Amazon.com

Wings, the first movie to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and the only silent film to win, is still remarkably enjoyable to watch. The story is a fairly conventional one--two flyboys, both in love with the same girl, go off to fight World War I, and male bonding and heartbreak ensue. It's a perfectly serviceable plot, except for the key logical flaw that both young men have inexplicably fallen in love with the boring girl down the street and have somehow failed to notice that Clara Bow is the girl next door. Both male leads really flew their airplanes, and the dogfight footage is still spectacular. The main reason to watch Wings, though, is to see the difference between an actor and a movie star. There are many actors in the film, but only two movie stars. Clara Bow is a treat to watch every minute she's on screen, and young Gary Cooper in a tiny role nearly walks away with the movie, mostly by standing there and looking dreamy. It's well worth sitting through a little cheesy organ music for a movie this much fun. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Weak Plot, Awesome Fighting Scenes!
Although silent goddess Clara Bow headlines the cast, I was surprised how limited her role in this movie was. The plot she is tied to is very weak and I don't think the conclusion helps it too much (Clara's character leaving the war and her love interest changing his affections so effortlessly once he returned home). Her sexy image is really toned down as well. One scene has her luring her drunken boyfriend (a very funny drunken boyfriend) from a Paris night club in a skimpy number. The dress didn't fit the character's girl-next-door image at all.

The real storyline is between pals Jack Powell and David Armstrong (played expertly by Buddy Rogers and Richard Arlen). Anyone interested in the First World War will find this film a real treat! The training scenes I found particularly interesting. Then there are the many aerial fighting scenes. They are so well done they look like documentary footage. Scenes shot from the pilot's point of view put the viewer right into the action! Scenes like these make the "two guys in love with the same girl" plot seem so insignificant.

You also get two brief but excellent performances by a very young Gary Cooper and an aged Henry B. Walthall from Birth of A Nation fame. Although only 49 in this film, Walthall does an amazing job portraying a crippled old man grieving the departure of his son.

An Oscar First
"Wings" is one of the best silent films ever made. It deservingly became the first movie to win the Oscar for Best Picture (1927-1928). It stars Clara Bow, Charles Rogers, and more, including a cameo appearance by then-unknown Gary Cooper. This film was ahead of its time with its visual effects, cinematograghy, and plot. Few other films at the time successfully made such elaborate scenes realistic looking. They obviously made great use with the technology that they had then. Few films were able to take a chain of events and spread them out to keep the audience's interest for over two hours. This plot is brilliant! It explores two friends who travel to Germany to fight WWI. Little do they know is that they left the same girl behind in the US. The drama and the war theme combine beautifully, keeping the emotion intact. The lucky charms add an added interesting touch. The acting is wonderful. Clara Bow, the 1920's "It"-girl(and the Marilyn Monroe of the 1920's), beautifully and emotionally plays her role as a woman left behind by her "friend" fighting in the war who struggles to get him to realize that she's in love with him. The men who play the soldier friends add their own harsh was realisms into the film. Such performance the movie its added enjoyment. "Wings" is a great movie for those looking for war sequences. Even those not interested in silent movies will enjoy this. Those who watch it will easily figure out why this movie is a classic.

Great Movie-Shame You Can't Own it
Apparently it is out of print in VHS and unavailiable in DVD. Inexcusable. Paramount needs to get with the program. Wings is extremely important as film history and is also a great movie on its own. One of the last great silents. The aerial acrobatics are worth watching just in themselves. The story isn't the stuff of genius. Basic love triangle stuff. The genius is in how the story is told, the perfect acting and the several fascinating scenes throughout the movie. I really can't recommend renting or buying a used vhs copy of Wings highly enough.

A bit above average, I guess.
Well, here is exactly the type of silent film that most people do not watch nowadays; it's neither a comedy like the Charlie Chaplin movies, nor a horror film like Nosferatu. This, instead, is a typical American action/drama flick, with ample quantities of both.

It certainly suffers at times for being a silent film; dialogues have to be displayed on the screen, and this happens quite often because the story here is sometimes quite complex. Not only do the characters talk a lot, but the story also often requires some explaining, and some of the explanations can be quite long.

The action sequences are not as "big" as in they would be in movies today, but they are a lot more impressive in their own way. I was just amazed at how they could have shot some of those sequences; I got the impression that the person who was shooting was probably in quite a lot of danger, because I knew that they could not have used special effects in 1927; what I was seeing was the real thing. It was quite exhilirating to see those old, unsafe, WW1 planes in the air. I do not think that any director today would be crazy enough to duplicate something like this with real planes, so this is probably the only chance anyone has to see these planes in action, and feel like you're right in the thick of a dogfight.

That having been said, the film does stretch out for a bit too long sometimes. It never really gets boring, but it never really gets particularly interesting for most of the movie either. Most of the time, it's just entertaining enough to keep you watching it.

The reason I gave it a "4" is because the ending, when it comes, is quite good (don't let anybody spoil it for you; watch for yourself), and also because of the action sequences. The film is also quite funny in a few spots, notably in any scene with the patriotic Dutch aviator (I wish we had seen more of him), and in the Paris "drunken man" scene.

Overall, not a bad movie, and one that I know others may like more than me; so go ahead and see it (don't forget, though; it's 131 minutes)!

Luminescent Wings
This exceptional film is indeed long overdue for its DVD release. (Paramount Home Video, get on the ball!)

Like Eric Player, I saw this film many years ago, and it too is one of those rare flicks that remains imprinted on one's memory.

I don't know if any of my fellow reviewers have seen this film as it was meant to be seen -- in a pristine restored print, shown on an actual movie screen with live organ accompaniement.

And Not on VHS tape (yuchh)!!!

I live in the Washington DC area, which also happens to have, outside of Hollywood, two centers of film preservation and restoration: the Library of Congress Motion Picture archives, and the American Film Institute.

Some 15 - 20 years ago, I attended a screening through the AFI, as part of its great classics film festival, and was blown away by this presentation.

The quality of the restored print was so startingly crisp that it looked as if it was shot the day before.

No need to expound further upon the performances, nor the plot, save to say that Wings just about has everything that makes a special film great.

Incidentally, the always handsome Charles Buddy Rogers had a special regard for this film, and often in his later years, accompanied Wings when it was shown at festivals and college film classes.

Rogers lived into his early nineties -- the last surviving star of the film -- and died just around 5 years ago! ... Read more

Description

Depicts the gallant exploits of the American Rangers and their leader, Colonel William Darby, as he leads his men through the landing assault on North Africa and the invasion of Italy. Suggested by the book by Major James Altieri. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Birthday Gift
I purchased this video for my dad's 72nd birthday and it would not play correctly. Lines throughout the picture on the screen. We tried it on 3 different TV's to no avail. Unfortunately I bought it on Aug.13th and his birthday was on Sept. 12th and by the time I returned home on the 14th of Sept. it was too late to return it. He had been so looking forward to receiving this video that I am saddened not to be able to provide it to him. He served in the Korean War and enjoys watching war movies. He had looked all over for this movie and I was so happy to find it on Amazon.com. I thought it would be a terrific surprise for him but it was I who was surprised by the video being defective.

Wild Bill Defies Formula
Near the end of his eccentric and notorious career William "Wild Bill" Wellman directed "Darby's Rangers" for Warner Brothers. Despite the studio's budget, which limited the production to formula action-war-adventure status, Wellman used the dialogue to create interesting characterizations from his young contract players. Focusing on James Garner as Darby and the personal lives of his men, on and off the field, Wellman delivered a to the point and appealing film still memorable to anyone who has ever seen it.

Great World War II Film from Wild Bill
"Darby's Rangers" was director William "Wild Bill" Wellman's second from last film. An ace pilot in WW1 "Wild Bill" Wellman went to Hollywood and directed "WINGS," the first film to win an Academy Award. "Darby's Rangers" released in 1958 deals with Major William Darby's formation of a crack ranger outfit. The studio wanted an aging Wellman to turn out another formula war film late in his career but thanks to the charisma that James Garner brings to the role of Major Darby this movie works much better than expected. The movie deals with the Ranger's exploits on and off the field of battle. Cinematographer William Clothier's images are well filmed and stalwart Composer Max Steiner once again gives us that old 'guts and glory' scoring. The good cast includes Jack Warden, Edd Byrnes, Stuart Whitman, Peter Brown, Torin Thatcher, Murray Hamilton and David Janssen.

Great action and adventure based on the WWII truth.
For those of you interested in World War II history, especially as it relates to the training and operations of commando units, this video is a must see. James Garner offers a wonderful portrayal of Major Darby, the founder of the modern-day Rangers. Hollywood fluff is at a minimum in this stirring account of Ranger missions. Sit back and enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Hot-head Taylor Pushes Women Onward
Robert Taylor is the no-nonsense wagonmaster of a big ole group of women who have signed on to be the mail-order brides of a bunch of bachelor frontiersmen in California. An interesting assortment of women, some widows and some prostitutes as well as other women who for whatever reason have no prospects back east. Not so keen on Taylor, though, as to me he always seems like he's acting--I don't find him believable or immersed in his role. This movie could've been a lot better if someone else were in this role. Lots of drama for the women, as they must put up with Indian fights, deserting menfolk, floods, thirst and hunger, deaths, births, and having to move their wagons up and down harsh terrain by their own (wo)manpower. Some reviewers find it a good feminist movie, but I take exception to Taylor's rough treatment of his reformed prostitute love interest as anti-woman.

A True-to-life Adventure
"Westward the Women" is the story of a group of women who have been recruited as wives for a settlement of men in a California valley. Their hopes and dreams, hardships and struggles, laughter and tears are all a part of their trek to the west. Soon after leaving for California, nearly all of the men who signed on to work with the wagon train left during the night. The train boss (Robert Taylor) decided that he would "make men out of the women" so they could be tough enough to make it on their own. This film gives you a feeling of actually being there. It is a true-to-life adventure--one that you will want to come back to and relive.

Next time, take the train
An all-girl wagon train? That's the idea, and somebody must have caught the great director William Wellman in a genial mood when he agreed to direct this. It's a measure of his tremendous talent that Wellman actually made something enjoyable out of an utterly absurd script. A motley assemblage of mail-order brides heading to California are abandoned by their hired male teamsters thanks to trail boss Robert Taylor's poor people skills. Instead of high-tailing it back to St. Joe the fiances push on by themselves, with mixed results. Several dozen make it across, however, and face the far greater perils of marrying complete strangers. Taylor, one of Hollywood's most under-rated talents, is absolutely great, and the large female ensemble acquit themselves very well. As usual with a Wellman picture, phenomenal photography.

Not the usual journey West for Robert Taylor.
This film depicts a classic westward journey. Not the usual family voyage, but single women yearning for home and family in a California valley. Their journey begins with the women, the train boss (Robert Taylor), and the men whose work it is to help get the wagon train and the women to their destination. One night, however, all but 4 of the men desert the train. The next morning, the boss decides to "make men out of the women", so they can complete the trip. The struggles, heartaches, and accomplishments of these women are lived out in their quest. The realism of this story is compelling. You, the viewer, will want to revisit this movie often and share it with your family and friends who admire bravery and strength when it shows up in ordinary people.

My wish
I would like to see this movie in DVD format. I recently saw a colorized version and wonder if it is available. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Gary Cooper plays the oldest of three brothers who join the French Foreign Legion to cover a mysterious theft, and are soon caught up in high adventures. The opening scene in a fort full of corpses sticks in the memory forever, and Brian Donlevy's role as a sadistic sergeant makes a striking impression as well. Director William Wellman (Wings), a veteran pilot of World War I, drew--as he often did--upon the authenticity of his own experiences in battle to give this film a measure of reality. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Wren Classic on Film
This classic movie holds up pretty well to the basic storyline of Wren's novel. A few subtle changes have been made because no movie can ever reproduce a book perfectly, but everything has been done faithfully to the spirit of the original story. Readers of the book will find that the evil sarjeant is named Markov in the movie as opposed to Lajeaune in the book. The name sounds more evil perhaps! A few minor quibbles I have with the movie is that it has that 1930s Hollywood feel to it, in terms of the acting and characterizations. It would have been nice to have heard French commands in the Legion as opposed to flat American voices. Later Foreign Legion movies like "March or Die" provide this kind of detail which this classic lacks. Also, in the attacks on the fort the Arabs look foolish charging with cavalry against walls that are too high. In the book the fort's walls are described as being lower so that someone climbing up from a camel's back could almost succeed with an escalade. In the book John, Digby and their two American friends wander in the desert in Arab guise for several years. This is rather condensed in the film. The impossible shot that kills Digby from horse-back is more realistically described in the book where John relays that the Arab fired from his horse at 30 feet striking Digby as he played his bugle. A more realistic scenerio I find. Of course these are minor quibbles, none of which detract from the beauty and haunting nature of the movie. The music is also striking, in particular the opening scene when we see the dead Legioners manning the fort's walls. That scene is probably one of the most haunting in all movies, and conveys so much without being overly graphic. This is probably the best Foreign Legion movie that will ever be made. All since have been based on it. Since Four Feathers has recently survived another re-make I wonder if Beau Geste is due for another attempt? Arabs, sand and desert battles seem to be compelling these days. I wonder why?

A Romantic Classic
I first saw this movie as a child, and like many others, never forgot the images of the dead soldiers at the fort, the cruelty of Markov, or the gallantry of the Geste brothers. I went on to read the book and its two sequels (which tell what REALLY happened to the Blue Water) which are dated but none the less riveting (and amusing). The author, P.C. Wren, really was an officer in the Foreign Legion, and claimed that everything he wrote was grounded in the experience of people he knew. As for the movie, my only complaint is that such very American actors were chose to play such charming young Englishmen (and were a bit old for their roles), but it is a very minor complaint, since there is nothing to fault in their performances. Otherwise, the movie spoiled me for every other Foreign Legion film I have ever seen. It could perhaps stand a remake - but only in the hands of a great director (as great as the original William Wellman) who respected his source material and didn't try to turn it into a brainless "action" film. (And it has been tried.) As others have pointed out, the wonderfully atmospheric black and white photography and the music add to the film's perfection.

Needs to Be on DVD and Needs to be Updated
The story is great. The treatment is very old and dated. Seems to be sort of a forgotten golden oldie. Purhaps a remake without the silly prank section. At least the DVD should be made. Still a fun movie w the classic battle scene w the mad officer propping up the dead bodies. Great for Cooper fans.

Classic melodrama
Beau Geste, a melodramatic 1939 period piece depicts the comradery of three brothers during Victorian times. It falls short of a 5 star rating as it lacks the high degree of drama seen in similar type classics such as Gunga Din and Four Feathers.

The wholesome Gary Cooper along with Robert Preston and Ray Milland play three brothers, Beau, Digby and John Geste, adopted into the affluent baronial lifestyle of English Lord and Lady Brandon. When the lord threatens to sell the family's most precious possession, the Blue Water, a huge cerulean sapphire, to finance his gambling, one of the brothers absconds with it. In a chivalrous gesture the three brothers flee and enlist in the French Foreign Legion and get shipped to North Africa.

While in the foreign legion they are cruelly commanded by star of the movie Brian Donlevy, who plays the facially scarred, sadistic heavy Sergeant Markoff. The brothers strive to survive the elements, the Arabs and Markoff while they protect the secret of the prized sapphire.

The flick is hopelessly dated but still remains hugely entertaining to a classic movie buff. A youthful and ravishing Susan Hayward plays Milland's love interest, Isobel Rivers, a ward of Lady Brandon in one of her earliest starring roles.

Still waiting for the DVD!
I agree with other five stars comentators/reviewers. Just a small precision, the original Trilogy "BEAU GESTE", "BEAU SABREUR" and "BEAU IDEAL" was completed with "GOOD GESTES" (wich deals with the period of service in the Legion between the separation of the three brothers and the Zinderneuf's tragedy in form of short stories) and "SPANISH MAINE" wich explains what ultimately was the fate of "The Angel of Death" ... Will not tell more for not spoiling the read to those fans as me wich will hunt this small romantic literature treasures in the out of print services... (It took me years to complete my collection of P.C. Wren's FFL novels but was well worth the time...).
Interestingly enough such a Bible on the FFL as Douglas Porch book, mentions the dislike of French Commanders with the Hollywood versions (I do not understand why because as a boy I seriously doubted where to enlist between the FFL and the NWMP as a matter of course...).
Incidentally as other reviewers say get a go at "Morocco", Cooper (younger) and Dietrich... What a pair!. There just don't do films like this anymore... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

the next voice you hear
this is a great midnight movie (especially when it rains) since one of the highlights of the movie is the "rain sequence" when god demonstrates his power. A definite feel good movie, abit dated, but reminds us all that the "family" (whatever that means to each individual) whether it's a gay couple, a widow and her pet doggie, or a single mom with 3 kids, is what we basically all have and should cherish the moments and work through our fears (movie time is during the beginning of the cold war). I enjoyed it and liked it in black and white (pretty good acting too).

STRONG FAITH FROM YESTERYEAR
An average working man and his family discover, along with the rest of world, where true peace of mind comes from. To add to the story, God contacts us via radio. In 1950 when this film was released, television was still attempting to establish itself into the American home. This great film was directed by William Wellman, who also directed the classic 1927 movie "Wings". It stars James Whitmore (veteran actor, seen in recent years in the Miracle Gro commercials), Nancy Davis (Nancy Reagan, Ronald Reagan's wife) and Tom D'Andrea (Gillis from TV's "Life of Riley".)

Fear vs. Faith
I first saw this film when I was about 10 years old on television. I never forgot it or the impact it had on me at the time. I remember it being suspenseful, even scary. I did not see it again until I was an adult. It still has impact. The movie actually raised questions of faith and fear. I am a counselor in a rehab for adolescent males and have used the movie in a spirituality group. It really made for an excellent discussion. A good film that holds it own however you view it: spiritual, fantasy, or suspense. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Hot-head Taylor Pushes Women Onward
Robert Taylor is the no-nonsense wagonmaster of a big ole group of women who have signed on to be the mail-order brides of a bunch of bachelor frontiersmen in California. An interesting assortment of women, some widows and some prostitutes as well as other women who for whatever reason have no prospects back east. Not so keen on Taylor, though, as to me he always seems like he's acting--I don't find him believable or immersed in his role. This movie could've been a lot better if someone else were in this role. Lots of drama for the women, as they must put up with Indian fights, deserting menfolk, floods, thirst and hunger, deaths, births, and having to move their wagons up and down harsh terrain by their own (wo)manpower. Some reviewers find it a good feminist movie, but I take exception to Taylor's rough treatment of his reformed prostitute love interest as anti-woman.

A True-to-life Adventure
"Westward the Women" is the story of a group of women who have been recruited as wives for a settlement of men in a California valley. Their hopes and dreams, hardships and struggles, laughter and tears are all a part of their trek to the west. Soon after leaving for California, nearly all of the men who signed on to work with the wagon train left during the night. The train boss (Robert Taylor) decided that he would "make men out of the women" so they could be tough enough to make it on their own. This film gives you a feeling of actually being there. It is a true-to-life adventure--one that you will want to come back to and relive.

Next time, take the train
An all-girl wagon train? That's the idea, and somebody must have caught the great director William Wellman in a genial mood when he agreed to direct this. It's a measure of his tremendous talent that Wellman actually made something enjoyable out of an utterly absurd script. A motley assemblage of mail-order brides heading to California are abandoned by their hired male teamsters thanks to trail boss Robert Taylor's poor people skills. Instead of high-tailing it back to St. Joe the fiances push on by themselves, with mixed results. Several dozen make it across, however, and face the far greater perils of marrying complete strangers. Taylor, one of Hollywood's most under-rated talents, is absolutely great, and the large female ensemble acquit themselves very well. As usual with a Wellman picture, phenomenal photography.

Not the usual journey West for Robert Taylor.
This film depicts a classic westward journey. Not the usual family voyage, but single women yearning for home and family in a California valley. Their journey begins with the women, the train boss (Robert Taylor), and the men whose work it is to help get the wagon train and the women to their destination. One night, however, all but 4 of the men desert the train. The next morning, the boss decides to "make men out of the women", so they can complete the trip. The struggles, heartaches, and accomplishments of these women are lived out in their quest. The realism of this story is compelling. You, the viewer, will want to revisit this movie often and share it with your family and friends who admire bravery and strength when it shows up in ordinary people.

My wish
I would like to see this movie in DVD format. I recently saw a colorized version and wonder if it is available. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1942 satirical comedy stars Ginger Rogers as the title character, who agrees to be accused of murder so the publicity will advance her dancing career.Whether she actually committed the crime is irrelevant to the reporters, who fall all over themselves to give Roxie her 15 minutes of fame (well, this compact movie is actually 75 minutes long). Adolphe Menjou costars as the blustery defense lawyer who sees no possibility of losing, and George Chandler plays the meek husband left in Roxie's dust.Among the highlights are the judge, lawyers, and client primping for every photo opportunity, and Rogers's nostalgic tap dance on a metal prison staircase.Roxie Hart was based on the play Chicago, which later became the basis for the Bob Fosse musical with Gwen Verdon (and then Ann Reinking in the 1997 revival) in the Rogers role. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Different but lots of fun
I watched this out of curiousity after becoming a fan of Chicago the movie. It's fun to compare and contrast the modern version against this Ginger Rogers vehicle. Check out familiar characters (such as the prison matron "Mrs." Morton and Mary Sunshine) new characters (the reporter who has a crucial role in the end) and even missing characters (no Velma Kelley.)

This 1942 film has the title character as a woman on trial for shooting a man who is strongly implied to be her lover. Unlike the Roxie Hart in Chicago, this Roxie is innocent and only on trial for publicity to bolster her show business career. Rogers is a lot of fun and chews the scenery as the gum snapping Roxie. In retrospect, it seems a natural that this story became a musical. Aside from a brief tap dance sequence, it's too bad Rogers couldn't show off her musical talents here.

Make note to watch for the totally different but funny ending.

ROGERS ROCKS CHICAGO!!
I got this movie for Christmas yesterday and I love it! I have seen the movie "Chicago" many times and have seen the Broadway musical many times on a tape I have. This is probably the most likeable of all of them because it's clean. They had to follow the Hays Code with motion pictures back then, so that certainly added to its cleanliness. The movie is a version of "Chicago" that all members of the family can enjoy, unlike the current movie and stage show which are only appropriate for ages 13 and up. Ginger Rogers seems perfect for Roxie because she gives off believable innocence, unlike Reinking or Zellwegar who not only killed their lovers, but also were too fake for the role. Reinking talked too fast and Zellwegar was just not the right choice. Rogers is a great Roxie, because she is just like the one in the original play, even though the musical's version is based on Rogers's incarnation. This is my favorite type of movie anyway because I'm a fan of old black&white movies.

I DID IT HER WAY!!!
... and BOY she sure dun 'em wrong!
A BRILLIANT gem of a black comedy from the past - superbly restored to DVD - Great in Black & White - with the "Chicago" tune most of us grew up with has the backdrop....

Well, we've seen Mr. Fosse's "Chicago" [brilliant homage to this one] ~ but Ginger's version naturally focuses more on the wronged babe! Great Costumes and Art direction - even a dance number or two - "The Black Bottom" sequence - everyone's doing it! and Gingers homage to the 'other' tapmasters' as she pounds out a little number on the prison stairs.

HUNKY George Montgomery is the perfect 'big lug' of a reporter smitten by Miss Rogers "She Couldn't possibly have done this!"
A touch a Gable there!

Even Velma cameos briefly at the beginning in prison - literally cat-fighting with Roxie. They're basicallty all here - and if you wish another slant on the tangled tale - view this one - you won't be disappointed.

[Especially when the Judge tries to hone in on the background action - mugging for the camera in court - SO indelible in recent times considering it all .... after all it's all "Razzle Dazzle"].

A 'don't miss' experience.

KISS! KISS! BANG! BANG! ROXIE HART IS ON HER WAY TO DVD!
Never has a girl with so little done so much. When a 1920s has-been showgirl's husband shoots a burglar in her apartment, "Roxie Hart" (Ginger Rogers) decides to take the wrap. Why? Good business...and because outside of 15 minutes in the pen she becomes the biggest little murderess in old Chicago. Based on a true story, but this time played strictly for laughs, the bawdy, gaudy and luscious Roxy kicks up her high-stepping heels into one of the most publicized trials of the last century. There's much to admire in the story and Rogers is outstanding as the vixen turned hot property. Adolph Menjou costars as Roxy's ubiquitous attorney.
TRANSFER: Kiss! Kiss! Bang! Bang! This one's a winner. Despite a few scenes that lay claim to considerable film grain and minor mis-registration (resulting in some minor pesky halos) this DVD is minted from a remarkably clean camera negative. The gray scale is wonderfully realized, with rich, deep, solid blacks. Occasionally the contrast level appears a tad on the low side but only occasionally. For the most part what you get is a genuinely impressive looking transfer. The audio has been rechanneled to stereo with predictable dated characteristics.
EXTRAS: A couple of trailers that illustrate just how awful this DVD might have looked if the good people at Fox hadn't worked some digital magic on this restored print.
BOTTOM LINE: Get ready to shoot it out with "Roxie Hart" on DVD!

A riot of a film
I have never seen chicago, but I cannot imagine that it can be any more fun than this film. Ginger Rogers plays Roxie Hart with great gusto shwing she was a star long before Fred came on the scene. The court climax is just unreal with total chaos unfurling throughout the film.

Also good to see some excellent dancing from Rogers as she really hams it up in this tremendous film. Pure enjoyment. ... Read more

Description

Brandon de Wilde and Walter Brennan star in the simple-and simply charming-story of a Mississippi swamp boy's discovery of an unusual dog who steals his heart, based on James Street's novel. Year: 1956 Director: William A. Wellman Starring:Walter Brennan, Phil Harris, Brandon De Wilde ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A classic Walter Brennan story and a dog lover's movie
This is a wonderful movie for all ages. After losing my own dog to cancer, I remembered a line from this movie that the boy uttered after having to return a dog he found, "I had me a dog." A classic movie in every sense.

A heartwarming story with moments of kneeslapping humor
This is the story of a Man and his orphaned nephew who live in the Pascagoula swamps of Mississippi. They find a lost Besenji dog near the swamp, and the boy takes him in and trains him as a bird dog....much to the suprise and amazement of Mr. Cash the owner of several traditional bird dogs. The humor of the movie is mostly in the dialouge....terms such as "I'll be John Brown", and "Great day in the morning" pop up at various points. More heartwarming than the relationship between the boy and his dog, is the relationship between the boy and his Uncle Jesse Jackson, played brilliantly by Walter Brennan. You can see how proud of his nephew Jesse is and Claude, (Skeeter) uses all of his uncles sayings such as "Thats a jawbreaker". And is proud to have finally reached the age to share a cup of coffee with Jesse. (Though he must use a good helping of cream). I recomend this movie highly to sentimental baby boom age folks who miss the days of black and white, folksy stories, and also to fans of the late Walter Brennan who is at his best, as Jesse Jackson a man in need of some Roebuckers. (False Teeth). Get this movie, and sit back, relax and enjoy.

Excellent movie
As a previous reviewer wrote, this movie should be shown in school (which I have done). Rarely do we see honorable people anymore, whether in real life or as characters. Here, a boy makes a decision that he knows is the right one, even if it is not the one that makes him happy. Wonderful acting, likable characters, laughs, tears and a dog. What more could you want?

THIS WILL MAKE YOU CRY & YODEL
A boy named Claude and called "Skeeter" by all lives with his elderly uncle in a cabin in the Mississippi woods. They hunt for a living and have been able to get by.

One day Skeeter sees a strange, beautiful little dog being chased by hounds. He watches the unusual creature who makes a melodious yodeling sound, who cleans herself like a cat and has a tightly curled tail. After warding off the pack of hounds, the strange little dog shyly approaches Skeeter. He befriends the little dog, whom he names Lady and teaches her how to hunt. A bright, spirited little dog, Lady proves herself to be an able hunter. She and Skeeter are almost never apart.

Almost never, until...a neighbor reads of a missing basenji in the local paper. Skeeter is devastated by this as he loves his dog. Sidney Poitier, who plays a neighboring farmer is familiar with basenjis and had originally hoped to catch Lady for the reward. He sees how the basenji has bonded with Skeeter, so he tells the boy he could not part them.

Skeeter is torn between returning the beautiful basenji to her rightful owners or keeping her. It is a very moving story about the love of basenji. You might cry when you see how Skeeter wipes the dog's tears away when he says, "Goodbye, My Lady."

This is a wonderful movie.

touching, tender
I ordered this film because it popped up as a recommendation and I had just acquired a "rescue" basenji. It's a tender and touching movie, not all that great, but it made me cry. My dog enjoyed the basenji scenes. It's in B&W and the tape and sound quality are very good. The story isn't all that interesting and it plays more like a showcase to introduce the basenji breed to america, highlighting its trainability and hunting skills. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Director William Wellman (Wings), a World War I veteran who turned his experiences in battle into an insistence on unpretentious violence in his films, made Public Enemy a particularly brutal account of the rise and fall of a monstrous gangster (James Cagney). Cagney delivers one of the most famous performances in film history as the snarling crook who--in one of the film's most famous scenes--smashes a grapefruit into the face of Mae Clarke. The film's a bit dated, but its action scenes still pack an unusual wallop. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Influential and powerful, and still compelling.
The most powerful of all the Warners gangster films, 'Public Enemy' is still gripping viewing today. It may be an obvious point, but it can't be stated enough how so much of the film's force comes from being made in the actual era it depicts (NB Prohibition lasted until 1933) with all the conviction and urgency that brings. The film is an acknowledged influence on 'Goodfellas' in that the story is told 'straight' with no moral bromide being forced through the criminal charcters' mouths - they lead their lives without time or need for apology or introspection. What moral conclusion there is to be drawn is all too implicit in the resolution of their story. 'Goodfellas' though depicting historical events, drew on a uniquely candid first hand account, as well as the director's own experiences, which gives the film a similar 'truth' to 'Public Enemy'. Scorcese also picked up on William Wellman's use of source, rather than soundtrack music ('I'm For Ever Blowing Bubbles'), as seen to virtuoso effect in 'Raging Bull'. As for Cagney himself, well, let's just say it was the performance that made him a star. That's all that need be said. The famous ending is still one of the most shocking in all cinema.

The greatest of the great
Paul Muni in Scarface; Edward G. Robinson in Little Caesar - these are now interesting but dated performances in interesting but dated movies. Almost seventy years later, Cagney's performance is truly fresh, as is the movie. Public Enemy is the one unmissable gangster movie from the early thirties: its violence is always suggested rather than stated (always more effective); most of the acting seems strikingly contemporary (Sara Algood is of another age, but Jean Harlow could saunter onto a contemporary screen and not seem in any way anachronistic); and there is no mood music: what music there is on the soundtrack can be explained by way of live bands or the presence of a radio. This fact contributes to one of the most chilling endings of any American movie I've ever seen. Above all, there is Cagney! What a great actor! Today there is Russell Crowe: even in the old days, only Spencer Tracy came close to this kind of ease and naturalness. Enough! About James Cagney I have said - and can say - nothing. Rent it, and see for yourself!

cagney unleashed on world
the most explosive debut in movie history was made by james cagney. little caesar was a better movie, but cagney epitomizes the depression era movie mobster in this movie. jean harlow gives the worst performance of her career in this movie, which is naturally something of a mystery. a year later she was great in red-headed woman, red dust and later bombshell. wellman was a great director but surely not with harlow. this is best known movie of mae clarke because if features the famed scene where cagney shoves a grapefruit in her kisser. this is totally unjust because clarke was a wonderful actress, especially in waterloo bridge. anyway, she is in only two brief scenes. the only good performance besides cageny is that of leslie fenton as nails nathan. despite public enemy's shortcomings it's one of the movies you have to see.

Just one historical note...
James Cagney has always been my great favorite and this seminal performance is nonpareil. I did want to add one thing to the excellent reviews already here: Edward Woods had originally been cast in the role of Tom Powers (I believe he was engaged to a studio honcho), but Cagney was so overwhelming in the secondary role, he was recast after only a couple of days. It's interesting to note that the children who played the characters as youngsters were clearly cast with the roles reversed.

An Unforgettable Final Scene
There is very little waste in PUBLIC ENEMY and it is easy to see why this film caused such a sensation in 1931. The movie is about the steady rise of a professional criminal (James Cagney) from before World War I through the early years of Prohibition. The acting by Cagney, Joan Blondell and Mae Clarke is excellent. The strong supporting cast includes Beryl Mercer, Edward Woods and Jean Harlow.

PUBLIC ENEMY received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Story (John Bright and Kubec Glasmon). The film has certainly stood the test of time and the final scene has remained unforgettable. William Wellman also directed BEAU GESTE, WINGS and THE STORY OF G.I. JOE. ... Read more

Description

Setting: Northern California in the 1890's. Brothers set out to capture a mountain lion destroying their cattle. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Haunting Nightmare
TRACK OF THE CAT is an obscure yet brilliant allegorical tale of a snowbound family whose distorted views on patrimony and perceived lascivious behavior, all shaped by the conniving matriarchal Beulah Bondi, come to a resounding climax after being set into motion by the perceived appearance of a mountain lion. Directed by William "Wild Bill" Wellman the word "perceived" literally describes the haunting images and ambiguous and double-edged dialogue that unfolds. Brothers Robert Mitchum and William Hopper pursue the unseen cat across treacherous snow covered mountainous terrain. Wellman filmed these scenes on location on Mount Rainier. Waiting in the cabin for their return are Tab Hunter (their younger brother), Teresa Wright (their sister), Diana Lynn (in pursuit of Hunter's love) and their parents (Philip Tonge and Bondi). Filmed in WarnerColor director Wellman had cinematographer William H. Clothier essentially film the images in a bleached out and colorless "black & white" effect where everything is shot against a white background. The exteriors of blinding white snow are counterbalanced by the interiors of the cabin whose walls and ceiling are painted bleach white. In contrast, the trees, horses, furniture and actors (all dressed in dark and/or white attire) all appear black against Clothier's white cinematic canvas. The effect is unsettling, unnerving and unforgettable if you have ever seen this film. The result is that of a nightmarish and haunting tale that eludes the viewer's sense of morality in a superficial and dreamlike world of black and white where black and white are constantly being juxtaposed redefining what is apparent just for the moment. The VHS copy is in Dolby Surround stereo. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

BARBARA BUMPS AND GRINDS.....
This must be the film where Barbara Stanwyck proved she could (and would) do almost anything. Based on Gypsy Rose Lee's book "The G-String Murders", strippers in an old Opera house turned burlesque theater are being strangled with their G-strings. And our heroine Dixie Daisy (Stanwyck), the headliner, smells a rat. Fending off advances from a third-rate comic, she sets out to find the killer. Much cattiness and attitude from the other strippers pepper this delightful black comedy as Dixie tries to keep the show going while putting together clues and trying to save her own neck. Lee relied on her own personal experiences as a burlesque queen to give this story the realistic touches it has. And when Stanwyck hits the stage in a VERY scanty outfit (that must have given the censors fits) she's right at home singing a little bump & grind ditty called "Take It Off The E-String, Play It On The G-String". She's surprisingly sexy and has the necessary old-style panache that makes her performance a delight. The DVD from Image is immaculate and this is a must have for Stanwyck fans. Supporting cast is excellent and the characterizations are right on the money. A fun, fun movie worth watching over and over. My favorite line (and there are many): Man to Dixie,"Did I startle you?"....Dixie to Man: "Are you kidding? I've been startled by EXPERTS." Don't miss this one. It's just pure pleasure all the way.

DIXIE DAISY WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY
An unusual though entertaining Stanwyck vehicle based on Gypsy Rose Lee's novel entitled THE G-STRING MURDERS. Stanwyck is enjoying her first taste of success on the burlesque stage where murders eventually upset the merry atmosphere! Apparently, Stanwyck didn't forget her early Broadway hoofing as she excels in her role. She's great as Daisy (the Gypsy counterpart) in the movie and adds vitality and mirth to a very jazzy part. The cast of chorus cuties couldn't have been bettered: gum-chewing Iris Adrian; squeakie-voiced Marian Martin; gravel-voiced Gloria Dickson; imperious Victoria Faust; statuesque Stephanie Bachelor; sarcastic Claire Carlton; cutesy Janis Carter and all the rest. The only time the production slows down is during the murder investigations..... Michael O'Shea, a basically Broadway actor had great chemistry with Stanwyck and their scenes together fairly sizzle. Stanwyck surprised many with her rendition of TAKE IT OFF THE E-STRING, PLAY IT ON THE G STRING, complete with appropriate bumps and grinds! Arthur Lange was nominated for an AA for his scoring.

Lady of Burlesque
Previously only available thru Alpha (super low price and super low quality) this little gem should keep you interested long enough to finish a box of popcorn. Maltin gives this 1943 flik 3 stars. Stanwyck is young and fun. Pinky Lee has a supporting role. Don't let the title fool you or keep you away from this fun little mystery. I'm sure the Roan Group release will run circles around the budget disc.

Stanwyck Never Gives a Bad Performance!
Although even "budget" videos are no longer cheap, "Lady of Burlesque," to my mind, is a must for any movie-lover's library and certainly for mystery or Barbara Stanwyck fans. The DVD quality is reasonably clear, aside from that tinny sound quality at times that makes dialogue difficult to hear -- certainly not a major impediment, however, only a problem on occasion, but the film itself is an absolute delight. First of all, in spite of censorship that presumably sanitized the "stripping" sequences so that they are perhaps not quite an authentic reflection of what really took place-- it still presents a wonderful window into a vanished world -- the world of burlesque and vaudeville -- which was once a huge part of American entertainment. Certainly vaudeville and variety ruled at the turn of and early part of the 20th Century and in various forms, continued through variety shows into the 60's and 70's. So the wonderful peek into this world -- the glamorous theater (betcha this fabulous theater is no longer standing), the backstage antics and squabbles, the typical corny comedy bits and the costumes is nothing less than fascinating.

Additionally, there is an absolutely wonderful cast, headed by the incomparable Barbara Stanwyck. I'd agree that Barbara Stanwyck never gave a bad performance, even if she appeared in a bad film, and she's certainly in rare form here. She's delicious -- a sassy showgirl with rapidfire retorts and an attitude, pure old Brooklyn reminiscent of Glenda Farrell. Love that little snarl she gives every once in a while. Stanwyck was truly one of the greats and excelled at everything -- be it drama, soap suds, comedy, etc. Equally wonderful is the supporting cast including Marion Martin and Iris Adrian as Stanwyck's saucy fellow showgirls. All have great "stripper" names and the kind of showbizzy personalities that you can only find nowadays in theater productions -- tough-talkin', gum-chewin', wide-eyed, sugar-and-vinegar, been-around-the-block-twice showgirls.

I would disagree with those who say the mystery takes a back seat. Not only does this film entertain and amuse with the onstage and backstage interactions, but the mystery is equally fun. I certainly didn't guess whodunnit. The mystery begins when one of the strippers is found strangled -- with Babs Stanwyck's g-string! There is a lot of nice intrigue developed, along with the humor, with different characters being given enough shadiness to qualify as suspects and enough interpersonal dramas going on to keep you guessing and keep things mysterious.

Also fascinating are the great song-and-dance sequences. I really do feel they captured the oldstyle flavor of real vaudeville/variety shows and given that this story is based on a book by famous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee (The G-String Murders), I have no reason to doubt that aspects of it genuinely represent the types of people in and feeling of old burlesque.

In any case, it was an absolutely delicious surprise and a true keeper, in my book. I will watch it again and again. Reminds me of "The Women" crossed with "42nd Street" with an old-fashioned whodunnit thrown in. Great entertainment with a master at the helm (Stanwyck) and a terrific ensemble.

Good movie, bad disc
This is a review more of the DVD itself than the movie (which is fast-paced and enjoyable). I had trouble getting the disc to play on two different machines. When I finally did get it going, there's not much there besides the movie itself. No production notes, no subtitles, and the 90 minute film is divided up in only four chapters. I know I shouldn't expect much for such a low-priced DVD, but hassle-free playing would have been nice. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

A WWII classic.
Burgess Meredith is perhaps a little too beatific in his portrayal of war correspondent Ernie Pyle, the much-beloved Pulitzer Prize winning war correspondent who brought the stories of everyday American soldiers home to readers back in the States. The Army infantrymen revered Pyle the way they loved cartoonist Bill Mauldin, who also had the guts and humility to slog it out in the mud with them, and let the folks back home know how they met the war with an all-American mix of grit, fatalism and good humor. The production values of this movie, with distracting backdrops and obviously artificial studio sets, don't hold up that well in comparison to the hyper-real war flicks that came in its wake, yet few movies have captured just how grubby, desolate and miserable the day-to-day lives of the ground soldiers could be. Also, an extended battle sequence filmed in the real-life rubble of a recently "liberated" Italian town is remarkable for showing just how extensive the war damage was -- it was total warfare, and it's amazing that Europe ever recovered from the devastation. A surprisingly bleak, if somewhat episodic, story, framing an iconic, groundbreaking war movie against which all others have to be measured. (One note of complaint: the DVD version has shamefully little in the way of special features, just one brief clip of the real Ernie Pyle taping a news reel interview with a couple of G.I.s saying "hi" to the folks back home, and a series of illegible reproductions of old newspaper columns under his byline... It's really inexcusable that a full-length documentary about Pyle and his reporting was not also included... Oh, well. It's still a good film.)

The Story of G.I. Joe
I have been watching "War Films" for nearly fifty years. This has been my favorite war film of all-time. It was filmed in black and white. It does not have the special effects of "Saving Private Ryan",but being made in 1945, it has the look and timeliness of the "real thing" without the Spielberg touch. 150 men in this movie were actual combat veterans which lends a lot of credence the movements and actions of these soldiers. This was the first and only time, that Robert Mitchum was nominated for an Academy Award. He was OUTSTANDING as Capt. Walker. Burgess Meredith is so great as Ernie Pyle, that Ernie Pyle could not have played himself any better!

This movie will let you know about the comraderie of combat citizen soldiers. Their personal anguish. Their sacrifice and courage.

A VERY REAL LOOK AT WAR!

Take the good with the bad.
3.5 stars

Ernie Pyle's The Story of G.I. Joe (to use the full title) was written by committee, and it shows. Episodic and unfocused, the film can't decide exactly what it wants to concentrate on. Pyle, for example, flits in and out of the narrative, making it particularly awkward when, about halfway through the film, The Story of G.I. Joe momentarily becomes something of a biopic by tossing in a superfluous scene about Pyle winning a Pulitzer Prize.

Just as quickly, the movie forgets him as a central character and returns its focus to the company of soldiers it's more or less been following throughout. This is where the film shines, with exciting combat scenes (more so than in some more recent, graphic war films) and well-acted comedic or tragic vignettes about the daily grind experienced by US Army soldiers in the Italian campaign.

Overall, this is an above-average war film with some wonderful moments, but as a whole, it's just too clunky and awkward to fully live up to its hype. (Little, if any, effort was put into restoring the cut for DVD, either--it's pretty messy.) Fortunately, director William Wellman improved on this slice-of-life formula with the tauter, smoother, and more intense Battleground (1950), set in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.

Best World War II movie ever made
"G.I. Joe" can only be compared to "Saving Private Ryan," and it manages to be even more effective even though it doesn't have all of the cinematic license for violence and raw language. It makes all other WWII pale in comparison because it doesn't wave the flag. It only tells the true, gut-level story of men in battle. They are brave, self sacrificing and dedicated without the airs of phony patriotism, safely indulged in by those not fighting. They are honest in expressing their fears and questions, and when one of their brothers goes down, their sadness and regret knows no limit. Wellman's masterpiece and Robert Mitchum's best performance.

Ok film barely, Objective Burma better
I've been watching war movies obsessively since I was probably age six or seven (born 1971). Once in a while a war picture becomes available that I haven't seen, like The Story of G.I. Joe. So I added it to my collection. This movie is filled with great locations, nice filming, strong images, and a very solemn downbeat realism unique to war movies at the time (I usually love this kind of stuff, and think the Korean war movie Men In War is one of the best accomplishments of this style, as also the WWII movies, Hell Is For Heores and When Trumpets Fade). Based on true experiences of war correspondent Ernie Pyle, the movie focuses on Ernie Pyle (played very well by Burgess Meredith), as well as Captain Bill Walker (played by a young and awesome Robert Mitchum), and the unsung grunts in his company. When the movie came out in 1945, the real Ernie Pyle had already been killed in the Pacific war, having left the battlefields of Europe to report on the men in the Pacific.

The movie tries to take a very personal approach towards the men and their experience, focusing more on the men and their feelings then on the actual experiences they have. Very little action in fact actually appears in this war DRAMA. The movie was nominated in 1945 for Best Score, Best Song, Best Supporting actor (Robert Mitchum), and even Best Screenplay. How the times sure can influence some people.

In my opinion, the fine acting talents of Robert Mitchum, Burgess Meredith, and a few others scattered through the picture are the main strength of this movie and carry it along, but just barely. The movie suffers in many places. Several people sound stiff and wooden, as if they are giving out memorized lines instead of experiencing them. This plagues the movie. Many scenes that attempt to portray group exhaustion and disgruntlement end up drug out, in need of better acting, and perhaps editing. Morale is portrayed as low even when it probably would not be low. The movie meanders on and on in many places with a loose script that neglects the rich subject matter available. The script went through several hands in the process of being made and it shows. The need for rehearsal also shows.

On a final note, one thing that I found awful was something contained in the notes inside the DVD box itself. Pyle is solely credited with creating the portrait of the G.I. as the common man gone to war, the suffering servant of democracy who triumphs over death through perseverance. While Pyle may in fact have been the most reverend correspondent of WWII as they also claim, and while the DVD notes may also be true in the claim that Hollywood embraced "his portrait" of the common G.I. in scores of films down to Saving Private Ryan, it's a far stretch to claim as they do that this image started solely with this movie and with Pyle. A far better movie in IMHO is Objective Burma staring Errol Flynn (a rousing action/drama), which actually accomplishes many of the things that The Story of G.I. Joe tried to do. According to the IMDB, Objective Burma was released on FEB 17, 1945 and The Story of G.I. Joe premiered on June 18, 1945 and released on July 13, 1945. But if you like meandering character studies like the WWII movie Walk in the Sun (which the Story of G.I. Joe outdoes by a long shot IMHO), then who knows, you might like this as well. For a better WWII movie with Robert Mitchum, try The Enemy Below! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Sanitised biopic
This is standard movie biography of a legendary figure of the old West and modern showbiz and it follows the sanitised version of Cody's life perpetuated by dime novel writers such as Ned Buntline .It does not ecplore the gap between myth and legend but instead follows the advice of the editor in the Ford classic " The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance " -namely "When the facts conflict with the legend -print the legend "
The Cody of this lavish and colourful movie does not have feet of clay but is presented in an uncomplicatedly heroic and mythic mode which may have gone down well when it was made but which now comes across as horribly simplistic and patronising .
Cody is written and played as a plaster saint -handsome ,deeply moral and a spokesman for the cause of the Native American and one who earns their respect by defeating their war chief in hand to hand combat.The first half while inaccurate has vigour and pace and is entertaining enough but interest sags when Cody leaves the West for Washington and thence to a career as a world travelled circus proprietor
Macrae does a decent job in the title role bringing a quiet gravity to scenes showing the character being reduced to a humiliating side show attraction astride a rocking horse before his return to fame and fortune .There is a customarilly peppy performance from the great Maureen O'Hara and a zestful cameo by Thomas Mitchell as the ebullient Buntline ,Cody's chronicler .
Not to be taken seriously as history but a decent if dated movie shot in lustrous colour and which should please lovers of the Western

Clash at War Bonnet Gorge highlights this western film
This good screen biography is a hidden gem in western film lore and benefits from Joel McCrea's performance in the title role, great color, a fine cast, great scenery, a superbly mounted U.S. cavalry-Indian battle, and genuinely poignant moments. The random slaughter of buffalo on the plains for their robes is the spark that sets off a powder keg that explodes with hundreds of Sioux and Cheyennes going on the warpath to drive the white invaders from their hunting grounds. Hostilities between the Indians and the pony soldiers result in an exciting clash of red and blue at War Bonnet Gorge, symbolizing the struggle of two cultures and a way of life that the Indians fight desperately to preserve. War bonnets, war paint, buckskins, breechclouts, lances, tomahawks, coup sticks, sabers, tan campaign hats and blue and yellow uniforms are a blur in a savage mixture of military conflict that took place that day that forever broke the resistance of the Plains Indians to white domination.

I want to cancel this item
I do not wish to purchase this item. I already purchased one yesterday and I didn't know it went through so please do not send it to me.

A Good Way To Pass The Time on a Saturday Evening...
This is a good film for all ages indeed. Growing up in Stonewall, Texas (birthplace of Lyndon Baines Johnson), I remember seeing this film with my parents in the theatres when I was 15. The cast is perfect with heavy supporting players such as Anthony Quinn and Linda Darnell. So what lowers my rating by one star you ask? Well, the length. Although it couldn't be more that 100 minutes, there is slightly a tad less action than there is verbal communication and the picture sticks to the same theme too long (i.e. Buffalo Bill's friendship with the Cheyenne Indians). If only the dialouge was a little more fast paced, this film would be of more entertainment.

Yet as my headline reads, if you have not too much to do on a Saturday evening and feel like passing the time with a historic movie, watch this then. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director William Wellman (The Big Heat) offered up this 1949 treatment of the Battle of the Bulge, which won Oscars for best screenplay and best cinematography. The film concentrates on the camaraderie and the divisions between the troops as they ready for the big offensive. Told in a taut narrative, the men of the 101st, led by Van Johnson, wait out the winter in the Ardennes forest to confront the German army in what would be the last major offensive of World War II. The men are demoralized and trapped, with no hope of support from the Allies as they are forced to band together and defend their position. A classically assembled war drama that nevertheless manages to be both engrossing and entertaining, Battleground is a mainstay of the genre. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Does Justice to the Bastards of Bastogne
Although overly dramatic at times, Battleground warrants attention as a legitimate WWII film centering on the plight of a 101st Airborne platoon during the strategic battle at Bastogne. Nominated for six Oscars and winner of two (Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography), Battleground captures the physical and emotional hardships endured by combat footsoldiers facing extreme adverse conditions. The dialogue exchanges among the grunts draws the viewer into a soldier's world of fear, survival, and death. Van Johnson and John Hodiak are given top billing, but it is James Whitmore as the tobacco spitting platoon leader Kip who steals every scene he is in. Whitmore walks, talks, and looks like a seasoned veteran of numerous tours of duty. Director William Wellman intersperses actual WWII footage, but he could have improved some of the fabricated battle scenery. For instance the snow used in certain sets is unconvincing. To Wellman's credit the carbine shots, grenade explosions, and the mortar volleys are authenticated with gritty realism. Wellman should also be lauded for the emotionalism in which he draws from his characters. The platoon soldiers are not faceless battle weary men; instead each one is given the latitude to express his individuality. The scene where a soldier takes a drag from a cigarette and immediately experiences blurred vision hints at drug use on the front lines. Wellman had the courage to include this frame and surprisingly it slipped past the scrutiny of the Breen Commission. Remember this was 1946, Mr. Breen and the Motion Picture Production Code were extemely conscious of material that might be deemed Un-American to the movie going public. Other scenes where Holly (Van Johnson) desires sex with the French girl are sugar coated and poorly orchestrated. Battleground was definitely a forerunner for films such as Hamburger Hill and Saving Private Ryan which depict the comradeship among soldiers engaged in the horrors of battle.

Still the classic World War II movies about American G.I.s
The first twenty minutes of "Saving Private Ryan" raised the bar on the realism of war film in terms of the portrayal of the violent hell of combat. But in terms of showing us in a movie what it was like to be combat troops in World War II, the standard still remains the 1949 film "Battleground," directed by William Wellman (and I say this having loved "Band of Brothers"). The film won Oscars in 1950 for Robert Pirosh's script and Paul Vogel's black & white cinematography, and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (James Whitmore), and Best Editing (John D. Dunning).

The setting for "Battleground" is the besieged city of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge and focuses on I Company of the 101st Airborne. Pirosh had based the story on his own experiences during the battle, which including the details like Private Kippton (Douglas Fowley) always losing his false teeth and Private Rodriguez (Ricardo Montalban), who came from L.A. and had never seen snow before he got to Belgium. The situation was pretty simple: the Germans have Bastogne surrounded and the 101st is short on food and ammunition. Sgt. Kinnie (Whitmore) and the men of I Company have there sector to control, so they sit in the freezing cold, waiting for the Germans to attack and praying for the cloud cover to lift so they can get air support and supplies.

I am sure I am not the other kid from my generation who learned to do the cadence call of "Sound off," not knowing that it came from older kids who had seen this movie. This is a movie full of memorable scenes: Private Holley (Van Johnson) trying to make eggs, a checkpoint exchange that shows the importance of knowing baseball terminology like "Texas Leaguer," and a befuddled German officer trying to understand if General McAulliffe's infamous reply of "Nuts" to the demand for the 101st's surrender is a negative or an affirmative response.

For me the key moment in the film comes when I Company finally receives supplies dropped from C-47s. These guys have been freezing and pretty much starving for a week, and when they open up crates of SPAM and K-Rations, they are clearly disappointed. It is not until they find ammunition that they finally get excited. The montage of defeating the Germans is superfluous at that point, because the look in the eyes of these guys captures the moment even better.

In terms of realism I do have one slight knock on this film, in that I Company is atypical because they had winter coats (compare with the Bastogne episode of "Bad of Brothers"), but that is rather secondary to the point of this film, which is to celebrate the citizen soldier. As Holley explains to a major, "PFC" means "praying for civilian." Even when the Chaplain (Leon Ames) answers the big question, as to why these guys had to leave their families and jobs to fight in Europe, in has less to do with fascist ideology and more with the idea that the Germans were bullies throwing their weight around and killing a lot of people.

Still, "Battleground" comes down to the guys in I Company, Jarvess (John Hodiak), "Pop" (George Murphy), Layton (Marshall Thompson), Spudler (Jerome Courtland), Standiferd (Don Taylor), Hansan (Herbert Anderson), Bettis (Richard Jaeckel), Doc (Thomas E. Breen), and Sgt. Walowizc (Bruce Cowling). There is a tendency to make fun of the idea of the melting pot nature of these units, but we are talking diversity in terms of ethnicity more than racial lines and is certainly in keeping with everything I have read about the 101st. The humor in the trenches is a lot grimmer than you hear in most of these movies, an advantage of being made several years after the war ended (compare it with Wellman's 1945 film "Story of G.I. Joe").

This film is more about the psychology of war, putting up with the weather, the lack of supplies, the Germans trying to get them to surrender and showing up dressed in American uniforms, and keeping up morale than it is about actual fighting. That makes it rather unique in terms of movies about World War II in general or the Battle of the Bulge in particular. "Battleground" remains one of the classic films about grunts in the army.

Great, now where's the DVD?
It's amazing that this one hasn't seen a DVD release yet because it's a really fine classic war film. Don't be put off by the fact it came out in 1950: yes, there's no blood and gore, so you can easily argue it's unrealistic from that angle. There are hardly even any combat scenes. But like all the best war films, this one concentrates not on combat but on the psychology and morality of the men caught up in war.

Battleground follows a squad through the nightmare of Bastogne, showing the everyday misery they had to put up with and the grim humor and camaraderie that helped them get through it. For a film of its day, this is one is surpisingly even-handed, even a bit dark and cynical. You won't find a bunch of John Wayne heroics here, but rather a bunch of sick, tired, demoralized men doing their best to stay alive. This is a great companion piece to the Bastogne episode of the superb Band of Brothers miniseries. Also consider checking out Wellman's other classic WWII film, The Story of G.I. Joe.

Now, where's the DVD release??

So-So WWII Film
I was really looking forward to watching this movie when I received a VHS copy as a Birthday present.
Unfortunately, there are only a couple of combat scenes in BATTLEGROUND.
Where are the 7 crack German Divisions that surrounded Bastogne during late December of 1944? Where are the German Tanks, vehicles, and equipment?
All we get to see are a handful of Germans, and most of them are disguised as American Soldiers!
The entire movie is centered around a platoon of 101st GIs who wisecrack bad jokes all day.
Van Johnson is a Terrible lead actor.
To me, the only good war films are ones that portray the Enemy as well as the Friendlies.
BATTLEGROUND is simply another post-WWII Hollywood film that celebrates American ego and arrogance.

Top Notch War Flick!
Excellent story of the 101st Airborne at the Siege of Bastone. This was probably the most famous of the battles held by the Americans. The movie shows life in the filth, mud, and snow quite well. You of course, don't get the true story of the whole battle, movies don't do this well except in documentarys.

Filmed in 1949 this movie stars a lot of people who had actually seen the elephant.

Van Johnson didn't serve in the army due to a plate in his head from a motorcycle accident. But James Whitmore was (I believe) a Lt. in the USMC in the South Pacific. Some of the others had been in the war also.

One of the three best war movies of all time, the others are Twelve O'Clock High and Command Decision. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Mean and lean entry in the Tarzan series
The Tarzan movies in the Weismuller series are like the Burroughs novels upon which they are based--the early works are impressive ,and as the series developed an air of routine set in .This follows on from the second of the Weismuller movies Tarzan and His Mate ,and while still enjoyable and tautly directed it is a lesser work than its predecessor .In fairness it should be noted that the work as we have it is not the movie as originally shot-preview audiences