at the same time,here it comes, dancing along with a lovely lilt. It's one of those movies that will bring joy and happy memroies to you and create them for your children as they join Barnaby, Mary, Tom, Mother goose and everyone else in this perils of Pauline style movie. The movie stars Ray Bolger as Barnaby, the evil, but cute and lovable villian who has his infamous stovepipe hat that seems almost as tall as he is, dances around cape in tow, chasing Mary about, because he wants her inheritance. Ray's dancing and old comic villian style add to the uniqueness of this movie. Ray showed yet another wonder facet of his amazing talent here. He plots to drown Mary's fiancee, Tom, and the plan later falls through, with Mary and Tom marrying at the end. The movie has no vulgar language, no sexual innudendoes, no real viewable violence, and is a delightful story. Your family will love the slightly loudmouthed goose who really tries to lay it into barnaby for being so evil. Great movie, I highly recommend it. ;-) Mrs. Barnaby ... Read more