With summer almost here, it’s time for some fun in the sun! With that in mind, we’re off on another Hawaiian trip with the 1961 Elvis Presley musical Blue Hawaii, also starring Joan Blackman, Angela Lansbury and Nancy Walters!
Mr. Hood (Johnny Arthur) is looking forward to a nice birthday meal with just his immediate family. However, Alfalfa (Carl Switzer), Porky (Eugene Lee) and Philip (Philip Hurlic) interrupt him, and constantly distract him from the meal. This was yet another funny Little Rascals short! Obviously, the main fun is how exasperated Mr. Hood gets with all the kids’ antics, when all he wants to do is eat his food (and can’t even manage to do that)! I had a good time with this short, and would certainly love to see it again!
And Now For The Main Feature…
After finishing his two-year stint in the Army, Chadwick “Chad” Gates (Elvis Presley) has returned to his home in Hawaii. However, despite the urgings of his girlfriend Maile Duval (Joan Blackman), Chad refuses to go to his family’s home and intends to hide out at his old shack on the beach. His reason? His parents (especially his mother) want him to work at the Great Southern Hawaiian Fruit Company, which his father is the vice president of, but Chad has no desire to work there. For five days, Chad manages to stay hidden. That is, until his father, Fred Gates (Roland Winters), walks into the travel agency that Maile works at and reveals his knowledge of Chad’s return. Caught, Chad has no choice but to “return” to his home and see his parents. As he had expected, they start pushing the idea of him working at his father’s company, so he leaves them again. While talking with Maile (who works at a travel agency), Chad gets the bright idea to work for the agency as a tour guide, for which he is immediately hired. His first job is to ferry a schoolteacher, Abigail Prentice (Nancy Walters), and four teenage girls around the islands. He has a lot of trouble with this group, mainly because Maile assumes that Abigail is flirting with him, and one of the four teenagers does openly try to flirt with him. Chad is fired when he gets into a fight with another tourist (mostly because the troublemaking teenager tried to flirt with that other tourist since Chad was ignoring her). However, because Abigail and her group do want Chad to be their guide, Chad goes into business for himself (with Maile’s help, since she had quit her job with the agency), and they continue the tour. Maile decides to surprise Chad by stopping at the hotel that he and his group are staying at, but ends up trying to leave Chad when she catches Abigail kissing Chad in his room. Will Chad be able to patch things up with Maile (and maintain his own independence from his father’s company), or will he be miserable trying to accommodate everybody?
Producer Hal B. Wallis was among the first to consider Elvis Presley for a Hollywood contract, signing him to do Loving You (1957) and King Creole (1958). After two years in the army, Elvis came back to Hollywood and did G.I. Blues (1960) for the producer, which was a hit with audiences. Trying to expand his range as an actor, Elvis did Flaming Star (1960) and Wild In The Country (1961), which weren’t quite as successful. As a result, he was pushed back into a more formulaic film. For Blue Hawaii, Juliet Prowse (his co-star from G. I. Blues) was set to work with him again, but she made too many demands. So, she was dropped, and Joan Blackman was brought in to play Maile. The movie was filmed in various locations in Hawaii. The movie wasn’t well-liked by critics, but audiences came to see it, making it one of Elvis’ most successful films (and soundtracks). As a result, Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided that this “formula” was what Elvis needed to stick with to enjoy box office success (much to his dismay).
In preparing for this review, this was probably the second time that I’ve had the opportunity to watch (and enjoy) Blue Hawaii. Now, I’ve been doing reviews here on my blog for nearly five years now, and, as much as I enjoy musicals, I haven’t really gotten around to reviewing any of Elvis Presley’s films yet (which, even beyond this film, I’m in the process of changing). There’s one simple reason for that: while I’ve enjoyed some of his films, I’ve mainly considered them “fluff” films that are fun when I see them, but I otherwise don’t feel a great urgency to see them that often. There’s a degree to which this film still falls into that category. Most of the performances are adequate (the main exception here, surprisingly, would be Angela Lansbury, whose ditzy, status-obsessed Southern mother kind of gets grating after a while). The comedy is nothing special, but I can’t deny that the film did provide a few laughs here and there. There’s quite a bit of music in this film, but I would say that the only really memorable ones are the title tune (which is relegated to being background music for the opening credits, and, even then, I still prefer Bing Crosby’s rendition from Waikiki Wedding), Elvis’ big hit “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” and “Rock-A-Hula” (some of the others are also fun, but quickly forgotten). It’s certainly not the best musical I’ve ever seen, but I would still call it decent (and, quite frankly, it’s one of the better Elvis films, aided very much by the beautiful Hawaiian scenery), so it’s still worth giving a chance!
What’s Old Is A New Release Again (2022) with… Blue Hawaii (1961)
This movie is available in a 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo pack from Paramount Pictures as part of their Paramount Presents line. It feels like an understatement to say that this release is rather stunning! The image has been cleaned up of all dirt and debris, and looks nice and clear. The color really pops on the 4K UHD with the HDR, making this 4K really worthwhile! The only complaint that some might have is that, in order to restore the opening credits, Paramount’s restorationists had to go back to the original footage (minus the credits), and then re-do the credits. The problem there being that the credits don’t quite look the same as they did originally, because of the different fonts used. It’s annoying (and will bother some more than others), but I think the transfer for the rest of the film more than makes up for it!
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In honor of Memorial Day weekend, we’re here with the 1943 World War II drama So Proudly We Hail, starring Claudette Colbert, Paulette Goddard and Veronica Lake!
The Gang is looking forward to a wrestling match between “The Masked Marvel” and “Wildcat” Alfalfa (Carl Switzer). Alfalfa chooses Waldo (Darwood Kaye) to be his opponent because he thinks he can beat him and thus impress his girlfriend, Darla (Darla Hood). Butch (Tommy Bond) (who is also interested in Darla) takes matters in his own hands and wrestles as “The Masked Marvel.” This one was a lot of fun! Much of the fun is in seeing Alfalfa try to figure out who to wrestle, with his initial opponent Porky (Eugene Lee) taking him down easily enough. The actual wrestling match between Alfalfa and Butch was fun enough, especially with Buckwheat (Billie Thomas) and Porky saving the day for Alfalfa. Like many of the others that I’ve seen recently, this one was enjoyable enough that I would love to see it again!
And Now For The Main Feature…
Under the leadership of Lt. Janet “Davy” Davidson (Claudette Colbert), a group of Army nurses, including Lt. Joan O’Doul (Paulette Goddard), leave San Francisco on a boat bound for Hawaii, where they will be stationed. However, while they are en route, Pearl Harbor is bombed by the Japanese, forcing their ship to be re-routed to join a convoy in the Pacific. Several other ships in the convoy get attacked, forcing their ship to take on survivors. One of these survivors is another nurse, Lt. Olivia D’Arcy (Veronica Lake), who reluctantly joins Davy’s group. She is bitter and angry about something, resulting in her getting along poorly with all the other nurses. One night, Davy is able to find out why: Olivia’s fiancé was killed at Pearl Harbor, and now Olivia wants to take her revenge on the Japanese. Meanwhile, Joan is falling for a soldier she met in San Francisco named Kansas (Sonny Tufts), while Davy reluctantly (at first) falls for medical technician Lt. John Summers (George Reeves). Their time together comes to an end when the boat arrives at the Bataan Peninsula, where the nurses dive right in to their work taking care of the wounded soldiers (with Olivia even doing her bit to take care of some enemy soldiers in spite of her ill will towards them). The front lines of the war get closer and closer, forcing everyone to evacuate. The nurses are among the last to attempt to leave. They are nearly caught by the enemy, and only manage to get away because Olivia sacrifices herself by “surrendering” to the enemy (with a live grenade that kills her and the enemy soldiers). The remaining nurses move on to a jungle hospital, where they try to work with dwindling medical supplies. Things get worse when the front lines collapse, and then the Japanese start attacking the hospital (wounding John Summers in the process). They have no choice but to evacuate everybody to Corregidor, dodging enemy fire the whole way. Many of the nurses make it to Corregidor, where they enjoy *some* safety in the underground tunnels. However, the Japanese continue with their air raids, making things miserable for everybody (especially with medical supplies running out and food supplies dwindling). When he’s healed just enough, John Summers joins a group that plan to go after some medical supplies to help everybody. With only a few hours together, John and Davy decide to get married, and enjoy a brief “honeymoon” together. With the Japanese barrage continuing (while John and some of the other men are still on their mission to get supplies), it’s decided to have all the nurses evacuated, much to Davy’s dismay. Will Davy and John be reunited? Will everybody successfully escape, or will the Japanese prevent their retreat?
Historically, right before Corregidor fell to the Japanese in 1942, the Navy was able to evacuate nearly seventy-five people, including a number of nurses. Director Mark Sandrich heard about their story, and, along with screenwriter Allan Scott, actually talked to them to get their story (even going so far as to hire one of them, Lt. Eunice Hatchitt, as a technical advisor for what would become So Proudly We Hail). Of course, in making the film, they still had to deal with the Office of War Information (OWI), particularly in the form of its Hollywood chief, Nelson Poynter. Some (but not all) of the changes he requested were implemented. The whole thing worked out well for everybody, as audiences took to the film, and it received a number of Oscar nominations (including Paulette Goddard’s only Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actress).
Prior to the announcement of this film coming out on Blu-ray (more on that in a moment), I hadn’t really heard of this film. However, I had seen (and enjoyed) a variety of movies with each of the film’s leading ladies, so it was a movie that I was willing to give a chance. And it was worth it! It’s got a lot, from romance to wartime scenes (particularly when some of the hospitals get bombed). Heck, there’s even a brief Christmastime sequence (for those who like finding more movies to watch around that holiday like I do), with an inspirational message from the chaplain (as played by Walter Abel). What really makes this film good, though, is the relationships between the characters (and I don’t just mean the romantic ones). We see them all develop friendships, particularly Veronica Lake’s Olivia D’Arcy, who goes from being angry and bitter (and therefore, disliked by all the other nurses) to a much softer and kinder personality, whom the other nurses come to care for (and which makes her ultimate sacrifice that much more compelling). The wartime scenes are also quite effective, giving a sense of danger and death as we see everybody try to survive the attacks. The movie certainly hovers on the edge of being propaganda (since it was made halfway through the war), as it does not have any positive feelings towards the Japanese (who are a faceless enemy, as there are none actually portrayed here, which at least means that few, if any, stereotypes are used here). But, as I’ve indicated, it’s still so much more than that. I was thrilled to see this movie, and it’s one I know that I would love to watch yet again, especially around Memorial Day in honor of the sacrifices made, not only by the soldiers themselves, but all the medical personnel and even chaplains (like my late great-grandfather)! So, yes, this one is highly recommended by me!
What’s Old Is A New Release Again (2022) with… So Proudly We Hail (1943)
This movie is available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics featuring a new 2K master. The image has been cleaned up of most of the dirt and debris (with only a few minor scratches remaining, but they really don’t take away from the viewing experience). The detail is quite good for this black-and-white film, so I would say that this Blu-ray is the best way to see this movie!
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It’s February 1, so that means that we’ve got yet another special post on a film featuring birthday boy Clark Gable! This time, it’s his 1960 film It Started In Naples, also starring Sophia Loren and Vittorio De Sica!
The Gang put on their own production of “Romeo and Juliet” (if you can call it that), but to convince the local kids to see it, Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) comes up with the brilliant idea for them to pay as they exit. Also, trouble arises when Darla (Darla Hood) abandons the show partway through. This one was fairly entertaining, in between Spanky’s (George McFarland) reaction to Alfalfa’s “pay as you exit” idea, and their whole show. In some respects, the short has its issues with Buckwheat’s initial role in their show, but it more than makes up for it when he is recast as Juliet (with the approval of the audience). I had fun with this one, and certainly think that it’s worth seeing!
And Now For The Main Feature…
American lawyer Michael Hamilton (Clark Gable) has come to Naples, Italy, to settle his late brother’s affairs. He meets up with Italian lawyer Mario Vitale (Vittorio De Sica), who reveals that Michael’s brother had died in a boating accident with his mistress. The two had left behind their eight-year-old son, who now lives with his aunt. Mario takes Michael to meet the aunt, Lucia Curcio (Sophia Loren), who wants nothing to do with Michael and leaves for her home in Capri. Michael is determined to find out if he does indeed have a nephew, and follows her to Capri. There, he meets his nephew, Nando Hamilton (Carlo Angeleti “Marietto”), and is willing to let things be. When he finds himself stuck overnight in Capri (because the boat schedule was wrong), Michael finds Nando distributing flyers for the adult nightclub that his aunt works at. Unhappy at his nephew being up so late (and not getting much of an education at school), Michael threatens to have Nando taken away from Lucia and sent to the American school in Rome. Angry with Michael, Lucia convinces Nando to go to school, and enlists the help of her neighbors to stop Michael from taking Nando away. While he prepares to bring suit against Lucia, Michael spends some time with Nando in an attempt to help persuade him to go along with his plans instead of Lucia’s. Hoping to avoid going to court (and play matchmaker at the same time), Mario secretly talks to Michael and Lucia, telling both of them that the other has some affection for them, which could help solve the problem. It works for a while, as the two fall for each other. However, when Nando tries to ask Michael if he will marry his aunt Lucia, Michael tries to avoid it, which results in the two adults being back at each other’s throats. Will they be able to solve their fight in court amicably, or will Nando be torn between them?
It Started In Naples (1960) was shot on location, with the interiors done at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, while the exteriors were done in Rome, Naples itself and the island of Capri. Sophia Loren had grown up in Naples, but her return was marked by controversy due to her recent “marriage” to Carlo Ponti (who was in the process of divorcing his first wife). Clark Gable was very professional i his work ethic, but maintained in his contract that he would only work from nine to five (and wore a wristwatch that buzzed at five to let him know that he was done for the day). Filmmaker and actor Vittorio De Sica was brought into the production to help give it more of a Neopolitan flavor with the script, and did so by suggesting they work with writer Suso Cecchi d’Amico. As a result, Vittorio was also given the role of lawyer Mario Vitale. For Clark Gable (who had recently suffered a mild heart attack but continued to drink and smoke heavily), this film would turn out to be the last one he made that was released during his lifetime, as he died of a heart attack nearly three months after the film’s release (after having completed The Misfits).
This was my first time seeing It Started In Naples (1960), and I will admit that I enjoyed it! I have no problem admitting that Clark Gable was the main reason that I wanted to see it (particularly for this series of posts), and he certainly didn’t let me down. I thought that he and Sophia Loren had pretty good chemistry, which helped offset some of the lesser material here (which was plentiful, as the film stayed well within romantic comedy territory, and the film’s ending seemed to wrap up a little too quickly, in my opinion). I’ve seen it said by numerous others that the film has three stars, with the third (after Clark and Sophia) being Italy itself, and I can’t deny that this is indeed true. A good part of the fun here is seeing a lot of the beautiful Italian scenery (circa 1960). I would also say that Vittorio De Sica as the lawyer Mario Vitale adds some fun, in between his attempted matchmaking, plus his court monologue (spoken mostly in Italian), which almost seems to favor his opponent (instead of his own client!), even if he does have his sexist moment obviously ogling Lucia’s (Sophia Loren) legs. Again, the story isn’t really the film’s strongest point (and quite frankly, I’m not too thrilled with Carlo Angeleti’s performance as the kid Nando, either), but the whole thing was certainly enough fun that I would be glad to see it again. Clark Gable was definitely getting older and wasn’t at his best, but he’s still good enough to make it worth recommending (and his co-star Sophia Loren, along with the scenery, adds to the appeal)!
What’s Old Is A New Release Again (2022) with…It Started In Naples (1960)
This movie is available on Blu-ray and DVD from Paramount Pictures. As I said, I hadn’t seen the film before (at least, not before the new Blu-ray), so I don’t know how it looked before. Reading comments on what others have said, there was a new transfer made between the film’s DVD release and the recent Blu-ray. The transfer on the new Blu-ray looks absolutely gorgeous! There really isn’t any dust, dirt or other debris marring the picture, and the detail is fantastic! It really show off the Italian scenery (not to mention the cast), which to my mind makes this Blu-ray worthwhile for those interested in the movie!
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Welcome back for another full post of Coming Up Shorts! This time, I’m going with the Hal Roach theatrical shorts featuring The Little Rascals, and some of their shorts from 1935-1936 that have been released together on disc in The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 5.
Here’s a list and quick plot description for each of the shorts included in this set (for my comments on the individual shorts, click on the title to go to my previous reviews):
Spanky (George McFarland) has been elected the treasurer of the Gang’s club (“Ancient and Honery Order of Wood Chucks Club, Inc.”) and the Gang have decided to trust him with the money. However, it’s also his parents’ wedding anniversary, and the envelope containing the Gang’s money has gotten mixed up with his father’s gift to his mother.
After having Spanky (George McFarland) recite for some of her lady friends, Spanky’s mother decides to enter him in an amateur talent contest. However, Spanky has no desire to win, and enlists the Gang’s help to sabotage his performance.
The Gang’s teacher, Miss Jones (Arletta Duncan) announces that she will get married, and that they will have a new teacher for their next year, Mrs. Wilson. Not wanting a new teacher, the Gang try to find ways to break up the engagement.
Sprucin’ Up (1935) (Length: 16 minutes, 58 seconds)
The kids are all complaining about how their mothers make them clean themselves up. However, when a new truant officer (and his beautiful daughter) move in, everybody changes their tune!
Little Papa (1935) (Length: 19 minutes, 41 seconds)
Spanky (George McFarland) and the Gang want to play football, but he’s forced to babysit his younger sister. Hoping that she will be less trouble if she is asleep, Spanky and Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) try to find ways to make her sleepy.
Little Sinner (1935) (Length: 17 minutes, 31 seconds)
Spanky (George McFarland) was just given a new fishing pole for his birthday, and he wants to try it out! However, it’s Sunday, and all the other kids warn him against skipping Sunday School (but he ignores them, to his regret).
Spanky (George McFarland) and the Gang put on a show for the kids of the neighborhood. However, one highly-demanded act is missing, so the Gang has to figure out what to do instead.
A local radio station holds an amateur talent contest with a $50 prize. The Eagles Club (that’s the Gang) decide to have Darla (Darla Hood) perform, but when she’s late, it’s up to Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) to go on in her place!
The Gang are all out having fun playing golf. When the caddies at the course go on strike, the owner convinces the Gang to help caddie for some of his golfing customers.
Scotty (Scotty Beckett) and his grandfather are selling lemonade, but a bully and his father (who have a store of their own) force them to move their stand when some potential customers go to them for lemonade. So, with Scotty and his grandfather now situated in a different spot where almost nobody goes, it’s up to the Gang to help them drum up some business!
A cranky old lady (Zeffie Tilbury) is miserable on her birthday (and making her servants miserable) until a toy airplane comes flying in and breaks her vase. Spanky (George McFarland) and the Gang volunteer to do some work around the yard for her when they can’t pay for the vase, and in the process, help her start to enjoy life again!
It’s Arbor Day, and the school is putting on a pageant featuring all the kids, which is something that Spanky (George McFarland) wants to avoid. He is caught by the truant officer, along with a pair of midgets from a nearby circus mistaken as kids.
After nearly forty-five talkie shorts, the Our Gang/ The Little Rascals series was starting to settle into the cast it would become most known for. Matthew “Stymie” Beard left the series after Teacher’s Beau (1935), finishing a run that had started back in Teacher’s Pet (1930). Scotty Beckett left the series to go into the movies after filming Our Gang Follies Of 1936 (1935), although his appearance in the short The Lucky Corner (1936) was the result of that short’s release being delayed almost a year after filming began. Marianne Edwards left the series after The Pinch Singer (1936), but, like Scotty Beckett, her last appearance was in the delayed The Lucky Corner (1936). Meanwhile, in 1935, the series introduced the likes of Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer (making his debut in Beginner’s Luck), Eugene “Porky” Lee (Little Sinner) and Darla Hood (Our Gang Follies Of 1936), cementing some of the series’ most well-known members, and resulting in the shorts becoming a bit more musical.
As I have said in my previous reviews of Volume 1 (which contained the shorts 1929’s Small Talk through 1930’s A Tough Winter), Volume 2 (1930’s Pups Is Pups through 1931’s Dogs Is Dogs), Volume 3 (1932’s Readin’ And Writin’ through 1933’s Forgotten Babies) and Volume 4 (1933’s The Kid From Borneo through 1935’s Shrimps For A Day), these shorts are all quite new to me. For me, the shorts included in this fifth volume have continued to be a lot of fun! As has been the case, I’ve continued to enjoy those focusing on George “Spanky” McFarland, as he continues to be one of the funnier members of the group. Anniversary Trouble (1935), Beginner’s Luck (1935), Our Gang Follies Of 1936 (1935), The Pinch Singer (1936), The Lucky Corner (1936) and Second Childhood (1936) all left me laughing, and certainly left me with a strong desire to come back to them again! As did Teacher’s Beau (1935), even if that one did border on being a retread of an earlier short. There are a few scattered problems that date some of these shorts, but the worst one would have to be Little Sinner (1935), which goes on a little too long with its portrayal of some rather spirited African-Americans during a baptism ceremony at night. I do admit, I miss Scotty Beckett as he is phased out, since I thought he and Spanky made a great comedy team in their appearances together in some of the shorts included in the fourth volume, but Alfalfa manages to add to the fun rather memorably! All in all, this set was still quite entertaining, and just as highly recommended as some of the earlier volumes (and I eagerly look forward to the sixth and final volume of the talkie shorts from Hal Roach)!
As I mentioned in my reviews of the earlier volumes, ClassicFlix announced (in late 2020) that they had licensed the Little Rascals shorts, and planned to restore the talkies and the silent shorts. The film elements for many films and shorts originally produced by Hal Roach’s studio have changed hands a number of times over the years, and haven’t been as well preserved as most would hope. ClassicFlix tried a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the restorations for the Little Rascals series, but that ended up falling short. Still, they went through with their plans to restore the shorts, and, much like the first four sets, these shorts look fantastic (some minor damage is still present, but it’s just about not even worth mentioning)! This set doesn’t necessarily give any hints as to what film elements were used like the first one did (beyond the comment on the disc case about scanning from original Hal Roach 35mm film elements), but the results speak for themselves (and if you don’t believe me, I included some of the YouTube clips posted by ClassicFlix at the bottom of the post so that you can get a better idea)! Once again, the team at ClassicFlix have put a lot of hard work into restoring these, and I would certainly recommend this fifth volume (plus the first four as well, if you haven’t gotten them already)! With the sixth set already released (thus completing all the talkies before MGM took over the series), we only await the arrival of the silents in 2023 and beyond (some of which will be on Blu-ray while others will be DVD-only due to the quality of the available elements)! In the meantime, there is also The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection Centennial Edition on Blu-ray (or DVD) from ClassicFlix. This set includes all the talkie shorts included in the six volumes (although it has been condensed onto five discs instead of six) plus a bonus disc of extras (that bonus disc, a limited release, is also available separately, and comes with a six-disc box for all those that previously bought the individual volumes).
The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 5 is available on Blu-ray from ClassicFlix. The whole set has a runtime of three hours, thirty-four minutes.
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Welcome back to my new “Whats Old Is A New Release Again Roundup” series! This time around, I’m focusing on titles released in 2022 featuring Bing Crosby, whether they be on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD. Short of something having been released that has escaped my notice (which is always possible), this post should essentially be completed now (outside of adding links if and when I do full reviews for any of these films). So, let’s dig into some of Bing’s films that have seen a new release in 2022. That list includes Here Is My Heart (1934), Holiday Inn (1942), Blue Skies (1946), Welcome Stranger (1947) and A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court (1949)!
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Notes: Due to the fact that I had already added some comments on different shorts to my original reviews of Holiday Inn, Blue Skies and A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court, I will not be adding any more to those posts or this one (except for two shorts to accompany the films not yet reviewed).
Scotty (Scotty Beckett) and his grandfather are selling lemonade, but a bully and his father (who have a store of their own) force them to move their stand when some potential customers go to them for lemonade. So, with Scotty and his grandfather now situated in a different spot where almost nobody goes, it’s up to the Gang to help them drum up some business! This one was an all-round entertaining entry in the series. I thought that the kids’ “parade” was fun to see, as were some of the performances as they got the crowd together. Of course, the rivalry between the bully and the kids added to the fun (especially when the bully’s attempts to steal away their customers backfired on him). This one was very enjoyable, and worth giving a chance (I certainly know that I want to keep coming back to it)!
A cranky old lady (Zeffie Tilbury) is miserable on her birthday (and making her servants miserable) until a toy airplane comes flying in and breaks her vase. Spanky (George McFarland) and the Gang volunteer to do some work around the yard for her when they can’t pay for the vase, and in the process, help her start to enjoy life again! This was yet another fun short. Zeffie Tilbury was fun as the grouchy old lady (even with her brief moments of happiness when she caused trouble for her servants), and her performance as she regains her joy for life helped make this short work! The scene with Spanky and Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) joining her in a rendition of “Oh, Susanna” was fun, especially with her learning to use Spanky’s slingshot after it accidentally hit her. Overall, this one was a lot of fun, even though it did use some obvious rear-screen projection when Zeffie Tilbury was on roller skates (but, at the same time, I can’t blame the filmmakers, since the actress was legally blind at the time she made this short, not that you can tell from her performance). Certainly one that I would gladly come back to again and again!
Here Is My Heart (1934)
Plot Synopses: Singer J. Paul Jones (Bing Crosby) has achieved some success, and is looking to fulfill many dreams that he couldn’t do when he was poor. One of those ambitions is to buy the two original pistols that belonged to Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones, and present them to the Naval Academy. He’s got one already, but the other currently belongs to the Russian Princess Alexandra (Kitty Carlisle), who refuses to sell to him. In his attempts to buy the pistol, he is mistaken for her waiter, and makes use of the opportunity to spend some time with her and her associates. Will he achieve his dream and get the pistol, or will he find himself with a greater goal (love)?
Film Length: 1 hour, 17 minutes
Extras: None
Format: Blu-ray
Label: Universal Studios
My Rating: 7/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions.
On The Transfer: The new Blu-ray appears to be making use of an HD scan. For the most part, it looks quite good. The opening credits look a bit rough, and there are some scratches present throughout (although nothing so terrible as to take away from the movie itself). It looks good enough for me, and is likely to be the best this movie will look for the near future.
Holiday Inn (1942)
Plot Synopses: A three person song-and-dance team splits up when one of their members, Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby) gets the urge to buy a farm where he can rest and retire from show business. Farming doesn’t prove to be as easy or as restful as he thinks, and he decides to turn the farm into an inn that is only open for holidays (fifteen days a year). Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds) is sent to the inn to audition, and she gets a job there. Jim falls for her, but one of his former partners, Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire), finds himself partnerless. Upon meeting Linda, Ted also falls in love with her and wants to dance with her. Will Linda stay at the inn with Jim, or will she become a big star with Ted?
Film Length: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Extras (on both the 4K disc and the included Blu-ray): “A Couple Of Song And Dance Men;” “All-Singing All-Dancing;” “Reassessing ‘Abraham;'” Theatrical Trailer; and Feature Commentary By Film Historian Ken Barnes, including Audio Comments From Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby And John Scott Trotter
Format: 4K UHD
Label: Universal Studios
My Rating: 8/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions or see the full review here.
On The Transfer: Honestly, this is a bit of a disappointing release. The 4K disc looks terrible, with a picture that is darker at times and loses some of the detail, and grain tends to be very distracting here, as if they are working from elements (or an older transfer) that doesn’t have 4K worth of data, although there are some moments here and there where the 4K disc actually looks good. Frankly, the included Blu-ray (which appears to use the same transfer, or close enough) actually looks better throughout. The Blu-ray is lighter and the grain is nowhere near as prevalent as it is on the 4K. Also, depending on your feelings about this, the film starts with a vintage Universal logo preceding the film’s Paramount logo. I only mention this because the film was originally produced by Paramount, was part of a large group of films sold to Music Corporation Of America (MCA)/EMKA , Ltd. in the 1950s, before becoming part of Universal Studios’ library when MCA took over the studio in the 1960s. Realistically, this release is at best recommended to those who don’t have the Blu-ray already (and even then it is questionable). If you already have the Blu-ray, then don’t bother with this one. If you want either the Broadway show or the colorized version of the film (neither of which is included as extras with this release), then I would suggest going with one of the earlier Blu-ray releases.
Blue Skies (1946)
Plot Synopses: Dancer Jed Potter (Fred Astaire) likes chorus girl Mary O’Hara (Joan Caulfield), but he makes the mistake of taking her to a nightclub owned by his friend, Johnny Adams (Bing Crosby). Mary falls instantly for Johnny, and he for her, much to Jed’s regret. However, Mary takes a slight issue with Johnny not being too responsible, as he has a bad habit of constantly buying and selling his nightclubs. That’s not enough to stop them from getting married, but Johnny’s refusal to change his ways really comes between them after they have a child, and they divorce. With Jed’s love for Mary growing over time, will she give him a chance, or will things go sour between them, too?
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions or see the full review here.
On The Transfer: According to the Blu-ray case, the transfer is coming from a new 2K master with newly remastered audio. In general, this release looks quite wonderful. It improves on Universal’s earlier DVD by fixing the previously windowboxed opening and closing credits, and the colors look quite good in general. It’s not quite as perfect as similar releases from Warner Archive, but it’s about as good as I can hope for with this film. The image has been cleaned up of scratches, dirt and debris. Quick note: on the initial pressing of this Blu-ray, there were some audio issues in which Fred Astaire’s taps were a lot more muffled. Kino Lorber Studio Classics looked into it and decided to fix the issue (it’s already been taken care of by this time). Customers are guaranteed to get the right copy at Kino’s own sites, but in case you get the incorrect copy from somewhere else, this link will take you to their replacement program.
Welcome Stranger (1947)
Plot Synopses: Dr. Joseph McRory (Barry Fitzgerald) has served the town of Fallbridge, Maine faithfully for nearly thirty-five years, and is looking forward to a well-deserved vacation. However, his temporary replacement being sent by the medical board is the younger Dr. Jim Pearson (Bing Crosby), whom Dr. McRory takes an instant dislike to, and encourages him to leave (advice that the younger doctor ignores). Dr. McRory’s opinions are shared by many of the townspeople, including schoolteacher Trudy Mason (Joan Caulfield) (whom Dr. Pearson takes an immediate liking to). Things start to change when, upon trying to leave for his vacation, Dr. McRory suffers from appendicitis, with no choice but to have Dr. Pearson operate on him (an operation that goes successfully). However, Trudy’s boyfriend, Roy Chesley (Robert Shayne), REALLY doesn’t like Dr. Pearson, and tries to use his influence to take away Dr. McRory’s position at a new hospital in the process of being built. Can Dr. Pearson help Dr. McRory regain the town’s favor, or will they both leave town with their tails tucked between their legs?
Film Length: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Extras: None
Format: Blu-ray
Label: Universal Studios
My Rating: 8/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions.
On The Transfer: This Blu-ray appears to be using an HD scan which looks pretty good for the most part. Most of the dust, dirt and other debris has been cleaned up. The opening credits are just a little shaky (but that’s the only part of the movie that has that problem), and there are a few (very) light scratches still present throughout the movie (but nothing that takes away from the movie itself). Overall, likely the best this movie will look, and it’s certainly the recommended way to see it!
A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court (1949)
Plot Synopses: In the early twentieth century, blacksmith Hank Martin (Bing Crosby) tries to return a horse to his owner during a storm, but gets knocked out when he runs into a tree. When he awakens, Hank finds himself in the past, in the kingdom of Camelot under King Arthur (Sir Cedric Hardwicke). At first, Hank is mistaken for a monster, but quickly becomes popular with the people when he uses some basic tricks to make himself look like a powerful sorcerer. He falls for King Arthur’s niece, the Lady Alisande “Sandy” la Carteloise (Rhonda Fleming), but has to contend with her betrothed, Sir Lancelot (Henry Wilcoxon). Having also earned the ire of the wizard Merlin (Murvyn Vye), Hank finds himself in a lot of trouble. Will he be able to return to his own time, or gain the affections of Sandy if he stays?
Film Length: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Extras: None
Format: Blu-ray
Label: Universal Studios
My Rating: 9/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions or see the full review here.
On The Transfer: This Blu-ray seems to be working with an HD scan that looks pretty good. Most (if not just about all) of the dust, dirt, and other artifacts have been cleaned up. For the most part, the color looks pretty good, similar to the recent Blu-ray release of Blue Skies (1946) from Kino Lorber Studio Classics. There are some minor sections where the color doesn’t look quite as vivid as it seems like it should, but it’s an overall good release of a wonderful film (and certainly as good as it is likely to get anytime soon).
My Overall Impressions
Like all of my previous “What’s Old Is A New Release Again” posts focusing on the stars or screen teams that I picked for my “Star/Screen Team Of The Month” in 2022, I have gone without comments on the individual films as I reflect on my Star (from way back in March), Bing Crosby. Here Is My Heart (1934) is the oddball of this bunch, as it’s a film from fairly early in Bing’s career (and as such, his singing style and voice are quite different from the later films). He really only has three songs in this film, with the tune “June In January” being the most memorable. He has some comedic moments, especially when he poses as an alternate “incompetent” waiter, and when he is drunk interacting with Roland Young’s Prince Nicholas near the end of the film. For the rest, we move into the 1940s, when his career had taken a different direction. Holiday Inn finds us early in the decade, when his star was on the rise after finding success through the Road series with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. Holiday Inn follows a similar formula, with Bing and Fred Astaire competing for the affections of two different ladies. Of course, the biggest highlight for Bing is his introduction of the classic Irving Berlin song “White Christmas,” which became a major hit for both Bing and Irving. He also croons a few other big tunes, including “Easter Parade,” “Be Careful, It’s My Heart” (which was actually the initial hit song from the movie) and “Happy Holiday”, plus we have him singing (and “dancing” if you can call it that) with Fred Astaire to “I’ll Capture Your Heart Singing.” Moving ahead a few years, Blue Skies follows up his Oscar win for Going My Way (1944) and his nomination for The Bells Of St. Mary’s (1945). As such, his role in Blue Skies is more dramatic, even though his character still competes with Fred Astaire’s Jed Potter for the affections of Joan Caulfield’s Mary O’Hara. Bing’s main highlights are him singing the title tune and the Oscar nominated “You Keep Coming Back Like A Song,” as well as dancing with Fred Astaire to “A Couple Of Song and Dance Men.” Welcome Stranger (1947) reunites Bing with his Going My Way co-star Barry Fitzgerald in what almost feels like a remake of Going My Way (except this time with the two of them as doctors instead of Catholic priests). The music is decent (personally, I prefer the song “Country Style”), but the main fun is in watching the developing friendship between Bing’s Dr. Jim Pearson and Barry Fitzgerald’s Dr. Joseph McRory as they go from bickering to working together. A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court (1949) was made during the same time period, when Bing’s popularity at the box office gave him enough clout to choose his directors and castmates. The movie has some comedic moments, including Bing’s character “modernizing” the music and dancing at a ball, and the jousting tournament. On the musical side, Bing’s romantic duet with Rhonda Fleming to “Once And For Always” and him singing along with William Bendix and Sir Cedric Hardwicke to “Busy Doing Nothing” are the film’s big highlights.
Well, now that I’ve commented on these films, I’ll give you my rankings on these releases, from highly recommended (1.) to least recommended (5.):
(tie) Blue Skies (1946)
(tie) A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court (1949)
Welcome Stranger (1947)
Here Is My Heart (1934)
Holiday Inn (1942)
I’ll admit, this is a slightly harder group to pick one film that I would solidly recommend. I’m not trashing any of the movies, as I think they are all good, and worth giving a chance. Transfer-wise, I think that Blue Skies (1946) and A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court (1949) are pretty similar, and look the best. Here Is My Heart (1934) and Welcome Stranger (1947) look pretty good, although they have some minor issues that pull them down. Holiday Inn (1942)’s transfer is the weakest of the bunch (in spite of the fact that it is a 4K UHD and not a Blu-ray like the others). In a normal situation, my top pick would be easy: Blue Skies. I think the film looks just a hair better with this new release, it’s got some extras and I prefer the film itself overall. However, we’re discussing Bing Crosby here, and the things I like about that film are Fred Astaire, the Irving Berlin music and some of Fred’s dances. It’s not otherwise remembered as much for Bing’s presence. If it had a better transfer, I would be recommending the other Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire/Irving Berlin collaboration, Holiday Inn, since it features Bing introducing that classic song “White Christmas” (which became Bing’s best-selling song, and one of the biggest selling of all time), along with a few other fun tunes. But, again. the weak transfer leaves me not wanting to recommend the 4K UHD at all. A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court is also very much Bing’s film, and he is what makes it fun (even if I don’t think the film itself is quite as good as Blue Skies). Thus, I would put Blue Skies and A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court at a tie for the top recommendations if we are talking strictly about Bing’s films. Welcome Stranger (1947) mainly suffers from its similarity to the far better (in my opinion) Going My Way (1944), although it’s certainly still an entertaining film in its own right. Here Is My Heart (1934) is still a little too early in Bing’s career, without the music or story coming off quite as memorably. Still, I have enjoyed all of these films off and on for years, and the four Blu-ray releases are all worth it to me, and certainly worth a recommendation (again, ignore the 4K UHD for Holiday Inn)!
Welcome back to my new “Whats Old Is A New Release Again Roundup” series! This time around, I’m focusing on titles released in 2022 featuring W. C. Fields, whether they be on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD. Short of something having been released that has escaped my notice (which is always possible), this post should essentially be completed now (outside of adding links if and when I do full reviews for any of these films). So, let’s dig into some of W. C. Fields’ films that have seen a new release in 2022, which includes You’re Telling Me! (1934), Man On The Flying Trapeze (1935) and You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man (1939)!
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The kids are all complaining about how their mothers make them clean themselves up. However, when a new truant officer (and his beautiful daughter) move in, everybody changes their tune! This one was decent (although a bit of a letdown after the last few). Mostly, the fun is watching Spanky (George McFarland) and Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) competing for the affections of the new girl, but it also gets old fast as they get on the father’s bad side. It’s not terrible, as I’ve certainly seen far worse shorts than this. It’s just not one that leaves me with a strong desire to rewatch it as soon as possible.
Spanky (George McFarland) and the Gang want to play football, but he’s forced to babysit his younger sister. Hoping that she will be less trouble if she is asleep, Spanky and Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) try to find ways to make her sleepy. This one was fairly amusing. Admittedly, it’s really a two-joke short, with Spanky first trying to wear his sister out (and getting tired himself), and then he and Alfalfa try to quietly sneak out of the bedroom (and fail to do so) after she is fast asleep. Still, it was entertaining and left me laughing, so it would be worth seeing again!
Spanky (George McFarland) was just given a new fishing pole for his birthday, and he wants to try it out! However, it’s Sunday, and all the other kids warn him against skipping Sunday School (but he ignores them, to his regret). This one was a lesser short, in my opinion. It certainly had its moments, especially with all the stuff that goes wrong for Spanky as he attempts to go fishing. It goes a little off the rails for the last few minutes as Spanky and his compatriots Buckwheat (Billie Thomas) and Porky (Eugene Lee in his debut as the character) find themselves stumbling upon a baptism ceremony for blacks during an eclipse, with the kids getting scared by the spirited members. Those last few minutes drag this short down (and certainly aren’t politically correct nowadays, either), which is more or less why this one didn’t work quite as well for me.
You’re Telling Me! (1934)
Plot Synopses: Optometrist and inventor Samuel Bisbee (W. C. Fields) is in trouble with his family. His daughter, Pauline (Joan Marsh) wants to marry Bob Murchison (Larry “Buster” Crabbe), but his high society mother (Kathleen Howard) won’t hear of it. Samuel tries to sell his puncture-proof tire to the National Tire Company, but a mix-up in cars results in his sale falling through, leaving him pondering suicide by taking iodine. He decides against it, and ends up “helping” another passenger who had some iodine (but was NOT considering suicide). That passenger turns out to be the princess Marie Lescaboura (Adrienne Ames), who decides to help him out after hearing his story. Will things turn out all right for Samuel and his family with the princess’ help, or will his family be forever ashamed of him?
Film Length: 1 hour, 6 minutes
Extras: “Wayne And Shuster Take An Affectionate Look At W. C. Fields” Vintage Documentary, Trailers for The Old-Fashioned Way (1934), You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man (1939), The Bank Dick (1940), My Little Chickadee (1940) and Alice In Wonderland (1933)
Format: Blu-ray
Label: Kino Lorber Studio Classics
My Rating: 10/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions.
On The Transfer: According to the Blu-ray case, this transfer comes from a new 2K master. Quite simply stated, this transfer looks quite good! It really shows off the detail in the picture. There is some minor damage in the form of scratches, dust and debris, but it’s not so bad as to mar an otherwise fantastic release!
Man On The Flying Trapeze (1935)
Plot Synopses: Although he caught a pair of burglars in his cellar, Ambrose Wolfinger (W. C. Fields) finds himself in jail briefly for making liquor without a permit. While he’s in jail, his brother-in-law Claude Neselrode (Grady Sutton) steals Ambrose’s ticket to a big wrestling match. On the advice of his daughter, Hope (Mary Brian), Ambrose decides to take the afternoon off from work to try to see the match anyway. However, when asking his boss for the afternoon off, he lies and says that his mother-in-law had died and he was going to her funeral. He gets the afternoon off, but will he manage to see the wrestling match (or survive when his wife and still-alive mother-in-law find out about his lie)?
Film Length: 1 hour, 6 minutes
Extras: “Wayne And Shuster Take An Affectionate Look At W. C. Fields” Vintage Documentary, Trailers for The Old-Fashioned Way (1934), You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man (1939), The Bank Dick (1940), My Little Chickadee (1940) and Alice In Wonderland (1933)
Format: Blu-ray
Label: Kino Lorber Studio Classics
My Rating: 9/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions.
On The Transfer: According to the Blu-ray case, this transfer comes from a new 2K master. Like You’re Telling Me!, this one looks pretty good as far as detail is concerned. Again, not all the scratches, dirt and debris have been dealt with, but what’s there doesn’t really interfere with enjoying the movie itself.
You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man (1939)
Plot Synopses: Circus owner Larson E. Whipsnade (W. C. Fields) has been keeping a promise to his late wife to put his kids through college. However, the circus is losing money as a result, and he has to stay on the move to keep ahead of his creditors. Larson’s daughter, Victoria (Constance Moore) has fallen for ventriloquist Edgar (Edgar Bergen), even though he and his dummy Charlie McCarthy can’t stand Larson. However, with the circus close to being taken over by its creditors, Victoria feels she must do her part by marrying the wealthy Roger Bel-Goodie (James Bush). Will true love win out, or will Victoria marry a man she doesn’t care for to help her father out?
On The Transfer: According to the Blu-ray case, this transfer comes from a new 2K master. Again, this one looks pretty good. There are some scratches and other debris to be found, but nothing serious. Likely to be the best this movie will look, and I have no problem with that, as good as it came out!
My Overall Impressions
Like with the other entries in my “What’s Old Is A New Release Again Roundup” series that have focused on my “Stars/Screen Teams Of The Month,” I’m sticking to comments about my stars (in this case, comedian W. C. Fields). In these three films (You’re Telling Me!, Man On The Flying Trapeze and You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man), W. C. Fields is up to a lot of his usual antics. In all three films, he plays a father to a very loving daughter. The earlier two films have him married to a nagging wife (of varying degrees), and have him resorting to booze a bit more. In You’re Telling Me!, the film’s memorable moments include his drunken entrance to his home at the start of the film, him buying an ostrich for his wife as an “apology pet” and the golfing sketch that ends the film. For Man On The Flying Trapeze, the whole opening sequence, in which Field’s character Ambrose is first being admonished by his wife to hurry up and come to bed (while he slowly takes off his socks and neatly folds them up) before she pushes him to get up and go after some burglars in the cellar, is quite funny, as is a later sequence in which he keeps receiving tickets from different policemen for being parked in a “no parking zone,” even though he was asked by one to pull over. You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man has some unforgettable moments, mostly within the running feud between Fields’ Whipsnade and Edgar Bergen’s dummy Charlie McCarthy (capitalizing on the “feud” between them on the radio show “The Edgar Bergen And Charlie McCarthy Show”) plus his daughter’s engagement party (in which he tells stories about some rattlesnakes, which keep causing the hostess to faint, as she fears snakes) and also him partaking in a heated game of ping pong. While these films are humorous throughout due to W. C. Fields, I personally consider these to be some of his strongest moments in each.
Well, now that I’ve commented on all of these films, I’ll give you my rankings on these releases, from highly recommended (1.) to least recommended (3.):
You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man (1939)
You’re Telling Me! (1934)
Man On The Flying Trapeze (1935)
With this group of films, it really does come down to what I think of the movies themselves as to which I would recommend. Transfer-wise, they’re all pretty similar, with each sporting a new 2K scan that contains some scratches and other debris in small amounts. So, the films themselves are the thing. I admit, even though I recommend it the highest, You Can’t Cheat An Honest Man has the most politically correct issues, with Edgar Bergen’s dummy Charlie McCarthy wearing blackface briefly (in order to cover up a black eye), not to mention Eddie Rochester’s stereotyped character. Apart from those two issues, though, it really was the most hilarious, especially with Edgar Bergen and his dummies Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd adding to the fun. The other two films are generally quite good (with the golf sketch alone in You’re Telling Me! making that film worth seeing). Man On The Flying Trapeze does feel the weakest overall as a film, but it’s still strong enough that I could recommend that film just as easily as the other two. So, I certainly suggest giving all three a try, especially on Blu-ray!
Welcome back for another full post of Coming Up Shorts! This time, I’m going with the Hal Roach theatrical shorts featuring The Little Rascals, and some of their shorts from 1933-1935 that have been released together on disc in The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 4.
Here’s a list and quick plot description for each of the shorts included in this set (for my comments on the individual shorts, click on the title to go to my previous reviews):
Dorothy (Dorothy DeBorba), Dickie (Dickie Moore) and Spanky’s (George McFarland) mother has received a letter from her brother stating that he is in town with a carnival and wants to meet the kids. The kids go to the carnival, but they mistake the “Wild Man From Borneo” (their uncle’s “sideshow attraction”) as their uncle.
Mush And Milk (1933) (Length: 18 minutes, 18 seconds)
The gang are all stuck at a boarding school run by a cranky old lady (Louise Emmons). Her husband, Cap (Gus Leonard) promises to give the kids a better life when his back pension comes through.
Spanky’s (George McFarland) father (Emerson Treacy) has just been promoted to head shipping clerk, and has decided that Spanky must now sleep on his own. However, Spanky has a lot of trouble getting to sleep on his first night alone.
Spanky’s (George McFarland) parents decide to have his picture taken. However, after listening to the other kids from the Gang who tag along, Spanky refuses to sit for a picture!
Jerry (Jerry Tucker), the new kid in the neighborhood, has his own small fire engine (and the envy of the Gang). However, he doesn’t want to share it with them, leading them to put together their own fire engine.
Wally (Wally Albright) and the Gang try to fix up a doll for Marianne (Marianne Edwards), but a bully breaks her doll. So the Gang tries to get her a new doll, but they have to deal with the bully and his father to get it.
Little rich boy Wally (Wally Albright) wants to play with some poor kids, and hangs out with the Gang. When they’re chased off the vacant lot that they’re playing on, Wally decides to bring them (and their pet donkey) to his home.
Mike Fright (1934) (Length: 17 minutes, 26 seconds)
The “International Silver String Submarine Band” (that’s the Gang) auditions as part of an amateur radio talent contest against a bunch of other talented kids.
Rich boy Waldo (Wally Albright) tries to get into a football game with the Gang, and ends up falling in the mud. His mother is throwing a society party (at which she expects him to play the violin), so the Gang tries to help wash out his clothes.
Upon listening to his father read about the discovery of pirate treasure in a cave, Spanky (George McFarland) decides to lead the gang on a treasure hunt in a cave. However, his mother is opposed to the idea and orders him not to go.
The Gang are taken to a party hosted by the sponsor for their orphanage, where an adult couple finds a lamp and wishes to be kids again. They are mistaken for being part of the group of orphans, and are brought back to the orphanage.
With thirty-three talkie shorts from the Our Gang/ The Little Rascals under their belts, the Hal Roach series continued to make changes as they kept plugging along. Longtime Our Gang director Robert McGowan (who had been with the series essentially since the beginning) had tired of doing the series and wanted to leave for a few years, but his departure kept getting delayed as the studio couldn’t come up with a replacement for him. The Hal Roach studio tried to change up the series, including shrinking the cast down to a small handful to appease McGowan (with Dickie Moore, Bobby “Wheezer” Hutchins and Dorothy DeBorba leaving after Mush And Milk), but McGowan finally had enough and left after directing Wild Poses. As a result, the series went on hiatus for four months. When they came back, they had a new director (Gus Meins) and several new cast members, including Wally Albright (who only lasted for a handful of shorts), Scotty Beckett and Billie Thomas (“Buckwheat”).
As I said in my previous reviews of Volume 1 ( which contained the shorts 1929’s Small Talk through 1930’s A Tough Winter), Volume 2 (1930’s Pups Is Pups through 1931’s Dogs Is Dogs) and Volume 3 (1932’s Readin’ And Writin’ through 1933’s Forgotten Babies), these shorts are still new to me. For me, the shorts included in this fourth volume continued to be as much fun (if not more!) as the earlier talkie shorts. George “Spanky” McFarland continues to be the main appeal here, and the two shorts that showcase him (Bedtime Worries and Wild Poses) left me laughing pretty steadily. Of course, the introduction of Scotty Beckett really added something as well, essentially making the two of them a comedy team that worked quite effectively (especially in The First Round-Up). Mike Fright, Mama’s Little Pirate and Shrimps For A Day also left me in stitches throughout, making them worth seeing again and again! Not every short in this set is perfect, as The Kid From Borneo and Washee Ironee in particular are both dated in some of their stereotyped depictions. Still, the rest of the set more than makes up for it, which makes this fourth volume of Our Gang shorts highly recommended in my book (and I certainly look forward to seeing more with the fifth volume)!
As I mentioned in my reviews of the earlier volumes, ClassicFlix announced (in late 2020) that they had licensed the Little Rascals shorts, and planned to restore the talkies (and the silents if the talkies sold well enough, which it sounds like they have). The film elements for many films and shorts originally produced by Hal Roach’s studio have changed hands a number of times over the years, and haven’t been as well preserved as most would hope. ClassicFlix tried a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the restorations for the Little Rascals series, but that ended up falling short. Still, they went through with their plans to restore the shorts, and, much like the first three sets, these shorts look fantastic (some minor damage is still present, but is BARELY noticeable)! This set doesn’t necessarily give any hints as to what film elements were used like the first one did (beyond the comment on the disc case about scanning from original Hal Roach 35mm film elements), but the results speak for themselves (and if you don’t believe me, I included some of the YouTube clips posted by ClassicFlix at the bottom of the post so that you can get a better idea)! Once again, the team at ClassicFlix have put a lot of hard work into restoring these, and I would certainly recommend this fourth volume (plus the first three as well, if you haven’t gotten them already)! With the fifth and sixth sets already released (thus completing all the talkies before MGM took over the series), we only await the arrival of the silents in 2023 (some of which will be on Blu-ray while others will be DVD-only due to the quality of the available elements)! In the meantime, there will also be The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection Centennial Edition on Blu-ray (or DVD) from ClassicFlix. This set will include all the talkie shorts included in the six volumes (although it will be condensed onto five discs instead of six) plus a bonus disc of extras (that bonus disc will also be available separately, and will come with a six-disc box for all those that previously bought the individual volumes, although it won’t be available through Amazon until after its release date).
The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 4 is available on Blu-ray from ClassicFlix. The whole set has a runtime of three hours, thirty-eight minutes.
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Welcome back to my new “Whats Old Is A New Release Again Roundup” series! This time around, I’m back to focusing on titles released on the Blu-ray format in 2022. Since it is focused on Blu-ray releases not related to any specific star or screen team (which means the rate of releases is much faster), I will not be updating this one (except to add links to full reviews if and when they are reviewed later on). So, let’s dig into the movies For Me And My Gal (1942), The Clock (1945), Adventures Of Don Juan (1948) and Jack And The Beanstalk (1952)!
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Note: Due to the fact that I’ve reviewed For Me And My Gal (1942) previously, I have added one of my “Coming Up Shorts!” comments to that review.
The Gang all decide to go camping at the nearby Cherry Creek. However, when night falls, the kids all start to reconsider the idea. I’ve been enjoying some of the previous shorts from the Our Gang series, but this one was REALLY entertaining! Plain and simple, the highlights of this short all have to do with Spanky (George McFarland) and Scotty (Scotty Beckett), especially as they continually prove to be smarter than the older kids (who didn’t want them tagging along). They definitely brought the humor here, and made it one that I definitely want to return to frequently!
Little rich boy Wally (Wally Albright) wants to play with some poor kids, and hangs out with the Gang. When they’re chased off the vacant lot that they’re playing on, Wally decides to bring them (and their pet donkey) to his home. This was yet another entertaining short! Most of the fun centers around the donkey, who chases after anybody when they sneeze, but sits when they hear a bell. Of course, Spanky (George McFarland) and Scotty (Scotty Beckett) add to the fun, trying to help stop the donkey with an alarm clock while otherwise commenting on everything going on. It may be something of a one-joke short the way they use the donkey, but they keep it fresh enough that I certainly would willingly sit through this one again!
The “International Silver String Submarine Band” (that’s the Gang) auditions as part of an amateur radio talent contest against a bunch of other talented kids. Plain and simple, this one was VERY FUNNY!! Much of the humor was in the kids loudly carrying around all their instruments and all the mechanical trouble they caused with the microphone. Spanky (George McFarland) and Scotty (Scotty Beckett) still seem to be the funniest two of the bunch, and get a lot of one-liners that kept me in stitches. I would say that this is one of the best shorts from the fourth volume of Our Gang talkies, and I would readily recommend it!
For Me And My Gal (1942)
Plot Synopses: In the small town of Clifton Junction, Iowa, in 1916, two different vaudevillian acts meet at the same theatre. Dancer Harry Palmer (Gene Kelly) makes an offer to Jo Hayden (Judy Garland) (who is part of a troupe led by Jimmy Metcalfe, played by George Murphy) to work together as a song-and-dance team. She accepts, but their rise to fame is slow (much slower than Harry wanted). The two fall for each other, but they make the mutual decision to wait for marriage until they can make it to the top, the Palace Theater in New York City. When they are finally signed to appear there, Harry gets his draft notice. Will they be able to play the Palace (and be a married couple), or will the war put an end to their plans?
Film Length: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Extras: Commentary by historian John Fricke; MGM shorts La Fiesta De Santa Barbara (1935) and Every Sunday (1936); Outtake Musical numbers: Three Cheers For The Yanks and For Me And My Gal Deleted Finale; Screen Guild Players For Me And My Gal with Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and Dick Powell; Leo Is On The Air Radio Promo and Theatrical Trailer
Label: Warner Archive Collection
My Rating (after Blu-ray): 10/10 (previously 9/10)
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: I’ve seen this one many times, and always enjoy coming back to it! Judy Garland and Gene Kelly (in his film debut) prove that they have great chemistry in their first outing together. The film helps show the journey that some vaudevillians had to go through on their quest to get to the Palace Theater in New York City, helped by some authentic music of the era. The dances may not be on the level that Gene Kelly was later known for, but they’re still entertaining. I had a high enough opinion of the film to recommend it on DVD (see original review here), and it’s even more fun on Blu-ray!
On The Transfer: The transfer comes from a 4K scan of the best available preservation elements. Quite simply stated, it’s a typical (great looking) Warner Archive release. The detail is much improved over the previously available DVD, and the picture has been cleaned up of all scratches, dust and debris. Otherwise translated, the Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection is the way to go when seeing this movie now!
The Clock (1945)
Plot Synopses: Corporal Joe Allen (Robert Walker) is on leave for two days and has just arrived in New York City via train. He knows nobody there, until he accidentally trips Alice Mayberry (Judy Garland), breaking her heel. He helps her get it repaired, and they spend some time together. Alice has to leave, but they agree to meet later for a date. As they spend more time together having various adventures, they start growing closer. With Joe’s leave quickly coming to an end, will they go their separate ways, or will they find a way to stay together?
Film Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Extras: Pete Smith Specialty Short: Hollywood Scout (1945), Classic Tex Avery Cartoon: The Screwy Truant (1945), Audio-only Lux Radio Theater Adaptation with John Hodiak and Judy Garland and Theatrical Trailer
Label: Warner Archive Collection
My Rating: 10/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: This was my first time seeing this Judy Garland film, and it’s one that I enjoyed! The film mainly focuses on the relationship between Judy’s Alice Mayberry and Robert Walker’s Corporal Joe Allen, and their chemistry together proves to be good enough to carry the film! We see them go from being complete strangers to falling in love as they have a whole bunch of adventures together over a period of two days. Some of those episodes are fun, some are romantic, and some are heartbreaking. This movie has it all (even if it is a non-musical role for Judy), which makes it well worth seeing!
On The Transfer: The transfer comes from a 4K scan of the best available preservation elements. It’s from Warner Archive, so you know it looks great! The picture has been cleaned up of scratches, dust and debris, and really shows off the detail. Highly recommended!
Adventures Of Don Juan (1948)
Plot Synopses: When he is caught one too many times by irate husbands/potential suitors, Don Juan de Maraña (Errol Flynn) is deported back to Spain. There, it is hoped that he will reform himself in the service of Queen Margaret (Vivica Lindfors), who is trying to avert a war between Spain and England. Trouble has arisen in Spain due to the Duke de Lorca (Robert Douglas), who has been trying to control the Spanish King Philip III (Romney Brent) and lead the countries into war. Much to the duke’s annoyance, Don Juan continues to get in his way. Eventually, it is discovered that the duke has kidnapped the Spanish ambassador and is trying to torture him to find out where the ambassador has hidden some money that he is holding for the queen. This forces the duke out of the shadows as he attempts to more openly usurp control. Can Don Juan stop him, or will the duke successfully take over the country?
Film Length: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Extras: Commentary by Director Vincent Sherman and Historian Rudy Behlmer; Warner Night At The Movies: Newsreel, Joe McDoakes Short So You Want To Be On The Radio (1948), Warner Bros. Short Calgary Stampede (1948), Warner Bros. Cartoon Hare Splitter (1948); Theatrical Trailer
Label: Warner Archive Collection
My Rating: 8/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: This was a new Errol Flynn film for me, and I very much enjoyed it! I can’t deny, the film does remind me strongly of the far superior The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938) via a score that feels similar, and various plot points (not to mention some brief footage borrowed from that film and 1939’s The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex). Errol Flynn is definitely showing his age here (especially since it was his first swashbuckler in nearly a decade), but he acquits himself very well in a very tailor-made role for him. The swordfights are still thrilling to see, especially the inevitable duel between Flynn’s Don Juan and Robert Douglas’ Duke de Lorca. It’s not Errol Flynn at his absolute best, but it’s still a very entertaining swashbuckler made better by his presence (and therefore recommended)!
On The Transfer: The transfer comes from a 4K scan of the nitrate Technicolor negatives. It’s from Warner Archive, and it’s a 3-strip Technicolor film. That pretty much says it all, as the transfer really brings out the color, and it’s been cleaned up of all scratches, dust and debris. So, if you like this film, the Blu-ray is indeed the way to go!
Jack And The Beanstalk (1952)
Plot Synopses: Jack (Lou Costello) has been tasked with babysitting an obnoxious little boy (David Stollery) and attempts to read him the story of Jack And The Beanstalk (although the kid ends up reading to him). As Jack imagines the story, he places himself in the role of the titular Jack, who sells his family cow to local butcher Mr. Dinklepuss (Bud Abbott) in exchange for some “magic beans.” When planted, the beans turn into a very tall beanstalk that reaches to the skies. Jack and Mr. Dinklepuss climb the beanstalk to go rescue the prince (James Alexander) and princess (Shaye Cogan) along with other objects of value that have been stolen by the giant (Buddy Baer). Will they succeed in their mission, or will the giant win out?
Film Length: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Extras: Newly Recorded Introduction By Lou’s Youngest Daughter, Chris Costello; Commentary by Abbott and Costello expert Ron Palumbo, with recollections from Jack And The Beanstalk co-star David Stollery; newly discovered footage of Abbott and Costello performing “Who’s on First” on December 2, 1940; Imperfect Spectrum: A Brief History of Cinecolor by Jack Theakston; Climbing The Scales: The Music Of Jack And The Beanstalk by Ray Fiola; Beanstalk Ballyhoo by Ron Palumbo; Cutting Down the Beanstalk by Ron Palumbo; Abbott And Costello Meet the Creature – Live TV Appearance from February, 1954; Rudy Vallee radio sketch (February, 1945) with photo gallery by Shane Fleming; Restoration Demo; Behind The Scenes photo gallery by Chip Ordway with 1952 children’s recording; Publicity Materials photo gallery by Chip Ordway; Abbott And Costello Trailer Rarities = 18 original “Coming Attraction” previews including Jack And The Beanstalk; Fireman Save My Child trailer and commentaries by 3-D expert Mike Ballew or Ron Palumbo; ClassicFlix Trailers for A Night In Casablanca (1946), Abbott And Costello TV Show: Mustard, The Little Rascals Vol. 4, Merrily We Live (1938), Zenobia (1939)
Label: ClassicFlix
My Rating: 7/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: I’ve seen Jack And The Beanstalk a number of times over the years, and, even though I consider it one of the lesser Abbott and Costello films, I still like to see it every now and then. My biggest problems with the film are with its less than memorable music (although the songs “I Fear Nothing” and the title song are at least decent), the less-than-polished dancing and the less-than-stellar performances of James Alexander and Shaye Cogan as the film’s central romance. Bud and Lou really don’t do any of their comedy routines here and instead try more to appeal to kids (and they do well enough that they still manage to be funny in the process). Of course, doing the film in a manner that evokes thoughts of the far superior The Wizard Of Oz (1939) with the opening and closing in sepia-tone while the rest of the film is in (SuperCine)color doesn’t exactly do it any favors either. Still, it’s fun for what it is, an Abbott and Costello movie in color (the only other one is the same year’s Abbott And Costello Meet Captain Kidd) and it’s worth giving a chance (especially now that it’s been restored)!
On The Transfer: This transfer comes from a 4K scan from 35mm SuperCinecolor elements. The 3-D Film Archive has painstakingly restored this film to get it looking as close to how it should, making the color look much better than it has in a long time, and allowing us to enjoy the opening and closing in its original sepia-tone. The vast majority of scratches, dust and other debris have been cleaned up here. It should be noted here that, for the color section of the film, it is a bit grainier than some might expect. This is due to the original film elements having disappeared when the film was sold off back in 1959 (long before it became public domain), and the best available elements are several generations away from that (meaning they are much grainier). As a result, we have the choice of a grainier picture that shows off the detail, or a picture with the grain removed (and the detail removed with it). I believe they made the right choice, making this the best release this film has seen in a long time (if you want the extras, don’t wait too long to get it, as it is a limited edition that will go out of print soon, although a barebones release may happen later on, depending on how this one sells)!
My Overall Impressions
Well, now that I’ve commented on these four films, I’ll give you my rankings on these releases, from highly recommended (1.) to least recommended (4.)
(tie) For Me And My Gal (1942)
(tie) The Clock (1945)
Adventures Of Don Juan (1948)
Jack And The Beanstalk (1952)
When you get down to it, this is a group of films in which I really have no hesitation in recommending each release, especially in terms of the transfer. I think that Jack And The Beanstalk (1952) has the weakest one, if only because the best available elements are several generations away from the original camera negative, which made it much grainier than some might like. I think the film itself is the weakest, but the release more than makes up for it with nearly two and a half hours of extras (making it the best release of this bunch from that perspective). Do keep in mind that, like I said before, it’s a limited edition which is likely to sell out soon, and if it comes back in print after that, it is very likely that it will only be a barebones release (so if you want those extras, get this one now). The other three releases really are on equal ground as far as their transfers go, as they all look exceptionally great. I think that, as a film, Adventures Of Don Juan (1948) is weaker than either of the two Judy Garland films, but it’s still an entertaining outing for Errol Flynn. And as for For Me And My Gal (1942) and The Clock (1945)? It really is a tie in my opinion, as both are absolutely wonderful films worth seeing. And that, my friends, is what I think of this group of new releases on Blu-ray!
Welcome back to my new “Whats Old Is A New Release Again Roundup” series! This time around, I’m focusing on titles released in 2022 featuring either Bob Hope or Dorothy Lamour (or both), whether they be on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD. Due to the slower pace of releases, I will be starting out with two films, and updating this post as I see more (with the updates showing up on the 2022 Releases page). This post will be completed when I have seen all of the titles released in 2022, or at the tail end of March 2023 (whichever happens first). So, let’s dig into some of Bob and Dorothy’s films that have seen a new release in 2022, which so far includes Monsieur Beaucaire (1946) and Where There’s Life (1947)!
Remember, as an Amazon Affiliate, this site gets a small percentage for every purchase made upon using one of the Amazon links, even if it’s not the movie I linked to (and it’s at no extra cost to you). If you like what I’m doing with the blog, please consider using them so that I can continue to do more!
Update: On 2/12/2023, comments were added on the recent Blu-ray releases of The Last Train From Madrid (1937) and Fancy Pants (1950), along with remarks on two more shorts for the “Coming Up Shorts” series, all of which completes this post for the year.
Spanky’s (George McFarland) parents decide to have his picture taken. However, after listening to the other kids from the Gang who tag along, Spanky refuses to sit for a picture! This was yet another hilarious short, particularly with Franklin Pangborn playing the photographer (who frequently gets a punch in the nose from Spanky). Of course, as an audience member seeing the other kids messing with the photographer’s equipment, I can’t blame Spanky for not wanting his picture taken. There’s some humor to be found with Emerson Treacy and Gay Seabrook returning to play Spanky’s parents, although Gay Seabrook wears out her welcome a bit with her attempts at humor. Still, this was a fun one, and one that I wouldn’t mind revisiting with some frequency!
Jerry (Jerry Tucker), the new kid in the neighborhood, has his own small fire engine (and the envy of the Gang). However, he doesn’t want to share it with them, leading them to put together their own fire engine. Hi’-Neighbor proved to be a fun one! Jerry Tucker shows himself to be a good foil to the rest of the Gang, as he inadvertently pushes them to use their ingenuity to make their own fire engine! Of course, watching Spanky (George McFarland) try to help Stymie by “passing him a wheel” is one of the most amusing moments, as are the instances of Jerry getting his comeuppance. The only problem is the use of rear-screen projection during their final race, which takes away from the sense of speed and danger needed. Other than that, this one was fun, and worth seeing!
The Adams school is hosting a banquet for their current students and some of their alumni. Spanky (George McFarland) and the Gang put on a show for everybody. This one was fairly entertaining. There are several musical numbers, including “Baby Face” (sung by Darla Hood to Eugene “Porky” Lee), “Broadway Rhythm” (sung by Spanky), “Going Hollywood” (sung by Georgia Jean LaRue) and “I’m Through With Love” (sung by Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer). The main recurring joke (and done rather well) is Buckwheat (Billie Thomas) attempting to get involved by reciting “Little Jack Horner” instead of just holding the placards like Spanky keeps ordering him to do. There are some brief appearances by former Our Gang members Mickey Daniels, Mary Kornman, Joe Cobb and Matthew “Stymie” Beard, although only Mickey gets to actually speak. Overall, a fun short that I would love to revisit!
Butch (Tommy Bond) has arrived, and declared himself the big shot of the group, willing to take on the toughest kid. Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) is accidentally volunteered, so Spanky (George McFarland) takes it upon himself to train Alfalfa for the fight. This one was quite funny, with Alfalfa’s training being the main source of humor. Spanky and Alfalfa are assisted by Buckwheat (Billie Thomas) and Porky (Eugene Lee), who spend most of their time shaking their heads as if they know that Alfalfa’s “training” won’t work. The showdown between Alfalfa and Butch was also quite entertaining, and I would say that the overall short is worth seeing again and again!
The Last Train From Madrid (1937)
Plot Synopses: The city of Madrid has been devastated by the Spanish Civil War. The military is offering one last train for civilians to escape the city, but they can only get on with special passes. The story follows seven people throughout the day as the train departure approaches. Some are newly in love, some are on the run from the military. All hope to escape to a new life, but will they be able to get on the train?
Film Length: 1 hour, 18 minutes
Extras: Audio Commentary by Entertainment Journalist/Author Bryan Reesman; Trailers for The Last Train From Madrid (1937), Road To Singapore (1940), Donovan’s Brain (1953), Thunder Bay (1953), The Ride Back (1957), The Song Of Songs (1933) and The Accused (1949)
Format: Blu-ray
Label: Kino Lorber Studio Classics
My Rating: 8/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Check overall impressions.
On The Transfer: According to the Blu-ray case, this transfer comes from a new 2K master. I would say that this film looks quite good! The picture is nice and clean, with the vast majority of the dust and dirt removed. Some scratches still exist, but they are few and far between, and really don’t subtract from the film’s image. It’s certainly the best way to see this movie!
Monsieur Beaucaire (1946)
Plot Synopses: There are some forces pushing for war between France and Spain (led by Spanish General Don Francisco, as played by Joseph Schildkraut, who seeks to usurp the Spanish throne during wartime). However, the kings of the respective countries are trying to avoid war, and agree to an alliance via royal marriage of Princess Maria of Spain (Marjorie Reynolds) to the French Duke de Chandre (Patric Knowles). In leaving France, de Chandre lets the ex-royal barber Monsieur Beaucaire (Bob Hope) pose as the duke in order to escape being executed. Under this charade, the real duke meets the princess and falls for her (without knowing who she is), while Beaucaire has to deal with the Spanish general’s attempts to assassinate him and prevent the alliance. Can Beaucaire maintain this masquerade and convince his ex-girlfriend Mimi (Joan Caulfield) to come back to him, or will war break out between the two countries?
On The Transfer: According to the Blu-ray case, this transfer comes from a new 2K master. Apparently, there must not have been great elements to work with, as this has been one of the more disappointing transfers of a Universal-owned Bob Hope film to come from Kino Lorber Studio Classics. There’s still a fair amount of scratches, dust and dirt still present (although it’s only really egregious during the opening credits, and improves somewhat afterward). The image is also a bit darker in a lot of places than it seems like it should be. In spite of these issues, it’s not completely unwatchable, and likely to be as good as we can expect for now.
Where There’s Life (1947)
Plot Synopses: With the recent end of World War II, the small country of Barovia is looking forward to its first democratic election to replace the monarchy, but a secret society called the Mordia (who hopes to gain power) has attempted to kill Barovian King Hubertus II (William Edmunds). With him dying, the country’s only hope of preventing the Mordia from rising to power before the election is to find the son he had years earlier when he married an American woman (a marriage he was later forced to have annulled). Now, his son is radio announcer Michael Valentine (Bob Hope), who is about to marry Hazel O’Brien (Vera Marshe). A group of Barovian delegates, led by General Katrina Grimovitch (Signe Hasso), attempt to keep Michael alive and bring him to Barovia. But with the Mordia constantly trying to kill Michael, and Hazel’s cop family chasing after him when he misses the wedding, will he be able to survive and help Barovia in their time of need?
On The Transfer: When Kino Lorber Studio Classics originally announced that they had licensed this film (before they had a street date), it was said that this transfer was going to be from a 4K scan of the best available elements done by Universal. While that comment was later dropped for the official press release (and the back of the Blu-ray case), I can confirm that this film looks quite good! The picture is highly detailed, and most of the scratches, dirt and debris have been cleaned up (and what remains really isn’t that distracting). So, this release is indeed the best way to see this movie!
Fancy Pants (1950)
Plot Synopses: Hoping to impress nouveau riche Agatha Floud (Lucille Ball) and her mother Effie (Lea Penman), an Englishman hires a group of actors to portray his family and servants. It doesn’t go well, but Effie decides to bring the “butler” Humphrey (Bob Hope) back to their home in Big Squaw, New Mexico, in order to help reform her down-to-earth husband. Trouble arises when her husband misinterprets her message about Humphrey, and tells everybody in town that Humphrey is an earl that was pursuing Agatha (which especially infuriates Agatha’s self-appointed beau, Cart Belknap, as played by Bruce Cabot). Word about the “earl” even reaches President Theodore Roosevelt (John Alexander), who decides to come meet him. With all the townspeople hoping that the president’s visit will help them to achieve statehood, can Humphrey and the Flouds successfully pull off this deception?
On The Transfer: According to the Blu-ray case, this film was “Remastered in HD by Paramount Pictures — From 4K Scans of the 35mm YCM Three-Strip Technicolor Elements.” Having seen this release, I would guess that either Kino was given the wrong transfer, or that it was done poorly. Compared to Warner Archive Collection’s releases of three-strip Technicolor films, this one is at times out of focus and the color doesn’t seem quite as vivid as one would like. Also, there is periodically some dust and dirt (nothing major, but it is there). It does look decent at times, but that really is all that can be said about this release. It’s still recommended, if only because the movie itself is such a hoot.
My Overall Impressions
Like my post in this series for Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, I have eschewed individual comments on these films to reflect on Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour’s presence in these films. Now that I’ve seen all four films, I can express my thoughts about all of them with regard to Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. Monsieur Beaucaire, Where There’s Life and Fancy Pants all feature Bob Hope with his usual screen persona, that of a coward who keeps dishing out quips but manages to be a hero when the chips are down. While none of these films have any “Bing-Crosby-cameo-in-a-Bob-Hope-film” appearances, Bing is referenced in both Monsieur Beaucaire and Where There’s Life (okay, it might be pushing it a bit to say that he’s referenced in Monsieur Beaucaire, but who says “bing” instead of “bang” when talking about someone being shot, especially in a Bob Hope film?). For Monsieur Beaucaire, Bob’s big comedic moments (apart from his quips) are his obsession with his girlfriend Mimi due to his worries about the other lotharios in the French court (which actually leads to them gaining an interest) and the final swordfight between him and Joseph Schildkraut’s General Don Francisco. As to Where There’s Life, some of his best moments come when dealing with William Bendix’s Victor O’Brien, the cop brother of Vera Marshe’s Hazel, especially when Bob’s Michael Valentine tries to explain the ridiculous situation that he finds himself in. Fancy Pants finds Bob working with Lucille Ball for the second time (following the previous year’s Sorrowful Jones). Obviously, the two of them working together is the film’s main highlight. Apart from that, Bob’s other highlights include all his run-ins with her character’s self-appointed boyfriend Cart Belknap (as played by Bruce Cabot), particularly their final brawl. Also, the film’s “fox hunt” for President Roosevelt is quite hilarious! In The Last Train To Madrid, Dorothy Lamour finds her character torn between two old friends, one of whom has been incarcerated for a few years, and the other is a captain who just helped his friend escape from certain death. She only has a few appearances, but she manages to convey her feelings quite well, as we see her try to figure out which of the two friends she really loves (all while planning to escape from the city). There are certainly other memorable moments in these films, but the ones I mentioned are among the standouts.
Well, now that I’ve commented on all four of these films, I’ll give you my rankings on these releases, from highly recommended (1.) to least recommended (4.):
Where There’s Life (1947)
Fancy Pants (1950)
The Last Train From Madrid (1937)
Monsieur Beaucaire (1946)
When it comes to which of these releases are recommended, this is a slightly tougher decision. For me, all three Bob Hope films (Monsieur Beaucaire, Where There’s Life and Fancy Pants) are extremely enjoyable movies that keep me laughing and eager to return to them (and I’d give a slight edge to Fancy Pants from that group), and, while not *quite* as good, The Last Train From Madrid was also up there. However, other factors are also at play here. Where There’s Life and The Last Train From Madrid both have the superior transfers, with very little damage present. Fancy Pants almost feels like it used the earlier DVD transfer (in spite of what the case states), but, whether that is true or not, it’s not up to snuff for a three-strip Technicolor film. Monsieur Beaucaire also came out looking less-than-stellar (whether it’s because of the state of the film elements used or who did the restoration work, I don’t know). Coming back around to The Last Train From Madrid, my main knock against the film is that Dorothy Lamour, despite being top-billed in the credits, has very little screen time (and, considering this post is on the films of Bob and Dorothy, that does affect my opinion here at least slightly). Obviously, these films didn’t all come out equally here, but I would still say that every one of them has at least something to recommend about it.
Welcome back to my new “Whats Old Is A New Release Again Roundup” series! This time around, I’m focusing on titles released on the 4K UHD format in 2022. Due to the slower pace of releases on the format (which is even slower when you account for the number of films that actually appeal to me), I will be starting out with two films, and updating this post as I see more (with the updates showing up on the 2022 Releases page). This post will be completed when I have seen all of the titles that I wanted that were released in 2022, or at the tail end of March 2023 (whichever happens first). So, let’s dig into some of the films that have been released on 4K UHD, starting with Singin’ In The Rain (1952) and West Side Story (2021)!
Remember, as an Amazon Affiliate, this site gets a small percentage for every purchase made upon using one of the Amazon links, even if it’s not the movie I linked to (and it’s at no extra cost to you). If you like what I’m doing with the blog, please consider using them so that I can continue to do more!
Note: Due to the fact that I had already used a short from a different set on my original review of Singin’ In The Rain (1952), I will not be adding another one on that post or this one.
Update: On 11/16/2022, comments were added on the recent 4K UHD release of Holiday Inn (1942). Due to there being a previously written review for that film, the “Coming Up Shorts!” comments were added to that review.
Update: On 3/19/2023, comments were added on the recent 4K UHD releases of I, The Jury (1953) and the 6-film Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, along with remarks on six more shorts for the “Coming Up Shorts” series (plus comments on another which was added to the previously written review for It Happened One Night). While these may not be all of the 4K UHDs from 2022 that I’ve bought (or that appealed to me), since it is March 2023, this post is completed for the year (with plans for individual reviews of the remaining tites as part of my regular “Thoughts From The Music(al) Man” series throughout 2023 and beyond).
Dorothy (Dorothy DeBorba), Dickie (Dickie Moore) and Spanky’s (George McFarland) mother has received a letter from her brother stating that he is in town with a carnival and wants to meet the kids. The kids go to the carnival, but they mistake the “Wild Man From Borneo” (their uncle’s “sideshow attraction”) as their uncle. This one is a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s pretty good. The short’s main problem is the characterization of the “Wild Man From Borneo” (who is a black man), but the short also makes sure to tell us that he is really not a threat (but the kids themselves certainly don’t know that). One of the short’s more amusing moments is when Spanky is cornered, and feeds this bottomless pit of a man everything in the icebox. It’s not a great short, but it certainly provided a few good laughs throughout.
Spanky (George McFarland), Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) and Buckwheat (Billie Thomas) overhear their teacher ask the superintendent if she can close the school to attend a wedding. When they hear the superintendent say that she would only close the school for an epidemic, the kids decide to create an “epidemic” of their own! This one was quite entertaining! The way the kids portray their “epidemic” is quite hilarious, as is their visit to the veterinarian (who quickly figures out that they’re faking). Of course, part of the fun is what Spanky and Alfalfa overhear when Buckwheat is being “examined,” with them thinking that Buckwheat has been given a monkey serum that turned him into a monkey! This one was worth quite a few laughs, so I would definitely consider seeing this one again!
Tired of the “indignities” that their mothers are subjecting them to (like babysitting and taking dancing lessons), Spanky (George McFarland), Alfalfa (Carl Switzer), Buckwheat (Billie Thomas) and Porky (Eugene Lee) decide to run away from home. When the tired and hungry boys get to a nearby town, they find themselves in trouble with a local shopkeeper (who overheard them discussing their plans and decides to teach them that home isn’t so bad). This one was a bit of fun, especially watching Spanky and Alfalfa try to get some food “for their dog, Pete,” only to wind up with dog biscuits, while Buckwheat and Porky (who found the shopkeeper’s dog) are able to get cakes and other treats. The kids’ attempts to escape (after being captured) were also fun, especially when a chicken was trying to pull Alfalfa’s “personality” (what he called his cowlick). It’s not quite as good as some of the previous shorts, but it’s still good fun, and worth seeing!
Spanky (George McFarland), Alfalfa (Carl Switzer), Buckwheat (Billie Thomas) and Porky (Eugene Lee) entertain Darla (Darla Hood) and her family, but it gets late and a storm starts up, forcing them to spend the night. Darla’s father (Johnny Arthur) gets stuck with the boys, and can’t get a wink of sleep. As usual, this one was quite hilarious! Obviously, the boys’ antics as they try to sleep (and keep interrupting Darla’s father’s sleep) is what makes this one memorable. Of course, the moment you see Darla’s father attempt to sleep on the couch with a bearskin rug as a blanket, you know at least one joke that is coming, but that doesn’t take away from the bit being so funny! This one was a lot of fun, and definitely worth seeing again!
For a show, Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) is pretending to be William Tell by shooting darts at apples, but accidentally hits Butch (Tommy Bond). Alfalfa pretends to faint, but that only delays the inevitable when Butch promises to come back and beat him up. Compared to some of the last few Little Rascals shorts, this one was somewhat disappointing. There’s some humor to be found, mostly in the ways that Spanky (George McFarland) helps him feign a “dislocated leg” (and the circumstances that almost give it away). Still, the jokes didn’t build up well enough and left me cold (but not enough to convince me to never watch this one again).
The Gang have their own voice studio, through which they intend to enter Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) in an amateur radio contest. However, Butch (Tommy Bond) is determined to win, and threatens to give Alfalfa’s manager Spanky (George McFarland) a black eye if he lets Alfalfa take part. This was another entertaining short! What’s fun is seeing the “office” that the kids have put together for their voice studio, and the various contraptions they have that almost make it seem like an adult office. Also, Alfalfa crooning “Just An Echo In The Valley” (with some assistance from a frog) is quite memorable. Overall, a lot of fun in a short time, and one that I would gladly see again!
Coming Up Shorts! with… The Pigskin Palooka (1937)
Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) has been away at military school, but in his letters home, he’s been bragging about his (fake) athletic achievements in American football. When he comes home, the Gang drag him into a game with their rivals, and it’s all he can do to keep from getting creamed! This was another entertaining entry in the Little Rascals series. Obviously, the main fun here is watching Alfalfa try to keep out of the game, only to accidentally help his team win when he is on the field. It’s especially funny when he is carrying the ball (stuck to his hands by a piece of gum) and trailing a bunch of banana peels (with predictable results). I had quite a few good laughs out of this one, which makes it worth seeing again in my book!
Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3
Label: Sony Pictures Entertainment
It Happened One Night (1934)
Plot Synopses: The wealthy heiress Ellen Andrews (Claudette Colbert) has just married famous aviator King Westley (Jameson Thomas) against her father’s wishes. Her father attempts to hold her in Miami and have the marriage annulled, but she escapes. Trying to evade his private detectives, she takes a bus to New York City. On that bus, she meets recently-fired reporter Peter Warne (Clark Gable), who offers to help get her to New York in exchange for the story. But will they successfully get to New York (and her husband), or will everything change for them along the way?
Film Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Extras (on the 4K disc): You Can’t Run Away From It (1956)
Extras (on the included Blu-ray): Frank Capra Jr. Remembers… “It Happened One Night;” Screwball Comedy? A Conversation Between Critics Molly Haskell and Phillip Lopate; Original Live Radio Broadcast; Commentary By Frank Capra Jr.; Vintage Advertising; and Theatrical Trailer
My Rating: 10/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: It’s a wonderful screwball comedy (but don’t let that fool you, as it certainly has its dramatic moments, too)! Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert shine in their Oscar-winning roles as a pair thrown together by her desire to get back to her new husband (against her father’s wishes). There are good laughs to be had here, especially with the film’s famous hitchhiking scene. There’s not a sour performance in the whole film. It comes very highly recommended (but be careful, or you might get “The Daring Young Man On The Flying Trapeze” stuck in your head 😉 )! If you need to know more, you can read my original review here.
On The Transfer: According to the booklet included as part of the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, the film was given a 4K restoration in 2012 (which was the source of the transfer for the nearly ten-year-old Criterion Collection Blu-ray/DVD). The transfer on the 4K UHD builds on that restoration, taking care of additional flicker and dirt (which was better hidden on the Blu-ray), while adding an HDR color grade. The film’s popularity throughout its ninety years has resulted in sections of the original camera negative being damaged and replaced with duplicate footage (even as early as 1939). As a result, there was only just so much that could be done on those dupe sections even with today’s restoration technology. Some of those sections look a bit rougher (but still pretty good). The vast majority of the film, though, is a thing of beauty, that to me makes this UHD easily worth it. It’s now my preferred method of seeing this great film, and is a very highly recommended release (so get it while it’s still in print, either as part of the set or through eBay, as it may not ever get a solo release via retailers)!
From Here To Eternity (1953)
Plot Synopses: At Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, Captain Dana “Dynamite” Holmes (Philip Ober) is only concerned with his own potential promotion, and he pins his hopes of being promoted on winning the boxing championship with his regimental team (especially now that former Army champion Private Robert E. Lee “Prew” Prewitt, as played by Montgomery Clift, has transferred to his company). However, Prewitt (who had accidentally blinded a former sparring partner) wants nothing to do with the boxing team, even when the other members of the team make his life miserable. The captain’s adjutant, First Sergeant Milton Warden (Burt Lancaster), warns Prewitt not to buck the captain’s plans, but the sergeant risks his own neck by having an affair with the captain’s wife, Karen (Deborah Kerr). Prewitt enjoys the support of his friend, Private Angelo Maggio (Frank Sinatra), but Maggio gets into trouble with stockade Sergeant James R. “Fatso” Judson (Ernest Borgnine), resulting in a lot of trouble. Will all these problems resolve themselves, or will something else intervene?
Film Length: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Extras (on the 4K disc): Strength And Sacrifice: The Making Of From Here To Eternity; Eternal History Revisited: Filming The Unfilmable; Eternal History Revisited: Final Victory; From Here To Eternity 1980 TV Pilot; and Trailers
Extras (on the included Blu-ray): Eternal History: Graphics-In-Picture Track; Audio Commentary With Tim Zinnemann And Alvin Sargent; Making Of From Here To Eternity; and Fred Zinnemann – “As I See It” (excerpt)
My Rating: 10/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: This film was new to me via this set (although I had certainly heard of it before), and I will readily admit that I liked it enough that the set was worth it for this film (plus some of the others that I liked)! I think Frank Sinatra’s supporting performance in this one was stellar (and very much deserving of his Oscar win), but I think that ALL the cast did a great job. Each and every character had their flaws, but it was not hard to want to follow their stories. Obviously, this film has some obvious ways in which it got around the Production Code of the day (such as the New Congress Club being a social club with “hostesses” instead of a brothel like in the original novel), but they don’t take away from the experience. All in all, this film is a well-known classic for a reason, and comes highly recommended from me!
On The Transfer: According to the booklet included as part of the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, the new 4K restoration came from scans of the one surviving reel of the original camera negative, plus a 35mm fine grain master made from the original negative back in 1954 (which they were able to use fully this time, with digital technology allowing them to remove scratches that had previously forced them to use a 35mm duplicate negative for those sections). The image is pristine, and the 4K transfer really brings out the detail. I would definitely recommend this 4K UHD, as it really is the best way to see this wonderful classic!
To Sir, With Love (1967)
Plot Synopses: Unable to find work as an engineer, Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) decides to take a job as a teacher at North Quay Secondary School in London. He finds himself in charge of a very unruly group of students, who pushed their previous (late) teacher over the edge and who also intend to do the same to him. His attempts to teach them don’t go very well at first, until he loses his temper after one of their stunts. Pausing to contemplate the situation, he realizes they are now young adults, and changes his teaching method to reflect that. Will his new idea get through to his students, or will they continue to cause him (and the other teachers) trouble?
Film Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Extras (on the 4K disc): A Tribute To Sidney Poitier and To Sir, With Love TV Pilot (1974)
Extras (on the included Blu-ray): To Sir, With Love II (1996); Look And Learn; Those Schoolboy Days; Audio Commentary with Novelist E. R. Braithwaite and Author/Teacher Salome Thomas-El; Audio Commentary with Judy Geeson and Film Historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman; E. R. Braithwaite: In His Own Words; Lulu And The B-Side; Miniskirts, Blue Jeans And Pop Music!; To Sidney, With Love; Principal El: He Chose To Stay; To Potter, With Love; Beginnings Of An Acting Career; and Theatrical Trailer
My Rating: 9/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: It’s a delightful and timeless story of an inexperienced teacher who is able to get through to a group of unruly kids when more experienced teachers fail. Sidney Poitier’s performance as the teacher makes this movie work, and he is ably supported by all the younger actors and actresses as the “kids.” It’s not a film that I would normally stick on, but I can’t deny that it’s fun to watch from start to finish! I like the title song, although I personally think it might be a little overused in this film (but that’s a VERY minor nitpick with an otherwise wonderful movie). I would highly recommend this film!
On The Transfer: According to the booklet included as part of the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, the new 4K restoration came from scans of the original camera negative. All I can say is that it looks quite wonderful! The picture still has a healthy level of grain like it is supposed to, and the detail is just superb! The 4K also really brings out the film’s colors quite well, and makes for a very pleasing picture. Quite simply stated, this is another typical (great!) Sony restoration, and this 4K IS the best way to see this wonderful classic!
The Last Picture Show (1971)
Plot Synopses: It’s 1951, and things are slow in Anarene, Texas. High school senior Sonny Crawford (Timothy Bottoms) has just broken up with his girlfriend, and begins an affair with his coach’s wife, Ruth Popper (Cloris Leachman). Sonny’s friend, Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges) has been going steadily with Jacy Farrow (Cybill Shepherd), although her mother (Ellen Burstyn) is advising her against marrying Duane. Things are already tenuous in the town, and then leading citizen Sam the Lion (Ben Johnson) passes away. Will everybody be able to hold it together without him, or will the town slowly fade away?
Extras (only on the included Blu-ray of the Definitive Director’s Cut): A Tribute To Peter Bogdanovich; The Last Picture Show: A Look Back; A Discussion With Filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich; Commentary With Peter Bogdanovich; Location Footage; Theatrical Re-Release Featurette; Teaser Trailer and Theatrical Trailer
My Rating: 6/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: With this film being new to me, I watched both the theatrical and definitive director’s cut (with my preference being for the director’s cut). I admire the film’s set, as the town does indeed look run down and dying, in between the well-worn buildings and the mostly vacant streets. The film’s relationships really show how much the kids are struggling, with most of the adults still acting a bit childish (or missing from the scene entirely), so we have to watch the teens navigate life on their own (except for the advice of Sam the Lion, as played by Ben Johnson in his Oscar-winning role). Personally, I think the movie works better with multiple viewings, so that you can catch more details that you might have missed the first time. When all is said and done, this movie really isn’t my cup of tea (hence my lower rating for it), but I do recognize that, for many others, this is a well-regarded classic. For that reason, I would still recommend it heartily.
On The Transfer: According to the booklet included as part of the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, the new 4K restoration came from scans of the original camera negative. While I’ve never seen the film before this 4K release, I can say that the transfers for both the theatrical film and the definitive director’s cut look (and sound) absolutely fantastic. The picture looks nice and sharp, readily showing off the detail. There is no damage present, and the audio is as good as you could hope for. Seriously, this is the best way to see this movie.
Annie (1982)
Plot Synopses: Annie (Aileen Quinn) is living at the Hudson Street Orphanage run by the perpetually drunk and cruel Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). In order to improve his image, billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks (Albert Finney) offers the opportunity for an orphan to stay at his home for one week, and Annie convinces his secretary, Grace Farrell (Ann Reinking), to take her. In that time, Annie becomes endeared to his whole staff (and him, too), so Mr. Warbucks offers to adopt her. When she declines because she is waiting for her own parents to return for her, he volunteers to help find them by offering a reward. Miss Hannigan’s con artist brother, Rooster (Tim Curry) and his girlfriend seek the reward, enlisting Miss Hannigan’s help to succeed with their ruse. Will their plan work, or will Annie find where she belongs?
Film Length: 2 hours, 7 minutes
Extras (on the 4K disc): Little Orphan Annie (1932)
Extras (on the included Blu-ray): Revisiting Annie with Aileen Quinn; Behind The Music with Charles Strouse; Looking Back; Audio Commentary with Cast Featuring Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry and Rosanne Sorrentino; Sing Along With Annie; My Hollywood Adventure with Aileen Quinn; Musical Performance by PLAY: “It’s The Hard-Knock Life;” and Original Trailers and TV Spots
My Rating: 8/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: First off, I should say that I’ve never seen the stage show, which may affect how I view this film (compared to those who have seen it). This was a thoroughly enjoyable film for me! The music is fun, especially the show’s two most well-known tunes “Tomorrow” and “It’s A Hard-Knock Life” (although “Let’s Go To The Movies” was certainly fun as well). The dancing is pretty good, and the comedy is well worth it, especially when Carol Burnett is onscreen (and Daddy Warbucks’ radio ad for the Bert Healy radio show is itself worth quite a few laughs)! It may not be the best musical ever made, but it’s certainly a good movie to stick on for a rainy afternoon or when feeling low!
On The Transfer: According to the booklet included as part of the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, the new 4K restoration came from scans of the original camera negative (as opposed to intermediate film elements used on the film’s previous transfer). Not having seen the film before the new 4K UHD, I can’t say how it has looked previously. What I can say about it is that the new transfer looks splendid, with all the dirt cleaned up, and it really shows off the film’s color. As far as I’m concerned, THIS is the way to watch this perfectly charming film!
As Good As It Gets (1997)
Plot Synopses: Romance novelist Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) (who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder) really doesn’t get along with most people and thinks mainly of himself. That starts to change when his gay neighbor Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear) is badly injured in a robbery, and his partner forces Melvin to take care of their dog while Simon recovers. Then Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), who works as a waitress at the restaurant that Melvin frequents (and is the only one who puts up with his behavior), decides to leave her job for one closer to home (so that she can take better care of her asthmatic son). Both situations disrupt Melvin’s lifestyle, but he starts to care for the dog and attempts to help out Carol by offering to pay for better medical care for Carol’s son. Reluctantly, he also helps out Simon by trying to take him to his parents (with Carol as a chaperone for the trip) when Simon struggles financially. Will Melvin become a better human being in the process, or will he still drive them both away?
Film Length: 2 hours, 19 minutes
Extras (on the included Blu-ray): Commentary (featuring James L. Brooks, Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear); Behind The Scenes Footage; Deleted Scenes; The Making Of As Good As It Gets; Theatrical EPK Selected Soundbites; and Theatrical Trailer
My Rating: 7/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: This was another first-time viewing, and I would say that I did enjoy this comedy. The performances were all spot-on, and felt like real people. The comedy was never uproariously laugh-out-loud, but it still managed to make me laugh and smile. My biggest issue with this movie, though, is Jack Nicholson’s character. Again, his performance was great, but, when all is said and done, his character is so very unlikable and outright nasty to so many people throughout the entire film. Even when he seems to take a step in the right direction and improve as a person, he seems to do or say something that mitigates that improvement (and I don’t blame the character’s OCD). Still, I can understand why this film is well-regarded, and it’s still worth recommending in my opinion.
On The Transfer: According to the booklet included as part of the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, the new 4K restoration came from scans of the original camera negative (as opposed to a 35mm color interpositive made from the original camera negative in 1997 that had been used on the film’s previous transfers), with all the dust and dirt cleaned up. As a result of going back to the original negative, it really brought out the colors and details in the picture. In this case, the 4K UHD of this film really is “As Good As [This Film] Gets!”
Bonus Disc
Format: Blu-ray
Extras:
From Here To Eternity 1979 TV Mini-series (3 parts/episodes)
Holiday Inn (1942)
Plot Synopses: A three person song-and-dance team splits up when one of their members, Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby) gets the urge to buy a farm where he can rest and retire from show business. Farming doesn’t prove to be as easy or as restful as he thinks, and he decides to turn the farm into an inn that is only open for holidays (fifteen days a year). Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds) is sent to the inn to audition, and she gets a job there. Jim falls for her, but one of his former partners, Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire), finds himself partnerless. Upon meeting Linda, Ted also falls in love with her and wants to dance with her. Will Linda stay at the inn with Jim, or will she become a big star with Ted?
Film Length: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Extras (on both the 4K disc and the included Blu-ray): “A Couple Of Song And Dance Men;” “All-Singing All-Dancing;” “Reassessing ‘Abraham;'” Theatrical Trailer; and Feature Commentary By Film Historian Ken Barnes, including Audio Comments From Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby And John Scott Trotter
Label: Universal Studios
My Rating: 8/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: It’s a wonderful Christmas classic (obviously, it covers more than one holiday, but everybody remembers this film for its introduction of the song “White Christmas,” and for good reason)! Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire team up for the first time onscreen, with the resulting fun of “I’ll Capture Your Heart Singing” as the two of them try (and fail) to one-up each other in romance! Besides the two aforementioned songs, we also have some other fun Irving Berlin tunes including “Easter Parade” and “Be Careful, It’s My Heart.” The only real complaint about the film is the blackface number set to the song “Abraham.” The story may not be that great, but, apart from the blackface issues, this is a well-regarded film for good reason, and certainly recommended! If you need to read more on the film, check out my original review here.
On The Transfer: Honestly, this is a bit of a disappointing release. The 4K disc looks terrible, with a picture that is darker at times and loses some of the detail, and grain tends to be very distracting here, as if they are working from elements (or an older transfer) that doesn’t have 4K worth of data, although there are some moments here and there where the 4K disc actually looks good. Frankly, the included Blu-ray (which appears to use the same transfer, or close enough) actually looks better throughout. The Blu-ray is lighter and the grain is nowhere near as prevalent as it is on the 4K. Also, depending on your feelings about this, the film starts with a vintage Universal logo preceding the film’s Paramount logo. I only mention this because the film was originally produced by Paramount, was part of a large group of films sold to Music Corporation Of America (MCA)/EMKA , Ltd. in the 1950s, before becoming part of Universal Studios’ library when MCA took over the studio in the 1960s. Realistically, this release is at best recommended to those who don’t have the Blu-ray already (and even then it is questionable). If you already have the Blu-ray, then don’t bother with this one. If you want either the Broadway show or the colorized version of the film (neither of which is included as extras with this release), then I would suggest going with one of the earlier Blu-ray releases.
Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
Plot Synopses: Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are two of the biggest silent film stars in Hollywood. However, an encounter with one of his fans (Kathy Selden, as played by Debbie Reynolds) has left Don questioning whether he really can act. And now he really needs to prove that he can, as sound has come to the movies! He’s got the support of Kathy and his old friend Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor), but Lina proves to be a problem since she speaks with a heavy accent (not to mention the fact that she can’t sing or dance). Will Don and Lina’s new sound film prove to be a hit with audiences, or a flop?
Film Length: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Extras (on the 4K disc): Commentary by Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Cyd Charisse, Kathleen Freeman, Stanley Donen, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Baz Luhrmann and Rudy Behmer; Musical Numbers
Extras (on the included 2012 Blu-ray): Commentary by Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Cyd Charisse, Kathleen Freeman, Stanley Donen, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Baz Luhrmann and Rudy Behmer; Singin’ In The Rain: Raining on a New Generation, Jukebox, Theatrical Trailer
Label: Warner Home Video
My Rating: 10/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: The classic music of Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown. Gene Kelly’s iconic dance in the rain to the title tune. Donald O’Connor’s pratfall-filled dance to “Make ‘Em Laugh.” All the comedy and the romance a film could need. What more needs to be said? (If more does need to be said, please read my original full review here).
On The Transfer: I had always thought that the earlier Blu-ray (from 2012) looked pretty good, but the new UHD blows it out of the water! The resolution is certainly much improved, allowing us to see better detail in the image (and all this from a film whose original camera negative was mostly destroyed, save for one reel, in the infamous 1978 Eastman House fire, and which has relied mostly on dupe negatives ever since). The colors are much improved by the HDR, toned down from the slightly yellowish image on the Blu-ray and DVD (and, according to the experts on the subject that I’ve read, the UHD is closer to being what it is supposed to look like). Of course, if you’re looking to “future-proof” this film, then do know that the Blu-ray included with the UHD is still the 2012 release, and not a remastered Blu-ray with a new transfer (which admittedly does allow you to see just how different the UHD is from the older Blu-ray). I’ll certainly recommend the 4K UHD quite heartily as the best way to enjoy this wonderful classic!
I, The Jury (1953)
Plot Synopses: Insurance investigator Jack Williams (Robert Swanger) is murdered. His old friend and war buddy, private investigator Mike Hammer (Biff Elliot) is angry, and is determined to catch his friend’s killer, one way or another. His main suspects are a group of people that were at a party that Jack had recently hosted. Mike tries to question everybody, but soon finds them all dropping off like flies. With an increasing body count, can Mike manage to catch the killer before everybody (including himself) gets killed?
Film Length: 1 hour, 28 minutes
Extras (on the 4K disc): Commentary by Max Alan Collins and Archival Commentary with Biff Elliot
Extras (on the included Blu-ray): Commentary by Max Alan Collins; Archival Commentary with Biff Elliot; Archival Interview with Biff Elliot; Deep In The Shadows – The 3D World Of I, The Jury; Television Episodes: Unaired Mike Hammer TV Show Pilot, O. Henry Playhouse TV Episode Starring Preston Foster, O. Henry Playhouse TV Episode Starring Peggie Castle, and Public Defender TV Episode featuring Biff Elliot; and Trailers for Michael Shayne Mysteries, O Henry Playhouse Clip – “The Reformation Of Calliope,” Raw Deal (1948) and T-Men (1947)
Label: ClassicFlix
My Rating: 7/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: It’s a decent film noir-type of movie. Biff Elliot’s performance isn’t the best, as he mainly tends towards being either angry or horny (at least, as much as he could be for the time that this movie was made), but he carries the movie well enough. The movie certainly leans towards being sexist in its portrayal of all the female characters (many of whom are almost purely out to seduce the film’s leading man), but that’s probably the film’s biggest sin. The mystery is decent (even if it is semi-easy to solve). The film doesn’t make much use of its Yuletide setting, but its use of holiday greeting cards when transitioning from one location to another makes it worth seeing around the Christmas holiday. Its main appeal is going to be for 3-D enthusiasts, but it’s still worth recommending to everyone else.
On The Transfer: This film has been “Restored by UCLA Film & Television Archive in conjunction with PKL Pictures Ltd. and Romulus Films Limited,” both in 3-D (on the Blu-ray only) and 2-D. First off, I haven’t got the tech to watch this film in 3-D, so I cannot comment on that version myself. I can only say that most of what I’ve heard is overwhelmingly positive (and therefore the 3-D Blu-ray, available either individually or with the 4K UHD, is probably the best way to watch this movie). As for the 4K UHD, I think it looks pretty good. It’s not the best black-and-white presentation I’ve seen on the format, as it does have a few (very, VERY minor) issues, but I don’t think they take away anything from the overall presentation. As best as I can tell, there is no HDR, so it becomes your own choice as to whether to you want to watch it on the Blu-ray (which has both the 3-D and 2-D versions) or the 4K (which will be my personal choice for future viewings).
West Side Story (2021)
Plot Synopses: In the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the Jets are fighting for control of their territory with the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. The Jets’ former leader, Tony (Ansel Elgort), is trying to stay out of it, but he finds himself drawn in when he falls for Maria (Rachel Zegler), the sister of the Sharks’ leader, Bernardo (David Alvarez). This really angers Bernardo, pushing the Jets and the Sharks into a big all-out fight, with control of their territory at stake. Neither Maria nor Tony nor the police want this to happen. But, with all the hatred going around, can they stop the rumble before any blood is shed?
Film Length: 2 hours, 36 minutes
Extras (only on the included Blu-ray): The Stories of West Side Story, The Songs
Label: 20th Century Studios/Disney
My Rating: 10/10
Quick Comments
On The Movie Itself: Plain and simple, I did not expect to like this version since I essentially hated the 1961 film. Boy, did that opinion prove to be wrong! The cast did right by their roles. The music and dancing proved to be very entertaining and memorable! Even the cinematography left an imprint on me! I would go so far as to argue that this may be the best film musical I’ve seen made within my own lifetime (if not the best movie made within my own lifetime, it’s so enjoyable)!
On The Transfer: I thought the accompanying Blu-ray for this film looked pretty good, but the 4K UHD blows it out of the water! The detail is exquisite and the color pops, especially for the extremely colorful “America” song and dance! The transfer really shows off the excellent cinematography here! A highly recommended release!
My Overall Impressions
Well, now that I’ve commented on all of these films, I’ll give you my rankings on these releases, from highly recommended (1.) to least recommended (5, although in this case, the last spot is a two-way tie at 4.) (note: all box sets are ranked by the set as a whole):
Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
West Side Story (2021)
Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3
(tie) Holiday Inn (1942)
(tie) I, The Jury (1953)
Plain and simple, I think that Singin’ In The Rain is the better film of the whole bunch. It’s been a beloved classic for a long time (for good reason!), so it’s an easy choice (at least, it is for me since I prefer musicals). My own opinion is that the 4K UHD for the 2021 West Side Story is right behind it. I think that film looks better, but I would also say that that has to do with modern filming technology which allows it to have much better detail, which is combined with the fact that the original camera negative for Singin’ In The Rain no longer survives (but, as I said, that film still looks great on the 4K UHD, too). Next up would be the six films included in the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 3, all of which look very good (even the weakest-looking film in the bunch, It Happened One Night, is still a great transfer). The only thing there is how you feel about any of the films themselves, as they won’t appeal to everybody (and, for those that don’t want all six of them, they probably can be found individually on places like eBay, if you so desire). Of course, here’s my own personal ranking of the group, from highly recommended (1.) to least recommended (6.):
It Happened One Night (1934)
From Here To Eternity (1953)
To Sir, With Love (1967)
Annie (1982)
As Good As It Gets (1997)
The Last Picture Show (1971)
Last up, we have a tie (or at least, close enough to one) between Holiday Inn and I, The Jury. As a movie, Holiday Inn easily bests I, The Jury, as it’s a well-regarded classic that doesn’t need to rely as much on a gimmick. As far as the transfers go, that’s where I, The Jury shines more. I, The Jury is still not perfect, with a few minor issues (and no HDR on the 4K UHD, for those that care about it), and the reality is that more will care about the 3-D version of the film that is only on the Blu-ray (at least, those that actually have the equipment to watch it that way). Obviously, some of these films are easier to recommend than others, but each has at least something to make them appealing.
Thoughts From The Music(al) Man 