Reviews (11)

Still a great story after all these years! Well, almost.
I was just a child when I saw this 1947 film in a movie theater and have never forgotten it. Now, more than a half century later, I revisited it on video. I'm a different person now, and a lot of time has gone by, but I was still captivated by the film. Well, almost!

The story is set in the mid 19th century when British colonialism was at its peak. Two sisters are in love with the same man, played by Richard Hart, who goes off to sea in the King's navy. He is drugged in China, misses his ship and goes off to New Zealand to make his fortune. He's really in love with the quiet sister, played by Donna Reed, but when he sends for her to be his wife, his pen slips and he actually asks for the strong willed sister, played by Lana Turner. To complicate matters, the man who really loves the Lana Turner character is the husband's partner, played by Van Heflin. But that's just a small part of the sweeping epic that includes an earthquake, a tidal wave and a Maori war. The film is also about love, the kind that grows through the years, as well as religious love. Because while Lana Turner is off in New Zealand battling the elements of nature, Donna Reed becomes a nun.

This is a great story and there are twists and turns throughout. Lana Turner is beautiful. Her makeup is always perfect and her costumes are great. I can't help noticing though that even when she is about to give birth, she still has a perfectly corseted narrow waist, and her lipstick and hairdos are just a little too perfect throughout. But that, of course was the way they made movies in 1947. The film was 2 hours and 21 minutes and could have been shorter. Some of speeches were a little too long, especially near the end. Also, I can't help it, but I now have a 21st Century attitude about colonialism although back then it seemed like a thrilling adventure. Acting was excellent, several other sub-stories added a rich tapestry to the tale. Best of all, though, were the special effects, which won an Academy Award in 1948. I found the earthquake scene every bit as frightening as anything on the screen today even though this film was produced in black and white without benefit of modern technology. And except for the ending, the story moved fast and held my interest and, for a little while, transported me to a world of adventure, intrigue and romance. Recommended.

"I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE UNDER MY FEET..."
"Green Dolphin Street" was the result of a novel-writing contest, sponsored by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. The author of the best original novel, in MGM's opinion, would have their novel turned into a screenplay, and then produced/filmed/released as a feature film by MGM Studios. The novel, by Elizabeth Goudge, was published in 1944, and this MGM film was completed and released in 1947.

As a story and a film, it's ALL THERE. Sights, sounds, characters, costumes, international adventure, anthropolical insights, loyalty and betrayal, disaster and redemption. The black-and-white cinematography capture the New Zealand landscapes, Pacific seascapes, French convents and sea villages so skillfully, you would think Amsel Adams photographed them! Lana Turner never looked better and gave an Oscar-worthy performance. Donna Reed gives a great supporting performance as Turner's younger sister. Reed is afforded a spectacular sequence in which her character must escape from a brutal incoming tide (washing over a landbridge), by clawing her way up a vertical tunnel inside a cliff.

The best sequence, though, is the earthquake sequence. "Green Dolphin Street" won the 1947 Academy Award for Special Effects and for good reason. Once the Maori Aborigines stop beating their drum to the seismological gods, a catastrophic earthquake of epic proportions begins. This sequence must have inspired Irwin Allen during the filming of his 1970's disaster epics because it looks like "Earthquake," "The Towering Inferno," and "The Poseidon Adventure" all rolled into one! Geysers, fire, landslides breaking dams, tidal waves, and locals being swallowed up by the earth and being squashed by monstrous falling timber make for a VERY dramatic disaster. And the NOISE...no wonder the film was nominated for Best Sound, if only for Lana Turner's hysterical, banshee-like screeching.

After starting all over from nothing, the main characters get caught in the middle of a Maori civil war and must try to escape.

Whether it be the convent on the island of St. Pierre, France; a sheep farm or timber camp in New Zealand; a Chinese denizen or the wide open sea, this film has something for everyone. Just be prepared to "hold on tight."

GREEN DOLPHIN STREET
THIS FILM IS TOPS WITH ME. ONE OF THE BEST PLOTS EVER AND A GRIPPER TILL THE END.

WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO DO A DVD ON THIS ONE?????????

PLEASE, PLEASE,

A Marvelous Melodrama
If you've got 2 and a half hours, a cup of tea, and an appreciation of costume melodrama, this is the flick for you. Starring Lana Turner and Donna Reed as loving sisters whose lives and loves take a very different turn, Green Dolphin Street carries the viewer through tragedy, disaster, and utlimately, the realization that it is not we who are in charge of our lives, but a greater Love. The special effects still hold up, the costumes are great, and the performances by Turner, Reed, Van Heflin, and Richard Hart are first rate.

A beautifull done film!
This is a must see film, for any fan of a good story or the classic movie era. Donna Reed and Lana Turner both shine in it as the sisters in the film. It's a very entertaining and meaninful story, of women and men who love a person they can't have, but end up loving who they can have so much more and deeper then their first love. It truly deserves all the stars it can get. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BEAUTIFUL WAR MUSICAL !
How can someone write that this is a turkey ?
He must be blind, deaf and totaly lacking of romance...
This musical is a wonderful example of what the old Hollywood
was : Music, Glamour, Song and Dance and most of all the
beautiful Rita in gorgous Technicolor.
One of the best Hayworth - dance numbers ever on screen performed is "You excite me" : Rita doing Samba is something to watch...she tosses her red hair and one can imagine the GI's going crazy...

An all-time turkey
This may be the worst musical ever to appear from a major Hollywood studio. Its Golden Turkey status is based on several features: worst sets, worst music, and absolutely the worst screenplay. Poor Rita Hayworth; she was forced to do whatever Harry Cohn, who ran Columbia, commanded. At one point, she and young Janet Blair do a dance in long-johns that is one of the low points in movie history. The choreography is abominable. But then, so is this film. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Kim - invaluable life lesson's...
Kim based on Rudyard Kipling's adventure book about the young British boy Kim who has lost both his parents and survives in India through theft, begging, and being a messenger. Kim avoids the British as he has heard that they send their boys to school, but when his identity is revealed he struggles against the system after he is sent to school. In addition, a holy man who has made a strong impression on Kim encourages him to stay in school in order to help him seek enlightenment. Simultaneously, there is a war brewing in northern India and Kim seems to play large part in the outcome of this possible bloodshed. Kim is an interesting film shot in India that teaches some valuable lessons in regards to education and belonging. Despite having some scenes that seem too staged and stiff, which causes some awkwardness in the story, the film leaves the audience with a good cinematic experience.

Question answered
This was the only way I could figure out to answer Predone's question: The tune is "John Peel".

A necessary telescoping of the novel, but...
...
...nevertheless as good on DVD as I remember it on the big screen when I was a youngster. During the '50s and '60s, when it played on commercial television, the idiot box artists chopped this film without mercy or sense, squeezing out of it almost all the flavor, and it's great to see *Kim* - admittedly a bit murky on the visual side, a bit twiddled and diddled in the sound department - back in its theatrical version, and in a form that allows for easy replay and scene selection.

Despite the relatively minor role played by the "real" Mahbub Ali in Kipling's book, the script's structuring took advantage of Errol Flynn's mature screen presence (as an actor, he most certainly got better as he grew older) to good effect, and did the job without doing any real violence to Kipling's story. Dean Stockwell's work is only so-so compared with what he *could* produce under proper direction, and while Paul Lukas is as good in this role as you'd expect him to be, I still have more than a bit of trouble thinking of him as a Tibetan lama.

By the bye, could someone please tell us the name of the tune being played as the Mavericks ("a red bull on a green field") come marching into frame about midway through the movie? It's the same tune playing at the close of film, and I'm driving myself *nuts* trying to remember what the damned thing is called. Thanks.
...

Average Adventure Film.
This will be a "mixed" review. This is a gorgeous film to look at--on-location shooting in India greatly enhances the visual appeal, and the sets and colourful costumes are eye-catching to say the least. The plot, based on Kipling's classic book, concerns a young British, orphaned boy, who disguises himself as an Indian to avoid school and indulge in some espionage for the British, via a shady horse-trader. It takes place during the Victorian period.

The boy--Kim--is played by a very young Dean Stockwell, and his performance is excellent. The horse trader is portrayed by Errol Flynn--older and heavier than during his peak, swashbuckling years at Warner Brothers. While Flynn is top-billed, do not be mislead--this film is about the boy--at the same time, Flynn has lost little of the charm and roguish twinkle that made him such a big star.

What this film needed, however, was more action--beautiful scenery and costumes cannot disguise the fact that this film has too many dull patches.

The DVD is decent--full-screen--nice colour--mono sound, of course.

"Kim" has its moments--but if you see the name of Errol Flynn on the cover, and expect plenty of exciting action, you may be disappointed.

KIM --for the whole Family
I'm a pushover for Errol Flynn. However, I was surprised in this movie he has a semi-starring roll. The story is Kim, the boy.Flynn plays a part but not the bravado star swinging from limbs altho he is a ladies man. I also have KIM with Pete O'Toole. Frankly, I thought O'Toole overplayed his hand in that version. I much prefer Paul Lukas as the worn out priest. Great scenery. Great fun for the whole family. Stories like this never grow old and the India setting well...Let's hope they put this movie on DVD in the near future. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Surrealistic Chalice
This is one of the strangest looking films I can remember. The sets make this film look like a biblical soap opera gone futuristic. I am not sure if this was director Victor Saville's intent or not. Filmed in CinemaScope by William V. Skall, it just looks so offbeat.

Based on the novel by Thomas Costain, it deals with the trials and tribulations of a Greek, portrayed by Paul Newman, who designed the cup used at the Last Supper.

The cast includes Virginia Mayo, Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby.

Franz Waxman's score and a cryptic performance by Jack Palance make this worth watching.

This is an interesting film, which certainly follows a different path.

Chalice of Surrealism
This is one of the strangest looking films I can remember. The sets make this film look like a biblical soap opera gone futuristic. I am not sure if this was director Victor Saville's intent or not. Filmed in CinemaScope by William V. Skall, it just looks so offbeat. In fact, Skall was nominated for an Academy Award for his Color Cinematography on this film. Based on the novel by Thomas Costain, it deals with the trials and tribulations of a Greek craftsman, portrayed by a very young Paul Newman, who designed the cup used at the Last Supper. The cast includes voluptuous Virginia Mayo, a demented looking Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby. Faring best is Jack Palance giving a cryptic performance as a master of illusions. Franz Waxman's Academy Award nominated score is excellent, outdoing the script and most of the performances. This was director Victor Saville's second to last film. It is a curious and interesting film, which certainly follows a different path. The cover of this VHS edition is just beautiful.

Don't Drink From This Chalice
One of the worst films in this genre starring Paul Newman, Virginia Mayo, Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby. The story follows the life of a Greek slave asked to craft a silver chalice to be used at the Last Supper.

Horrible performances and direction all around except for Jack Palance as Simon the Magician: I would give the film a
-100 if Palance weren't in it. Given the dialogue and direction, it's immediately evident that those involved knew little about antiquity or anything about film making in general. The horribly fake backdrops leave the impression of a bad play rather than a movie. This is the film on which Paul Newman commented that it would be his last appearance in sandals and a cocktail dress: I'd be ashamed too if I were in his place.

Rent this trash can film if you must: buy at your own peril. Another bleak example of the worst flops in film history that should never have been brought back from its sealed vaults.

New-Bayreuth comes to Judea
Of all the religious epics of the '50's this is one of the few worthy of repeated viewings. Newman and the lovely Pier Angeli in their first screen roles (and a very brief appearence of Natalie Wood as a blond childhood version of Virginia Mayo!). But it is Jack Palance as Simon that makes this film worth repeated viewings. It is difficult to even contemplate acting on so truely outragious a level-he even makes Nero seem rational.
Just as interesting is the Set-Design. A few times in the '50's a film would try to use avant guard theatrical set designers (The 5000 Fingers of Dr.T is another) instead of the usual Hollywood realism. In this case the minimalist surrealism of the Wieland Wagner productions at the Bayreuth Wagner Festival. I enjoyed very much the attempt to try something new and innovative in this bible epic-a genre rarely given to any innovation at all.
Why watch The Robe yet again when you could have this in all it's demented glory?

A Curious Old Flick
Reviewers are right on.. that the sets are one of the most interesting aspects of this film. However there seem to be some misconceptions about the story. "Basil" (Paul Newman) did not design the cup used at the last supper, but designed a silver chalice to hold the cup, and the plot involves him traveling around as he carves likenesses of the apostles, for a decoration on the silver cup "holder". Palance hams it up as Simon Magnus, a character from the New Testament, who tried to "buy" the religious "powers" of the apostles, giving the name "simony" to related sins. The look of the movie is like watching a play with sets, rather than a realistic movie, but the abstraction of the sets is one of the movie's most interesting aspects, along with the strangely facinating over-the-top performance of Palance. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more

Description

Paul Newman - in his screen debut - plays a 1st century Greek sculptor who is sold into slavery.He escapes harm when his talent is discovered and he is comissioned to create a replica of the chalice Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Surrealistic Chalice
This is one of the strangest looking films I can remember. The sets make this film look like a biblical soap opera gone futuristic. I am not sure if this was director Victor Saville's intent or not. Filmed in CinemaScope by William V. Skall, it just looks so offbeat.

Based on the novel by Thomas Costain, it deals with the trials and tribulations of a Greek, portrayed by Paul Newman, who designed the cup used at the Last Supper.

The cast includes Virginia Mayo, Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby.

Franz Waxman's score and a cryptic performance by Jack Palance make this worth watching.

This is an interesting film, which certainly follows a different path.

Chalice of Surrealism
This is one of the strangest looking films I can remember. The sets make this film look like a biblical soap opera gone futuristic. I am not sure if this was director Victor Saville's intent or not. Filmed in CinemaScope by William V. Skall, it just looks so offbeat. In fact, Skall was nominated for an Academy Award for his Color Cinematography on this film. Based on the novel by Thomas Costain, it deals with the trials and tribulations of a Greek craftsman, portrayed by a very young Paul Newman, who designed the cup used at the Last Supper. The cast includes voluptuous Virginia Mayo, a demented looking Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby. Faring best is Jack Palance giving a cryptic performance as a master of illusions. Franz Waxman's Academy Award nominated score is excellent, outdoing the script and most of the performances. This was director Victor Saville's second to last film. It is a curious and interesting film, which certainly follows a different path. The cover of this VHS edition is just beautiful.

Don't Drink From This Chalice
One of the worst films in this genre starring Paul Newman, Virginia Mayo, Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby. The story follows the life of a Greek slave asked to craft a silver chalice to be used at the Last Supper.

Horrible performances and direction all around except for Jack Palance as Simon the Magician: I would give the film a
-100 if Palance weren't in it. Given the dialogue and direction, it's immediately evident that those involved knew little about antiquity or anything about film making in general. The horribly fake backdrops leave the impression of a bad play rather than a movie. This is the film on which Paul Newman commented that it would be his last appearance in sandals and a cocktail dress: I'd be ashamed too if I were in his place.

Rent this trash can film if you must: buy at your own peril. Another bleak example of the worst flops in film history that should never have been brought back from its sealed vaults.

New-Bayreuth comes to Judea
Of all the religious epics of the '50's this is one of the few worthy of repeated viewings. Newman and the lovely Pier Angeli in their first screen roles (and a very brief appearence of Natalie Wood as a blond childhood version of Virginia Mayo!). But it is Jack Palance as Simon that makes this film worth repeated viewings. It is difficult to even contemplate acting on so truely outragious a level-he even makes Nero seem rational.
Just as interesting is the Set-Design. A few times in the '50's a film would try to use avant guard theatrical set designers (The 5000 Fingers of Dr.T is another) instead of the usual Hollywood realism. In this case the minimalist surrealism of the Wieland Wagner productions at the Bayreuth Wagner Festival. I enjoyed very much the attempt to try something new and innovative in this bible epic-a genre rarely given to any innovation at all.
Why watch The Robe yet again when you could have this in all it's demented glory?

A Curious Old Flick
Reviewers are right on.. that the sets are one of the most interesting aspects of this film. However there seem to be some misconceptions about the story. "Basil" (Paul Newman) did not design the cup used at the last supper, but designed a silver chalice to hold the cup, and the plot involves him traveling around as he carves likenesses of the apostles, for a decoration on the silver cup "holder". Palance hams it up as Simon Magnus, a character from the New Testament, who tried to "buy" the religious "powers" of the apostles, giving the name "simony" to related sins. The look of the movie is like watching a play with sets, rather than a realistic movie, but the abstraction of the sets is one of the movie's most interesting aspects, along with the strangely facinating over-the-top performance of Palance. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This satire of political pettiness and grassroots rebellion appears tobe the British cinema's stab at American-style screwball comedy. Rex Harrison(lean as a whippet) plays a cheeky English newspaperman transferred to backwaterScotland just in time to get into trouble. A pooch named Patsy belonging toice-cream vendor Honoria Hegarty (Sara Allgood) is about to be put down because hismistress won't buy a dog license. The town Provost (Cecil Parker--pomposity in akilt) sees the enforcement of his municipal will as crucial to the future of hiscareer and Scottish nationalism alike. Mayhem proceeds to break out, frequently. Storm in a Teacup lacks the near-mystical local color of I Know WhereI'm Going! (the process-screen scenery is ludicrously unpersuasive) and thedelicious detail work of the later Ealing comedies, but the characters and thesituation are very, very funny, and that's enough. Vivien Leigh plays theProvost's daughter. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Description

Supervia, Laye. Cenerentola, Boheme (3), Traviata, songs. Moving. And Conchita's delectable! Highly recommended. (1934). 83m. English. B&W ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Worth the purchase price just to see and hear Supervia
Towards the end of her life, Australian opera diva, Dame Nellie Melba, dictated her autobiography Beverly Nichols, an established author who proved also to be a vicious gossip. Published in 1925 under the name "Melodies and Memories", the autobiography gives no credit to Nichols, who apparently was miffed. After Melba's death, Nichols published a novel, "Evensong", which was a barely veiled, and not particularly flattering portrait of his one-time employer. This film is based on Nichols's novel: an aging diva, who has ruled the opera world feels her vocal powers diminishing and, faced with a younger rival, succumbs.

Evelyn Laye plays the diva, Irela, who takes her name from her home country (just as Melba, nee Nellie Mitchell, had taken hers from her native Melbourne), studies in Paris with a famous and demanding teacher (in real life Madame Marchesi), then proceeds to conquer the opera world, having a fling with a prince along the way. (Melba, who left her husband shortly after the birth of her only son, reportedly had an affair with a pretender to the French throne.)

Laye is imperious and downright nasty when necessary, but manages to show a sympathetic side of Irela/Melba as well, in the climactic scene with her younger rival, sung and acted by opera star, Conchita Supervia. Entering the theatre while the younger singer is rehearsing, Irela stops and listens a moment. Without saying a word, her face and posture give us her despair at realizing that she is no longer able to better her rivals, though that does not stop her from trying.

As a picture of Melba, this film is somewhat distorted; as a fictional opera biography, it is entertaining and often lovely.

Supervia, with her distinctive quick vibrato, is enchanting; she is caught on screen here just a few years before her early death. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful British film from 1938
Ralph Richardson shines in this archetypal interwar British drama, which focusses on life in rural South Riding, a hamlet where struggling newsman Richardson winds up, and where he winds up making trouble for the local gentry. The plot revolves around the local political boss's obstinate feud with a poor local woman whose dog, Richardson discovers, has been impounded because she refuses to buy a license, and who is scheduled to be put down as a result. When the woman comes to plead her case with the self-absorbed, pompous MP, he is in the midst of a particularly long-winded interview with the new reporter (Richardson) and meets her frantic pleas with astonishing callousness. Richardson, spurred on by his sense of fair play, slams the MP, and thus the fight is on. A delightful film, defining with crystalline precision the manners and mores of Great Britain at the time, and also packed with fine, generous characterizations and understated performances. Recommended! (Directed by Victor Saville.) ... Read more

Description

An unforgettable cast makes Forever and a Day a once-in-a-lifetime event.Conceived as a tribute to the people of England during World War II, this phenomenal film features nearly 80 stars--virtually every Hollywood actor with English roots.Moving episodes and humorous bits chronicle 140 years of life in a regal London home, from the Napoleonic era through its years as a hotel, boarding house, and finally, an air-raid shelter during the Nazi blitz.Great performances include Charles Laughton as a comic butler, Cedric Hardwicke and Buster Keaton as plumbers, Merle Oberon and Robert Cummings as young lovers, and Gladys Cooper and Roland Young as a couple whose son is killed in action.This touching memorial to wartime courage remains top entertainment today. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Amazing collection of stars in a classic epic film
Forever and a Day is a marvelous, lyrical piece of World War II propaganda that boasts one of the most amazing casts and crew ever assembled for a motion picture.

As the film begins, the Nazis are bombing London and an American visitor, Gates T. Pomfret (Kent Smith), journeys into the city searching for a house his father owns and that the current boarder, Lesley Trimble (Ruth Warrick), wishes to purchase. Gates' sarcastic attitude about the house leads Lesley to relate the history of the manse, and how both of their families have been intertwined since Admiral Trimble (C. Aubrey Smith) built it back in 1804. The house eventually fell into the hands of the Pomfrets, who later leased it out as a hotel during the First World War. Now, the building is only used as a bomb raid shelter.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Hollywood was inundated with a phalanx of British actors and directors seeking refuge from the war while continuing the careers. Forever and a Day was specifically designed as a morale booster for the folks back home as well as a bit of propaganda for American audiences. The house, of course, is a metaphor for England herself--stalwart, traditional, broken but defiant and ultimately triumphant. The film combines laughter and tears to achieve its end, and though the fadeout is bittersweet, it's still incredibly uplifting.

To create the film, one of the largest all-star casts imaginable was assembled to portray the various personalities who inhabit the house during the century and a half. Besides those mentioned above, there's also Ray Milland, Victor McLaglan, Anna Neagle, Herbert Marshall, Claude Rains, Dame May Whitty, Gene Lockhart, Anna Lee, Buster Keaton, June Duprez, Nigel Bruce, Elsa Lanchester, Donald Crisp, and many, many others. My favorites in the cast include Smith, who's alternately amusing and moving; Charles Laughton as a tippling butler; Ida Lupino and Brian Aherne as a maid and coal tender (respectively) who develop a romance during Queen Victoria's jubilee; Gladys Cooper and Roland Young as parents awaiting the return of their son from World War I; and Robert Cummings as an American doughboy and Merle Oberon as a hotel secretary who fall in love during that war.

There was an all-star line-up behind the camera as well, with such acclaimed directors as Rene Clair, Edmund Goulding, Cedric Hardwicke, Frank Lloyd, Victor Saville, Robert Stevenson, and Herbert Wilcox. The writing credits are equally diverse, including such names as C.S. Forester, James Hilton, Christopher Isherwood, Donald Ogden Stewart, and John Van Druten. I can't say who wrote or directed which episodes, because it's all been so seamlessly and exquisitely combined.

Students of history and classic film are sure to thrill to Forever and a Day; modern audiences that just like a good story well-told are bound to enjoy it as well.

The DVD is a bare-bones presentation, with just the film and chapter selections. The picture is a bit dark at times, showing its age, but the sound is marvelous.

Struggles To Maintain Your Interest
This film suffers slightly from being a product of its times. The Second World War was in full cry and to help raise morale (and money) well-meaning directors and actors got together to make 'Forever and a Day'. In fact the cast list is one of the prime reasons for buying this DVD - it's certainly why I bought it. Jessie Matthews, Elsa Lanchester, Claude Rains, Charles Laughton - even Buster Keaton - they're all here! But you can't escape the feeling that this is a 1940's 'USA for Africa'. Whilst you loved hearing Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson & all singing 'We are the World', it was never as good as listening to their solo work. 'Forever and a Day' just has too many actors and directors to produce a fully coherent movie. I may be mistaken, but I'm sure somebody once said of this film 'Never have so many given so much for something so dull'. That's a little harsh but for once I have to disagree with Leonard Maltin and award this only average marks. I'm still glad I have it in my film collection - if only for that great cast and it's historical interest.

One Of The Best Epical Films Yet...
The British, and some American, cast shines in thiswnderful depiction of a grand English mansion and its inhabitants for over one-hundred years. The scenes of this picture are geniusely executed and planned out to the second! The efforts of actors such as Ray Milland, C. Aubrey Smith and Claude Rains were beyond words. Anyway, to all those not familiar with "Forever and a Day," it beigns with one grand-scale English being built in 1804 during the Napoleonic Era. This film advances through all the years up to then present day World War II with humor, adventure, and historical grandeur. Even though going through rough times, the house withstands the outside threats of enemy nations until 1940. By then, the manor is bombarded by one A. Hitler and inspectors are sent to report on the tragedies. However, on the wall of the house, the portrait of C. Aubrey Smith, head master and founder of the house, remains intact and shows England's durability during its darkest hours. You can also see that in this fim, the darndest guest appearences are made by veteran actors such as Buster Keaton, Charles Laughton, etc. All the actors did this film for free and looked to help the war effort in 1943, when truly the world was involved. This film is very hard to get. However, when it first opened, I saw it in my local motion picture theatre and have yet to forget the details. They are symbolic and still stand out in my mind. The message here is simple. It just tells you to smile, for tomorrow is another day. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Conrad Veidt (an early refugee of Hitler) and Vivien Leigh supply the chief interest in Dark Journey--they, and trying to follow what the hell is going on from scene to scene. During World War I, Stockholm in neutral Sweden is a hotbed of international espionage--an especially perplexing situation since everyone, regardless of nationality, speaks veddy British English. Madeleine (Leigh), a couturier with a Swiss passport, goes often to Paris to buy fashions, but really to collect troop-movement information for her employers, the German High Command. The vulpine Karl (Veidt) is a shameless playboy defector from Der Vaterland who's traded war-making for nightclub-hopping. However, if we strain, we remember that at the beginning of the film he seemed to be head of the German Secret Service. So really, these two work for the same side, right? And there will be no complications if they fall in love? You'd be surprised. Every two minutes. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Amazing collection of stars in a classic epic film
Forever and a Day is a marvelous, lyrical piece of World War II propaganda that boasts one of the most amazing casts and crew ever assembled for a motion picture.

As the film begins, the Nazis are bombing London and an American visitor, Gates T. Pomfret (Kent Smith), journeys into the city searching for a house his father owns and that the current boarder, Lesley Trimble (Ruth Warrick), wishes to purchase. Gates' sarcastic attitude about the house leads Lesley to relate the history of the manse, and how both of their families have been intertwined since Admiral Trimble (C. Aubrey Smith) built it back in 1804. The house eventually fell into the hands of the Pomfrets, who later leased it out as a hotel during the First World War. Now, the building is only used as a bomb raid shelter.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Hollywood was inundated with a phalanx of British actors and directors seeking refuge from the war while continuing the careers. Forever and a Day was specifically designed as a morale booster for the folks back home as well as a bit of propaganda for American audiences. The house, of course, is a metaphor for England herself--stalwart, traditional, broken but defiant and ultimately triumphant. The film combines laughter and tears to achieve its end, and though the fadeout is bittersweet, it's still incredibly uplifting.

To create the film, one of the largest all-star casts imaginable was assembled to portray the various personalities who inhabit the house during the century and a half. Besides those mentioned above, there's also Ray Milland, Victor McLaglan, Anna Neagle, Herbert Marshall, Claude Rains, Dame May Whitty, Gene Lockhart, Anna Lee, Buster Keaton, June Duprez, Nigel Bruce, Elsa Lanchester, Donald Crisp, and many, many others. My favorites in the cast include Smith, who's alternately amusing and moving; Charles Laughton as a tippling butler; Ida Lupino and Brian Aherne as a maid and coal tender (respectively) who develop a romance during Queen Victoria's jubilee; Gladys Cooper and Roland Young as parents awaiting the return of their son from World War I; and Robert Cummings as an American doughboy and Merle Oberon as a hotel secretary who fall in love during that war.

There was an all-star line-up behind the camera as well, with such acclaimed directors as Rene Clair, Edmund Goulding, Cedric Hardwicke, Frank Lloyd, Victor Saville, Robert Stevenson, and Herbert Wilcox. The writing credits are equally diverse, including such names as C.S. Forester, James Hilton, Christopher Isherwood, Donald Ogden Stewart, and John Van Druten. I can't say who wrote or directed which episodes, because it's all been so seamlessly and exquisitely combined.

Students of history and classic film are sure to thrill to Forever and a Day; modern audiences that just like a good story well-told are bound to enjoy it as well.

The DVD is a bare-bones presentation, with just the film and chapter selections. The picture is a bit dark at times, showing its age, but the sound is marvelous.

Struggles To Maintain Your Interest
This film suffers slightly from being a product of its times. The Second World War was in full cry and to help raise morale (and money) well-meaning directors and actors got together to make 'Forever and a Day'. In fact the cast list is one of the prime reasons for buying this DVD - it's certainly why I bought it. Jessie Matthews, Elsa Lanchester, Claude Rains, Charles Laughton - even Buster Keaton - they're all here! But you can't escape the feeling that this is a 1940's 'USA for Africa'. Whilst you loved hearing Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson & all singing 'We are the World', it was never as good as listening to their solo work. 'Forever and a Day' just has too many actors and directors to produce a fully coherent movie. I may be mistaken, but I'm sure somebody once said of this film 'Never have so many given so much for something so dull'. That's a little harsh but for once I have to disagree with Leonard Maltin and award this only average marks. I'm still glad I have it in my film collection - if only for that great cast and it's historical interest.

One Of The Best Epical Films Yet...
The British, and some American, cast shines in thiswnderful depiction of a grand English mansion and its inhabitants for over one-hundred years. The scenes of this picture are geniusely executed and planned out to the second! The efforts of actors such as Ray Milland, C. Aubrey Smith and Claude Rains were beyond words. Anyway, to all those not familiar with "Forever and a Day," it beigns with one grand-scale English being built in 1804 during the Napoleonic Era. This film advances through all the years up to then present day World War II with humor, adventure, and historical grandeur. Even though going through rough times, the house withstands the outside threats of enemy nations until 1940. By then, the manor is bombarded by one A. Hitler and inspectors are sent to report on the tragedies. However, on the wall of the house, the portrait of C. Aubrey Smith, head master and founder of the house, remains intact and shows England's durability during its darkest hours. You can also see that in this fim, the darndest guest appearences are made by veteran actors such as Buster Keaton, Charles Laughton, etc. All the actors did this film for free and looked to help the war effort in 1943, when truly the world was involved. This film is very hard to get. However, when it first opened, I saw it in my local motion picture theatre and have yet to forget the details. They are symbolic and still stand out in my mind. The message here is simple. It just tells you to smile, for tomorrow is another day. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Really First - When Movies Were Young!
This film isn't glitzy, it isn't slick, it isn't even in colour. However, none of that matters. Made in black and white in 1935, this British comedy is funny, and filled with an innocence many of us modern and more jaded filmgoers find refreshing. There aren't any special effects, just special, well acted, characters, and musical numbers to rival the American, Busby Berkley extravaganzas of that era. Though this is the precursor to our modern "Victor/Victoria", homosexuality was a "no no" in 1935. Therefore, we're asked to accept, among other things, the idea that a female impersonator is really a straight man who wants to act in Shakespearean plays. Despite great pains being taken, lest we suspect any of the characters of being gay, the film retains the fun aspect of the later "Victor/Victoria", and, without even trying to lower her voice, we find Jessie Matthews believable as a "boy". This is a film made when movies were new, and life was simpler. "First A Girl" is delightful.

Jessie Matthews cross dressing classic
Jessie Matthews brings her talent for musical comedy to this tale of a stuggling young actress who pretends to be a man who dresses as a woman. The plot probably sounds familiar to anyone who's seen Victor/Victoria. This earlier version is campier and just as fun as the Blake Edwards film and is recommeded to all fans of old musicals or Victor/Victoria. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good first adult role for Elizabeth Taylor
Having only seen this film for the first time recently I was pleasantly surprised by its overraul quality and very good performances. Being a big Elizabeth Taylor fan I had read over the years how it was a "False start" for her in adult roles but really Elizabeth handles herself excellently in this veri intriguing story of a young American bride in London finding out her new husband is not all he seems.
The storyline is quite gripping i feel , in particular in the later part of the film when Elizabeth learns the truth about who her husband actually is. The duck shooting scene in particular is very tense and gripping and the tense feel to this second half really earns the film mor estars in my book.
Elizabeth's performance once again reveals what a fine actress she was. Considering she was only 16 or so when she made this film she does an excellent job against the well honed skills of Robert Taylor. The film benefits greatly from the fine English supporting cast and the location photography in England.
The film is an early but worthy introduction to older roles for Elizabeth and with such triumphs as "Father of the Bride" and "A Place in the Sun" just around the corner she was set for a smooth transition from her child performing years into adult roles.
A good film to include in your collection, done with all the care typical of MGM of that time. Enjoy it!

TNT=Taylor and Taylor!
MGM pairs two of their biggest stars, who just so happen to share the name Taylor, in this cold-war story that starts off as a drama but ends up becoming something of a "Suspicion" wanna-be! The studio's financially keen awareness of 17-year old Elizabeth's astounding physical maturity was quickly capitalized upon when her usual ingenue roles came to an end and, among much shameless publicity and hype, they unveiled her to the public in this movie as a "woman." MGM's exploitation of La Liz's outward attributes was painfully obvious when this film first premiered--displayed above the marquee was a huge (and I do mean huge!) picture of just her wearing a low-cut dress and come-hither look--you'd of thought noone but her was starring in the film! But on to the movie. This is one of Liz's more obscure films, and with good reason--though it's not bad, there's nothing special about it. She plays Melinda Greyton, a flighty but naive American in 1949 postwar London. The other Taylor, Robert, is starting to show his age but is still very handsome as the dashing but disturbingly remote Major Michael Currah. Being the most photogenic people in the film, they naturally fall for each other and wed--but things take a drastic turn for the worse when the secretive Michael becomes abusively paranoid with his psychological tormenting and even more withdrawn after their marriage, and is constantly away on mysterious night calls. A distraught Melinda later realizes that her husband is a traitorous spy in the employ of the Soviets, who are dismayed he got married without their permission. Emotionally harried Melinda proves she's made of sterner stuff when this shocking revelation serves as a maturing experience and stiffens her resolve when she insists he stop spying after his attempt to persuade her to overlook his treasonous activities. She is now is seen as a risk by the Soviets and Mike is ordered to kill his own wife!--at this point the film goes down an uncannily reminiscent "Suspicion" like path with an increasingly terrified Melinda scared to death of her husband. Will he or won't he? I think you can guess the predictable answer to that, though I won't be a spoiler by revealing it and you'll just have to see the movie if you really want to know how it plays out. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dark Journey-- a Vivien Leigh film pre-Gone with the Wind
I bought this video to add to my growing collection of Vivien Leigh films. Of course, this is a must have. It captures Vivien before the Gone with the Wind phenomenon. On a whole, the plot was a bit slow and the sound quality made it difficult to understand all the actors, many of which have thick accents. What makes this film worthwhile is Vivien's performance. She truly carries the film! Vivien Leigh only made a handful of films, and it is interesting to hear the change in her voice. In her last few films her voice is husky, an effect of her habitual smoking. Though, in her earlier films, like DARK JOURNEY, her voice is light and almost musical. DARK JOURNEY is a must have for any serious Vivien Leigh fan!

Good story!
This film is about a double agent, played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh, who meets and falls in love with the enemy. In this case it's Conrad Veidt, who's part of the German Intelligence. The film may seem dated, but with a story like this and a star like Vivien Leigh, this is sure to be a winner! This is not one of your average run of the mill spy movies, there's more here than meets the eye. It's worth it just to see a young Vivien (pre-Gone With the Wind). Give this one a try.

Excellent movie
Takes place during WWI. Although the main characters are spies, we don't really see them do much spying. The true story is a love story between a French agent and a German agent, and how they each put duty before love. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh both excellent. Only problem is tho it takes place in Sweden and France, with characters of those nationalities as well as German, everybody has an English accent - except Veidt, of course! END ... Read more