Reviews (26)

Greatest golden age fantasy still well worth owning
This masterpiece, often referred to as the greatest fantasy movie ever, still holds up well over 60 years later. The Thief of Bagad has a terrific story with enchanting magic, enticing romance and terrific suspense. The acting is absolutely superb with fine performances turned in by Sabu the little thief, Rex Ingram as the powerful and scary genie, and Conrad Veidt who as the evil Vizier Jaffar is one of the best villians ever. John Justin, the blinded Caliph and his beloved princess (June Deprez) provide an engaging and often tragic romance that lends terrific depth to this story.

Best yet is the awesome imagination brought to life in this masterpiece epic. While some of the effects show their age (The spider, for instance), others, such as the flying mechanical horse and the magical carpet are still captivating. The immense attention to detail is evident in the palaces, the ships and the sultan's toy collection. Miklos Rosza's musical score along with this movie's wonderful cinematography recreates the legendary time of the Arabian Nights.

For my one complaint, while this movie clearly rates 5 stars, I'm knocking my review down to 4 stars due to the lack of DVD extras. When compared to spectacular golden age DVDs like Robin Hood, one begins wish all were made this way. Children from 8-13 (as well as adults) will still find joy in this delightful picture.

Brilliant Fantasy Adventure!!!
A blinded beggar, Ahmad, with his wise dog, is begging for food and coins in the harbor of a distant city. The Grand Vizier Jaffar requests that the beggar should be brought to the palace to help his beloved Princess wake up from a deep trance like sleep, since legends tell him that only a blind man can awaken the princess. During the blind man's visit, he tells the story of his life and how he once was the King of Bagdad and his dog was a thief named Abu. The story also reveals that he was blinded by the evil Vizier Jaffar and how he fell in love with the Princess. Thief of Bagdad is a captivating fantasy tale with magical items, dubious creatures, and enchanting adventures of a long lost king. The wide variety of creatures, items, and adventures is delicately balanced with a well written story, precise cinematography, and special effects that do not ruin the story despite the age of the film. The experience that is provided through this cinematic event is a magical story that offers both entertainment as well as contemplation, which is useful for young and old.

A masterpiece to been seen by all generations
"The Thief of Baghdad" is a masterpiece and should be seen by the present and future generations. It is a movie complete and all its aspects. I was 10 when I first saw "The Thief of Baghdad" and since then I could never forget the moments of enchantment it brought to me everytime (more than 10 times)I went to the movies to see it on the big screen. It was and still is my fantasy favorite movie. In the Middle 60's I finally found a copy in 16mm at a distributor and had to rent a projector to show the film at home. Although the copy was in very bad conditions I could even so, be able to go back to the days of my childhood while enjoying this wondereful film.
Recently I púrchased a VHS copy at Amazon[.com] and virtually "obliged" my 18 year-old daughter to watch it. It was a prize to have the film with me at all times. The new edition in DVD is perfect and reveals all the splendor the film brings.

A Fairy Tale concealing the Prennial Wisdom
I first saw this movie as a child in the 1940's. The effects were the best ever for the time, and even look really good today. This is another hero tale complete with a lowly but likable thief who undergoes the classic perils all heros face, but the placement is beaufifully fantasic with the mystery of sultans, evil vizer, genii, minerets, blue rosess of forgetfulness, and magical toys that come to life in Baghdad and Basra. It became my family's all time favorite, along with another Sabu movie, Jungle Book. If this is the type of fantasy and truth you like, go for it.

A Dream
Superb remake of Douglas Fairbanks silent classic; with Sabu as the charming little thief, helping a blinded caliph (John Justin), victim of evil Jaffar (Conrad Veidt), to recover her position and her sweetheart (June Duprez), setting for just amazing adventures.

Filled with wild ideas (the menacing shadow of Jaffar, the blue rose, the horse-toy, the sculpture of many hands, the giant spider, the laughing Genius), and a very, very beautiful color photography (June Duprez is beautiful and John Justin's eyes sparkle with intensity), this film is a certainly unspeakable dazzle for me. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A very cute movie!
This movie is one that shouldn't be taken seriously. It's a cute little romp about a girl(Merle Oberon) playing a joke on a naive gorgeous young lawyer(Lawrence Olivier). He easily falls in love with her but thinks that she is a wicked woman who's been married several times. She plays along and lets him think that it's true causing all kinds of funny chaos in the life of the love -struck lawyer. Lawrence Olivier looks especially dashing and handsome! This is a must see for any Olivier and Oberon fan and for anyone else who loves no brainer type flicks.

..and oldie does not mean goldie every time.
A manipulative girl and a spine-less man. She should have been used as a prototype for some major attack vehicle (the attitude, not the size) and he would have done well as a bathroom towel - soft and pliable and one can fold it any way one wants. Terribly afraid of dark stains, though. She decides first that she wants his bed (without him in it) and then him (with the bed). He does not decide anything.

I suppose one of the main reasons why Olivier became such a fantastic Shakespear actor was that he understood that otherwise he would have had to play in more stupid movies like that one. That was a very wise decision.

Terrific little intellectual comedy
I cannot believe no one has reviewed this film yet! Okiday, where do I start? This is one of the best little-known movies out there...ranks right up there with *Stand-In* (Leslie Howard, Joan Blondell) as one of the best obscure intellectual comedies out there. Merle Oberon is the vivacious and mysterious "Lady X" that attourney Laurence Olivier becomes enamored of, and although she completely butchers her accent (SHE'S an American? Yeah, right), she still delivers a solid performance. Olivier makes a terrific naive young lawyer, and is completely captivating (and, may I add, pretty darn sexy). Hilarious mix-ups and such crap ensue. Not the greatest film ever made, but one of the most enjoyable, and a fabulous film all-around. By the way, contrary to the box art, the film is actually in color (at least the version I have on tape is, and you can tell when things are colorized).

Great fun!
I have watched this movie three times. It never fails to make me laugh, and brighten my mood. True it is not a thought provoking plot, but if you want to sit back relax, and laugh this is the movie to watch. I had to buy it because I enjoy it so much.

Silly! Amusing! Adorable!
Darlings, let not Leonard Maltin's little review turn you off. _Lady X_ is a fine piece of work, especially if you appreciate the more important aspects of the cinematic art form: namely, adorable actresses, marvellous clothing, and farfetched plotlines. It's frothy, a fine little trifle of a happy bon-bon, and you simply must see it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Sidewalks of London
Vivien Leigh was in this movie right before GONE WITH THE WIND!!!!!!!! But this movie is about a homeless girl who is named Liberty , who then a big man meets Libby and takes her under his wing and gives her a home, and a job in his street performing group. But then abother man meets Libby, and makes her a star and super famous and wealthy. But Libby wants Charles Laughton.
This movie is not a MUST SEE but it is rather good. The scenes without Vivien are kind of slow moving and dull, and the movie has the worst ending. The absoulute worst ending in a movie. She runs after Charles Laughton, and then he goes to his crew and starts a poem. Leaving Libby back to the thearter. IF YOU LIKE VIVIEN LEIGH, I'D RECCOMEND YOU SEE THIS FILM

Oh! Just kill me now!
A heart-wrenching, crushingly tender tragicomedy, showing an intimate portrait of the lives of England's professional buskers, or street performers, who were on the run in the face of the modern entertainment industry. Vivian Leigh, Rex Harrison and Charles Laughton star in this powerful film, which demolishes the pollyanna-ish conventions of the American-style, Busby Berkeley-Harry Warren musicals. Laughton steals the show as Charlie, the leader of a struggling busking troupe, in a heartbreaking performance that paves the way for his famous turn as the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Beautifully shot, but also with a dynamic and well-written script, this film doesn't have a weak moment in it. I'd never heard of it before; now it's one of my favorite films.

If it wasn't for HER...
Without the incomparable Ms. Leigh, there would be no real reason to watch this film. It is sluggishly paced when she is not onscreen, and it can be hard to care about the plot. An interesting note, though, she sings! Just a little. ... Read more

Description

Based on the story of Dorothy Stratten, 1980 Playmate of the Year, Star 80 explores a brief and tragic career that was engineered by Stratten's loutish husband and manager, Paul Snider. Shunned by the rich and powerful people who court his beautiful, ingenuous wife, Snider makes her first the beneficiary and then the victim of his own ambition. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fun in the forties
One of Frank Sinatra's first with the great George Murphy and the beautiful and incomparable Gloria DeHaven. This is a simple and fun movie that doesn't require any thing but smiling from you. A forties pretty girl showcase that will have you humming the Sammy Cahn songs long after you turn it off Songs like "Come out wherever you are" or "As long as theres Music" by deHaven and Sinatra are incomparable. This is the fun musical of the early 40s and not to be missed. Maybe I'm just old, but love shows like this.

Silly musical
Room service, anyone? This movie deals with silly musical love. Frank Sinatra is a singin' play wright who gets into water over his head! As the son of a judge, he has his badly comic ways to get what he wants, even if it means taking awful medicine and fakin' his own death. Young Kids:No Older Children:Debateable. Adult sex jokes and kissing. Young kids will laugh, older kids will say "yuck" (teens will do the same) and adults will blush. Definately a movie to see with a girl if you can help it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A sad ending
This very last movie Laurel & Hardy made was a disaster. They expected to film for about a month but it took a year to complete. Stan fell ill and had to undergo surgery. After having been released from hospital he should have taken a rest but being a professional he felt obligated to make the movie.
He was in a lot of pain and it certainly shows in this film. Stan also lost a lot of weight and both looked old and tired, which was partially due to the fact that the director had them waiting for days before calling them for some scenes.
Don't ever start a collection with this one. It might put you off for the rest of your life!

A Sad Farewell
I have mixed emotions about this one. Laurel and Hardy fans SHOULD see this one, because it is the last film the boys did.
But be prepared, Stan was in poor health at the time. He was a diabetic and suffered terribly during the heat. He was only 60, but looked like death warmed over. The film is NOT typical L&H comedy, but a poor attmept at political satire. Sorry folks, that just WASN'T the boys style. With poorly dubbed dialog for the non-English speaking performers, it's a little irritating at first. There is still some magic left, like Stan "burping" his pet lobster, when he and Ollie take the boat engine apart, only to have the pieces fall overboard and where Stan pours oil over troubled water. I just wish the film had been made when the boys were in better health and could have had more controll. In his final years,even Stan called this film an "abortion" True fans of L&H should remember them in their prime, like "The Music Box"
and "Way Out West"

A sad farewell to the screen's greatest comic team
"Utopia" was originally released in 1952 as "Atoll K" and later as "Robinson Crusoeland," and finds an aging Laurel & Hardy have inherited a yacht and an island. The boys set off to see along with a refugee as their cook and a stowaway. The yacht sinks in a storm, but a newly created atoll (hence the original title) emerges from the sea to give them a place to live. They are then joined on their new little paradise by Suzy Delair, who is running away from a jealous fiancee. Together they all create their own private little utopia, where everything is just perfect until uranium is discovered and all of the nations of the world begin to battle over ownership of the atoll. Just as the boys are about to be lynched, the atoll sinks back beneath the seas. Whatever its title, this final film from Laurel & Hardy certainly provides mixed feelings. The political satire angle is ambitious, but scarcely appropriate for comedians who rely so much on visual humor (compare with the Marx Brother's classic "Duck Soup"), although the sequence where Hardy distributes key political posts to everyone but Laurel (he gets to be "The People") is good. But most of the sight gags are not typical Laurel & Hardy routines and several people have claimed the best gags were cut from the film. There is also the shock of the appearance of Stan Laurel, who had been ill before the production and looks like he is at death's door. "Utopia" is a sad farewell to the screen's greatest comic team.

an exellent movie
THIS FRENCH MOVIE -YES THE PRODUCERS ARE FRENCH- PUT OLLIE AND STAND IN AN ISLAND. THIS MOVIE IS ONE THE LAST MOVIES THEY FILMED ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Frank Sinatra's first featured film role; he sings 5 songs!
Frank Sinatra had his first featured film role in "Higher and Higher," a musical romantic comedy. The story deals with a household of servants who learn their employer is bankrupt. The valet Mike (Jack Haley), wants to pass off Millie (Michelle Morgan), the scullery maid, as Drake's debutante daughter in the hopes she can snag a wealthy husband. I am sure this sounded like a good idea at the time. Their prime target is Frank (Sinatra), the guy next door. Another prospect, Fitzroy Wilson (Victor Borge), turns out to be equally phony, while society matron Mrs. Keating (Elisabeth Risdon), has plans for her own debutante daughter Catherine (Barbara Hale). You know everybody is going to end up living (and singing) happily ever after, but for most of the film it is up in the air as to how everybody is going to end up pairing up, so it is not overly predictable. A pleasant enough musical, once you get past the convoluted plot, the film is certainly representative of the early Frank Sinatra who was beloved of the bobby soxers, who is essentially playing himself here. Sinatra sings five songs in "Higher and Higher," all written by Jimmy McHugh and Harold Adamson: "You Belong in a Love Song," "I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night," "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening," "The Music Stopped," and "I Saw You First." Based on the play by Gladys Hurlbut and Joshua Logan, this 1943 film was directed by Tim Whelan and should be checked out by any and all Frank Sinatra fans who want to remember what the Chairman of the Board was like when he started out in the mailroom.

Classic News on this Review
When you come across something that has caught your eye you don't forget it easily. This classic, "Higher and Higher", caught my eye about 6 years ago, when my mother was introducing her children to a higher plain of movies. Classic Movies! Ah, just let the Words roll off your tounge. The movie will have you in stiches from beginning to end, and asking for more. Romance, comedy, and a mysterious twist at the end, that keeps comming at you minute after minute. Character acting, of course is flawless. The comradery between the actors and actresses seemed to be weaved together like a tightly nit throw blanket designed to comfort and keep you warm in any situation. So, as you rent this Comedic video remember that it will take you Higher and Higher.

Rockin, Radical, Coolness, Fabulous!
Ok so it's highly unlikely that even a scullery maid could make that many stupid mistakes and sure, they sing a tune at the drop of a hat, but the atmposhere is so light and funny. True entertainment comes from classic movies. It's almost impossible to find modern humour, but you put in a movie like "Higher and Higher" and it's so light that it gives you an instant lift. I think it's witty and adorable and I highly reccomend it to old movie lovers like me! :)

Was life really ever this simple?
If you like corny, Frank Sinatra, no plot, crooner movies--this is for you. Not only is it Frank Sinatra's film debut...but also that of Mel Torme' and Barbara Hale aka Della Street-

Frank Sinatra is razor thin and Mel doesn't look like he is old enough to drive--but Mel gets to sing briefly too and there is no denying that Mel is destined to be the Velvet Fog.

This movie is pure corn, but hey....its supposed to be. :) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Technically correct spy feature.
1939 was a good year for movies. It was at the end of this year that England declared war on Germany so no one could have predicted the outcome. You can get a feel for the time and events by watching Mrs. Miniver (1942). Laurence Olivier is the head pilot for an aeroplane test firm. Planes are missing from the test of a new turbocharger. The use of Marconi's ray in the movie have shades of EMP (electromagnetic pulse) and looks like a particle beam generator that we are perfecting today for our anti ballistic missile defenses system.

Aside from being a great spy movie there is a love interest (Valerie Hobson) that does not overwhelm the story. And we see the mysterious workings of the intelligence service (Ralph Richardson).

In the end this movie is too well put together to believe it was made in 1939. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Seductive Spy Thriller!!
In this 1941 film,Illona Massey stars as a breathtakingly beautiful musician and just about every man in the audience has an eye on her especially a duo of American and British Agents who knows that she's actually a Nazi Spy and start chasing her through the cities of New York and London.This movie is an excellent,seductive spy thriller!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A very cute movie!
This movie is one that shouldn't be taken seriously. It's a cute little romp about a girl(Merle Oberon) playing a joke on a naive gorgeous young lawyer(Lawrence Olivier). He easily falls in love with her but thinks that she is a wicked woman who's been married several times. She plays along and lets him think that it's true causing all kinds of funny chaos in the life of the love -struck lawyer. Lawrence Olivier looks especially dashing and handsome! This is a must see for any Olivier and Oberon fan and for anyone else who loves no brainer type flicks.

..and oldie does not mean goldie every time.
A manipulative girl and a spine-less man. She should have been used as a prototype for some major attack vehicle (the attitude, not the size) and he would have done well as a bathroom towel - soft and pliable and one can fold it any way one wants. Terribly afraid of dark stains, though. She decides first that she wants his bed (without him in it) and then him (with the bed). He does not decide anything.

I suppose one of the main reasons why Olivier became such a fantastic Shakespear actor was that he understood that otherwise he would have had to play in more stupid movies like that one. That was a very wise decision.

Terrific little intellectual comedy
I cannot believe no one has reviewed this film yet! Okiday, where do I start? This is one of the best little-known movies out there...ranks right up there with *Stand-In* (Leslie Howard, Joan Blondell) as one of the best obscure intellectual comedies out there. Merle Oberon is the vivacious and mysterious "Lady X" that attourney Laurence Olivier becomes enamored of, and although she completely butchers her accent (SHE'S an American? Yeah, right), she still delivers a solid performance. Olivier makes a terrific naive young lawyer, and is completely captivating (and, may I add, pretty darn sexy). Hilarious mix-ups and such crap ensue. Not the greatest film ever made, but one of the most enjoyable, and a fabulous film all-around. By the way, contrary to the box art, the film is actually in color (at least the version I have on tape is, and you can tell when things are colorized).

Great fun!
I have watched this movie three times. It never fails to make me laugh, and brighten my mood. True it is not a thought provoking plot, but if you want to sit back relax, and laugh this is the movie to watch. I had to buy it because I enjoy it so much.

Silly! Amusing! Adorable!
Darlings, let not Leonard Maltin's little review turn you off. _Lady X_ is a fine piece of work, especially if you appreciate the more important aspects of the cinematic art form: namely, adorable actresses, marvellous clothing, and farfetched plotlines. It's frothy, a fine little trifle of a happy bon-bon, and you simply must see it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

OK Western, poor quality tape
I purchased Front Row Entertainment's VHS version of "Vengeance Valley" and was bitterly disappointed. The video quality is poor and the sound track is no better. The story, from what I could make of it, is humdrum. If you're a Lancaster fan, however, the movie is worth having in your collection. And if you're a fan of wasting 20 bucks on a poor quality video, this is a tape for you!

A Good Cast in an Average Western
Vengeance Valley is an average Western. Its best feature is a remarkably strong cast. This alone means that it ought not to be classified as a B film, for second features could not afford so many familiar faces, nor could they afford the fine location shooting which is to be found in Vengeance Valley. The cast perform quite well. Robert Walker always makes a better villain than a good guy. He portrays both weakness and malevolence in a performance which bears comparison with his more celebrated role in Strangers on a Train. It is always a pleasure to watch Burt Lancaster, but his acting lacks the authority which would be present in his later films. I always look out for Joanne Dru films, but this is not one of her best. The feisty and beautiful heroine of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and Red River seems to have faded somewhat and it is possible to see in this film the seeds of her decline as a star. She would make no more important films after this.

The story is interesting without being original. Walker and his foster brother Lancaster fight it out over Dru and Cattle. Strangely the 'vengeance' of the film's title does not refer to this aspect of the plot, but to a sub-plot in which two cowboys seek vengeance on the man who made their sister pregnant. Still Vengeance Valley makes a more snappy title than Battling Brothers.

This is by no means a classic Western, but it is perfectly competent. It may not linger long in the memory, but fans of the genre will certainly enjoy the ride while it lasts.

Sturdy Western
This is a sturdy western featuring beautiful color photography, and an interesting character study. Burt Lancaster plays a stolid, depedable foster son who reluctantly has to face down his reckless foster brother played by Robert Walker. Walker and Lancaster play off each other well, their naturally opposing acting styles heightning the conflict between these two. Unfortunately, Robert Walker, who made quite an impression in his short film career -- especially in Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" -- would be dead shortly after this film was released. A sad footnote to an overlooked but interesting film. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Ole Oater...But....Not The Best Buy...
Rage At Dawn": From 1955, this one is in technicolor and is based on the Reno Brothers. Robbing banks, terrorizing the good townspeople, and just being a general menace to society, these guys needed to be stopped! Enter one brave lawman James Barlow( Randolph Scott), who infiltrates the outfit and tries to restore law and order to the community. It's not easy though, as the town leaders are getting kick backs from the bad guys are are not willing partcipants to seeing justice done! More wonderful stars include Forrest Tucker and an appearance by Edgar Buchanan. Directed by Tim Whelan.

This film may also be purchased in a set of 4 other "oaters" by Platinum disc. The set is called "Great American Western Vol 1".
The other films included are "To The Last Man"/1933,"The Fighting Westerner"/1935, and "Abilene Town"/1946. They all star Randolph Scott, and include lots of famous faces from the era. There are many of these sets available with up to 40 films, and for those who love these old oaters is a much more inexpensive way to go. These films are not pristeen. The older ones show their age. There are scatches from the prints, and there is occasional humming noise in the background. But for the most part the pictures themselves were surprisingly clear and all have had the sound enhanced in DD5.1.The color seemed a little off in "Rage At Dawn"....But hey..for the price, I thought Platinum, did a great job of putting together so many of these packages for us Western lovers to choose from. There isn't anything on these transfers that take away from the enjoyment of the view, and from what I have read here, there isnt anything better about this more expensive edition.

Happy Trails...and enjoy...Laurie

Roan needs to go back to the studio on this one
This is a great old "B" western, starring Randolph Scott, and some great character actors in Edgar Buchanan and Denver Pyle.

As for Roan Group's transfer of this movie...I'm sure it is better than those cheapy pan and scan transfers offered by other companies of public domain movies.

However....

While I've been pretty impressed with Roan up to now, I'd have to say that this...the first anamorphic widescreen movie I've purchased from them...needs a lot of work.

From the outset, the picture is jittery, making the opening credits quite challenging. Add to that, quite a bit of source damage, a general picture softness, and, toward the end, a good amount of grain, and you have what would be considered a "bad" transfer by a major studio.

Odd thing about the DVD is....the theatrical trailer has a superb picture...quite the opposite of most releases. This shows that most of the problem with this DVD was probably the source movie. I'd recommend Roan take another shot at this one...or at least learn a lesson on their future anamorphic releases.

Sturdy Randolph Scott Western...
Another offering from the Roan Group.

"Rage at Dawn" is an interesting, but not particularly classic western. What makes it stand apart from most is the introduction of espionage.

Sturdy as ever, Scott is a "Peterson" man, an obvious allusion to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. He must infiltrate a gang of murderous outlaw brothers, and trick them into causing their own downfall. Their beautiful sister, a non-crook, and Scott naturally hit it off.

Familiar faces? How about a clean-shaven Denver Pyle? Pyle, best known to TV viewers of the 1970's as the white-bearded Mad Jack on "Grizzly Adams", or Uncle Jessie Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard", Pyle was a supporting player in many westerns. Here, he plays the good brother who won't join in with his brothers' crookery.

Then there's Edgar Buchanan, famous as old Uncle Joe from "Petticoat Junction". In this film, he plays a crooked judge, on the bad brothers' payroll.

Of course, Forrest Tucker is the head bad guy, and J. Carrol Naish is along as another bad brother.

A good, sturdy western, with Scott playing his usual smiling tough guy (kind of a non-emoting Gary Cooper). Always fun to see Scott playing it cool in the face of the bad guys. ... Read more