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The most interesting--and entertaining--aspect of this long, episodicWorld War II drama is that it marked the debut of one Justus E. McQueen, who subsequently took the name of the good ol' Arkansas boy he played in the movie: L.Q. Jones. He's only one of eight or nine Marine recruits who divide the screen time with commanding officer Van Heflin and James Whitmore as a lifer sergeant named Mac, "just Mac," who ramrods their squad and also delivers the movie's overbearing narration. Unfortunately, the narration is necessary to maintain continuity as the CinemaScope production galumphs its way from rounding up the melting-pot cast, to seeing them through basic training and sundry, mostly amatory misadventures in San Diego, to further training in New Zealand, and finally to baptism of fire on Guadalcanal.

Trouble is, among the recruits only McQueen/Jones (whose job is mostly comic relief) and Aldo Ray (as a brawling lumberjack who's never known family life) have any charisma or acting chops--and that's not forgetting Tab Hunter, whose matinee-idol status at the time does not speak well for the '50s. Battle Cry is also a cardinal example of Hollywood's penchant for buying big, lusty, profane bestsellers (by Leon Uris, in this case) and then euphemizing all the lustiness and profanity to appease the censors. Raoul Walsh, the poet laureate of lowdown gusto, does what he can in the circumstances, and as one of the first guys ever to direct a widescreen movie (1930's The Big Trail), he makes the battle scenes roar. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Battle Cry
This movie is based on Leon Uris' best seller, and while it does not strictly adhere to the plot/timeline, it is still a relatively faithful treatment of the book. For those of you with short attention spans, this isn't the movie for you. It requires an investment in time and emotion to see the characters develop, in the movie and as friends of each other, culminating in the final battle scene, at Saipan. It is enjoybale, believable, and yes...a movie from the Fifties with all its good and bad points.....only a boorish or immature person would judge the movie because of that though....See for yourself, if you enjoy a great yarn, this movie is for you...and...if you don't think this is how barracks life really is.....you aint been in the Corps...Semper Fi

I have a better name for this movie..
Instead of "Battle Cry", how about naming the film "Cry Over My Love Life"! Who made this movie anyway? The same people who made "Pearl Harbor"? This action COMEDY stars Van Heflin as the commander of a company of marines in WWII, from it's early days of basic training through its last battle in the closing months of the war. It's not a bad film actually if you like cheesy acting, boring and overbearing narration, and don't mind that there's only 20 minutes of actual fighting during its almost 2 and 1/2 hour length? In fact, the war seemed to be almost a bother to the makers of this film, who for whatever reason believed that moviegoers would prefer to see exciting moments of a kid cheating on his girlfriend with a woman old enough to be his mother? Of a nerdish bookworm who falls in love with his buddy's weekend plaything? Or a macho lumberjack who considers desertion to make his new war widow wife happy? Sprinkle in a couple more tragic love stories, and you have most of what this long, insufferable movie is about? As for the acting..FORGET IT! And could anyone who grew up in the 50's please explain to me what the big deal was with Tab Hunter? I've seen porn actors do a better job of acting? I've heard it said that this was a box office hit? WOW! lol The bottom line is..if you're buying this movie because you think it's a war movie, you better keep your finger on the fast forward button, because the action scenes are few and totally far in between! I give it 2 stars for what little action actually made it onto the screen? As for the rest..ANNOYING!

Semper Fi !!
Panned by reviewers at the time of it's release, but a box office hit, nonetheless. In some respects, Battle Cry is not much more than a soap-opera type presentation, but a bunch of good acting and sympathetic characters helps sell it.
As pointed out by another reviewer, this movie was ALWAYS in color, and as far as it not running very frequently on TNT or elsewhere, that's because of economics and availability, not content.
James Whitmore turns in a fine job as the stalwart Sarge, and minor roles by Fess Parker, and L.Q. Jones (the character's name, as subsequently actor McQueen's name), and others help make this a worthwhile viewing experience.
Sure, the Danny [Tab Hunter] character is pure mush, but even there, it's probably his best acting and kudos also goes to Aldo Ray, as a hardass lumberjack who finds true love along the way.
Certainly not on the level of From Here To Eternity as a "war" movie, this IS enjoyable viewing.

Battle Cry ¿ there¿s a lot to see here.
It is surprising how a sprawling war film like this contains so little action. But, don't be disappointed. This film focuses on characterization and characters are plentiful be they ever so stereotypical. James Whitmore as Sgt. Mac, Aldo Ray, Tab Hunter, L. Q. Jones and Perry Lopez as Marine recruits and Dorothy Malone, Anne Francis and Nancy Olsen as their love interests all give standout performances. Max Steiner's patriotic and rousing score is in its full glory. This film is high on good old-fashioned sentimental entertainment. By the film's end the viewer comes to realize many of the sacrifices that were made during this time in history and some of the gloss wears off. As an aside, a deceased acquaintance of mine who served in the US Army 1st Division during the Second World War from North Africa, D-Day to Germany's surrender, found this film to be the best representation of W.W.II military life. That was an exceptional compliment and recommendation for this film from a veteran who was not a Marine and one who fought in the European theatre. This is a good film. This VHS recording sounds very good in stereo.

Excellent adaptation of Uris novel
An outstanding motion picture which deserves a widescreen release on VHS. By the way, viewer from Minneapolis, the film was originally released in Warnercolor and CinemaScope not in black and white. (Fox, the owners of CinemaScope, didn't allow black and white releases in the process in 1955) ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Forester's legendary hero in fine form!
Most of you have probably heard of or seen the "Horatio Hornblower" miniseries that was done by A&E, but if you want to see Gregory Peck in one of his finest hours (and who wouldn't), then you should see this also! Here, three of C.S. Forester's novels are condensed into a movie well worth watching as Hornblower, an English naval captain during the Age Of Sail, does battle with the French (England's main adversary), the Spanish, and a power-hungry dictator. Forget about what you may have heard about Peck being a touch sober to play the title role; in the Forester novels, Hornblower is brave, modest, sober, and Peck plays him to perfection down to Hornblower's trademark "Ha - h'm!" He's so brave that even cannon fire doesn't make him flinch, but when the impeccably exquisite Lady Barbara Wellesley sets foot aboard his ship, Hornblower finds that he's not impervious to Cupid's arrows. This movie may not have the swash of "Captain Blood" or "The Sea Hawk", but it does have just about everything else, packed into a gem that runs just under 2 hours! The filmwork is excellent, the sea battles are edited and shot to perfection, Robert Farnon's musical score is imbued with the bold spirit that characterized the English navy during the period, and the supporting cast is perfect! Peck should have received an Oscar for his performance, but one can't overlook the lovely Virginia Mayo as Lady Barbara, the charismatic Alec Mango as El Supremo, or any of the other cast members - everyone does a fantastic job here! All in all - a definite recommendation to all who are devotees of Hornblower and/or the Age Of Sail, and definitely worthy of a 5-star rating. The only suggestion for improvement I would make is to release it on DVD in a collector's edition in widescreen, 5.1 stereo sound, and with all the trimmings! In fact, since it was made in 1951, it should be released on DVD this year to commemorate its 50th Anniversary - no better time like the present!

Captain Horatio Hornblower finds love and adventure at sea
C. S. Forester certainly began the saga of his Napoleonic-Era naval hero Horatio Hornblower "in media res." Here is Hornblower as a dashing captain, with the stories of his younger days and later glories both yet to be penned. "Captain Horatio Hornblower" actually covers the key events in Forester's first trio of Hornblower adventures, "Beat to Quarters," "Ship of the Line" and Flying Colours." Hornblower (American Gregory Peck playing the quintessential English hero) is sent on a secret mission to the far side of South America where he has to capture a Spanish frigate not once but twice, all because of the problematic delay in having new orders catch up with him in the time of wooden sailing ships. Chance throws Hornblower together with Lady Barbara Wellesley (Virginia Mayo), the sister of the Duke of Wellington. She is engaged to some admiral and he is already married, but there is no doubt that they are meant for each other. Besides, even Fate has to take a backseat to Hornblower's sense of duty. Even when he is captured by the French it is but another opportunity for grand adventure. Like many fans I came to the Hornblower novels and this rousing 1951 film directed by Raoul Walsh. The happy ending falls into place a bit too neatly, but that is what happened in the original novels and not simply a Hollywood decision. The sea battles with the fully rigged ships are as fine as you can find from the good old days of movie-making, but my favorite scene is the touching one when the Captain and Lady Barbara deal with the final moment's of the youngest member of the ship's company. "Captain Horatio Hornblower," like the novels, achieves that feeling that we are truly in the middle of an epic tale, with well-established characters who we readily believe have already had long and glorious histories. I think Lt. Bush (Robert Beatty) gets a lot of the credit for that as the unofficial "narrator" of the tale. So, if you have loved the imported A&E adventures of the young Horatio Hornblower, you certainly need to get around to watching the original film version and reading Forester's novels. If not, you will just be a scurvy dog, matie.

Come Blow Your Horn
I confess I love this film far more than it deserves. The idea of casting Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo as a red-hot English couple is too much, and I'll bet this film got a cold reception in the UK. Get around that idiosyncrasy, though, and it's a great time. Director Raoul Walsh was one of Hollywood's most dependable directors for more than thirty years and "Hornblower" is one of his great moments. No American moviemaker ever topped him at keeping his story in motion and pacing it for the audience's enjoyment. After shooting up a Latin American maniac and then an assortment of French fighting ships during the Napoleanic wars, Hornblower staggers back to England to claim the aristocratic Mayo, both of their spouses having thoughtfully died. All the acting is a little over the top, but then so was the period.

Peck as Hornblower
I first saw Gregory peck as Hornblower about 45 years ago.I fell in love (puppy variety) with that man right then. I started CS Forester's series immediately. Other 11 year old girls read Nancy Drew, I read Horatio Hornblower. The Hornblower series is probably one of the three best naval action series (of antiquity) ever put to pen. (A real close tie is Alexander Kent's wonderful series.) The latest British TV mini-series (was on A&E) was absolutely wonderful and actually conveyed the feel and character of the Forester series with vivid realism...perhaps more so than the movie that had to be a bit too romanticized and glammed up. I especially enjoyed Horatio's earliest exploits as a young teen and adolescent in the novels. It would be nice to see a younger actor play this role in an upcoming feature...and cover his earliest years and why he (like so many) set out to sea in ships.

Swashbuckling Technicolor fun
A fun, uncomplicated pirate film starring Gregory Peck as the restrained, capable Captain Horatio Hornblower, hero of the popular novels by C. S. Forester. Starts on an action-packed note, then slows down a bit for a long romantic interlude, then picks up steam again as cannons burst and swords clash in the big climactic battles of the end. Good old-fashioned fun, with a brisk script and plenty of great character actors and snazzy Technicolor cinematography. Recommended! ... Read more

Description

Gone With The Wind star Clark Gable flexes his muscular charms in another Civil War-era movie about the torrid romance between a plantation owner and a half-caste beauty. Year: 1957 Director: Raoul Walsh Starring:Clark Gable, Yvonne De Carlo, Sidney Poitier ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Another outstanding performance by Clark Gable
I don't get bored of watching this movie. Clark Gable delivers a wonderful performance as he always did. This is a must see for people who enjoy love stories.

Classic Masterpiece
This wonderful American Civil War drama stars as Samantha, Yvonne De Carlo as a sultry southern belle, who is hiding the secret of her Black ancestry. Clark Gable plays Hamish Bond, the swashbuckling landowner, who, despite her various suitors, is the only man who Samantha ever loved.
After the end war and the occupation of the South by the Union troops, Bond must flee for his life from the vengeful northerners. It is up to a former slave,, now a Union Sergeant (Sydney Poitier) to decide how the drama will play itself out.
While Bond was good to him, and gave him an education and all that enabled him to advance, his heart is still bitter at the experience of knowing he was a slave.
The movie gives a good account of the brutality of both slavery, and the rape of the South by Union forces after the Civil War. We see the routine violation of Southern women by the occupying Northern soldiers.
Made in 1957, this movie is one of the classic masterpieces.

I don't understand why this film isn't better known
Band of Angels is a very well-written screenplay about the oddities of race in America. I would have to compare it with "To Kill a Mockingbird" only I think Band of Angels is more thought provoking.

The plot involves a pre-Civil War Southern belle (whose father has sent her to school in the north which should give you a hint) who returns to Kentucky when her father falls ill. She arrives to see him being buried, and immediately afterwards hears first that her father was bankrupt and all the slaves will be sold and then that she herself is the child of a slave woman and therefore she too will be sold. It seems her father had an affair with a mulatto slave and raised the child as if the mother had been white and married to him. He has (somewhat unbelievably) concealed this from his child, who doesn't understand why her mother is buried outside the family cemetery. Our beautifully-dressed belle ends up being literally sold down the river -- she leaves pleasant Kentucky to be sold on a New Orleans auction block. (The further south you got, the worse conditions were: the other slaves are probably going to end up on a mosquito-infested sugar cane plantation and face a much worse fate than she does, but the movie fails to make this point). It's an eye-opener how particularly shocking the slave auction is when an apparently white woman is being auctioned -- which gives a lot of insight into subliminal racism.

Although a bit dated at parts (the music at the beginning, for example, and the scenes with the slaves singing like a choir), this is a very thought-provoking and yet entertaining movie. I highly recommend it.

A Film Ahead of Its Time
It would be interesting to know how audiences reacted to this movie when it was first released in 1957. I never knew that African slaves got packed into ships like sardines until I saw the miniseries "Roots," yet in this movie Clark Gable reveals the shameful story of how Africans were captured (sometimes with the help of other Africans) and packed into slave ships, and how cruelly they suffered. It is like seeing the other side of Rhett Butler, a very dark side. I don't consider this movie to be so much a romantic story as it is a story about forgiveness and the hope of a new and better era. I never knew that Sidney Poitier and Clark Gable had been in a film together, and it is a treat to see two such great actors confronting each other. Poitier plays his character superbly--he is rightfully impatient for freedom and justice, yet he knows he has to watch his step or else he will be crushed. "Gone with the Wind" seems very shallow compared to this movie.

STAR SYSTEM IN ACTION
This movie is a classic example of big contract stars struttung their routine stuff. Probably most of its budget went on casting Clark Gable; it is his presence that would've compelled the movie audience to go see it. To give it a decent rating would be like rating a local TV new bulletin. It's not good, it's not bad; it does its job. BAND OF ANGELS kept more innocent moviegoing audiences of its day sufficiently enthralled to make it a success. For those reasons- and its color and technical proficiency- it is a historical record of Hollywood dishing 1950 punters, and Gable fans, with what they thought wanted to see that week. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Flynn at his two-fisted best
In real life, Errol Flynn was no pushover. Despite devastating good looks and a wickedly easygoing charm, he could hold his own in either a one-on-one fightfight or a barroom brawl. He was, in fact, one of the most feared fighters in Hollywood.

"Gentleman Jim," the story of 19th century boxer James J. Corbett, gave Warner Brothers a chance to put their bad boy on display at his physical best -- exhibiting a lean, mean physique and an undeniable flair for ring work. His toothy grin, devil-may-care charm and boyish glee in a good fight all combined to make "Gentleman Jim" one of the 1940s' most compelling films, and one of Warner Brothers' biggest hits.

It is interesting to note that during the filming of "Gentleman Jim," Flynn collapsed and was carted off to the hospital. He was diagnosed, at the ripe old age of 32, of having had a mild heart attack. His co-star in the film, Alexis Smith, visited him and begged him to slow down his destructive lifestyle. Flynn, she later said, flashed that beautiful smile of his and shook his head.

"I enjoy this side of life," he told her, "and don't care to see the other side." END

One of Flynn's Best Performances
Gentleman Jim features what I think may be the most relaxed performance I have seen Errol Flynn give in a movie. He's seems very comfortable and at home in this somewhat fictious account of the life of boxer James Corbett. Flynn is cocky and charming as usual in this story of how Corbett rose from being a bank teller to world champion. A beautiful and sassy Alexis Smith is along as the love interest, while Alan Hale is his very Irish father, William Frawley his manager, Jack Carson his best buddy, and Ward Bond his biggest rival. Everyone is very good and appears to be having a great time. The boxing sequences are well staged by director Raoul Walsh, and generous doses of humour are found throughout. It teeters on corny at times, but it is all played with such energy and obvious enjoyment, the corny moments can be overlooked. As usual for most Warner Bros biopics, I'm sure it takes many liberties with the truth, but it doesn't matter. The film is very entertaining in its presentation of his life and how boxing evolved.

One of Flynns best
This is one Errol Flynns best movies and probably his most overlooked. He gives one of his best preformances in this film and never looked better. He played Jim Corbett with a wink and a smile and seemed to really be enjoying himself in this role.
Truly one of his best!

Flynn At His Best
Errol Flynn is largely forgotten today by the average movie goer which is a shame since he was a genuine superstar of his time. His dazzling good looks and charm combined with a rakish off screen behavior catipulted him to quick success and gave fuel to detractors who claimed there was little talent behind the perfectly chisled facade.
In reality Flynn was a largely underrated actor shackled to many less than stellar productions by the studio's type casting. His talent for light comedy shows through brilliantly in Gentleman Jim this early forties biopic of Heavyweight Champion James J. Corbett. The movie is factual fluff when it comes to Corbett's personal life, but largely true to history concering his pugilistic efforts. Corbett did fight on barges and in rich sporting clubs to circumvent the public ban on the sport at the end of the nineteenth century.
Flynn's considerable atheticism adds further creedence to his excellent portrayl of the turn of the century fighter. An accomplished amateur boxer in his youth, Fylnn was widely regarded as the best tennis player in Hollywood and his fluid ring movmenents are a welcome relief to the bumbling screen fight efforts of Gable, Tracy and Cagney. The reserved post fight meeting of the defeated Sullivan, well
played by Ward Bond, and a restrained Flynn as his conquerer is quite touching and serves a further evidence of Flynn's acting skills.
Watching Gentleman Jim is great and entertaining fun and can only make one wish Flynn was given more oppurtunities to display a largely untapped talent.

Rousing boxing movie
Despite several departures from historical accuracy this biography of world heavyweight champion Gentleman Jim Corbett is enjoyable and colourful entertainment with a performance from Errol Flynn that ranks alongside the liveliest he ever gave.
He is ideally cast as Corbett ,a San Francisco bank clerk ,who defeated John L Sullivan in 1892 ,in New Orleans ,to become world heavyweight champion.Success ,we are told .brought a swollen head ,an over indulgence in liquour and a tendency to braggadocio.This is plain wrong-Corbett was a modest and self effacing man throughout his life ,and it was this which earned him the soubriquet "Gentleman Jim "

Raoul Walsh -a splendid action director-directs with typical vigour and keeps thinks moving briskly with the fight scenes in particular being fine,although ,for my taste the scenes of comic relif are too broad and unsubtle.Neither does the love interst tacked on to the movie ,with Alexis Smith's society woman who becomes entangled with Corbett, work too well.The actual Corbett-Sullivan bout is well staged and Flynn accurately catches the man's revolutionary ,scientific pugilistic style.

Ignore its departures from the facts and this is enjoyable big studio film making from the golden era of the studio system with a charismatic performance from the star and some solid period detail. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Humphrey Bogart and Raymond Massey star in a unique film that shows whatconvoy duty was like for the Merchant Marine in World War II. When their tanker is torpedoed by a German U-boat, Bogart and Massey take command of a Liberty Ship, and their convoy must play cat and mouse with a German wolf pack. While clearly shown in a bad light, the Germans are not heavily demonized, which was unusual for a patriotic war film of the time (1943). Another unusual choice was having the Germans speaking only in their native language, with no subtitles. This realism helps carry any dated elements, especially when combined with the accurate depiction of convoy techniques and battle tactics (the footage was later used for actual training purposes). Even jaded viewers will be on pins and needles when the convoy is attacked, and they hear the repeated German command of "Torpedo... LOS!" --Mark Savary ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Learning the Truth of the US Merchant Marine in WWII
Most people today don't reliaze the great number of Merchant Marines that lost their lives during WWII as so wecould today have our freedom. There were more Merchant Seamen killed (in comparison to the number each service branch had) then any of the other armed forces. A gun on the stem and the stern can't do a lot against a German Sub! A real salute to Warner Brothers for making a movie that really lets a naive person see what it was like. Everything from the USMM enlisting posters hanging in the tavern to shipboard words like "how about that night-lunch"in this movie is presented true. For men like myself who take pride in the time we sailed the vast oceans of the world as part of our Merchant Marine this movie really can make us proud ! note: Raymond Massey was outstanding as the Old Man, He reminded me of a Captain Brown that I sailed under some 30+ years ago.
This movie is even better then the 5 star rating ,it is a real piece of American Maritime History! "ENJOY"

Tells a GREAT story!!!!
Humphrey Bogart was excellent as the executive officer aboard a "Liberty Ship". This tells the story of a much forgotten service: the Merchant Marine. It shows the courage and commitment these professional sailors had to face down German U-boats and Raiders. These were the men that made sure that the needed war supplies got there intact. If you enjoy movies about WWII especially ones that were made during the war itself (like this one) then this is a MUST SEE.

Great film about underappreciated heroes of WWII
They didn't sail powerful destroyers or fill the skies with waves of carrier-borne fighters, but the men of the US Merchant Marine nevertheless fought and won the second world war's most crucial and consistently bloody battles - the Battle of the Atlantic. This excellent film follows the travails of a merchantman bound for Russia's arctic port of Murmansk with a cargo of materials the Russians need to keep the Germans pegged on the eastern front. Through the war, American convoys sailed mass-built "Liberty Ships" through waters teeming with German planes, cruisers and U-Boats to keep both England and Russia properly equipped. While tides of war may have shifted thruought the war, allied convoys faced constant attacks by axis units until the end, relying mainly on their ability to absorb severe casualties.

This film is fiction and, produced during the war (1943) has the hallmarks of a propaganda film. But "Action" is so much more - with winning performances by Humphrey Bogart and Ray Massey, and a fine supporting crew that sounds like they may have actually sailed the dreaded "Murmansk Run". The special effects are astoundingly good for 1943 and hold up pretty well today. The Germans are perfect as skilled hunters - I still get a chill during the battle scenes when whole crews utter "torpedo - los!" - not quite dehumanized, but still fearsome. Crisp direction makes their untranslated lines the best case against sub-titles. In short, a great film.

Recognition to the Men of the Maritime Service
This great sea tale staring Humphrey Bogart and Raymond Massey is a good patriotic homage to the World War II sailors of the maritime service. Dane Clark as seamen Johnny Pulaski is a standout. Clark's acting deserved more recognition than he ever got. Alan Hale is also on board. Lloyd Bacon's direction is somewhat pedestrian but Producer Jerry Wald's fine production values, good action sequences and Adolph Deutsch's score compensate a lot.

A screen salute to the Merchant Marine in World War II
Individual freights and convoys battling German U-boats and fighter planes to keep open the lifeline of the Allied war effort make "Action in the North Atlantic" one of the better World War II action films. The 1943 film, directed by Lloyd Bacon, is also rather unique because it focuses on the Merchant Marine instead of the Navy. Raymond Massey is Captain Steve Jarvis, while Humphrey Bogart plays his First Officer, Lieutenant Joe Rossi and Alan Hale is good old Boots O'Hara. The movie begins with the boys adrift for 11 days at sea after their tanker is sunk. After they are rescued they are assigned to the Liberty ship "Sea Witch," part of a great convoy bound from Halifax to Murmansk. After a German sub attack, the ship is separated from what is left of the convoy and has to make it to port. The action matters more than the acting in this film, although Ruth Gordon's performance as Mrs. Jarvis certainly stands out. Bogart's part is a bit overblown, but that is understandable in the wake of "Casablanca." Guy Gilpatric received an Best Writing Oscar nomination in 1944 for his Original Story, which, interestingly enough, is a separate category from teh screenplay written by John Howard Larson. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

meh.
Yawn. A fairly dull "historical" romantic adventure tale starring Gregory Peck as a bon vivant schooner captain whose sailing run, between Russian-owned Alaska and the newly founded San Francisco boomtown, brings him into conflict with the Tsarist forces in charge of the far North. The film starts out with great promise, but grinds to a halt with a slow-moving romantic plot involving the rather unappealing, pinch-faced Ann Blythe. Unfortunately, when he finally gets back to sea, the action sequences are hardly more lively, or better directed. What was up with this film? Was it just a bad season for director Raoul Walsh? Well, whatever it was, I was mucho bored for much of this film. I did manage to amuse myself with the thought that the loquacious John McIntire's character would stay up in Alaska after the film's end and later found the town of Skagway, which he would rule with an evil, iron fist. (See: "The Far Country," from 1954, if you want to get the joke...) Anthony Quinn also co-stars, in yet another broadly played ethnic role. You're better off seeing him play opposite Peck in the vastly superior "Guns Of Navarrone."

Sailor's Delight
This would be a typical Hollywood costume epic of the 1950's, carried mostly by star power and production values. But!! If you like sailing ship sequences, this has one of the best ever filmed. It is worth getting just for the race to Alaska.

Disappointing
I really expected great things from this movie, but it left me sorely disappointed. With such great actors as Peck and Quinn I was sure this flick couldn't miss. Unfortunately the phony bombastic nature of the piece left me cold. Totally unrealistic( as opposed to say Moby Dick)it concentrated on lavish costumes and ornate sets with next to no attention to dialogue or story line. Quinn's character was so obnoxiusely phony and bombastic I thought I was going to be sick, as I love Quinn's work in Barrabas. The phony bravada of almost all the characters was totally unrealistic and made me sick. The ultimate in flowery Hollywood nonesense depending solely on visuals and nothing else. I see now why I never saw this before- it was being hidden for good reason...

I love this movie.
It is a wonderful blend of action, adventure, romance and just the right touch of comedy, even if occasionally absurd. Anthony Quinn's characterization of the Portuguee would have stolen this film from a lesser actor than Gregory Peck, but he manages to hold up his end quite well. Ann Blyth is regal enough to play any royal. She hardly sings in this film at all. I always enjoy The World in His Arms.

The World In His Arms
Wonderfully light romantic film full of gorgeous costumes, action and adventure similar to old Errol Flynn swashbuckling movies. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Western that has it all!
The Lawless Breed stars the young Rock Hudson who plays Wes Hardin, an outlaw who wrote his own story after he was released from prison. The story spans over 20 years and you see Rock Hudson from a young man aging gracefully. Julia Adams, John McIntire and Hugh O'brian also star in this film. This western tells a true story and shows two sides of every story and how exagerated stories in the west developed. There was romance, struggles with family, families pulling together when needed, courage, and some comical scenes also. A must see for lovers of westerns. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A paratroop captain (Errol Flynn) sets out with a platoon to attack a Japanese outpost in the jungle. The Americans reach their target, take out the enemy with almost balletic precision, then gear up to return home.This feels like the point when a conventional war movie would have reached its action-filled climax, but the journey has only begun. Ahead lies one of the most arduous and agonizing adventures any World War II film ever offered, brilliantly directed by that underrated old master Raoul Walsh and photographed with almost tactile realism by the great James Wong Howe.

The chief rap against Objective, Burma! (of concern mainly to British observers) is that it suggests that only U.S. forces contested the Japanese in the jungles of Burma. (OK, so it's not the most accurate history lesson.) But that's small beer in view of the movie's bone-chilling portrayal of pain, sacrifice, and endurance. The jungle atmosphere is so persuasive, you'd swear it was shot on the actual locations (though in fact Walsh effectively reworked many of the same situations in Distant Drums, a sort-of Western about the Seminole War, six years later).You'll never forget the terrifying last dark night on a mountainside--or the crocodiles.... Flynn is excellent (he had given his best performance ever in Walsh's Gentleman Jim three years earlier), and he's backed by a solid cast including Henry Hull (as an aging war correspondent), James Brown, William Prince, George Tobias, and Stephen Richards (soon to change his name to Mark Stevens). Incidentally, two of the writers, Alvah Bessie andLester Cole, were later blacklisted; see if you can spot any Commie propaganda. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Good action-packed movie.........wheres the DVD
I saw this movie one, but I only saw a fraction of it. I now have it and I love every minute of it. Errol Flynn does very good in his role as the company commander. Flynn slides toward his British accent a few times, but that's all right, I know he's does his best. The movie starts when Flynn's outfit, a army paratrooper battalion, get's orders for a hit-and-run mission in enemy-infested Burma. Thier mission, knock out a japanese radar installation and high-tail-it out of there. I won't spoil the surprise though, but it is a very good action movie. It even had real army paratroopers serving as advisors on the sets. Only two movies were made about the Burma campign, Objective Burma and Merrils Mauraders. If you were in the paratroopers in World War II or if you're in the Airborne paratroopers now, you will love this film. I hope it will be released in DVD format someday.

Action-filled, exciting war adventure
Objective, Burma! is a great WWII adventure about a behind-the-lines mission involving fifty paratroopers. The story follows Captain Charles Nelson and fifty paratroopers who are dropped behing enemy lines in Burma so that they may blow up a radar station. They run into numerous problems and have to fight their way out of the Burmese jungle. There is action at every turn with the tense conclusion a perfect ending. Fans of Errol Flynn will love this one as well. As the movie moves along, the viewer begins to feel the same feelings the soldiers stuck in the jungle do. The whole movie seems very realistic because of the setting in the jungle, actually filmed in California.

What is there to say about Errol Flynn? He gives another great performance as Captain Nelson, the heroic leader of the paratroopers. Henry Hill is also very good as an aging war correspondent who accompanies the men on their mission. Also joining them are James Brown, William Prince, George Tobias, and Stephen Richards. This is a great World War II adventure that will keep all viewers interested. The final battle is great with plenty of anxiety in the air. Excellent action, great story, interesting character, how can you lose? Check out this Errol Flynn classic!

A pleasant surprise
I had always heard about Objective Burma, but had never been able to find it. It was finally aired on TV and I got to see it. The film features Errol Flynn, in one of his most impressive acting turns, stars as Captain Nelson, a paratrooper commander who leads his men into a mission that was supposed to last under a day. Instead, they are cut off and are forced to wait it out behind enemy lines, experiencing absolute hell.

The movie was a pleasant surprise, as I didn't know how Flynn would play out in a WWII film. But Flynn was excellent as is the movie itself.

Objective Burma
A Great transfer to DVD for a great movie. Although not the best history lesson considering Burma was a major British theater of operations and not American, the movie still provides an excellent story about the many obstacles "the fog of war" throws in the way of a group of paratroopers lead by Errol Flynn. The DVD picture is crystal clear and the sound transfer is good. Flynn's acting in this film is surpassed only by The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Sea Hawk.

It is well past time for Flynn's great films to be released: The Adventures of Robin Hood (September 30, 2003 FINALLY), The Sea Hawk, Gentleman Jim, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Captain Blood!!! It has been a real travesty keeping fine Flynn vehicles like these films unavailable on DVD.

muted grace
OK, so it does give an impression that only Americans fought the Japanese in Burma. (The British most certainly fought there, too, especially since Burma was THEIR colony, part of the Indian Empire.) I personally don't mind that at all, after all, this was a story about ONE company of paratroopers taking out ONE Japanese radar station. They did not even represent the entire American presence in that front. So I have no problem with that.

But when you consider the time this movie was made, you cannot help but admire the no-nonsense, straightforward manner it was told. Not an ounce of excess fat (OK, maybe a little, but forgivable). This movie simply means business. The language is spot on. The other reviewer's remark about salt tablets was right on the mark. (Who would have thought salt, which terrifies some people today, was so vital to some people, once upon a time?) Equipment checks, last minute reminders, "hook up", "stand in the door", the burying of parachutes, tactics, the positioning and pulling out of machineguns, you'll have to make a great leap forward, to "Band of Brothers" in the 21st century, to find something this sound, this honest. I don't know how technically authentic it was, but I know it just feels so authentic.

No superheroes. Even the lead character, Capt. Nelson, is your average (G.I.) Joe. The only thing that makes him special is his ability to focus on the mission and to put the welfare of his men above all things. Yes, during the scene where they were ambushed after supplies were dropped, you wish Nelson had been more active in saving those stricken men. But when you really think about it, what he actually did, saving those who can still be saved, avoiding an engagement when they were poorly positioned and low on ammunition (they did not get the supplies, remember), is what YOU would have done. No blind, heroic charges against entrenched enemies. No unnecessary displays of gung-ho. Even without all those, you still feel their peril.

(And thankfully, no silly encounters with snakes, scorpions or - God Almighty - rhinos as in most "jungle" war movies. I don't know where the crocodiles in the Editorial review came from, though. Never saw one.)

Obviously, the audio will not match that of modern war movies, such as "Saving Private Ryan", the current standard. Some of the props are poorly done, such as the TNT, which look like wooden blocks painted over. On the other hand, you get a war movie that is nothing short of a breath of fresh air in a world choked by the smoke of "Windtalkers", one that does not rely on special effects to hold you in its grip. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

KING CLARK
A desperado, Dan Kehoe (Clark) seeks refug in the little ghost town of Wagon Mound; only the four wives and mother of the McDade brothers (who are dangerous gunmen) inhabit the town...........A romantic Western with mystery and comic element therein, its an entertaining little flick; Gable shows us just why he is truly one of the screen's all-time great personalities. An amusing, fascinating and interesting albeit amoral and rather tawdry Western. The film develops as a superficially cynical excercise in the rival attractions of sex and money. Gable's charm as the ruffian-hero is more realistic and resistible that the script assumes, and in spite of a few moderately vigorous action scenes, the story is largely played out through dialogue exchanges with have little pace or spirit. Jo Van Fleet as the embittered Ma McDade plays her role with a harsh theatrical-like emphasis which gives her scenes a certain edge. Of the four queens, Parker is the most intelligent; the one you know he'll eventually gravitate to.

Maltin has it wrong. Good movie.
Perhaps Mr. Maltin doesn't like amoral tales, but there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. Gable's character is amoral. The wives (3 of the 4 are widows, not knowing which husband survived his criminal past) are amoral. And the bible thumping mother in law, protecting money stolen by her sons, has got to be seen as amoral. Very good character development. A taunt tale. Gable looks like his classic, powerfull self. The actresses, though basicly unknowns, put in fine performances - and are easy on the eyes to look at, as well.

Another BRILLIANT effort from Hollywood Auteur Raoul Walsh
Raoul Walsh may well be the most overlooked master filmmaker, aside from Mike Curtiz(who did win an oscar after all), from the old school of Hollywood.His style is subtly controlled, and to the untrained eye, invisible, a regular joe turning out hollywood studio pics. But view the man's films and you will see the forming of a cohesive, thematic, and highly personal style through which he tells us of ourselves. Top notch acting and screenwriting add to this astounding work of art. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

why have to tell lie?
well i bought it at the mall store. it said it has closed captioned on it back then i started to on my dvd on tv and didn't apear at all just blank. you know that i am deaf guy i can't hear at all. you got that. huh just let me know here my e-mail address is cecilo57@webtv.net.

Good Ol' Coop and his Swamp Fox
For Gary Cooper fans, this is an above average flick. It's not in the same class as The Westerner or Sgt York, but it has plenty of suspense and action. It also has one of the hottest leading ladies I've ever seen! Apparently some hotshot must have married her (Mari Aldon) and cut short her career because this seems to be her only lead role. As for Coop, he's in fine shape-ok, a little past his prime, but still handsome and tough. His entrance scene is a great shot showing what a Golden Age movie star ought to look like.

After attacking and destroying the Seminole Indians arms cache (Florida circa 1840) most of the movie concerns the small band of soldiers led by Cooper being chased through the Everglades by some seriously fearsome Seminoles. In a way, it's a chase movie, and the retreating group is in a situation of convincing danger. Therein lies the heroic nature of a Gary Cooper character in his adventure films: he is a formidable opponent, but he can be killed. He is not the superhuman as Clint Eastwood often is, or even John Wayne. You get the feeling that he may not make it to the end of the movie. However, he is the kind of man you would put your faith in and follow just about anywhere. Coop seems to be enjoying himself in the film and looks like he's doing many of his own stunts. The climactic and imaginative underwater knife duel is well done and caps the tension of the story. I have to admit, the movie started a bit slow for me, but I continued watching and was pleasantly rewarded. For a younger Gary Cooper, and more violent film, I would recommend The Real Glory, but this is a harder to find movie than Distant Drum. One bit of criticism is, as usual, with the quality of the print. It's not terrible, but it is faded somewhat. I give it four stars because of the action and suspense, Cooper's lively performance, and Miss Aldon is HOT!

Hollywood Screws the Native Americans - Again
This Movie (like all Hollywood Movies involving Native Americans) is a JOKE! How can one not see the terrible stereotyping of the Native Americans? Oh yeah I guess stupid and senseless people dont see the racist stereotyping.

As a Seminole/Creek Native American (yes - born and raised on the Seminole Reservation) I can attest that the only thing the film got right was some of the Seminole Regalia (clothing). And even then it got the feathers, face paint, and weapons wrong.

And there was no such thing as the "Indian Princess" in our Tribe much less any other tribe. The only "Indian Princesses" are the ones today that are part of the White Man's Beauty Pagents - which have sadly taken hold in the Native American Culture.

The Seminoles did not ask the White Man to push him into Florida and did not ask the White Man to try and control him either. And as far as rescuing the Women or even the Slaves - what another joke. Documented History from so called "captives" have proven that Slaves avoided the White Man and any concept of rescue and stayed with the Seminoles and became part of the Tribe. History also documents that many White so called "captives" chose to stay with the Seminoles and refused "rescue." And this is not made up - check the stories of so called "captives" themselves as many have been told and even published.

But I did give it one star. At least it took place in Seminole Country and some of the Clothing for the Seminoles is correct. Everything else is a joke and bad history.

One of the worst films I've ever seen
This is maybe the worst film I've ever seen. The indians are evil beasts who,among other horrible things, throw some soldiers into a basin with crocodiles in.
Gary Cooper and his soldiers are innocent people who are just trying to defence themselves: Is that a realistic story?
I was disappointed of Cooper, I'd never thought he would be starring in such a film.
I'd never recommend that picture to anybody

"Distant Drums" - an eastern Western
In a previous review, dgraeter seems to have covered most of the bases and I agree wholeheartedly. I loved "Distant Drums" as a kid and it's just as good today, remaining a fine actioner set in a lush and novel setting - Florida pre-Civil War and pre-tourist! Having lived not 30 miles from location filming, I appreciate the scenery, birds, etc. even more today than as a child.

Cooper is fine as Quincy Wyatt, quiet yet exuding strength and purpose. The rest of the cast is admirable in a shoot that must have been trying under the best of conditions.

As far as supporting actors go, check out Sheb Wooley as Private Jessup in his first appearance with Gary Cooper. His next would be in "High Noon" as Ben Miller.

Action, adventure, plot, Seminoles, ladies in distress, heroism, alligators, tropical birds, underwater photography (I read somewhere that a special underwater camera was developed just to film the fight scene between Cooper and the Seminole chief)...if there's anything more to ask from a movie, I'm stumped.

Check out "Distant Drums." You won't regret it! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Flynn's Disillusionment
Errol Flynn stars as an unfairly disgraced Union officer who decides to look out for number one in post-Civil War America. He quickly builds a financial empire, methodically taking over Silver City, a town dependant on its silver mines. Of course, a lot of people have to pay for his ambition and ruthlessness, and in the end, so must he.

Flynn's performance is better than usual throughout most of the film, his own personal sense of disillusionment no doubt contributing. Ann Sheridan, as the feisty woman he loves, is stronger in the first half of the film. Thomas Mitchell, as the sermonizing lawyer, gets some great speeches which he plays for what they are worth.

Unfortunately, the movie's moral message is laid on a bit heavy. A little less talk and a little more action would have been an improvement. Director Raoul Walsh is usually very good at mixing character development with action, but it doesn't come together here. The actors and the director seem "tired" with this film, and the results show on the screen. It's an average Western that probably could have been much more.

David and Bathseba in the Wild West
Near the end of the civil war courageous cavalry officer Mike McComb (Errol Flynn) burns one million dollars, so that the confederates won't get them. His reward: dishonorable discharge. His promising career as owner of a gambling saloon is thwarted, and so he decides to go west.

He steals the horses and covered wagons from Mrs. Georgia Moore (Ann Sheridan) who needed them to bring machinery to her husbands silver mine. Inexorable and not choosy in his doings, McComb bullies his way to power: The workers in the silver mines lose their money in his saloons, so he decides to become a banker as well. He gives them credit, so that they can lose more money in his saloons and apply for even more credit etc...

Now this western gets the biblical treatment: King David sent Uriah to die in battle because he lusted for his wife Bathseba. McComb sends Mr. Moore to explore a silver mine despite his knowledge that belligerent indians are near...The result is the same: David got Bathseba and McComb gets widow Moore. Well, he loves her, that's at least his excuse when his drunken buddy John Plato Beck (Thomas Mitchell) confronts him. He builds a gigantic castle in the desert. White marbles, imported from Europe, chandeliers from french chateaus, his own private Camelot (Greetings from "Citizen Kane"). But the golden days of die-hard american capitalism are numbered - at least in this film...

Some years ago the author of a Flynn biography wrote that McComb was perhaps Flynn's finest role, so when this film was shown a few days ago I watched with great curiosity, of course. Unfortunately it was rather disappointing. Flynn was certainly one of the slyest and most entertaining stars ever to come out of Hollywood. His autobiography was appropriately titled "My wicked wicked ways" and in the early sixties the famous gossip colummist Hedda Hopper complained jokingly:"Hollywood has become so boring. There has not been one interesting rape or murder case since Errol Flynn died". Sadly, not much of his colorful persona survives on screen. In this film he has moments of dullness, especially in the first half. Sometimes he seems not here at all. He does some wisecracking, but mostly at the expense of honest and straightforward Ann Sheridan, so the fun-factor is low.

He was, no question, slightly past his prime, but the glimplse of despair that appears in his eyes now and then serves the second half of this film (McCombs decline) well. There are some touching scenes when he realizes how much his world has changed. Creditors clear his house, his wife has left him to become the campaign manager of his former best friend and now embittered adversary. Flynn has a great moment when he is surprised with the news, that Thomas Mitchell, whom he knew only as hapless alcoholic, is now to become a mighty senator, able and willing to crush him.

With Ann Sheridan he has a strong leading lady (She was even better in "I was a male war bride" with Cary Grant), but it's Thomas Mitchell who steals the film despite (or because) of his overacting. "Silver River" is a good film, a watchable film, especially when compared with most of the sterile products today's Hollywood has to offer, but it could have been much better.

SILVER RIVER
Hang on to your Stetson. This is Errol Flynn in one of his best post World War 2 nuanced roles. From the riproaring opening on the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg, where Flynn destroys a million dollars in Union greenbacks,the way west to Silver City is paved with action,blind ambition,lust and redemption. Mike McComb (Flynn) is a complex character. He is a charming rogue and a ruthless competitor. McComb will traverse any length to have what he wants when he wants it, be it a money making enterprise or another man's wife. Flynn's character is a marvel to watch as he climbs to the summit of power and finally pays the price for his ambition. Supporting Errol in this entertaining morality tale are some Warner Brothers' stock company pros. The lovely Ann Sheridan is both elegant and earthy. Miss Sheridan matches Flynn's on screen charisma frame for frame as the object of desire. Tom D'Andrea as Errol's friend and bodyguard is affable in a solid performance. Thomas Mitchell returns from an alcoholic fog and pulls off a credible performance as McCombs' conscience. And how can Barton MacLane be anything but perfect as the thuggish villian in this unusual western.

Here is a fifty-plus year old movie with some very 1990's character sensibilities. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

interesting and rare John Wayne movie
This Civil War era movie was very interesting as it tried to follow a generalized campaign of the very infamous Captain Quantrell, the Confederate leader of raiding party's into the North. This was not one of John Wayne's best pictures but it ranks up there as being rare and informative. A must see for true John Wayne fans. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nifty action western
This 1954 western benefits from beautiful scenery, a good cast topped by Alan Ladd, a director who knows how to keep the action moving at a brisk pace [Raoul Walsh] and an interesting story that features several rugged cavalry-Indian clashes. When the warlike Sioux head north to Canada after wiping out Custer and the Seventh Cavalry, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police decide to err on the side of caution and disarm the peaceful Cree tribe, confiscating their weapons and ammunition to discourage an alliance with Sitting Bull's fierce warriors. Sgt. O'Rourke's daring and mutinous bent is the film's raison detre and he has the solid backing of his men as he leads the column of Mounties through the southern Saskatchewan wilderness to avoid the Sioux who are hot on their trail. Jay Silverheels is once again a faithful Indian companion, this time as Cajou, a blood brother to O'Rourke, and J. Carrol Naish is colorful as Batouche, a French trader and scout who knows Indians. The romantic angle has a fugitive woman [Shelley Winters] chasing after O'Rourke while spurning the advances of a crooked lawman who has charged her with murder. There are fist fights, canoe chases, explosions and Indian attacks and O'Rourke's fearless leadership saves the day for the Mounties and Western Canada.

NWMP & the Canadian Rockies
I loved this movie! The Canadian Rockies more than made up for any flaw. For those in love with the Canadian Rockies, this movie is a must! The opening scene of Peyto Lake is breathtaking. Makes you want to call a travel agent! Although others may disagree, I found the acting by Alan Ladd believable. "Shane" was my favorite Alan Ladd movie, but this is a close second. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Tall Men was neither the first nor the last Western to stealliberally from Howard Hawks's Red River, but mark this one "all in thefamily": William Hawks, Howard's brother, was the producer. Raoul Walshdirected, and his lusty, back-slapping way with both male-female dust-ups andtesty masculine friendships is on abundant CinemaScope display. Clark Gablestars (his first of three films in a row with Walsh) as an adventurer who, alongwith younger brother Cameron Mitchell, sets out to separate the coolly ambitiousRobert Ryan from a considerable sum of money. Instead he and Ryan wind upon-again/off-again partners-cum-rivals. There's an epic cattle drive (ofcourse), and the chance to get snowbound in a cabin with Jane Russell. TheWestern locations are 'Scope-worthy, and Gable and Russell keep up a runningcontest as to who can growl from deeper in the chest. Advantage Russell.--Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Tall Tale
To my mind, this is a woefully under-rated picture; one of my favorite Westerns of all time. It was produced by Howard Hawks' brother William and so unfavorably compared to the former's "Red River", but "The Tall Men" stands up fine on its own. Clark Gable was in a class by himself as an actor, completely inimitable, and he's great here as the trail boss working for a man he once robbed, who has returned the favor by robbing Gable of Jane Russell. The Mexican vacquero gets his historical due at last in this film, as Gable is using an Hispanic team of wranglers to drive a cattle herd from Texas to Montana. There's a great confrontation with a band of jayhawkers that also has a genuine historical flavor about it. Robert Ryan and Cameron Mitchell give some marvelous support work here, too. And again, sterling direction by Raoul Walsh, Hollywood's most under-appreciated helmsman.

Colorful cattle drive western
Clay Fisher's novel is a solid western adventure that features wide-screen CinemaScope Technicolor, beautiful landscapes, rugged action, a good music score and a great cast headed by Clark Gable. The film is about a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, headed by Ben Allison and brother Clint and bankrolled by shrewd businessman Nathan Stark, a man with big dreams who doesn't measure up to trail boss Ben. The Allison-Stark partnership is an uneasy one, which is complicated by Nella Turner, who has big dreams herself but hitches her star to Stark's wagon to spite Allison, who saved her life by rescuing her from an Indian attack. The story tends to dwell a bit on the relationship between Ben and Nella in the movie's first half and slows the film's pace, but the action picks up when the cattle drive begins in San Antonio. The cowboys and wranglers tangle with ornery Jayhawkers during their northward trek but their main threat comes from the fierce Oglala tribe under Red Cloud who is determined to kill the cattlemen before they can pass through a canyon and reach the safety of the Yellowstone River. The Sioux attack in force and in grand style, mounted on their ponies, with many of the warriors wearing war-bonnets and using colorful shields, uttering their shrill war whoops to unnerve the "ride-a-heaps" who are greatly outnumbered, and rely on the stampeding cattle to keep the red men at bay. The slashing horns and sharp hoofs of the "spotted buffalo" do their work and force the Indians to break off their attack and ride away, beaten back by the vicious Texas longhorn steers and the cunning of Ben Allison.

What Every Boy Wants To Be And Every Old Man Wishes He Was
Clark Gable and Cameron Mitchell star as brothers and cowboys who first try to rob businessman Robert Ryan, but end up partners with him in a huge cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Along the way they pick up Jane Russell, who falls in love with Gable, but wants the rich lifestyle that Ryan can provide.

The story is hardly short on action. There's blizzards, Indian attacks, cattle drives, and plenty of male/female friction. But it doesn't add up to anything particularly exciting or even interesting. It was a surprise to me, given not only the cast, but also the director Raoul Walsh, who certainly knew his way around action and adventure, not to mention how to pace a film. There are a few good moments, especially the final drive with the cattle, but not enough to sustain any interest in the characters or the story. The actors are fine, but the missing energy really hurts the film. It's a large scale Western, but the scale doesn't impress.

The Tall Men
A very tired western. Nothing new or orginal.

WONDERFULLY UNREALISTIC!
A WONDERFOL TALE OF ADVENTURE AND ROMANCE FROM AN AGE WHEN REALISM WASN'T AS IMPORTANT AS TELLING A GOOD STORY. SURE, REAL COWBOYS WEREN'T LIKE THIS AND REAL CATTLE DRIVES DIDN'T HAPPEN THIS WAY AND FRONTIER WOMEN SURE DIDN'T LOOK LIKE JANE RUSSEL, BUT WHO CARES? THIS MOVIE WAS MADE BACK WHEN MOVIES WERE MEANT TO ENTERTAIN, NOT EDUCATE, AND IT CERTAINLY DOES THAT. CLARK GABLE IS THE ONLY MOVIE COWBOY TO ALMOST MEASURE UP TO JOHN WAYNE, AND THIS IS GABLE AT HIS COWBOY BEST. ENJOY IT. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Everybody Is In The "Swing" And Having A Good Time
"College Swing" was a movie I had high expectations for. I originally wanted to see it because of Bob Hope. Of course when I bought the movie and saw the rest of the cast which includes George Burns and Gracie Allen (Who actually get top billing!), Martha Raye, Edward Evertt Horton, Betty Grable, John Payne, and Jackie Coogan not to mention it was directed by Raoul Walsh well, just try and guess how high my expectations were now! And sadly it just doesn't live up to what it could of been.

Most moviefans like myself who enjoy older films will think to themselves the movie can't go wrong. With a big all-star cast like the movie is probably a lot of fun to watch. But, that's really the problem with this movie. It's too big and splashy. There is just too much going on. And because of that no one is really allowed too much screentime. Everything has to be divived so everyone gets a chance to be onscreen. I felt disappointed not seeing enough of Bob Hope. Which is why I wanted to see the movie in the first place. He doesn't have many funny lines. Now, if I can't see a lot of Bob Hope, that's fine, then show me George Burns and Gracie Allen, I like them too. But, no! They don't have enough screentime either. Because of all the stars the movie can't really have too strong of a story because it wouldn't have enough time to really develop anything. The way the movie is now it has about 3 or 4 stories going on and not many scenes are given so the story-lines can be drawn out. What the movie basically is, is just an excuse to have a lot of song and dance numbers. Which I don't mind, but, the movie is just too much for it's own good.

The main premise for the movie has Gracie Allen playing a young student who has never passed her final exams. 200 years ago a bet was made stating that if someone from Gracie's family would never pass an exam than that same family would donate the family money to the school. But, if someone in the family can actually pass an exam then the family can take control of the school.

I'd be lying if I said the movie doesn't have some bright spots. A duet between Hope and Raye singing "How'dja Like To Love Me?" I swear it looks as if Hope is actually laughing while doing the number. Allen, when given the chance does provide some laughs. And I did like hearing some of the songs.

If you enjoy classic Hollywood movies, which I bet you do because you wouldn't be looking up this movie if you didn't then you'll probably get some fun out it. Mind you, it's not that I think the movie is bad, I'd watch it again, but I just think that too much is going on at once to really be enjoyed. ** 1\2 out of *****

Bottom-line: A fast and wild 30's comedy. Lots of stars to keep your eyes out for. But, the movie just has too much going on and a lot of scenes don't even do anything for the movie. It's all just an excuse to sing and dance.

DAFFY PARAMOUNT FLUFF
This is a pretty non-sensical little flick for enthusiasts of vintage corn! Gracie Allen is cast as the dumb-bell ancestor of a founder of a University. Whether she passes her exam or not will determine the future of the college. Burns and Allen are only okay here, given a mediocre script and not-too-funny situations (the one-joke theme loses its novelty quickly, unfortunately). Bob Hope is easily the best thing about the film, which isn't saying all that much, as his material is mediocre as well. The loud, obvious, sometime hilarious Martha Raye is at her most forced here, and there is ample support from Edward Everett Horton (he has a morbid fear of women but somehow succumbs to the - ah - charms of Gracie!) The cast includes a curvaceous 22 year-old Betty Grable (here she dances with her then real-life love Jackie Coogan who was Charlie Chaplin's THE KID in 1921 and Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY in 1964!) Richard Denning is also seen in this very mild, sometimes amateurish looking diversion from the era of Swing, which - in its day - was obviously aimed at young audiences.

Just Another "B" Movie!
This film is really good. I'm telling you its worth having it in your collection. Bob Hope, Gracie Allen, George Burns and Martha Raye is funny as usual. Betty Grable in this film dancing it up. She isn't her usual pin-up girl self but if you want to see the early years of her, this is it. This film is a good film to watch you can kind of see what the 30s and 40s were about, the music and dancing, they way they talked, the slang they used. Out of all the films, I think this if the film that will let you see the culture of the 30s and 40s, and how they were young and wild, not much has changed. Just different music and dancing. The songs in this movie are great, Martha Raye singing How D'Ja Like To Love Me, What A Rumba Does To Romance. Great Fun.

All-star Paramount comedy is loads of fun!
Paramount continued its string of all-star, mostly forgettable comedies with this sparkling gem. Mostly curiosity pieces now, these silly plotlines were mainly a gimmick on which to hang Paramount's roster of stars. Watch Bob Hope trying not to crack up as he and zany Martha Raye sing a duet. Anytime you can catch Hope and Raye on the same bill, you're in for some laughs. Betty Grable hoofs it up with then-husband Jackie Coogan. Burns & Allen add tons of fun, although curiously not working as a team. The music as typical swing of the 1930s, but the zest, energy, and pure fun with which it's performed makes this a very pleasant entertainment. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Flynn Joins The Mounties
In this lesser-known Errol Flynn action vehicle, he stars as Canadian Mountie Steve Wagner who tangles with Nazis on a mission in Canada to bomb an important canal. Since Flynn's character is the son of German parents, he works undercover with his sympathies being questioned by both sides. The set up scenes for Flynn's undercover work are weakly written and directed, but once he goes on his mission the story begins to pick up, with some good action scenes and moments of conflict. Oddly enough, Flynn isn't much of a presence in this film, going through the motions more than acting. Julie Bishop as his fiancee is hardly one of his best leading ladies, while Helmut Dantine as the Nazi leader is good in a role the actor had to play in many films throughout WWII. I'm not sure where the movie was actually filmed, but a lot of it appears to have been on soundstages, which is unfortunate, since the tough, bitterly cold northern Canadian landscape would have added a dimension of reality to an otherwise unrealistic story. Certainly, despite its shortcomings, the film is an interesting one to watch, but fans of Flynn will not count it among the best of his work at Warner Brothers.

Northern Pursuit
I watched this video last night. It is a tightly constructed movie, with a great performance by Errol Flynn. Great action, as Flynn single-handedly outwits the Nazis. The special effects are very dated, and humorous, but, overall the film is a fine evening of fun.

Watch for Errol Flynn's last line in the movie - it is Flynn at his best!

Flynn Vents Some Post-Trial Rage
"Northern Pursuit" was Errol Flynn back on the job at Warner's right after he'd been acquitted in that degrading statutory rape trial in 1943,and take it from me,folks,he isn't Robin Hood any more.The video movieguides will tell you this a routine wartime thriller,"one of the lesser Flynns".Don't you believe it.Seldom has a role and a star's real-life circumstances combined to deliver a performance as intense as this one.Imagine how Flynn felt when he made it.He'd just barely averted a long time prison stretch for a "crime" in which he was almost certainly set-up,and besides having become the laughing stock of every newspaper in general circulation,there was real doubt on the part of the studio as to whether he could sustain his popularity in the face of such humiliating publicity.Of course,Flynn was a terrific actor before he got into this jam,and now that it was over, those bitter scars were fresh and deep."Northern Pursuit" is a naked depiction of Flynn at the edge of the cliff.The story's a good one,but that's just gravy.The pace is intense,crackling---but we expect that in a Warner's wartime star vehicle.The greatness of this movie is Errol Flynn.When he stands there and denounces Tom Tully(he's a Canadian mountie and Tully doubts his loyalty),Flynn's not just playing a scene---he's back on the witness stand in downtown L.A.,only this time he doesn't have to be humble and subdued as he was for the jurors---it's a riveting moment.And there's more.Watch how Flynn kicks the camera out of that reporter's hand after he's been disgraced from the service---that's no act---Flynn looks like he wants to kill the guy for real,and who could blame him?This is a great star opening up all the steam valves after an ordeal few of us could have endured---the fact that he went on to deliver another fifteen years of great performances is a testament to the enduring fascination of Errol Flynn. ... Read more