Reviews (42)

This one deserves more stars!!
This is one of my all-time musical favorites and in my opinion, the best MGM musical made outside the Freed unit, with a top of the tops score by Cole Porter, my all-time favorite composer.

Grayson and Keel are in top form, their on-screen chemistry at its best moment, in such numbers as "We Open in Venice", the wonderful "Wunderbar", and the wondrous, lyrical and evocative "So In Love", one of the best romantic songs ever written by Porter.

Also in the cast, Ann Miller in excellent tap-dance form, in such show-stoppers as "Too Darn Hot", "Tom, Dick and Harry" (accompanied by Tommy Rall, Bobby Van, and Bob Fosse), but especially "From This Moment On", a number which features the aforementioned male dancers, plus Carol Haney and Jeannie Coyne, which is stolen by Fosse and Haney, in an unforgettable jazz-oriented pairing, as the french say: "la creme de la creme".

And last but not least, the funny couple of Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore, are thrown in for good measure and lots of laughs, getting also their chance at showbiz with "Brush Up Your Shakespeare".

I had longed for this dvd release, and after buying it I can say that I am satisfied with it.

If you are musical film-buff, buy it, it has an excellent score, sophisticated lyrics, very good singing, excellent numbers, expert dancing and some very funny moments indeed!!

KISS ME KATE A JOY TO WATCH
I saw this film for the first time in it's initial release in 3-D and loved it so much that I returned to see it twenty times or more. Anytime it is shown on the big screen in retrospect showings, I try to attend. To me, it is my most favorite MGM musical next to "SINGIN IN THE RAIN." Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson are outstanding in their roles and do justice to the Cole Porter tunes, even if MGM saw fit to clean them up a bit. Kathryn Grayson's rendition of "I HATE MEN!" sets the standard for all others to follow. Ann Miller is finally showcased in songs and dances where her true talent shines. The male dancers Tommy Rall, Bobby Van and an-oh-so-young but talented Bob Fosse are spectacular to watch, especially in the "FROM THIS MOMENT ON" number where Fosse dances with Carol Haney and his style just burns up the stage. Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore shine in their gangster-hood roles and do a nice soft shoe as well. I cannot say enough good things about this entertaining play-within-a-play musical filled with great Cole Porter tunes.
I have bought this on both vhs and laser disc and sure wish that MGM would get off their proverbial butts and release this on DVD soon.

Should have included a Field Sequential 3-D version!
Not that many people are aware of the Field Field Sequential 3-D .
This is a 3-D TV system that uses special shutter glasses that can be purchased here through Amazon in a set that includes 3 DVD's using this process. This system Is the only way to view a 3-D film effectively on TV to date. The result is about 90% close to the effect you will see in a theatre showing.. like IMAX and Disney and Universal.
These glasses are made of sturdy plastic and clear not these cardboard red and blue pieces of garbage, so you can view the film without constricted to seeing red and blue colors and with this system you will see more actual 3-D depth with the films true colors.. It's really amazing!
For some add reason the big studios haven't adapted to include a separate version of a 3-D title in this great format.
Films like:
"House of Wax","Kiss Me Kate","Friday the 13th Part 3", "Robot Monster, "Cat Woman on the Moon", "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Jaws 3" are all now in 2-D DVD, but were originally shown in 3-D and could have been included using the Field Seqential 3-D system on the same disc with the 2-D version.
In Japan in the late 80's there were a few 3-D titles released using Field Sequential 3-D and can be found on e-bay converted to DVD and VHS.
Why aren't the studios producing these now!
I boycott any film DVD release that was originally intended to be seen in 3-D that's only presented in a 2-D version or anaglyph (Red and Blue Glasses).

The studios should really be awaken to this great 3-D system.

How to Win Back Your Wife
I write this review in honor of Howard Keel's 85th birthday.
"Kiss Me, Kate" is a lively, albeit dated musical with a slightly chauvenistic streak. It takes liberties with Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", but is more fun than reading the actual play.
The estranged couple Fred Graham and Lilly Vanessi (Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson), have been divorced for a year at the time they take the lead roles in the Cole Porter musical. Based loosely on Alfred Lunt and his wife Lynn Fontaine, their behind-the-scenes bickering gets a little out of hand and occasionally, resulting in a well-defined lack of professional courtesy as they occassionally humiliate each other in full view of an audience.
But they also have their glorious moments, such as a reminiscence that leads to the number, "Wunderbar".As did their first number, "So In Love", this number reveals a certain wistfulness at their estrangement from each other at the end.
The subplot is the realationship between the play's secondary couple, Lois Lane(Ann Miller) and Bill Calhoun (Tommy Rall), a compulsive gambler who signs Fred Graham's name to an IOU.
The play begins. The number,"Another Opening, Another Show" is heard only as an instrumental piece beforehand. But the numbers, "We Open In Venice" and "Tom, Dick or Harry" kick the show off magnificently. As a big fan of the late Ann Miller's dance numbers,the latter is probably my favorite. As Gremio and Hortensio, Bobby Van and Bob Fosse thrill us with their trademark moves.
Keel sings a sumptuous ballad as his ex discovers that the flowers she thought were intended for her were intended for Lois. Through it all, Howard Keel is characteristically confident, uttering lines of unadulturated sarcasm as his ego occassionally gets the better of him. After being slapped by Lilly, he proves to be even more of a drama queen than any actress.Perhaps the sexiest scene in the film is when Graham removes the sausage links his ex-wife hides against her poitrine during one scne in the play.

Kathryn Grayson, with her porcelain skin and heart-shaped mouth, is a living Madame Alexander Doll in the part of Lilly/Kate. She is comically, firey and able to stand up to her ex-husband and to the thugs that he uses to keep her onstage(Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore) when she threatens to leave after Fred humiliates her. Lippy and Slug appear to collect they debt they believe Graham owes them, and while not althogether academically inclined, they display some knowledege of the Bard and his works, although they look ridiculous in their onstage costumes.
Willard Parks, as Tex Callahan offers Lilly a possible escape from her life in the theatre. But ultimately she is won back not by Fred's threats or humilation, but by the simple admission that he was wrong. While some may find the end to be disappointing, it should be remembered that it was Lilly who ultimately chose whether or not to give Fred a second chance, and Graham's beam of triumph and the twinkle in his eye at the end are worth more than any words-even those by the Bard himself-can say.

Keel is keen!
Grayson is good, but Howard Keel steals this show. He shines in the role of the egomaniacal stage ham. His voice and his presence are perfect for the role. Ann Miller and Tommy Rall provide all the dance moves you could ask for in a great musical. If you are a fan of musicals, this is a must for your collection. The DVD also provides some fun behind the scenes information. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cole Porter, Shakespeare, and 3-D:Not the usual recipe for an MGMmusical, but hey--it works. Although it runs hot and cold, this 1953 take on Porter's delightful Broadway smashlets a chewy cast gorge on some terrific songs and show-biz in-jokes. Think ofthe plot as His Girl Friday in greasepaint:vain star Howard Keel wantsto lure ex-wife Kathryn Grayson back to the boards with a musical version ofThe Taming of the Shrew. The movie's weakness is too much Shakespeare,not enough backstage backbiting (and why are two of the best numbers, "So inLove" and Ann Miller's zippy "Too Darn Hot," confined to a prologue?). Thenthere's the tendency to throw things at the camera--3-D, what hath you wrought?The candy-store color design is great fun, and Tommy Rall and future dance titanBob Fosse are turned loose for some sensational leaps. Now that's "Wunderbar."--Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (42)

This one deserves more stars!!
This is one of my all-time musical favorites and in my opinion, the best MGM musical made outside the Freed unit, with a top of the tops score by Cole Porter, my all-time favorite composer.

Grayson and Keel are in top form, their on-screen chemistry at its best moment, in such numbers as "We Open in Venice", the wonderful "Wunderbar", and the wondrous, lyrical and evocative "So In Love", one of the best romantic songs ever written by Porter.

Also in the cast, Ann Miller in excellent tap-dance form, in such show-stoppers as "Too Darn Hot", "Tom, Dick and Harry" (accompanied by Tommy Rall, Bobby Van, and Bob Fosse), but especially "From This Moment On", a number which features the aforementioned male dancers, plus Carol Haney and Jeannie Coyne, which is stolen by Fosse and Haney, in an unforgettable jazz-oriented pairing, as the french say: "la creme de la creme".

And last but not least, the funny couple of Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore, are thrown in for good measure and lots of laughs, getting also their chance at showbiz with "Brush Up Your Shakespeare".

I had longed for this dvd release, and after buying it I can say that I am satisfied with it.

If you are musical film-buff, buy it, it has an excellent score, sophisticated lyrics, very good singing, excellent numbers, expert dancing and some very funny moments indeed!!

KISS ME KATE A JOY TO WATCH
I saw this film for the first time in it's initial release in 3-D and loved it so much that I returned to see it twenty times or more. Anytime it is shown on the big screen in retrospect showings, I try to attend. To me, it is my most favorite MGM musical next to "SINGIN IN THE RAIN." Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson are outstanding in their roles and do justice to the Cole Porter tunes, even if MGM saw fit to clean them up a bit. Kathryn Grayson's rendition of "I HATE MEN!" sets the standard for all others to follow. Ann Miller is finally showcased in songs and dances where her true talent shines. The male dancers Tommy Rall, Bobby Van and an-oh-so-young but talented Bob Fosse are spectacular to watch, especially in the "FROM THIS MOMENT ON" number where Fosse dances with Carol Haney and his style just burns up the stage. Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore shine in their gangster-hood roles and do a nice soft shoe as well. I cannot say enough good things about this entertaining play-within-a-play musical filled with great Cole Porter tunes.
I have bought this on both vhs and laser disc and sure wish that MGM would get off their proverbial butts and release this on DVD soon.

Should have included a Field Sequential 3-D version!
Not that many people are aware of the Field Field Sequential 3-D .
This is a 3-D TV system that uses special shutter glasses that can be purchased here through Amazon in a set that includes 3 DVD's using this process. This system Is the only way to view a 3-D film effectively on TV to date. The result is about 90% close to the effect you will see in a theatre showing.. like IMAX and Disney and Universal.
These glasses are made of sturdy plastic and clear not these cardboard red and blue pieces of garbage, so you can view the film without constricted to seeing red and blue colors and with this system you will see more actual 3-D depth with the films true colors.. It's really amazing!
For some add reason the big studios haven't adapted to include a separate version of a 3-D title in this great format.
Films like:
"House of Wax","Kiss Me Kate","Friday the 13th Part 3", "Robot Monster, "Cat Woman on the Moon", "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Jaws 3" are all now in 2-D DVD, but were originally shown in 3-D and could have been included using the Field Seqential 3-D system on the same disc with the 2-D version.
In Japan in the late 80's there were a few 3-D titles released using Field Sequential 3-D and can be found on e-bay converted to DVD and VHS.
Why aren't the studios producing these now!
I boycott any film DVD release that was originally intended to be seen in 3-D that's only presented in a 2-D version or anaglyph (Red and Blue Glasses).

The studios should really be awaken to this great 3-D system.

How to Win Back Your Wife
I write this review in honor of Howard Keel's 85th birthday.
"Kiss Me, Kate" is a lively, albeit dated musical with a slightly chauvenistic streak. It takes liberties with Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", but is more fun than reading the actual play.
The estranged couple Fred Graham and Lilly Vanessi (Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson), have been divorced for a year at the time they take the lead roles in the Cole Porter musical. Based loosely on Alfred Lunt and his wife Lynn Fontaine, their behind-the-scenes bickering gets a little out of hand and occasionally, resulting in a well-defined lack of professional courtesy as they occassionally humiliate each other in full view of an audience.
But they also have their glorious moments, such as a reminiscence that leads to the number, "Wunderbar".As did their first number, "So In Love", this number reveals a certain wistfulness at their estrangement from each other at the end.
The subplot is the realationship between the play's secondary couple, Lois Lane(Ann Miller) and Bill Calhoun (Tommy Rall), a compulsive gambler who signs Fred Graham's name to an IOU.
The play begins. The number,"Another Opening, Another Show" is heard only as an instrumental piece beforehand. But the numbers, "We Open In Venice" and "Tom, Dick or Harry" kick the show off magnificently. As a big fan of the late Ann Miller's dance numbers,the latter is probably my favorite. As Gremio and Hortensio, Bobby Van and Bob Fosse thrill us with their trademark moves.
Keel sings a sumptuous ballad as his ex discovers that the flowers she thought were intended for her were intended for Lois. Through it all, Howard Keel is characteristically confident, uttering lines of unadulturated sarcasm as his ego occassionally gets the better of him. After being slapped by Lilly, he proves to be even more of a drama queen than any actress.Perhaps the sexiest scene in the film is when Graham removes the sausage links his ex-wife hides against her poitrine during one scne in the play.

Kathryn Grayson, with her porcelain skin and heart-shaped mouth, is a living Madame Alexander Doll in the part of Lilly/Kate. She is comically, firey and able to stand up to her ex-husband and to the thugs that he uses to keep her onstage(Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore) when she threatens to leave after Fred humiliates her. Lippy and Slug appear to collect they debt they believe Graham owes them, and while not althogether academically inclined, they display some knowledege of the Bard and his works, although they look ridiculous in their onstage costumes.
Willard Parks, as Tex Callahan offers Lilly a possible escape from her life in the theatre. But ultimately she is won back not by Fred's threats or humilation, but by the simple admission that he was wrong. While some may find the end to be disappointing, it should be remembered that it was Lilly who ultimately chose whether or not to give Fred a second chance, and Graham's beam of triumph and the twinkle in his eye at the end are worth more than any words-even those by the Bard himself-can say.

Keel is keen!
Grayson is good, but Howard Keel steals this show. He shines in the role of the egomaniacal stage ham. His voice and his presence are perfect for the role. Ann Miller and Tommy Rall provide all the dance moves you could ask for in a great musical. If you are a fan of musicals, this is a must for your collection. The DVD also provides some fun behind the scenes information. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

a very good movie
Mario Lanza is really good in this musical. It's entertaining and has lovely osngs like, "Because yOur Mine," and "The Lord's Prayer," beautifully. I think this film is neat and creative a good storyline as all of Mario's films have. Doretta Morrow is perfect a shis girlfriend, very attractive and lovely. It's well worth seeing and a must for any Mario lanza fan.

lanza was right
beacuse your mine is lousy the scipt is terrible and what lanza had to go through could be called touture not even the title song is perfict his performance of the song angels sing is much better

Because You're Mine Tape!!
I was more than pleased with this seller.. The
packaging was unbelievable.. I love the tape and it was
in very good condition.. Fondly,

Great Score
"Because You're mine" is packed full of fabulous music and although the story line is pure fantasy the movie as a whole is enjoyable and worth watching over and over just to hear the music. Lanza's "The Lords Prayer" was the best ever. To bad they don't make movies like this anymore. A real winner.
Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge

Pleasant enough, though not Mario's best
Because You're Mine was Mario Lanza's fourth movie, and was much criticised on its release as artistically a step backwards for the celebrated tenor. Certainly, coming straight after The Great Caruso it suffers badly in comparison with that considerable achievement, but is Because You're Mine really THAT bad?

Actually, this is a fun movie. It lacks the polish of That Midnight Kiss and the sheer high spirits of Toast of New Orleans, but vocally at least this film has more going for it than either of those two movies. Highlights include a definitive Granada (in a key one and a half tones higher than the Three Tenors have ever dared to attempt!), a moving Lord's Prayer and several pleasing operatic and popular selections. My only regret is that All the Things You Are was inexplicably cut from the movie. (You can hear it, however, on the Lanza at MGM soundtrack CD.)

The film also boasts a fine co-star in James Whitmore, who provides much of the movie's comic relief, and a pleasant leading lady in Doretta Morrow of the Broadway Kismet fame. She's no great shakes as a singer, but then - unlike Kathryn Grayson in the earlier movies - she isn't meant to be.

Lanza hated making this movie, and did his best to sabotage it, gaining a huge amount of weight in the vain hope that this would discourage the producers from going ahead with it. As a result, Lanza's weight varies from 240 pounds to 159 pounds (often in successive scenes), a distracting but intriguing sight.

But none of this need detract from your enjoyment of a pleasant movie that includes some agreeable singing from the finest tenor of his generation. And you can always watch Serenade (Lanza's next movie) straight after it for a reminder of what this man could do with a much meatier tale. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

4 stars for the stars, 2 for the film
This is another MGM musical in which you just ignore the plot and enjoy the numbers. Ann Miller - "I Gotta Hear That Beat"...Nat King Cole - "My Flaming Heart"...Bobby Van "Take Me to Broadway". Jane Powell was getting too old to continue playing the innocent maiden, but as usual turns in a good performance despite the material. Billie Burke, Glinda of the WIZARD OF OZ and Fay Wray, of KING KONG fame round out the cast.

A sweet movie
When i first saw this movie i thought it was so sweet, Jane Powell sings beautifully! It is a perfect movie for anyone who lives in a small town. There are great songs in this funny musical and will put a smile on your face, i guarantee it! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I never understand why this movie gets such low ratings
Even though it was made in the mid 60s, to me this movie as an above average example of a 50s monster movie (plus it's in color). The script is fairly literate, Anthony Eisley makes a stalwart, but not always right, leader of a group isolated on an island, and Walter Sande makes a great wise old doctor/scientist. Even Mamie van Doren plays her role of nurse pretty straight. The happenings have a mysterious quality about them that maintains tension. Admittedly, people wander off into danger perhaps a little too often, but hey, it's a thriller! And too much time is spent off the island with the higher commanders, who mostly seem to be acted by amateurs...Still, if you like 50s monster movies, I recommend this movie.

Very Very Funny
This is one of the funniest movies i have ever seen a must see so bad it is funny

Oh, puhleeze!
In 30 years of watching Sci-Fi, you're going to come across some clunkers. This one may be the only film actually worse than "Plan 9 from Outer Space." Most bad science fiction is unintentionally comical, but I can't even credit this garbage with that much success. American Film Preservation Society, this is one old picture you don't have to worry about.

Terrible!!!
Both of these films were extremely poorly made. The acting, directing, and technical work are all very bad. The VHS version I saw was of a very poor, grainy quality. Mamie Van Doren was a very sexy looking woman in her prime. However, neither film does her much justice. Not that Mamie could act.... I would advise you not to waste your money.

Think You've Seen Awful? Guess Again, Bunkie!
I give this movie 5 stars for sheer awfulness. The notorious Ed Wood's "Plan 9 From Outer Space" may indeed be the worst movie ever made, but "The Navy Vs. the Night Monsters" is a good dark horse contender for that particular dishonor. Imagine that your uncle Joe Bob just retired from the Navy and, with no directing or producing experience other than a short documentary on sock-washing and other military hygiene issues, and never having seen a science fiction or horror movie other than a few minutes of "The Blob" and about half of one of Roger Corman's lesser works, suddenly found himself being recruited to direct a feature-length flick, to star Mamie Van Doren or whatever other large-breasted bimbo could be lured by the prospect of some quick bucks. So he hires your cousin Jim Duane, not exactly known for being terribly successful or competent himself, to do the writing and the special effects, and... need I go on? This movie is hilariously, soaringly PEWWW-TRID! YOU'LL SCREAM! YOU'LL CRY! KEEP TELLING YOURSELF: IT'S ONLY A MOVIE... IT'S ONLY A MOVIE... ... Read more

Description

In this 1977 made-for-TV movie, Tom Sellack is a cop who's been working for the 'Bunco' squad. These are the cops that are responsible for catching con men, cheats, grifters, and swindlers. Although most of their investigations revolve around petty thugs, a pattern is emerging. A larger con is in the works. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Brilliant
The Affairs of Dobie Gillis is another metamorphosis of Max Schulman's character. All of Schulman's writing is hilarious. There were Dobie books, on top of the show, movie, and musical. It's incredibly hip and wonderful social satire. Bobby Van is wonderful and it's unfortunate he didn't act in more movies. The best line in the movie is: "Work's alright for workers." Watch out! At the end you get to peak at Happy Stella Kowalski and her Schotische Five.

A new Dobie Gillis?
I was so used to visualizing the tv version of Dobie Gillis with Dwayne Hickman that this movie caught me off guard seeing it for the first time . I found Debby Reynolds fun to watch and the story was enjoyable . BOOM !!!!! those science experiments .If you see the movie you'll know what I'm talking about. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I never understand why this movie gets such low ratings
Even though it was made in the mid 60s, to me this movie as an above average example of a 50s monster movie (plus it's in color). The script is fairly literate, Anthony Eisley makes a stalwart, but not always right, leader of a group isolated on an island, and Walter Sande makes a great wise old doctor/scientist. Even Mamie van Doren plays her role of nurse pretty straight. The happenings have a mysterious quality about them that maintains tension. Admittedly, people wander off into danger perhaps a little too often, but hey, it's a thriller! And too much time is spent off the island with the higher commanders, who mostly seem to be acted by amateurs...Still, if you like 50s monster movies, I recommend this movie.

Very Very Funny
This is one of the funniest movies i have ever seen a must see so bad it is funny

Oh, puhleeze!
In 30 years of watching Sci-Fi, you're going to come across some clunkers. This one may be the only film actually worse than "Plan 9 from Outer Space." Most bad science fiction is unintentionally comical, but I can't even credit this garbage with that much success. American Film Preservation Society, this is one old picture you don't have to worry about.

Terrible!!!
Both of these films were extremely poorly made. The acting, directing, and technical work are all very bad. The VHS version I saw was of a very poor, grainy quality. Mamie Van Doren was a very sexy looking woman in her prime. However, neither film does her much justice. Not that Mamie could act.... I would advise you not to waste your money.

Think You've Seen Awful? Guess Again, Bunkie!
I give this movie 5 stars for sheer awfulness. The notorious Ed Wood's "Plan 9 From Outer Space" may indeed be the worst movie ever made, but "The Navy Vs. the Night Monsters" is a good dark horse contender for that particular dishonor. Imagine that your uncle Joe Bob just retired from the Navy and, with no directing or producing experience other than a short documentary on sock-washing and other military hygiene issues, and never having seen a science fiction or horror movie other than a few minutes of "The Blob" and about half of one of Roger Corman's lesser works, suddenly found himself being recruited to direct a feature-length flick, to star Mamie Van Doren or whatever other large-breasted bimbo could be lured by the prospect of some quick bucks. So he hires your cousin Jim Duane, not exactly known for being terribly successful or competent himself, to do the writing and the special effects, and... need I go on? This movie is hilariously, soaringly PEWWW-TRID! YOU'LL SCREAM! YOU'LL CRY! KEEP TELLING YOURSELF: IT'S ONLY A MOVIE... IT'S ONLY A MOVIE... ... Read more