Reviews (54)

The Story of God's Love
The Robe

An epic in its time due its being the first motion picture in Cinemascope, it remains a great testimony to the values and morals of its producers and director. I remember watching this movie as adolescent. Victor Mature, as Demetrius a Greek slave, stood out for me in this movie and in other movies (Demetrius and the Gladiators, Samson and Deliah) as the epitome of Christian virtue. Ironically, however the story plot was not about him, but he did play a very important supporting role, his story is in the sequel Demetrius and the Gladiators. Given that this film was an epic in its time 1953; it still has not lost the inspiration and awe of the strength of the test of faith, at least for me, that it inspired when I first saw it.

This epic film was directed by Henry Koster, a German who also is known by the name Herman Kosterlitz. His works include A man called Peter (1955), Harvey (1950), and The bishop's Wife (1947). I believe that major premise that Koster was portraying to the public was that faith in Christ is worth both searching and dying for. No matter who you are there is hope for you in finding the Jesus of the Cross.
The Robe is based on a fiction novel by Lloyd C. Douglas. The story is full of life's major issues that most of us have to work through jealousy, anger, betrayal, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the progression of and test of personal faith.

While titled the Robe, the story really evolves around Marcellus (Richard Burton) a tribune in the service of Rome. He was ordered to crucify Jesus. He wins the robe while gambling at the foot of the cross, but when he touches it he becomes tortured in his mind. When overcome, he cries out "Where you there.?" Ironically the best that anyone can do for him is to send him on a quest to find the robe and destroy it, thinking that will bring his mind to rights. When he finds the Robe he finds peace of mind, through reconciliation to God through belief in the Christ who wore the Robe. Instead of destroying the Robe he instead joins the Christians in declaring God's love for humankind. The ending of the movie is magnificent! When brought to trial by Caligula (Jay Robinson) Marcellus is ordered to pledge allegiance to Rome and renounce his faith in Christ on the penalty of death. He does renew his pledge to Rome but refuses to renounce his faith in Christ. He is sentenced to death for his faith.

The beginning of this story starts before Marcellus has to crucify Jesus, yet the cross, signified by the Robe itself is central to the story. Without it there would be no new life and faith in Christ to die for. Some have called it another story of the Crucifixion, yet I would say no. It is the continuation of the reality of the meaning of the crucifixion... i.e. the Love of God for humankind.

Wide Screen Classic
The first film to be released in the CinemaScope process, The Robe is a fairly interesting fictionalization of Roman life after the death of Christ. Richard Burton stars as Marcellus, the centurion in charge of the crucifixion. Marcellus's life is never the same after he wins Christ's robe in a gambling game. Consumed with guilt and the haunting belief that Jesus was perhaps the Son of God, Marcellus almost goes mad. With the help of some Palestinian Christians, he gets his sanity back and charts a new and dangerous course that puts him at odds with the Roman emperor. A beautiful production featuring an all-star cast including the beautiful Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, and Michael Rennie, The Robe is still enjoyable entertainment some 50 years later. The DVD quality is good and if you have a home theater, the surround sound is quite impressive. Too bad they didn't add any extras, like a commentary by Jean Simmons (the only major star still living). You would think a documentary on the development of CinemaScope would have a least been in order. After CinemaScope, all major studio productions were produced for the wide screen, and The Robe's success helped pave the way for this new process.

Jesus Christ Never Existed.
'The Robe' is a famous film some people have seen or at least heard about. Most people fail to realize all of that doesn't matter because Jesus Christ never existed!! Jesus Christ is a mythological figure the church has exploited for hundreds of years and now the film industry has for almost a hundred years. There is absolutely no archeological or historical evidence that Jesus Christ existed. Even if he did exist, it would be highly unlikely he would have received that kind of punishment.
It is a shame that con artists like these filmmakers are using this mythological figure to make millions of dollars. People have to start swaying away from the manipulations of the church and the filmmaking industry and start looking at the hard facts. Jesus Christ and his crucifixion never happened.

"as for me, I have found another king"
A marvelous epic melodrama, with portions that are emotionally stirring, and with two exceedingly attractive stars, this film ranks high in the "sword and sandals" genre.
This is prime-time Richard Burton, at age 27, heavenly to look at and even better to listen to; his crisp enunciation makes the English language shine, and though some of his scenes are a little "over the top", he carries them off with charismatic presence. Jean Simmons is exquisite as Diana, the woman who has loved Marcellus (Burton) since childhood, and their screen romance has a rare depth and spark.
Other notable performances come from Victor Mature as Demetrius the slave, with a mute but moving scene at Christ's crucifixion, and Michael Rennie is grand as Peter. Jay Robinson is wonderfully rotten as the vicious Caligula.

I always like a good fight sequence, and there is a brilliantly choreographed one between Marcellus and a centurion. It is the kind of swordplay great Shakespearean actors have perfected, and it is a delight to watch.
Directed by Henry Koster, it has an exceptional score by Alfred Newman, and vibrant Technicolor cinematography by Leon Shamroy. I like the way the night scenes have a deep blue glow to them, and the costumes are wonderful. Oscars went to Best Art Direction/Set Design (color) and Best Costume design (color). It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography (color), and was the first film to be released in CinemaScope.
I saw this film many years ago, and had thought it a little silly, but we have both aged well; I can now watch it repeatedly, and appreciate the depictions of courage, and the beauty and humanity of it. Total running time is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

Great Cinemascope Epic
Richard Burton gives a good performance as his soul contorts his mind after being given divine inspiration. The story and photography are well done. The finale is very moving. Great score by Newman. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) is sent to Jerusalem, one of his assignments is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Marcellus, a cynical and hardened man, wins the robe Jesus wore to the crucifixion while gambling with other Roman soldiers underneath the dying savior. He later becomes convinced that his hallucinations and violent outbursts are the result of a curse received from the robe, which is now in the possession of his escaped slave, Demetrius (Victor Mature), somewhere in the Middle East. He sets out to find Demetrius in order to destroy the robe and the curse and finds faith instead, converting to Christianity. This was the first movie to be filmed in CinemaScope, and won Oscars in 1953 for costume design, art direction, and set decoration. The visual aspects of the film are stunning, and it may be worth viewing for that alone; however, the script and acting leave much to be desired, and you won't find inspiration in these areas if that's what interests you. If, however, you are more interested in this film for its religious matter, the story of the conversion of the hardened Marcellus is inspiring. --James McGrath ... Read more

Reviews (54)

The Story of God's Love
The Robe

An epic in its time due its being the first motion picture in Cinemascope, it remains a great testimony to the values and morals of its producers and director. I remember watching this movie as adolescent. Victor Mature, as Demetrius a Greek slave, stood out for me in this movie and in other movies (Demetrius and the Gladiators, Samson and Deliah) as the epitome of Christian virtue. Ironically, however the story plot was not about him, but he did play a very important supporting role, his story is in the sequel Demetrius and the Gladiators. Given that this film was an epic in its time 1953; it still has not lost the inspiration and awe of the strength of the test of faith, at least for me, that it inspired when I first saw it.

This epic film was directed by Henry Koster, a German who also is known by the name Herman Kosterlitz. His works include A man called Peter (1955), Harvey (1950), and The bishop's Wife (1947). I believe that major premise that Koster was portraying to the public was that faith in Christ is worth both searching and dying for. No matter who you are there is hope for you in finding the Jesus of the Cross.
The Robe is based on a fiction novel by Lloyd C. Douglas. The story is full of life's major issues that most of us have to work through jealousy, anger, betrayal, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the progression of and test of personal faith.

While titled the Robe, the story really evolves around Marcellus (Richard Burton) a tribune in the service of Rome. He was ordered to crucify Jesus. He wins the robe while gambling at the foot of the cross, but when he touches it he becomes tortured in his mind. When overcome, he cries out "Where you there.?" Ironically the best that anyone can do for him is to send him on a quest to find the robe and destroy it, thinking that will bring his mind to rights. When he finds the Robe he finds peace of mind, through reconciliation to God through belief in the Christ who wore the Robe. Instead of destroying the Robe he instead joins the Christians in declaring God's love for humankind. The ending of the movie is magnificent! When brought to trial by Caligula (Jay Robinson) Marcellus is ordered to pledge allegiance to Rome and renounce his faith in Christ on the penalty of death. He does renew his pledge to Rome but refuses to renounce his faith in Christ. He is sentenced to death for his faith.

The beginning of this story starts before Marcellus has to crucify Jesus, yet the cross, signified by the Robe itself is central to the story. Without it there would be no new life and faith in Christ to die for. Some have called it another story of the Crucifixion, yet I would say no. It is the continuation of the reality of the meaning of the crucifixion... i.e. the Love of God for humankind.

Wide Screen Classic
The first film to be released in the CinemaScope process, The Robe is a fairly interesting fictionalization of Roman life after the death of Christ. Richard Burton stars as Marcellus, the centurion in charge of the crucifixion. Marcellus's life is never the same after he wins Christ's robe in a gambling game. Consumed with guilt and the haunting belief that Jesus was perhaps the Son of God, Marcellus almost goes mad. With the help of some Palestinian Christians, he gets his sanity back and charts a new and dangerous course that puts him at odds with the Roman emperor. A beautiful production featuring an all-star cast including the beautiful Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, and Michael Rennie, The Robe is still enjoyable entertainment some 50 years later. The DVD quality is good and if you have a home theater, the surround sound is quite impressive. Too bad they didn't add any extras, like a commentary by Jean Simmons (the only major star still living). You would think a documentary on the development of CinemaScope would have a least been in order. After CinemaScope, all major studio productions were produced for the wide screen, and The Robe's success helped pave the way for this new process.

Jesus Christ Never Existed.
'The Robe' is a famous film some people have seen or at least heard about. Most people fail to realize all of that doesn't matter because Jesus Christ never existed!! Jesus Christ is a mythological figure the church has exploited for hundreds of years and now the film industry has for almost a hundred years. There is absolutely no archeological or historical evidence that Jesus Christ existed. Even if he did exist, it would be highly unlikely he would have received that kind of punishment.
It is a shame that con artists like these filmmakers are using this mythological figure to make millions of dollars. People have to start swaying away from the manipulations of the church and the filmmaking industry and start looking at the hard facts. Jesus Christ and his crucifixion never happened.

"as for me, I have found another king"
A marvelous epic melodrama, with portions that are emotionally stirring, and with two exceedingly attractive stars, this film ranks high in the "sword and sandals" genre.
This is prime-time Richard Burton, at age 27, heavenly to look at and even better to listen to; his crisp enunciation makes the English language shine, and though some of his scenes are a little "over the top", he carries them off with charismatic presence. Jean Simmons is exquisite as Diana, the woman who has loved Marcellus (Burton) since childhood, and their screen romance has a rare depth and spark.
Other notable performances come from Victor Mature as Demetrius the slave, with a mute but moving scene at Christ's crucifixion, and Michael Rennie is grand as Peter. Jay Robinson is wonderfully rotten as the vicious Caligula.

I always like a good fight sequence, and there is a brilliantly choreographed one between Marcellus and a centurion. It is the kind of swordplay great Shakespearean actors have perfected, and it is a delight to watch.
Directed by Henry Koster, it has an exceptional score by Alfred Newman, and vibrant Technicolor cinematography by Leon Shamroy. I like the way the night scenes have a deep blue glow to them, and the costumes are wonderful. Oscars went to Best Art Direction/Set Design (color) and Best Costume design (color). It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography (color), and was the first film to be released in CinemaScope.
I saw this film many years ago, and had thought it a little silly, but we have both aged well; I can now watch it repeatedly, and appreciate the depictions of courage, and the beauty and humanity of it. Total running time is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

Great Cinemascope Epic
Richard Burton gives a good performance as his soul contorts his mind after being given divine inspiration. The story and photography are well done. The finale is very moving. Great score by Newman. ... 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 (54)

The Story of God's Love
The Robe

An epic in its time due its being the first motion picture in Cinemascope, it remains a great testimony to the values and morals of its producers and director. I remember watching this movie as adolescent. Victor Mature, as Demetrius a Greek slave, stood out for me in this movie and in other movies (Demetrius and the Gladiators, Samson and Deliah) as the epitome of Christian virtue. Ironically, however the story plot was not about him, but he did play a very important supporting role, his story is in the sequel Demetrius and the Gladiators. Given that this film was an epic in its time 1953; it still has not lost the inspiration and awe of the strength of the test of faith, at least for me, that it inspired when I first saw it.

This epic film was directed by Henry Koster, a German who also is known by the name Herman Kosterlitz. His works include A man called Peter (1955), Harvey (1950), and The bishop's Wife (1947). I believe that major premise that Koster was portraying to the public was that faith in Christ is worth both searching and dying for. No matter who you are there is hope for you in finding the Jesus of the Cross.
The Robe is based on a fiction novel by Lloyd C. Douglas. The story is full of life's major issues that most of us have to work through jealousy, anger, betrayal, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the progression of and test of personal faith.

While titled the Robe, the story really evolves around Marcellus (Richard Burton) a tribune in the service of Rome. He was ordered to crucify Jesus. He wins the robe while gambling at the foot of the cross, but when he touches it he becomes tortured in his mind. When overcome, he cries out "Where you there.?" Ironically the best that anyone can do for him is to send him on a quest to find the robe and destroy it, thinking that will bring his mind to rights. When he finds the Robe he finds peace of mind, through reconciliation to God through belief in the Christ who wore the Robe. Instead of destroying the Robe he instead joins the Christians in declaring God's love for humankind. The ending of the movie is magnificent! When brought to trial by Caligula (Jay Robinson) Marcellus is ordered to pledge allegiance to Rome and renounce his faith in Christ on the penalty of death. He does renew his pledge to Rome but refuses to renounce his faith in Christ. He is sentenced to death for his faith.

The beginning of this story starts before Marcellus has to crucify Jesus, yet the cross, signified by the Robe itself is central to the story. Without it there would be no new life and faith in Christ to die for. Some have called it another story of the Crucifixion, yet I would say no. It is the continuation of the reality of the meaning of the crucifixion... i.e. the Love of God for humankind.

Wide Screen Classic
The first film to be released in the CinemaScope process, The Robe is a fairly interesting fictionalization of Roman life after the death of Christ. Richard Burton stars as Marcellus, the centurion in charge of the crucifixion. Marcellus's life is never the same after he wins Christ's robe in a gambling game. Consumed with guilt and the haunting belief that Jesus was perhaps the Son of God, Marcellus almost goes mad. With the help of some Palestinian Christians, he gets his sanity back and charts a new and dangerous course that puts him at odds with the Roman emperor. A beautiful production featuring an all-star cast including the beautiful Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, and Michael Rennie, The Robe is still enjoyable entertainment some 50 years later. The DVD quality is good and if you have a home theater, the surround sound is quite impressive. Too bad they didn't add any extras, like a commentary by Jean Simmons (the only major star still living). You would think a documentary on the development of CinemaScope would have a least been in order. After CinemaScope, all major studio productions were produced for the wide screen, and The Robe's success helped pave the way for this new process.

Jesus Christ Never Existed.
'The Robe' is a famous film some people have seen or at least heard about. Most people fail to realize all of that doesn't matter because Jesus Christ never existed!! Jesus Christ is a mythological figure the church has exploited for hundreds of years and now the film industry has for almost a hundred years. There is absolutely no archeological or historical evidence that Jesus Christ existed. Even if he did exist, it would be highly unlikely he would have received that kind of punishment.
It is a shame that con artists like these filmmakers are using this mythological figure to make millions of dollars. People have to start swaying away from the manipulations of the church and the filmmaking industry and start looking at the hard facts. Jesus Christ and his crucifixion never happened.

"as for me, I have found another king"
A marvelous epic melodrama, with portions that are emotionally stirring, and with two exceedingly attractive stars, this film ranks high in the "sword and sandals" genre.
This is prime-time Richard Burton, at age 27, heavenly to look at and even better to listen to; his crisp enunciation makes the English language shine, and though some of his scenes are a little "over the top", he carries them off with charismatic presence. Jean Simmons is exquisite as Diana, the woman who has loved Marcellus (Burton) since childhood, and their screen romance has a rare depth and spark.
Other notable performances come from Victor Mature as Demetrius the slave, with a mute but moving scene at Christ's crucifixion, and Michael Rennie is grand as Peter. Jay Robinson is wonderfully rotten as the vicious Caligula.

I always like a good fight sequence, and there is a brilliantly choreographed one between Marcellus and a centurion. It is the kind of swordplay great Shakespearean actors have perfected, and it is a delight to watch.
Directed by Henry Koster, it has an exceptional score by Alfred Newman, and vibrant Technicolor cinematography by Leon Shamroy. I like the way the night scenes have a deep blue glow to them, and the costumes are wonderful. Oscars went to Best Art Direction/Set Design (color) and Best Costume design (color). It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography (color), and was the first film to be released in CinemaScope.
I saw this film many years ago, and had thought it a little silly, but we have both aged well; I can now watch it repeatedly, and appreciate the depictions of courage, and the beauty and humanity of it. Total running time is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

Great Cinemascope Epic
Richard Burton gives a good performance as his soul contorts his mind after being given divine inspiration. The story and photography are well done. The finale is very moving. Great score by Newman. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Horrible...Just Horrible...
I would have to place this movie in the top 3 worst movies I have every seen in my entire exsistence. Badddd acting to the point of laughablilty. I was expecting so much more from this film. Bette Davis made a horribly sad performance of Elizabeth I. I really felt embarassed for her since her acting was just that bad. I have seen way better historical films than this. I reccomend Lady Jane Grey, Anne of the Thousand Days (some extremely amazing acting in this film), The Elizabeth R series, Elizabeth (starring Cate Blanchett), Mary Queen of Scots, The Six wives of Henry VIII series, and The Private Life of Henry VIII. If you want to see some really great historical movies (with good acting of course), I would highly reccomend the films I listed above. But defintly skip The Virgin Queen...

Wonderful Movie!!!!!
If you like Bette Davis,you'll love this movie! Now,it's not as good as Elizabeth and Essex,But it's a great davis movie for any fan of Davis or Elizabeth!I would strongly reccomend it!

BLAH!
This movie was a terrible dissapointment to me. After reading the reviews of this movie on numerous websites including this one, it truely sounded like a movie worth matching. I can't believe how horrible this movie is! Bette Davis has done the worst portrayal of Elizabeth the first that i have ever seen! The script is quite witty, but Bette Davis either over acts or under acts. She can't even uphold the accent for more than one line!I can't even tell you how may times a burst out laughing while watching this movie due to acting that is soo bad that some of the school plays that I have seen in the past has acting that blows this movie away.I would give this no stars if I could.Defintly do not see this movie if you are expecting a wonderful depiction of Queen Elizabeth the first, because you defintly aren't going to get it. If you want to see some good portrayals of Queen Elizabeth I, see the Elizabeth R series staring Glenda Jackson, or the more recent Elizabeth staring Cate Blanchett.

Bette Davis as the silver screen's best Queen Elizabeth I
Bette Davis first played Queen Elizabeth Tudor in "Eliabeth and Essex," but that performance is nothing compared to the older monarch she plays in "The Virgin Queen." This is an Elizabeth who is older and wiser, more in control but also more suspicious, lonely but too proud to admit it, and above all a very dangerous woman. Walter Raleigh (Richard Todd) returns from the Irish War and finds favor at court with Lord Leicester (Herbert Marshall) and the Queen, after tossing his cloak across a mud puddle in Elizabeth's path. Raleigh wants the Queen to sponsor ships to the New World to search for treasure, but once he is appointed Captain of the Guard he falls in love with Beth Throgmorton (Joan Collins), an attendant at Court. Beth is smart enough to know the Queen will not like this and so while Raleigh awaits Elizabeth's decision, he secretly marries Beth. The night before he leaves for the New World, Elizabeth knights him, finds out he has married Beth, and throws him in the Tower.

Of course there are aspects of Elizabethan history that are not accurate in this film, but this is one of those instances where an actress becomes personified as a character. I have seen Glenda Jackson, Cate Blanchett and Judy Dench play Elizabeth Tudor and when I think of the Virgin Queen I think of Bette Davis and I think of her in this movie. It had been 16 years since she had played the role and her performance is invested with everything she had learned in the interim. In Elizabeth she finally has a woman who has the power to match the strength of Bette Davis. Todd never seems good enough for her (he is obviously no Errol Flynn) and if he wants to try and live happily ever after with Joan Collins, who cares? This 1955 film was directed by Henry Koster and features a musical score by Franz Waxman.

Bette 's the only good actress in this movie!
I saw this movie after i saw "the private lifes of elizabeth and essex"- which suprisingly isn't proposed at amazon- and which is an excellent movie. This one isn't that good, you got Joan collins instead of Olivia de Havilland and this makes the hell of a difference. If you got the choice, see "elizabeth and essex" first. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Delightful Holiday Story
Cary Grant stars as an angel named Dudley who suddenly appears and befriends an Episcopal bishop (David Niven) who is completely focused on raising money for his new church, and the bishop's wife (Loretta Young), who has become lonely and unhappy as her husband has gotten lost in his work. Grant uses little bits of heavenly magic and loads of charm to help Niven raise money and to help Young rediscover the joy of life. He also helps Niven and Young rediscover each other and realize that love must be the highest priority for anyone, including an ambitious bishop who's devoted to his job.

The acting is superb, as one would expect from this stellar cast. The story takes place at Christmas and, while not shown as much as other Christmas movies, I think it's one of the best. Cary Grant, all charm and suave coolness, plays this part perfectly, and the viewer even sees a touch of wistful envy in the angel who cannot have the Earthly love and happiness he helps Niven and Young rekindle for themselves. Buy this one and watch it every Christmas (or any other time you need a happiness booster or a reminder of the importance of love and kindness).

P.S.: "It's a Wonderful Life" is a good movie, but definitely I prefer "The Bishop's Wife".

A Family Favorite!
This film is one of the best of the Christmas Classics. The Bishop's Wife tells a story of an angel (Cary Grant) who comes down to earth in answer to a busy Bishop's (David Niven) prayer. The angel helps the Bishop learn to adjust his priorities and comes close to falling in love with Julia, the Bishop's wife (Loretta Young). The movie includes a lovely Skating/ Dance scene that defies description. Make this movie a tradition for your family this year.

Christmas with Cary Grant.
I think overall, this movie is maybe my favourite that was set around Christmas time. It's better than the brilliant - although overrated - Capra classic, "It's a Wonderful Life". I am in no way meaning to compare the two though. "The Bishop's Wife" is not really like that movie. But both films remain the two greatest christmas time classics to come out of the 1940's.

The film is, as one would have already guessed, set around christmas time. The main plot of the story, is that David Niven is this Bishop, who prays for guidance, of how to get a new cathedral built. Dudley (Cary Grant) is an Angel, who has been sent to help, although the Bishop does not take to him being an Angel too seriously, for some time. Dudley helps everyone he meets, but not always in the way they might prefer, to start off with. Dudley spends a lot of time with the Bishop's wife (Loretta Young) and he is not liking it. Dudley becomes the popular friend among all the people he meets, and helps, but the Bishop is the odd one out, becoming more annoyed, and frustrated with him as it goes along. It all ends nicely though, of course.

The film is really wonferful. There is a skating scene, that is inparticularly memorable, among Cary Grant always charming, excellent performance. The acting in this movie, is simply brilliant. I cant possibly have seen it being any better. The script, the story, everything about this movie is great. Repeated viewings are easy, and its one of Cary Grant best movies.

This DVD from MGM has a great print. It contains very few signs of scratching, and the other little artifacts you find in some movies of this age, and is an overall good looking transfer. The extras are lousy. You get the trailer (which is quite fun, might I add) but absolutely nothing else. Oh well, the print is the main thing, and they have done a good job in that part. Highly recommended.

Charming but overlong
Bishop: Are you expecting a letter?
Dudley: Well, you never know. If I did get one, the stamp would certainly be worth saving.

That's because Dudley (Cary Grant) is an angel sent to give guidance to forlorn Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven), and who eventually lights up the lives of everyone else in the Bishop's life, especially The Bishop's Wife in this delightful Christmas film from 1947. When the Bishop prays for help in getting a new cathedral built (the local millionairess widow will only give if her late husband's name is prominently displayed), Cary Grant shows up as his "assistant" but soon makes the Bishop even more miserable by charming his wife Julia (radiant Loretta Young), daughter Debby, and even housemaid Matilda (Elsa Lanchester, always wonderful).

The Bishop's Wife is truly "heavenly" with Grant playing off his tried-and-true persona. Originally Grant and Niven were supposed to have the opposite roles, but Grant decided he could do more with the angel role -- and Grant was a bigger star -- so they were exchanged. Good thing, too: I can't imagine Cary playing the indecisive Bishop any more than I can imagine Niven charming a woman away from Cary Grant.

Only a few things keep The Bishop's Wife from being perfect. There is an overlong ice-skating scene that really stretches the believability (I had to keep telling myself "he's an angel; he can do anything), and the film runs on about twenty minutes too long. In the beginning, Grant is so taken by Young that, if he weren't an angel, those looks would feel really sleazy. Turns out that Cary is just discovering temptations, which makes the ending all the more noble.

Watching The Bishop's Wife in June (during a Cary Grant festival on Turner Classic Movies) is a little strange, but the movie is so ... happy that it's easy to slip into the vibe, especially with all the Christmas carols being bandied about like so many candy canes. I'd certainly recommend that fans of the stars watch it at least once (especially since Loretta Young, whom I don't find all that attractive, is made, through Gregg Toland's photography, into a very appealing woman). Niven is rather on the milquetoasty side and his richest scene involves him being stuck in a chair, but the rest of the film is two hours of Christmas joy.

Charming!
THE BISHOP'S WIFE is a thoroughly charming movie about an "angel" (Cary Grant) who changes the life of a bishop (David Niven) who at Christmas time is trying desperately to raise funds to build an elaborate cathedral and has consequently neglected his wife, Julia (Loretta Young). The three leads give beautiful performances, and there is a wonderful supporting cast, including Monty Woolley as a kindly if doubting professor and James Gleason as a loveable cab driver. The screenplay is subtle, as is the musical score. The scene near the end of the film in which Grant, Young, and Gleason take time out for some ice skating is a delightful respite, very much like a number in a movie musical. THE BISHOP'S WIFE is a relatively recent addition to my video library, but it has quickly become my favorite classic Christmas movie -- next to MIRACLE ON 34th STREET and Alastair Sim's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, that is. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not even the minor distraction of an imminent world war could keep this pleasing Cinderella tale from making international headlines in 1939, thanks to its much-anticipated delivery of Deanna Durbin's first screen kiss.It's planted by lanky Robert Stack, making his movie debut; along with the tune "Amapola," the film is noteworthy for a typically gruff-charming performance from stocky Eugene Pallette, as the uncle who befriends orphaned Deanna. (Offscreen, Durbin would soon find first love of her own, marrying Universal assistant director Vaughn Paul in the first of three trips down the aisle.) --Steven Smith ... Read more

Reviews (6)

My favorite Deanna Durbin movie!
I always cry when she she sings "One Fine Day" at the end.
The story is wonderful and funny!
I watch it all the time.

Fall in love right along with Deanna!
The first time I saw "First Love," two things happened. I fell in love with Deanna Durbin's beautiful voice, and with the very young and terribly handsome Robert Stack! I still sigh when I see him in this movie. And if the two charming leads aren't enough, the music is enchanting and the story is innocent and romantic. This is a MUST OWN for any fan of Deanna's and Robert's, and for anyone who loves good old-fashioned romantic charmers!

The Best of the Deanna Durbin Cannon
For those who are wondering what all the fuss over singing star Deanna Durbin is, "First Love" is a great place to find out.

A truly sweet retelling of the classic Cinderella fable, this gentle film rolls along at a steady pace with fun songs and quite of bit of humor. Deanna stars as a poor orphan coming to live with her rich relatives, most of whom are not very nice.

Along the way she meets and falls for a wealthy young man, played by a very young Robert Stack. Deanna sings Puccini's "One Fine Day" among other classics and basically charms everyone in sight (even my best friend loved Deanna in this film , and she hates black and white movies because they "confuse" her).

"First Love" is an absolute must-have for Durbin fans and a great additon to any Classic Film lover's library.

The perfect Deanna Durbin film!
This wonderful film has my vote for the BEST Deanna Durbin film ever made. "First Love" presents Deanna as an orphaned teenager who goes to live with her uncle's rich family... and boy, are they a bunch! The perfect cast includes Eugene Pallette as the harried uncle who can't stand his family, Leatrice Joy as the ditzy aunt, Helen Parrish as a deliciously mean and spoiled cousin who jealously tries to keep Deanna from attending the big party of the season, and a very young and handsome Robert Stack as New York's most eligible bachelor.

The plot has a certain not-too-accidental resemblance to a fairy tale that we all know and love, and it provides Deanna with the perfect showcase for her magnificent voice: "Amapola", Strauss's "Spring Song", and Puccini's "One Fine Day" from Madam Butterfly, one of the most famous arias in all opera. It makes you wish that singers with this kind of talent still made movies today.

Unfortunately, this film, like most of Deanna's, is never shown on television. Home video was made in order to allow us to enjoy gems like this one that would otherwise never be rediscovered. Sound and picture quality are exceptional for a film of this vintage... TRUST me on this one -- you won't be disappointed!

One of Deanna's Best
Although it's over sixty years since it was released, "First Love" still holds up exceedingly well, partially due to the skill of director Henry Koster, and partially due to Deanna's charm and singing ability. Typically, the studio surrounded their star with outstanding character actors. Though just shy of eighteen, her voice displayed surprising competence and she was rapidly becoming a skilled comedienne. The print and soundtrack are excellent, especially considering the age and recording techniques of the time. This one is a winner! - for entertainment, and for memorabilia purposes. ... 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 (5)

Drivel
Yes, the title "D-Day the Sixth of June" is irritatingly misleading. This movie spends most of its time chronicling the tawdry tale of a married U.S. military officer who has an affair with a British USO-type woman who is engaged to be married to a courageous British officer. The battle scenes are sporadic, and the story creaks along slowly. The handsome Robert Taylor and the beautiful Dana Wynter are basically wasted because their roles are so unsympathetic. The characters that they portray have few qualms about cheating on their loved ones.

The movie also is not helped by a repetitious, sappy musical score that includes the sentimental song "You'll Never Know (How Much I Love You)" which accompanies the illicit lovers as they unapologetically indulge in their affair.

"D-Day the Sixth of June" is strictly for diehard fans of Taylor or Wynter. And perhaps not even those fans will be able to swallow this drivel.

Don't waste your time
Michael Bay must have studied this film before he made his own execrable "Pearl Harbor." In both cases, the filmmakers cynically titled their product after a famous WWII battle although they were really more interested in developing a dull, cliched love triangle than honestly confronting and exploring the meaning, experience, and drama of a significant historical event. At least, Bay relieved the tedium with some action. "D-Day" director Henry Koster doesn't address the actual invasion until the final ten minutes or so of this overlong film, and by then it is far too little far too late. Robert Taylor, Dana Wynter, and Richard Todd deliver their performances with all the animation of store-front mannequins. Taylor is far too old for this role, but Wynter, at least, is very nice to look at.

Is This a War Movie or A Love Story??!
Disapointing. I was looking forward to a good action movie, but most of the movie is a love story, and the movie only gets to D-Day at the very end. The title is misleading.

Formulaic love triangle amid wartorn London
The title of this movie is deceptive advertising, the war is a backdrop to a very predictable love triangle. There is about 15 minutes of decent action which recreates (but does not credit)the Point du Hoc battle. Robert Tayor is sincere but 10 years to old to be a Captain leading troops in 1946. Dana Wynter is pretty enough to inspire two manly suitors but oddly doesn't seem to have any real passionate feelings for either. The brit commando third of this triangle is likable but out of the picture for all but a few minutes at the beginning and at the end. In short, a chic flic spun with a not very compelling tried and true wartime love triangle. Solid actors try but fail with mediocre material.

Formula '50's romance/adventure
If you're expecting anything like "Saving Private Ryan" or "The Longest Day," you've come to the wrong film. This film focuses primarily on the love interests of Todd and Taylor for Dana Wynter (a rather lovely Dana at That). The second world war focuses primarily as a backdrop.

The film takes place in England and the English are stereotyped as American loathers and ingrates. This is admittedly hard for the viewer to stomach. We are also treated to a mundane script which doesn't give the good ol' boys (Richard Todd, Robert Taylor, Jerry Paris) much to chew on.

The film redeems itself somewhat in the end with an excellent although short pre-invasion landing on one of Normandy's beaches by American and British troops. The battle sequences are effective and very convincing as the group attempts to knock out a bunker complex.

In true Hollywood fashion, the film concludes with Dana Wynter fading into the sunset, having lost both her loves, one at the Normandy landing, the other through mutual self-righteousness. There's nothing to sink your teeth into here, but if you like candy coated versions of war, this is a good place to start. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Drivel
Yes, the title "D-Day the Sixth of June" is irritatingly misleading. This movie spends most of its time chronicling the tawdry tale of a married U.S. military officer who has an affair with a British USO-type woman who is engaged to be married to a courageous British officer. The battle scenes are sporadic, and the story creaks along slowly. The handsome Robert Taylor and the beautiful Dana Wynter are basically wasted because their roles are so unsympathetic. The characters that they portray have few qualms about cheating on their loved ones.

The movie also is not helped by a repetitious, sappy musical score that includes the sentimental song "You'll Never Know (How Much I Love You)" which accompanies the illicit lovers as they unapologetically indulge in their affair.

"D-Day the Sixth of June" is strictly for diehard fans of Taylor or Wynter. And perhaps not even those fans will be able to swallow this drivel.

Don't waste your time
Michael Bay must have studied this film before he made his own execrable "Pearl Harbor." In both cases, the filmmakers cynically titled their product after a famous WWII battle although they were really more interested in developing a dull, cliched love triangle than honestly confronting and exploring the meaning, experience, and drama of a significant historical event. At least, Bay relieved the tedium with some action. "D-Day" director Henry Koster doesn't address the actual invasion until the final ten minutes or so of this overlong film, and by then it is far too little far too late. Robert Taylor, Dana Wynter, and Richard Todd deliver their performances with all the animation of store-front mannequins. Taylor is far too old for this role, but Wynter, at least, is very nice to look at.

Is This a War Movie or A Love Story??!
Disapointing. I was looking forward to a good action movie, but most of the movie is a love story, and the movie only gets to D-Day at the very end. The title is misleading.

Formulaic love triangle amid wartorn London
The title of this movie is deceptive advertising, the war is a backdrop to a very predictable love triangle. There is about 15 minutes of decent action which recreates (but does not credit)the Point du Hoc battle. Robert Tayor is sincere but 10 years to old to be a Captain leading troops in 1946. Dana Wynter is pretty enough to inspire two manly suitors but oddly doesn't seem to have any real passionate feelings for either. The brit commando third of this triangle is likable but out of the picture for all but a few minutes at the beginning and at the end. In short, a chic flic spun with a not very compelling tried and true wartime love triangle. Solid actors try but fail with mediocre material.

Formula '50's romance/adventure
If you're expecting anything like "Saving Private Ryan" or "The Longest Day," you've come to the wrong film. This film focuses primarily on the love interests of Todd and Taylor for Dana Wynter (a rather lovely Dana at That). The second world war focuses primarily as a backdrop.

The film takes place in England and the English are stereotyped as American loathers and ingrates. This is admittedly hard for the viewer to stomach. We are also treated to a mundane script which doesn't give the good ol' boys (Richard Todd, Robert Taylor, Jerry Paris) much to chew on.

The film redeems itself somewhat in the end with an excellent although short pre-invasion landing on one of Normandy's beaches by American and British troops. The battle sequences are effective and very convincing as the group attempts to knock out a bunker complex.

In true Hollywood fashion, the film concludes with Dana Wynter fading into the sunset, having lost both her loves, one at the Normandy landing, the other through mutual self-righteousness. There's nothing to sink your teeth into here, but if you like candy coated versions of war, this is a good place to start. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Absolutely Hilarious
I adored this movie as a child, and after watching it again as a grown woman, I still love it. No one plays the buffoon as well as Danny Kaye. The scene where he plays a gypsy-style violin piece is still one of the funniest scenes in movie history.

A DANNY KAYE FAN
I have just purchased The Inspector General. As i am still a 59 year old teenager i remember seeing it when it first came out. My favourite Danny Kaye movie is still The Court Jester but this is close second. So many funny characters including the great Alan Hale who will always be remembered as Little John to Errol Flynn`s Robin Hood. Elsa Lancaster as the Mayors wife, Gene Raymond ( with a wonderful hair style ) as the Mayor and of course Walter Slezak as phony medicine man who enlists the simple minded Danny for his wicked ways.Danny Kaye was always at his best playing characters who were certainly not the sharpest tools in the box. An absolute must for any Danny Kaye fans collection

Great Fun!!!
Danny Kaye is superb in this movie about a bumble who is mistaken for an Inspector General, and how he pulls it off is worth the price of the film. The music is marvelous, and Kaye's machinations as he sings and dances to it are classic. Many lessons of life are involved in this movie. Friendship, loyalty, and especially "honesty" come to play, and the ending is so genuine, that it almost brought tears to my eyes. Highly recommended!!

ROAN GROUP DVD is the best!
Alot has been said about this wonderful movie, but with several versions offered, which DVD is the best? I learned the hardway, buying several copies until I decided for the more expensive ROAN GROUP DVD. They mastered their DVD from a very nice 35mm TECHNICOLOR print, the other DVD's I bought were mastered from 16mm EASTMANCOLOR prints (grainy, dark, and pale colors). It is worth it to pay the higher price, you get what you pay for.

Great fun!
This movie is almost as good as The Court Jester, also staring Danny Kaye. He is a travelling sales man who is mistakenly thought to be the Inspector General by a small corupt village. There is alot of homor and singing and all in all very entertaining. It's one you can watch over and over without getting sick of it. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Absolutely Hilarious
I adored this movie as a child, and after watching it again as a grown woman, I still love it. No one plays the buffoon as well as Danny Kaye. The scene where he plays a gypsy-style violin piece is still one of the funniest scenes in movie history.

A DANNY KAYE FAN
I have just purchased The Inspector General. As i am still a 59 year old teenager i remember seeing it when it first came out. My favourite Danny Kaye movie is still The Court Jester but this is close second. So many funny characters including the great Alan Hale who will always be remembered as Little John to Errol Flynn`s Robin Hood. Elsa Lancaster as the Mayors wife, Gene Raymond ( with a wonderful hair style ) as the Mayor and of course Walter Slezak as phony medicine man who enlists the simple minded Danny for his wicked ways.Danny Kaye was always at his best playing characters who were certainly not the sharpest tools in the box. An absolute must for any Danny Kaye fans collection

Great Fun!!!
Danny Kaye is superb in this movie about a bumble who is mistaken for an Inspector General, and how he pulls it off is worth the price of the film. The music is marvelous, and Kaye's machinations as he sings and dances to it are classic. Many lessons of life are involved in this movie. Friendship, loyalty, and especially "honesty" come to play, and the ending is so genuine, that it almost brought tears to my eyes. Highly recommended!!

ROAN GROUP DVD is the best!
Alot has been said about this wonderful movie, but with several versions offered, which DVD is the best? I learned the hardway, buying several copies until I decided for the more expensive ROAN GROUP DVD. They mastered their DVD from a very nice 35mm TECHNICOLOR print, the other DVD's I bought were mastered from 16mm EASTMANCOLOR prints (grainy, dark, and pale colors). It is worth it to pay the higher price, you get what you pay for.

Great fun!
This movie is almost as good as The Court Jester, also staring Danny Kaye. He is a travelling sales man who is mistakenly thought to be the Inspector General by a small corupt village. There is alot of homor and singing and all in all very entertaining. It's one you can watch over and over without getting sick of it. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Absolutely Hilarious
I adored this movie as a child, and after watching it again as a grown woman, I still love it. No one plays the buffoon as well as Danny Kaye. The scene where he plays a gypsy-style violin piece is still one of the funniest scenes in movie history.

A DANNY KAYE FAN
I have just purchased The Inspector General. As i am still a 59 year old teenager i remember seeing it when it first came out. My favourite Danny Kaye movie is still The Court Jester but this is close second. So many funny characters including the great Alan Hale who will always be remembered as Little John to Errol Flynn`s Robin Hood. Elsa Lancaster as the Mayors wife, Gene Raymond ( with a wonderful hair style ) as the Mayor and of course Walter Slezak as phony medicine man who enlists the simple minded Danny for his wicked ways.Danny Kaye was always at his best playing characters who were certainly not the sharpest tools in the box. An absolute must for any Danny Kaye fans collection

Great Fun!!!
Danny Kaye is superb in this movie about a bumble who is mistaken for an Inspector General, and how he pulls it off is worth the price of the film. The music is marvelous, and Kaye's machinations as he sings and dances to it are classic. Many lessons of life are involved in this movie. Friendship, loyalty, and especially "honesty" come to play, and the ending is so genuine, that it almost brought tears to my eyes. Highly recommended!!

ROAN GROUP DVD is the best!
Alot has been said about this wonderful movie, but with several versions offered, which DVD is the best? I learned the hardway, buying several copies until I decided for the more expensive ROAN GROUP DVD. They mastered their DVD from a very nice 35mm TECHNICOLOR print, the other DVD's I bought were mastered from 16mm EASTMANCOLOR prints (grainy, dark, and pale colors). It is worth it to pay the higher price, you get what you pay for.

Great fun!
This movie is almost as good as The Court Jester, also staring Danny Kaye. He is a travelling sales man who is mistakenly thought to be the Inspector General by a small corupt village. There is alot of homor and singing and all in all very entertaining. It's one you can watch over and over without getting sick of it. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Absolutely Hilarious
I adored this movie as a child, and after watching it again as a grown woman, I still love it. No one plays the buffoon as well as Danny Kaye. The scene where he plays a gypsy-style violin piece is still one of the funniest scenes in movie history.

A DANNY KAYE FAN
I have just purchased The Inspector General. As i am still a 59 year old teenager i remember seeing it when it first came out. My favourite Danny Kaye movie is still The Court Jester but this is close second. So many funny characters including the great Alan Hale who will always be remembered as Little John to Errol Flynn`s Robin Hood. Elsa Lancaster as the Mayors wife, Gene Raymond ( with a wonderful hair style ) as the Mayor and of course Walter Slezak as phony medicine man who enlists the simple minded Danny for his wicked ways.Danny Kaye was always at his best playing characters who were certainly not the sharpest tools in the box. An absolute must for any Danny Kaye fans collection

Great Fun!!!
Danny Kaye is superb in this movie about a bumble who is mistaken for an Inspector General, and how he pulls it off is worth the price of the film. The music is marvelous, and Kaye's machinations as he sings and dances to it are classic. Many lessons of life are involved in this movie. Friendship, loyalty, and especially "honesty" come to play, and the ending is so genuine, that it almost brought tears to my eyes. Highly recommended!!

ROAN GROUP DVD is the best!
Alot has been said about this wonderful movie, but with several versions offered, which DVD is the best? I learned the hardway, buying several copies until I decided for the more expensive ROAN GROUP DVD. They mastered their DVD from a very nice 35mm TECHNICOLOR print, the other DVD's I bought were mastered from 16mm EASTMANCOLOR prints (grainy, dark, and pale colors). It is worth it to pay the higher price, you get what you pay for.

Great fun!
This movie is almost as good as The Court Jester, also staring Danny Kaye. He is a travelling sales man who is mistakenly thought to be the Inspector General by a small corupt village. There is alot of homor and singing and all in all very entertaining. It's one you can watch over and over without getting sick of it. ... 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 (2)

A wonderful and funny Film!
I've watched this film since I was a kid and so love it. Danny Kaye is wonderful in it. It's funny, clean, romantic, advenuress. Kaye is brilliant in it. It's one of my favorite and defintly one of the funniest films I ever saw.

A family favorite!
This movie has been one of my family's favorite movies of all time. I grew up watching it as a kid -- we'd laugh 'till our sides hurt. It hasn't been on TV or in video stores for years, and I had almost given up until I found it here. I'm so excited to have it as part of my personal collection. It's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. ... Read more