Reviews (75)

DESERVES A TEN!!!
My appreciation for this movie has sky-rocketed this last week. I recently watched the new Sabrina with Harrison Ford... it didn't even compare! This version is much much better! I've read the review for this movie... some think Bogart was too old for this movie or that the interplay between Hepburn and Bogart wasn't good. I definitely disagree! The chemistry between Audrey and Bogart is fantastic... the screen just sparks with it! I'm not sure of the behind the screens of this movie... some say that Bogart and Hepburn didn't work well together... all I know is that is produces something between them that is incomparable! Only couples like Cary Grant & Katharine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall & Bogart can produce this much chemistry on the screen!

I love the story of Sabrina...
Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn) is the plain looking daughter of a chauffer. She falls in love with the playboy son, David (William Holden), of the wealthy people her father serves. David doesn't notice her... Her father sends her off to a cooking school in Paris and there she becomes transformed into a dazzlingly gorgeous young lady. She comes home stunningly beautiful and catches the eye of the playboy son, David. Linus (Bogart) has worked out a merger with this company and rich family who owns sugarcane plantations. Part of the deal is that David is marrying their daughter. So Linus has to draw Sabrina away from David, because he's already engaged... and Sabrina falls in love with Linus... I won't give the end away... I'll just say it's worth the watch... It leaves you satisfied. Sometimes you watch a movie and at the end you are like... "So?" ... It didn't end well... Well this is not one of those movies! I love this movie to death! The best Actors, music, and chemistry! A definite watch!

Isn't It Romantic?
Audrey Hepburn simply sparkles as Sabrina Fairchild, the chauffeur's daughter in this enchanting romance classic. Bogart plays the eldest of two brothers (the other played by William Holden), a bookish industrialist who starts off competing for Sabrina's affections but winds up falling in love with her instead. Hepburn is magical as the lead, glittering like an angel atop a Christmas tree. Holden cuts a romantic, charismatic swath and figure as the devil-may-care playboy working himself up to marriage number three. Based on the play, Sabrina Fair, Billy Wilder directs with sardonic wit, charm and the ease of a true master of the cinema. This is a love story that remains timeless. Paramount hasn't restored the film, though there is nothing terribly wrong with the transfer as is. Fine details occasionally shimmer and once in a long while a scratch or chip in the camera negative can be detected by the naked eye. Over all though, this is a great looking DVD. Also included, a featurette that glosses over the making of the movie. Bottom line: Hepburn, Holden and Bogart prove themselves as not only stars, but American pop icons. Isn't it romantic? - Definitely!

Audrey's second film is my favourite
It almost begins like a fairy tale, how once upon a time, on the north shore of Long Island, some 30 miles from New York, there lived a small girl on a large estate. So goes the opening narration by Audrey Hepburn, which sets the story in motion and introduces the Larrabee estate and family, also goes on to describe an English chauffeur named Fairchild and his daughter, Sabrina, played of course by Hepburn, in this romantic comedy based on Samuel Taylor's play Sabrina Fair.

Sabrina's sent to a cooking school in Paris, which not only prepares her for a vocation, but to help her get over her crush over David Larrabee (William Holden), the dashing playboy who spent short periods at many colleges and even shorter periods with his three wives (consecutive, of course). Ironic, considering that Holden had a crush on Hepburn, which led to a brief affair, and for him, a torch he carried through the rest of his life. The advice she gets is "don't reach for the moon." The thing is, she's the last of the romantics, "l'amour toujours" as described by Linus Larrabee, the business brains behind the multimillion Larrabee holdings, which include land and water, copper, construction, and now, a new kind of plastic that's resilient and tastes sweet(!!)

After two years in Paris, she is a vision of beauty, chic, with a new haircut, and transformed, yet still the romantic, as she vows to be in the world and of the world, and "never ever run away from life, or from love either."

Linus plans to marry David off to Elizabeth Tyson, whose father owns the second largest sugar cane in Puerto Rico, the ceremonial part of a $20 million merger with Tyson. This is put in jeopardy with Sabrina's return, and David, who previously ignored her, is bedazzled. Yet Sabrina, who's reluctantly wooed by Linus to salvage the deal, finds out there's more to him than just the "cold businessman...with ice in his veins, ticker tape coming from his heart." She finds out he's nice and quite human.

"Remember, it's the 20th century" is a reminder that the Victorian days of knowing one's place is gone. Fairchild sees life as a limousine: "there's a front seat, there's a back seat, and a window inbetween." He later says "Nobody poor was called democratic for marrying someone rich." Mother and Father Larrabee believe that, as they are scandalized at David's affections towards Sabrina, and see her in terms of class status.

Other great scenes include the cooking school, but the party scene when Sabrina appears in her bare-shouldered white dress and becomes the belle of the ball dancing with David, shows her at her most radiant and resplendent.

Humphrey Bogart is great as Linus, scheduled, sensible, loyal, observant, honest, and yet with a softer side. John Williams is perfect as Tom Fairchild. And Jenny the maid is played by Nancy Kulp, best known as Ms. Hathaway in the Beverly Hillbillies TV series. But Francis X. Bushman as old Mr. Larrabee has some funny moments with a penchant for martinis and cigars (whenever his wife's not around). Hepburn would be reunited with director Billy Wilder in Love In The Afternoon.

However, Sabrina also sees birth of a long-time association between Audrey and a certain Hubert de Givenchy, who did her costumes for many of her films. No Oscar for Hepburn, though she was nominated, but this film got me on my Hepburn kick back in the 90's, and is especially wonderful for those living "la vie en rose" as Sabrina does. To conclude, forget the 1995 remake--watch the original instead.

Sabrina
Personally, I found this movie to be very boring and trite. In fact, I fell asleep through it twice. I am a big Audrey Hepburn fan, so I was very disapointed when I watched this and found it so incredibly dull. I did though very much enjoy the remake and have seen that several times.

A Wonderful Movie but I also like The Remake!
I saw Sabrina on TCM and I liked it and I think it's a wonderful movie and I think Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden were terrific and I recommend this movie and I'm planning on buying the DVD! I will probably get slammed for saying this but I also liked the remake that starred Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford and Greg Kinnear and I plan on buying that movie on DVD too! They are both charming, delightful movies that can be enjoyed on their ownrights and though I have seen remakes that were horrible the remake of this movie was fine but I suspose that since I saw the remake first that I was able to enjoy it because I wasn't comparing it to the original! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A MUST SEE
This is a very good movie! I am a Shirley Temple fan, but I think that even if you are not, you will still love this movie! Shirley plays Star, a child that was in a ship wreck and was found by Captain January, a lighthouse keeper. There is an evil truant officer who is trying to take Star away from "Cap". This movie has something for everyone. It has a lot of really funny parts, but it also has a very good plot. There are some good songs in the movie, such as,"At the Codfish Ball","Early Bird",and "The Right Somebody To Love". This is a very good movie, A must see for anyone!

Shirley
This Temple film is very good. Little Shirley stars as the "daughter" of a lighthouse keeper who rescued her when she was a baby. A truant officer learns that "Star" doesn't go to school, makes her take an examination, and when she passes, angrily decides to sent Star to an institution. Unhappy Star gets a surprise from her sympathizing aunt and uncle. Includes lots of dancing. Not too cute like some of the Temple films. Lots of songs.

Great film
This movie has a good dance sequence with Shirley and Buddy Ebsen. Shirley sings some good songs with friends. An uplifting and entertaining film.

Gets Me Everytime
This is probably one of the only films besides for some tear-jerking romance movies that gets me to break down in tears each time I watch it. Shirley Temple gives an excellent performance as Star, a pint-sized orphan living with her savior, Captain January, in a lighthouse on the shore. When Star is ripped out of Captain January's arms as the cold truant officer tries to put her in an institution (I know- these are a likely basis for Temple flicks but who cant love them!), I bawl everytime as she yells to the grief-stricken Cap- "What did I do? Why are they taking me away from you?" It is the sadest thing ever to see a little girl, especially Shirley, break down like that- it gets me everytime.
This movie is indeed a Temple memorable- most def. one of her classics. She shines in this movie- dances surely the best she can with Buddy Ebsen- and bestows this beautiful relationship with the old sea Cap. The cap and Star both take care of each other and it is adorable to watch on screen. The songs in this movie are very cute and any child or Shirley fan will love this movie. I highly recommed it being a major Shirley fan myself. I grew up with her big smile, her bright eyes, her tiny dimples, and her curly top- Shes a big part of my childhood memories. I wish their were movies more like these that exist now...

AT THE CODFISH BALL WITH JED CLAMPETT!
A remake of a 1923 silent with the now-forgotten Baby Peggy, this is an amusing little Temple flick - one in which the little ones should enjoy. This was Shirley's initial 1936 release and it actually turned out to be one of her most fondly remembered movies. Based upon an 1890 novel entitled THE LIGHTHOUSE AT CAPE TEMPEST by Laura E. Richards, its the story of a poor foundling (how unusual for a Temple character!) named Star who is taken in by a kindly lighthouse keeper - the title character played by the talented Guy Kibbee. Shirley sings THE RIGHT SOMEBODY TO LOVE and her dance number with Buddy Ebsen is among her best while doing AT THE CODFISH BALL. During the filming of the latter's sequence, Temple had to climb a 45 foot stairway while a camera crane moved up beside her, catching her lines each time she turned on the stairs - timing the line exactly to the turn - Shirley never missed the synchronization once. Temple was easily the greatest asset the newly formed TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX had and this movie is quite a showcase for the little moppet. It's designed solely as its star's vehicle; Shirley appears in nearly every sequence: grinning, sobbing, dancing, singing, wriggling, pattering downstairs or spitting on her pinafore as the scenerio requires! The colourization process has improved substantially, so the kids won't complain about watching "old black and white movies"! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A major (and minor) Esther Williams vehicle.
This film is a kind of dual enigma because, while it is a properly light-hearted musical (they all were, but with varying degrees of success), it also boasts a great many oddities- starting with the strange title (exactly what in the film is "for keeps?"). Esther Williams plays a properly likable, properly beautiful, aquacade star whose relationship with Jimmy Durante (a legend whom I've always enjoyed) should've been that of a father and daughter, but instead is something a tad stranger. Thankfully, this isn't ignored in the film, as her actual love interest (Johnnie Johnston), whom Durante relentlessly 'protects' from Williams, challenges his interference in the film's 11th hour. (While Durante seems to have a bothered conscience about this, it is never confirmed or denied.) Another annoyance, as someone memtioned earlier, is the blowhard opera tenor (Lauritz Melchior) playing Johnston's meddlesome father. After getting past all this stickiness, the film's highlights, which are its musical portions (especially the Cugat numbers and the striptease and swim of "Ten Percent Off"), can finally be enjoyed.

a great film!
This is an Esther Williams film, not heard aboutt or shown as often. It's really good, and well worth watching. It's one of her best. It has really nice swin scenes clothes and a pretty good storyline.

good movie
i liked this time for keeps it was a good movie i read her book
and it had some infomation in it that help me enjoyed the movie more. like in one part were it was filmed in mich there a place
in upper mich i would not mind go seeing you haved to take a boat
to get there it look like some good fishing up there.

Prime Durante
If you're a fan of Jimmy Durante or of the Grand Hotel in Mackinack Island this is a film you'll love. Durante plays the manager/protector of Esther Williams and he's in prime form. Esther's OK too if you like that sort of thing.

Esther nearly drowns
This film has the elements of an entertaining film, but fails largely due to the operatic sequences with Lauritz Melchior. He completely spoiled Esther's THRILL OF A ROMANCE (1945) and only Jimmy Durante keeps him from drowning this one, too. I don't mind operatic singing, but it just doesn't belong in a lightweight film like this. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The first army thought of comic relief.
When my adopted son went off to boot camp and later Korea, these movies were a must to beef-up moral: ABBOTT and COSTELLO in BUCK PRIVATES, BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME; and BILL MURRAY in STRIPES. All display a humorous perspective on army life and an after-army attitude that can survive drill sargeants. Laughs R Lou and Bub Personally, I also love the song and dance routines of THE ANDREW SISTERS, too. Many try but none can compare to their jazzy- swing combination of harmonized tunes.

Buck Up
In order to avoid arrest, A&C enlist in the army and get tangled in a romantic subplot involving a millionaire, his former valet, and a camp hostess. Silly fun takes place on the eve of World War II, with Abbott and Costello scoring laughs and the Andrews Sisters singing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Apple Blossom Time." Funny, despite the silly romance.

Running and Pushing??
It is my own reflections that you cannot judge the A and C Films in a singular way. If you watch just one of their best it looses its impact,rather, I suggest that you catch three at a time in this way you can fall into their brand of absurd comedy.

I was hooked as a kid and guess what , their films have more legs than most of the comedy giants of the past..for sure..

Jane Frazee is here ,along with the likes of Lee Bowman and even Shemp Howard..> The Andrews Sisters provie a bit of pace without slowing it all down too much..and these DVD transfers are fine..all proving once again that there has never been a better "straight " man than the peerless Bud Abbott..
CP

Not so funny
This guys maybe were funny in 1950 but today... Tons of cliches of old times comedy and nothing original. Better buy Stan and Laurel!

One of the beat
You will love this movie.There is plenty of funny scenes with costello and the sergent.Buy this.Its their first full film apperanece(besides One Night in the tropics). This is a classic. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fast Paced
This movie starts out as one of the best Abbott & Costello feature films...it kind of falls flat at the end though. The first 3/4 of the movie is fast paced with some of their funniest routines. The highlights are when they try to fix a leaky faucet & one of their funniest routines ever...also just by itself worth purchasing this film...the Susquehanna Hat Company...fabulous. Everytime I see that routine it cracks me up...a true classic. Overall this is a very good movie...the last 25 minutes could've been better though.

Abbott & Costello take apart the world of High Society
Abbott and Costello come up with one of their best films with the 1944 comedy "In Society." Bud is Eddie Harrington and Lou is Albert Mansfield, a couple of plumbers called in to repair the leak in the bathroom of the wealthy Mr. Van Cleve (Thurston Hall), whose wife (Nella Walker) is hosting a costume ball (already, you know this is going to be a good one). The boys arrive at the Van Cleve mansion in a taxi driven by Elsie Hammerdingle (Marion Hutton), who is mistaken for a costumed guest by playboy Peter Evans (Kirby Grant). Meanwhile, the boys are destroying the upstairs bathroom and flooding the master bedroom. Mrs. Van Cleve writes an angry letter to the plumbers but ends up mailing the boys an invitation to a society weekend at the estate of Mrs. Winthrop (Margaret Irving). Just to complete the fun, Peter has already invited Elise to the same shindig. The second act of "In Society" reminds you a lot of the Marx Brothers' "Animal Crackers," as Drexel (Thomas Gomez), a loan shark, tries to enlist the boys in a plot to steal the valuable painting, "The Plunger" (LOL). This ends up setting up a frantic chance scene at the end, involving a fire truck.

"In Society" joins that long list of comic films in which the madcaps encounter the world of high society and proceed to destroy it, although this one is not as anarchistic as "Animal Crackers." With Abbott & Costello it is always a series of unintentional accidents. The destruction of the bathroom is the best sequence in the film, which also includes the classic burlesque piece "Fleugel Street," where Lou tries to deliver hats to the Pioneer Hat company and everybody he meets beats him up and breaks a hat. The original story for "In Society" was written by Hugh Wedlock, Jr. and Howard Snyder, who used to write gags for Jack Benny. John Grant, Edmund L. Hartmann and Hal Fimberg got screenplay credit for turning the story into more of a workable Abbott & Costello movie. The female romantic interest Marion Hutton, the sister of actress Betty Hutton, had been a singer with the Glenn Miller orchestra and had introduced "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree." Oh, final note: Arthur Treacher, the screen's greatest Butler, plays Pipps the Butler in this film.

lots of creative comedy scenes
Abbott and Costello create another winner as two bumbling plumbers trying to work their way into society bathrooms. This movie has a lot of whacky physical humor balanced by a good story.

There is also a special effects error in this film that most people don't notice. Watch the car chase carefully during the part where a car is hanging from the ladder truck. At one point you will see that car defy the law of gravity.

Fun!
This Movie was very fun.You will laugh and laugh. This has parts like the susquehannah hat company, When the float around a bedroom in a tub and fly down a street in a couch.Just too many long lousy songs

ONE OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO' S BEST FEATURES
Bud and Lou are at it again. In this film the "DYNAMIC DUO" of comedy play two bumbling plumbers who are mistaken for members of society.

The BEST highlights in this film are: (1) BAGEL STREET. A hat salesman friend of the boys asks them the favor of returning a box of strawhats,sent to him by mistake by the manufacturer (one wonders WHY ANY0NE would ENTRUST A & C with such a task). On their way to deliever the hats,the pair run into a bunch of ZANIES. When Lou asks them directions to "BAGEL STREET", the lament to him the poor experiences they had their. However, when Costello mentions the name of the hat factory "SUSQUEHANNA HAT COMPANY" these people go BESERK and nearly destroy the box of strawhats as they take their FRUSTRATIONS out on Lou, who can do nothing but stand there and take the abuse. (2) The climatic chase scene. This scene uses chase footage from W.C. Fields' comedy "NEVER GIVE A SUCKER AN EVEN BREAK". The boys commandeer a hook-and-ladder fire truck, complete with aged fireman who has NEVER driven a firetruck before. UNKNOWN to them the ladder half of the truck is UNLOCKED, and as luck would have it, Costello IS RIDING in the cabin. As Lou climbs out onto the ladder, he begins to howl and whine as the truck goes through a series of ZANY curves and manoevers. (Roger Moore does a POOR imitation of this scene in his last 'JAMES BOND' film "A VIEW TO A KILL" ). But NO ONE does it BETTER than Lou Costello. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A MUST SEE
This is a very good movie! I am a Shirley Temple fan, but I think that even if you are not, you will still love this movie! Shirley plays Star, a child that was in a ship wreck and was found by Captain January, a lighthouse keeper. There is an evil truant officer who is trying to take Star away from "Cap". This movie has something for everyone. It has a lot of really funny parts, but it also has a very good plot. There are some good songs in the movie, such as,"At the Codfish Ball","Early Bird",and "The Right Somebody To Love". This is a very good movie, A must see for anyone!

Shirley
This Temple film is very good. Little Shirley stars as the "daughter" of a lighthouse keeper who rescued her when she was a baby. A truant officer learns that "Star" doesn't go to school, makes her take an examination, and when she passes, angrily decides to sent Star to an institution. Unhappy Star gets a surprise from her sympathizing aunt and uncle. Includes lots of dancing. Not too cute like some of the Temple films. Lots of songs.

Great film
This movie has a good dance sequence with Shirley and Buddy Ebsen. Shirley sings some good songs with friends. An uplifting and entertaining film.

Gets Me Everytime
This is probably one of the only films besides for some tear-jerking romance movies that gets me to break down in tears each time I watch it. Shirley Temple gives an excellent performance as Star, a pint-sized orphan living with her savior, Captain January, in a lighthouse on the shore. When Star is ripped out of Captain January's arms as the cold truant officer tries to put her in an institution (I know- these are a likely basis for Temple flicks but who cant love them!), I bawl everytime as she yells to the grief-stricken Cap- "What did I do? Why are they taking me away from you?" It is the sadest thing ever to see a little girl, especially Shirley, break down like that- it gets me everytime.
This movie is indeed a Temple memorable- most def. one of her classics. She shines in this movie- dances surely the best she can with Buddy Ebsen- and bestows this beautiful relationship with the old sea Cap. The cap and Star both take care of each other and it is adorable to watch on screen. The songs in this movie are very cute and any child or Shirley fan will love this movie. I highly recommed it being a major Shirley fan myself. I grew up with her big smile, her bright eyes, her tiny dimples, and her curly top- Shes a big part of my childhood memories. I wish their were movies more like these that exist now...

AT THE CODFISH BALL WITH JED CLAMPETT!
A remake of a 1923 silent with the now-forgotten Baby Peggy, this is an amusing little Temple flick - one in which the little ones should enjoy. This was Shirley's initial 1936 release and it actually turned out to be one of her most fondly remembered movies. Based upon an 1890 novel entitled THE LIGHTHOUSE AT CAPE TEMPEST by Laura E. Richards, its the story of a poor foundling (how unusual for a Temple character!) named Star who is taken in by a kindly lighthouse keeper - the title character played by the talented Guy Kibbee. Shirley sings THE RIGHT SOMEBODY TO LOVE and her dance number with Buddy Ebsen is among her best while doing AT THE CODFISH BALL. During the filming of the latter's sequence, Temple had to climb a 45 foot stairway while a camera crane moved up beside her, catching her lines each time she turned on the stairs - timing the line exactly to the turn - Shirley never missed the synchronization once. Temple was easily the greatest asset the newly formed TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX had and this movie is quite a showcase for the little moppet. It's designed solely as its star's vehicle; Shirley appears in nearly every sequence: grinning, sobbing, dancing, singing, wriggling, pattering downstairs or spitting on her pinafore as the scenerio requires! The colourization process has improved substantially, so the kids won't complain about watching "old black and white movies"! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

this was good
i liked this flick a lot. i'm sorry for not doing the kids review. but all in all, it was good. i'm about to cry cuz i regret it

Enjoyable, but Plot is Definitely Iffy
The basic plot centers around the daughter (Jane Powell) going to Rio for a job and her mother, Ann Southern (who looks and behaves more like her sister), trying to thwart a "masher" whom she thinks is after her daughter. Carmen Miranda provies some wonderful scenes in her second of only two MGM movies. Watch for the umbrella number! It's simple over-the-top lavishness and downright craziness is what made her the highest-paid female star of the 40's! Basically, the movie is enjoyable, but the plot (and the scenery--the backdrop of Rio from the hotel room is hilarious to look at) are rather contrived, even for a musical.

2 Sexy Female Leads In A Hot Film!
Ann Sothern (Fame As Maisie Raiver In The Maisie Series) And Jane Powell(LAter In Time 7 Brides For 7 Brothers Fame), To Me, Are About Two Of The Sexiest Females In Hollywood Around This Era! I Found Out About This Film On The Web, And Told One Of My Girlfriends About It, And She Bought It For Me! I Fell In Love With Jane's Should Be Famous, Sassy Number, "Nancy Goes To Rio". The SASS To This Is "Keep Those Latins Guessin'" And "A Brazillian Millionaire!"
How Rude! Barry Sullivan Is The Man That Not Only Saves Nancy (Jane) From A "Masher", But Also Falls In Love With Her Mother Frances, And proposes marriage to her. Carmen Miranda Is Great As The One That Spices The Film's Dull Plot Up. Louis Calhern Is NAncy's Skirt-Chasin Grandpa. All In All, This Is A ALL_STAR SEXY FILM WITH ALL STARS!

a great and colorful film!
The costumes and scenery are so brilliant and colorful in this film. It's a very entertaining musical. Jane Powell and Anne Southern are cast perfectly as mother daughter in it. It's feast for the eys to see.

MUSICAL MAGIC
This glittering musical is highlighted by dynamic performances. The Barklays are a three-generation musical theatre family--grandpa (Louis Calhern), his daughter (Ann Southern) and his granddaughter, Nancy.(Jane Powell)

After closing her current musical hit, Ann Southern decides to travel to Rio with grandpa to study for her new play set in Brazil. Nancy remains behind to fulfill committments in summer theatre activities. Ann's producer has promised to see Nancy in her summer stock production and he is so pleased with her performance that he decides to use her in the part he had planned for her mother. Thrilled and dazed, Nancy decides to take a cruise to Rio to join her mother, unaware that she was offered the part first.

Matters are further complicated on the cruise when Carmen Miranda mistakes Nancy for being in a family way and she asks her boss, Barry Sullivan, to take Nancy under his wing. Nancy mistakes his attention as romantic and falls head over heals for him--a fate shared later by her mother when they arrive in Rio. Riotous un-doings add to the delight of the film as mother and daughter vie for the same part and the same man.

The musical numbers are dazzling. Ann Southern leads out with the beautiful TIME AND TIME AGAIN. The Barklays join forces for a heartwarming SHINE ON HARVEST MOON. Miss Miranda gives us a rousing YIPSEE-I-O and CA-ROOM! PA-PA. Jane Powell sparkles in some of her finest screen work in MAGIC IS THE MOONLIGHT, the lovely MUSETTA'S WALTZ and the sensational finale LOVE IS LIKE THIS.

Highly recommended for an evening of fun and really good music. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Delightful and Innocent Movie
Three Smart Girls Grow Up is a delighful movie about a young girl playing matchmaker to her two sisters. Deanna Durbin has long been one of my favorites and in this film she proves why. She's a natural actress, her voice is beautiful, and the plot of Three Smart Girls Grow Up though slight takes us back to another time. The clothes in the movie are beautiful (in particular an outfit that Nan Grey, playing Deanna's sister, wears early in the movie) and the sets are excellent as well. I'd love to more of Deanna Durbin's films.

It is fantastic
Deanna Durbin is more than perfect. She sings beautifuly. If you enjoy family comedies this is the movie for you. You will laugh while you are watching this comedy of "errors". The movie is tiwce as good as "Three Smart Girls". ... Read more

Amazon.com

Universal wasted no time in exploiting 14-year-old Deanna Durbin's star power; after screening the dailies from her feature debut, Three Smart Girls, studio execs expanded Durbin's supporting role and doubled the budget. Their investment paid off: this breezy comedy-musical, about a young singer determined to reunite her parents, earned a then-extraordinary $2 million and three Oscar nominations (including Best Picture).

Durbin's charm, good songs, and a solid supporting cast (including Alice Brady, Mischa Auer, and Charles Winninger) make Girls a delight many decades later.It's also a notch above the affable sequel, Three Smart Girls Grow Up. --Steven Smith ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Simple Charmer
Although she is little known today, Deanna Durbin was one of the most popular stars of the 1930s, a pretty teenager with a perky personality and a much-admired operatic singing voice. This 1937 was her first major film, and it proved a box-office bonanza for beleaguered Universal Studios.

THREE SMART GIRLS concerns three daughters of a divorced couple who rush to their long-unseen father when their still-faithful mother reveals he may soon remarry--with the firm intention of undermining his gold-digger girlfriend and returning him to their mother. Although the story is slight, the script is witty and the expert cast plays it with a neat screwball touch. Durbin has a pleasing voice and appealing personality, and such enjoyable character actors as Charles Winninger, Alice Brady, Lucile Watson, and Mischa Auer round out the cast. A an ultra-light amusement for fans of 1930s film.

Deanna Durbin is a treasure
Deanna Durbin is a treasure not well known to today's generation but was well loved in her time. If you enjoy movies like Parent Trap you will love the original take on children trying to get their parents together. This hilarious movie includes the fabulous singing voice of Deanna that makes it the tops with me. A definate 'must see' if you enjoy comedy and music. If you like this one you will adore the sequal Three Smart Grow Up. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Delectable Danielle Darrieux Shines in Overlooked Gem
THE RAGE OF PARIS is one of the greatest romantic comedy "screwball" films Hollywood made during the 1930's yet is surprisingly little known, probably because fans of the classic romantic comedies tend to stick to the queens of the genre (Colbert, Lombard, Arthur, Loy, etc.) and most of the actresses who made only one romantic comedy are pretty bad at it (ie: Crawford). Danielle Darrieux, on the other hand, is divine! The great French star came to America with much fan-fare to make this movie and went back home to France within months being homesick. It certainly was the American's screen loss because Mme. Darrieux certainly proves she could have been a major rival for Claudette Colbert's throne as the queen of romantic comedies. Danielle is every bit as enchanting here as that other French coquette and unlike Ms. Colbert she does not go for an Americanized personality, retaining a thoroughly French sensibility. Nobody can touch Claudette in this genre as far as I am concerned, but Danielle shows she might have come close. She certainly settled with a very nice consolation prize going back home and becoming the greatest female star in the history of French cinema and still active on the screen today (2002's EIGHT WOMEN) some seventy years after her screen debut!

A long time ago....
I first caught this movie as a late nighter about 15 years ago when I was 13. It has stayed with me ever since. Although I do not remember the particulars, I do remember the scene with the "drapes"! I am thrilled to have discovered this movie again and I hope than any hopeless romantic who sees it buys it!

FANCIFUL COMEDY FROM 1938.
Beautiful French actress Danielle Darrieux made her debut in American films in this amusing farce which co-stars Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. She plays Nicole, a young girl from France who arrives in NYC seeking work as a model. Nicole finds a job available posing as a nude model for a commercial photographer, and, because she got the address mixed up, confusion ensues. Millionaire Louis Hayward happens to be a friend of Fairbanks (who tells him that the girl is no good) but to everyone's satisfaction, Fairbanks and Nicole eventually fall in love. As a footnote, Mary Martin (as a drama teacher!) made her film debut here.

How to marry a businessman
A young Danielle Darrieux cuts a fascinating woman in this film. She is nothing but a social climber or an ambitious woman who wants to marry a rich man. She builds up the intrigue very well, but she uses her charms, and her womanly reactions, like anger, sadness, naivete, tears, etc, with both will power and humor. She takes a man, not the first catch but the second catch, in her trap in no time. She is even in a way forced to marry this second catch by his own decision. Of course the plot has no depth but it shows too well the secondary position of women for these rich businessmen. Women are nothing but domestic facilities according to Shaw's term, but they are able to turn their dependence into some kind of tremendous power, especially since, in this good society, a man without a woman, or better a wife, is nothing, is a grotesque oddity. What's more Danielle Darrieux is a marvellous actress in this part.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

Delightful Comedy, Rapid Pacing
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. excelled in drawing room comedy, and the fast-paced script and rapid pacing by director Henry Koster along with spirited cooperation from beautiful Parisian costar Danielle Darrieux, who vibrates with him in comedic timing, make this 1938 Universal production a gem.

Darrieux is moved into a plush suite of a prominent New York hotel apartment when head waiter Mischa Auer and Darrieux's friend Helen Broderick conspire to marry the lovely Parisian to a wealthy man. Louis Hayward, who ostensibly owns "half of Canada" is the selected choice, but ends up ultimately vying for her with "best friend" Fairbanks. The dramatic conflict stems from the fact that Fairbanks catches on to Darrieux's ploy and is initially out to foil her to help his friend, but ultimately succumbs to her charms.

The script conveys the flavor of the Depression thirties and the burgeoning contrasts between rich and poor. A shrewd Broderick realizes that Darrieux can convert her beauty into economic success by using just the right strategy on the properly situated man. Ironically, Darrieux finally learns that, for all the money Hayward has, Fairbanks is wealthier. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

They did it again
William Powell and Myrna Loy are absolutly wonderful together. They have the same spark as in the "Thin Man" series. I was very happy with this video and will watch it many times over.

Deluxe comedy with Powell and Loy
"I Love You Again" would have to be one of the very best of the legendary screen teamings of William Powell and Myrna Loy. While their screen magic together works wonderfully in this brilliant comedy in reality it is William Powell's show all the way and rarely has he been given such a stunning showcase for his expert comedy talents.

Powell plays Larry Wilson a small town skin flint and penny pincher who through an accident on a cruise ship is knocked on the head, loses his memory, and reverts to his former self of 8 years ago, the confidence trickster George Carey involved in any scheme to earn a fast buck no matter how shady the deal. What develops in the next hour and a half is an absolutely hilarious tale as Powell discovers that his boring other self not only is loaded money wise but is the companion of a totally gorgeous wife who is in the process of divorcing him!

The fun really starts when Powell returns to his sleepy little town to see if he can skim off some of Wilson's money and perhaps get lucky with his "wifey" the luscious Loy!! The scenes of misunderstanding and George pretending to know everything that goes on in Larry's life will have you laughing till your stomach hurts . The scenes of him being greeted by the townsfolk upon his arrival home as a national hero, Doc Ryan's( Frank McHugh in an absolutely hilarious performance) examination of Larry in the bed and, top of all tops, the scouting hike to track mooses or some such are some of the most classic moments you will see in a 1940's comedy. Given a wonderful vechicle like this one can see why William Powell was such a master of this zany type of comedy and the way his delivery makes it seem so effortless is a tribute to his wonderfully developed comedy technique. Myrna Loy , always a great actress in comedy or drama is just right in the role of frustrated wife Kay Wilson who is suddenly amazed to find her totally boring, penny pinching husband has mysteriously transformed into something like the man she dreamed about marrying. The scene in the lingerie store is a riot when the salesgirl automatically brings out the cheapest model when Larry goes shopping with his wife. The beautiful exchanges in this scene will have you convulsing with laughter.

Of course in this production the Powell/Loy team is accompanied by their mentor and pal director W.S (One take Woody) Van Dyke who guided the pair through most of their early "Thin Man" successes. They were a perfect marriage of director and actors and rarely have the two meshed so well together. Van Dyke's rapid style of direction suited this type of witty fast paced comedy to a tee and in this comedy in particular it worked beautifully to keep the action moving at a rapid pace. The film almost has to be viewed a couple of times as so much dialogue is missed in one screening.

"I Love You Again" is without a doubt one of the very best of this teams work. As always with these productions it benefits greatly from the MGM care and attention to detail and it turned out to one of the stunning successes for MGM in 1940.

If you are seeking a healthy dose of comic madness combined with fine writing, direction, superb performances by all involved, you can't go past this classic installment in the Powell and Loy teamings. It's right up there with the original "Thin Man" and "Love Crazy" as a perfect showcase for what great screen acting is all about. Enjoy!!!

MY WHAT FUN!!
Get ready to chuckle and laugh throughout the whole film. Powell is at his comedic best, and Loy is dreamy and gorgeous. Can't think of two people who belonged together professionally more that this enchanting and dynamic duo, with the possible exception of Rogers and Astaire.

The story line is a riot: Powell has had amnesia for some years, and led a stuffy, collective life, much to frustration and ultimate despair of Loy, his wife. A chance blow to the head restores him to his old, true self: it seems he is now a confidence man. A bank book of his former self induces him to return to and try to slip into his forgotten former life. All is laughter and fun from here on.

The deer stalking scene is the comic highlight of the film, as well as a solo trek on the dance floor by Powell. The lines between him and Loy are clever and fascinating, and one just can't say enough about this move except: Relax and Have Fun!

Better than Most of the "Thin Men" Films.
Yes, it's true-- Powell and Loy *are* at their best. "I Love You Again" is a twist on the old amnesia plot, and the twist allows for fun confusion, mugging, and fast talking. Powell shows his breadth of acting capability and Loy's character is smart, coy, and likeable. This movie is fun, snappy, and, unlike some of their other movies, not confusing in the least. Thoroughly likeable.

Powell and Loy are at their best!
Loved it! William Powell and Myrna Loy shine as Larry and Kay Wilson! As usual, they have dynamic chemistry and perfect comedic timing. There are several laugh out loud scenes, such as Larry's antics after Kay refuses to dance with him and the reactions of Larry and his newfound friend "Doc" when Larry is welcomed into his hometown. By today's standards, plotlines involving amnesia are dry and overused, but this movie's storyline is original and thoroughly entertaining. It's a gem! Loy and Powell solidify that they are truely the cinema's greatest screen couple. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Finally it is available!
I have been looking for this movie for more than 30 years. My parents made me go to bed before it was over, and it never played on television again (in at least the next 20 years, I know for sure. The last ten I haven't seen much television. It was a wonderful,lighthearted, funny film packed with the most amazing cast of stars. Thanks for carrying it!

Wonderful musical acts; dull story
It's hard to assign a star value to a movie like this. Lovers of 1940s musical productions will love the variety acts with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Spike Jones, the acrobats, and even the harmonica band. (Spike's zany production number is written into the story line with wonderful results: the band's soloist has no idea the nature of Spike's band, and is bewildered why the audience is laughing during her singing. The story itself that ties the musical numbers together, however, is silly and deadly dull: "I Love Lucy" type pranks without any of Lucy's endearing charm. Fortunately, there are LOTS of production numbers! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Take a Chance on this movie!
June Allyson and Kathryn Grayson work very well together in this movie. The character that Kathryn Grayson plays is different from the usual "good-girl" she plays in her other movies. She's not "bad"; it's just not a role you'd expect her to play. The songs in this movie are mostly sung by Kathryn Grayson, but June Allyson does have a funny little number that she belts out comically. Jimmy Durante and Peter Lawford are the objects of "romance" for the sisters. I really enjoyed this movie because not only was it funny, but the songs and the plot were great too!

Enjoyable Musical Comedy With A Talented Cast
TWO SISTERS FROM BOSTON is a musical comedy about two girls from Boston who go to New York and get jobs as singers and dancers in a Bowery nightclub while trying to land a spot in the Met for one of the sisters (Kathryn Grayson). June Allyson plays the other sister and Jimmy Durante is the owner of the Bowery joint. Lauritz Melchior, Peter Lawford and Ben Blue appear in strong supporting roles. The talented cast is what makes the movie so entertaining. The plot is slightly nonsensical but it really doesn't matter in this case.

Henry Koster directed many other films including FLOWER DRUM SONG, MY MAN GODFREY and THE BISHOP'S WIFE. He was nominated for an Oscar for the latter in 1947. Lauritz Melchior was underrated as an actor and I wish that he had made more movies.

Opera Vs. Dancehall
This is an entertaining lower budget MGM musical. Kathryn Grayson gets to show her sense of humor and June Allyson is charming. Miss
Grayson shows she can handle comic as well as classical music and
in my opinion is one of the most beautiful movie stars of her era. This is a well paced, funny film; the ending could have been a bit
stronger, but viewers shouldm't be disappointed. One of the best
examples of the use of opera as comedy.

A hidden Gem!
June Allyson, Kathryn Grayson, Jimmy Durante, & Peter Lawford lead the cast in this charming, funny romantic musical set at the turn of the Century.

Allyson and Grayson are Martha and Abigail Chandler, two sisters from an elite conservative family in Boston. Pursuing a singing career in the opera, Abigail(Grayson) lives on her own in New York and pays for her singing lessons by singing and dancing at a bar run by the endearing Jimmy Durante.

The fun begins when Abigail's Boston relatives find out and head to New York to set her straight. Fortunately for Abigail, younger sister Martha(Allyson) comes to the rescue risking her own good girl reputation to cover for her sister and help her make it to the Grand Opera.

Peter Lawford and June Allyson are hysterical as the over conservative goody-goodies who fall for each other, Jimmy Durante gives an adorable comical performance as Abigail's boss, and Kathryn Grayson gives beautiful renditions of classical songs.

Memorable scenes include Allyson's performance of the song "After the Show" in a bar, and Grayson's hilarius run-in with the great opera singer Ostrum(Lauritz Melchior) as she steals his aria during a live performance.

Very funny plot and performances throughout the whole movie. Definitely worth watching and enjoying over and over again!!

Well worth seeing
A classic and more unknown film This one is well worth seeing and entertaining. The storyline is cute and entertaining. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

VINTAGE SWANSON CURIO.
In this early talkie from 1931 - in which everyone does their best in an essentially mediocre film - a 32 year-old Gloria Swanson plays a lady with a past. Gloria, who is involved with a writer (Ben Lyon) discovers that Lyon's sister has her old flame as her new fiancee... With good reason, Swanson had misgivings about this film which is weak both plot-wise and musically: her fears unfortunately proved right. Leo McCarey, the director, was promised his "big break" with this film and Ben Lyon was - rather unbelievably - considered a major coup for a leading man, therefore, Swanson agreed to do it for United Artists. Perhaps the most capable performer is Arthur "Dagwood" Lake as Buster Collins. Swanson had just priorly turned down Paramount's offer of a guaranteed 1 million-dollar-a-year contract (!).

Good Movie, but DO'NT buy DVD "Madacy" copy!!!
The movie itself is good. But the "Madacy" Company copied a lousy, badly worn, faded, repaired 16mm copy on to the DVD and is miserable to watch! The film must have been shown 100's of times. It is so badly spliced, in some scenes you can't even understand the dialog! The whole last half of the movie, the sound is extremely garbled! Very poor visual quality. You would expect a DVD to be higher in quality - not this one. Record the movie off of TV! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

One of Hollywood's greatest melodramas
It's funny how, in this day and age, golden-age dramas can fall very definitely into one of two categories: ridiculous, and sublime. Happily, Barbara Stanwyck's finest hour, 'Stella Dalls', falls firmly into the second category, thanks to a wonderful performance by Ms. Stanwyck as the titular heroine.

Stella Martin is the daughter of an impoverished steel-mill family. She is ambitious, however, and when she catches the eye of the recently-broke Stephen Dallas, he pushes his feelings for his wealthy ex-girlfriend aside and makes the best of a bad situation. Unhappily married to the uncouth Stella, he spends more and more time away from her, taking only short holidays with his beloved daughter, Laurel. Stella soon realises that a mother's love cannot provide the best social advantages for Laurel, and makes the ultimate sacrifice for the good of her family.

Stanwyck's supporting cast are of a type, but they're still good - John Boles as Stephen and Barbara O' Neil as Helen Morrisson give strong performances. Alan Hale does an excellent job with the character of Ed Munn, a good-time gambler on the road to self-destruction. He plays the role with a sensitivity and pathos rare to films of this era. Anne Shirley as Laurel is cloying and sentimental, but then again, she's supposed to be.

It's Ms. Stanwyck's performance as Stella that saves this movie from mediocrity, and catapults it into the ranks of other big-league melodramas such as 'Now, Voyager' and 'Imitation of Life'. As Stella, she is perfectly capable of forcing us to empathise, and we respond in kind. Surely, hers is the ultimate sacrifice, and we are with her every step of the way. Her eyes, her expressions of total selflessness and her total devotion to the betterment of her daughter give us a true sense of what motherhood is about.

Beautifully directed by King Vidor, it's a triumph that this picture is finally available on DVD. It's not a happy movie, but it is a testament to the once-extraordinary power of Hollywood to create beautiful and emotional pieces of cinema.

One of Stanwyck's greatest roles and an all time favorite
Tearjerker supreme, with a top-notch performance by Barbara Stanwyck, who impersonates and gives true life to coarse, low class, self-effacing Stella Dallas, "mother above all". This is one of the greatest and strongest dramatic performances ever achieved on the screen by an American actress.

Stanwyck plays an ambitious girl of humble origins, who falls in love and marries recently impoverished aristocratic Boles (Stephen Dallas), whose social differences eventually separate them. She raises their little child, Laurel, suffering, crying and sacrificing herself for her daughter's sake, from then onwards.

John Boles is quite effective, but, as usual, lacks punch as Stephen Dallas. On the other hand, Anne Shirley is believable and very good as grown-up Laurel. Alan Hale is simply incredible and the epitome of vulgarity, as lowbrow and ever-partying Ed Munn; and Barbara O'Neil (future Scarlett O'Hara's mother) is rightly patrician, well-bred and classy, as Boles' old-time fiancée and friend.

In spite of its 30's ultrasentimentality by today's standards, absolutely recommended viewing. The DVD quality is good indeed.

Stanwyck is the gem of this 1930s melodrama
As other reviewers have said, "Stella Dallas" is a highly sentimental, soap-operaish 1930s movie. But it's still a good film, despite that fact that many aspects of the plot and characterization are dated.

Barbara Stanwyck is the gem of this film, and she gives the most convincing performance (except for Alan Hale, her drunken friend, Ed). The movie begins with Stella, a girl from a working-class mill family, who dreams of marriage to Stephen Dallas, a well-to-do mill executive. With all the charm she can muster, Stella walks into Stephen's office at a crucial point in his life: he is in despair. She revives him, and the two are married within two weeks. What follows is rather predictable: the marriage was a mistake. Stephen's upper class society of manners and Stella's burning desire to experience the passion and wealth of life are sorely incompatible. After the birth of their daughter, Laurel, they part ways: he lives in New York, and she stays in Boston with their daughter. However, they do not divorce for nearly 15 years. Stella raises Laurel, and Stephen takes the child on vacations often. As Laurel grows older, it is obvious that her intellect and mannerisms mirror her father, and not her working-class, garish mother. Despite the fact that Laurel is essentially the only person or thing that Stella loves, Stella contrives a plot to deceive Laurel so that the teenage girl will willingly go live with her father, his new, beautiful, wealthy wife, and her three sons in a New York mansion.

Stanwyck's acting is superb, one of the best in her career. She convincingly portrays a woman who is trapped in her lower-class social status, but desperately reaches for money and associations with the "right people." Anne Shirley, who plays Laurel in her teen years, seems to overact at times, but she delivers a top-notch performance as an innocent, wholesome teen torn between her separated parents. John Boles' performance is stiff and restrained, as usual, and his character is very flat (but it's supposed to be). Barbara O'Neil earns the audience's respect as the only person who genuinely understands Stella. And Alan Hale is brilliant as the crass, drunken, party-animal Ed Munn, and Stella simply can't resist his zest for life (at least initially).

Although the film is encumbered with overly sentimental dialogue and a bit of overacting, it's a pretty good 1930s melodrama.

Barbara Stanwyck's Finest Hour - Classic Tear-Jerker
Barbara Stanwyck, although barely 30, convincingly plays the loving mother to a young adult daughter. Coming from a working-class background, the young "Stella" is determined to climb the social ladder. Her meeting with executive "Mr. Dallas" seemed to be mutual love-at-first-sight. Soon after their child, Lollie, is born, Stella's disposition changes. When hubby suggests the family move to New York to be near his business dealings, Stella flat refuses.

The action skips about 16 years, showing a grown-up Lollie, still happily living with her mother. During a visit with the father and his wealthy new wife, Lollie is showered with expensive presents, and asked to stay with them permanently. Lollie refuses, insisting that her place is with Mother.

Here is where the Kleenex moments come in: Having overheard some cruel dialogue about them while traveling with Lollie in a train compartment, Stella, unable to provide the lavish life her daughter was sure to enjoy with the father, puts on a bawdy act of meanness and cruelty, to turn the daughter away. The ultimate heartbreak is the scene of Lollie's Wedding Ceremony (which I will not devulge).

Lollie's character is basically a sweet young woman, devoted to her mother. When at an outing with her friends she denies the mother (who is making somewhat of a spectacle of herself in a drug store), my sympathy for Lollie drops significantly. The scene is reminiscent of "Imitation Of Life", where the entire story is centered around the daughter's shame for her mother. This one spoiling scene seems unnecessary in the otherwise brilliant film. Still I highly recommend "Stella Dallas" to fans of the leading lady. The original radio play is also well worth the time!****

A GREAT DRAMA! STANWYCK GIVES A TOUR-DE-FORCE PERFORMANCE!
"Stella Dallas" is an extraordinary emotional rollercoaster of a movie, and a must-see for fans of the legendary Barbara Stanwyck. Stanwyck is Stella Martin, a tough cookie mill girl who steps up in class by marrying the wealthy Stephen Dallas (John Boles). They have a daughter, Laurel (Anne Shirley), whom Stella lavishes love on. But although Stella has a heart of gold, her coarse manners and unrefined taste are looked down upon by society. Stella won't have her daughter looked down on, too, and in securing her daughter's future happiness, Stella realizes that she must make a sacrifice greater than any she could ever make...

Stanwyck walks off with the picture, absolutely perfect as Stella (Stanwyck, I believe, REALLY should have won the Oscar she was nominated for for this film). Anne Shirley is just a tad overly enthusiastic as Laurel, but she is also sincere and honest in her Oscar-nominated performance. John Boles is- fair in his relatively small role. Barbara O'Neil is excellent as Helen Morrison, a kind-hearted friend of Stephen Dallas. Alan Hale is perfectly vulgar in his meaty role of Ed Munn, a coarse friend of Stella's.

The film has a sensitive but wrenching screenplay which calls for handkerchiefs in many scenes: (One scene has Stella and Laurel waiting for children to come to Laurel's birthday party who never come because of Stella's notoriety, a scene in which Stella overhears Laurel's friends talking about her with snide remarks, and the final, heartbreaking scene...) King Vidor's direction rounds out the exquisite drama and makes "Stella Dallas" one of the most powerful dramatic masterpieces of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

VALLEE THE CROONER.
In this rather trite offering from 1929, Bandleader Rudy Bronson (Vallee) dreams of becoming a big star with his college band. While it was spare on plot and dramatics, THE VAGABOND LOVER does showcase Vallee at the height of his popularity. Simplistic at best, the movie is badly hampered by Vallee's wooden "acting" performance and by the fact that director Marshal Neiland went on a drunken spree during production, following the death of his mother. Rudy goes through the entire gamut of emotions without moving a muscle! But believe it or not, his singing in the film was relished by his admirers of the day. The film is credited for being the first talkie in which the legendary Marie Dressler appeared. Dressler steals the show as the society dame who carries on a feud with her rival, well-played by Nella Walker. Vallee burst upon the entertainment scene in 1928, quickly becoming a popular club, radio, vaudeville and record attraction with his band, The Connecticut Yankees. By 1929, he was quickly developing into the nation's first singing idol. This film is a result of his quickly-found but ultimately fleeting fame (Vallee's style of crooning - unfortunately - doesn't stand the test of time). ... Read more

Reviews (7)

AWFUL
My title sums it up. This movie struck us as sad and drawn out. The ending though satisfying is preceeded by a series of rather shocking scenes. It caught us totally unawares. I shall never watch this movie again.

Good early Stewart and Lombard
This is an early film is the careers of stars James Stewart and Carole Lombard. They star as a young impulsively-married couple who go through all the tribulation that entails. The performances are all top-rate and the cast includes Charles Coburn as Stewart's hearing-impaired boss and a cameo by Ward Bond as a reluctant pilot.

It is a light comedy-drama with a good script and great acting. My one complaint is that the last half-hour is mostly taken up with a soap-ish baby sickness scare that does little to expand the story, but gives Lombard an opportunity for an "Oscar clip" level crying scene and to look beatific praying to a statue of Jesus. This is in retrospect, however, as I was riveted to the screen throughout the ordeal.

All in all, a good (not excellent) film and a realistic portrayal of married life (sans housekeepers, of course) buoyed by terrific acting all around.

LOMBARD ROCKS!!!!
Although not her best, this film still stands the test of time. The film is simple, but that is what makes it a classic. Lombard will make you fall in love with her character. Not many actresses can do that today. Jimmy Stewart is as dependable as ever as the husband. If you like Lombard, check out "Nothing Sacred" as well. It is a great comedy with a wonderful screenplay by Ben Hect.

MEDIOCRE SOAP
The trials and tribulations of a young married couple. Carole Lombard was that rarest type of actresses - a beautiful woman who was also funny. Seen today, it is very much a film of the Hollywood past, and without the pleasing performances of the leads, would have little to recommend it. By 1939, she had established herself as a top-flight comedienne, and it had begun to bother her; she felt that she needed to prove her dramatic abilities. David O. Selznick agreed with her and commissioned Jo Swerling to write an original screenplay about the problems of a young married couple. Lombard's humour shines through, even though the part doesn't call for comedy, and Stewart is in his element as the shy but sunny, diffident yet optimistic all-American. Both Selznick and Lombard felt that the perfect actor to play the husband would be James Stewart, which required a loan-out from MGM in order to play in this United Artists production. The film was a modest success but not the winner Selznick had hoped for; the scene in which the serum is brought to the baby (he has pneumonia) via a plane in snowstorm barely passed muster in 1939, today it borders on the ludicrous.

Soap Poisoning
My wife and I expected SOME comedy - after all, Carol Lombard and Jimmie Stewart have BOTH done excellent work in that field, and the reviews we'd seen CALLED it a "comedy-drama". But alas, the only funny part of this movie was unintentional humor, particularly the "dramatic" sequence at the end, with a biplane pilot flying precious "serum" (on New Year's Eve, apparently) over the Rockies in a blinding blizzard (some wing spars on that plane!) and eventually bailing out somewhere over the Susquehannah (some fuel tanks that biplane had!) while newspaper headlines track his progress - all in one night? As a (former USAF) pilot, I laughed myself out of my seat throughout THIS sequence - it is totally ludicrous.

This "weepie", made in 1939, is infinitely dated. It looks much like a prototype for "It's A Wonderful Life", and maybe film buffs can check it out bearing *that* in mind, but if you are expecting ANY sort of humor, forget it. Stewart lurches from one setback to another, while his wife stays home with the baby and the mother-in-law (and the maid - don't forget the maid....). Trying to think of a single "funny" scene, I suppose the two seconds Stewart spends poking a bottle at the baby could bring a smile, but the scene where he comes home completely drunk is like watching a train wreck.

As another reviewer wrote, the DVD transfer is awful. The sound seems to come from the bottom of a 55-gallon drum stuffed with cotton - turning the volume up only gets you an earful of hiss and crackle. And extras....well, what do you expect at this price? The "art work" is a single lobby card (and that's shown so small that I can't imagine why it was even included), and "biographies" is a single page for Stewart, nothing for Lombard or anyone else.

The film this reminded me of most was "Cavalcade", but without the high spots. Even if you like "weepies" like "Penny Serenade", there is precious little in this archaic creaker to interest you. I highly recommed passing. Or better yet - go for "It Happened One Night". ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Barbara Stanwyck gave one of her inimitable and wonderfully enigmatic performances as a mill worker who marries her way into high society and soon experiences layers of frustration. Channeling her restlessness, she soon makes a positive though highly self-sacrificial decision on her daughter's behalf, and endures the agony of being replaced in her husband's life by an old, blue-blooded flame. King Vidor (The Crowd) directs with a fascinating sense of duality about Stanwyck's character: is her lower-caste vulgarity something to sneer at or something to applaud for the contrast she presents to the mannered upper classes? Stanwyck plays the riddle brilliantly, right down to the final moment of her character's weird self-satisfaction at being ostracized from her daughter's honeyed life. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (12)

One of Hollywood's greatest melodramas
It's funny how, in this day and age, golden-age dramas can fall very definitely into one of two categories: ridiculous, and sublime. Happily, Barbara Stanwyck's finest hour, 'Stella Dalls', falls firmly into the second category, thanks to a wonderful performance by Ms. Stanwyck as the titular heroine.

Stella Martin is the daughter of an impoverished steel-mill family. She is ambitious, however, and when she catches the eye of the recently-broke Stephen Dallas, he pushes his feelings for his wealthy ex-girlfriend aside and makes the best of a bad situation. Unhappily married to the uncouth Stella, he spends more and more time away from her, taking only short holidays with his beloved daughter, Laurel. Stella soon realises that a mother's love cannot provide the best social advantages for Laurel, and makes the ultimate sacrifice for the good of her family.

Stanwyck's supporting cast are of a type, but they're still good - John Boles as Stephen and Barbara O' Neil as Helen Morrisson give strong performances. Alan Hale does an excellent job with the character of Ed Munn, a good-time gambler on the road to self-destruction. He plays the role with a sensitivity and pathos rare to films of this era. Anne Shirley as Laurel is cloying and sentimental, but then again, she's supposed to be.

It's Ms. Stanwyck's performance as Stella that saves this movie from mediocrity, and catapults it into the ranks of other big-league melodramas such as 'Now, Voyager' and 'Imitation of Life'. As Stella, she is perfectly capable of forcing us to empathise, and we respond in kind. Surely, hers is the ultimate sacrifice, and we are with her every step of the way. Her eyes, her expressions of total selflessness and her total devotion to the betterment of her daughter give us a true sense of what motherhood is about.

Beautifully directed by King Vidor, it's a triumph that this picture is finally available on DVD. It's not a happy movie, but it is a testament to the once-extraordinary power of Hollywood to create beautiful and emotional pieces of cinema.