Elsa Lanchester

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
SUPER..califragilisticexpialidocious :)
Mary Poppins
Practically Perfect in Every Way. Until the Last Hour.
FANTASIC 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Julie Andrews , Dick Van Dyke , David Tomlinson , Glynis Johns , and Hermione Baddeley
Director: Robert Stevenson , and Dave Bossert
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Full Screen Edition)
The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (30th Anniversary Edition)
Bambi (2-Disc Special Edition) (Platinum Edition)

ASIN: B0002VEPRQ
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Amazon.com essential video

There is only one word that comes close to accurately describing the enchanting Mary Poppins, and that term was coined by the movie itself: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even at 2 hours and 20 minutes, Disney's pioneering mixture of live action and animation (based on the books by P.L. Travers) still holds kids spellbound. Julie Andrews won an Oscar as the world's most magically idealized nanny ("practically perfect in every way," and complete with lighter-than-air umbrella), and Dick Van Dyke is her clownishly charming beau, Bert the chimney sweep. The songs are also terrific, ranging from bright and cheery ("A Spoonful of Sugar") to dark and cheery (the Oscar-winning "Chim Chim Cher-ee") to touchingly melancholy ("Feed the Birds"). Many consider Mary Poppins to be the crowning achievement of Walt Disney's career--and it was the only one of his features to be nominated for a best picture Academy Award until Beauty and the Beast in 1991. --Jim Emerson

Description

Experience the extraordinary animation, dazzling special effects, and award-winning music of Walt Disney's MARY POPPINS in this fully restored and remastered 2-Disc 40th Anniversary Edition! Join the "practically perfect" Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) for a "Jolly Holiday" as she magically turns every chore into a game and every day into a whimsical adventure. Along the way you'll be enchanted by unforgettable characters such as the multitalented chimney sweep Bert (Dick Van Dyke). Unpack Mary's magical carpetbag full of bonus features, including an all-new animated short, games, and a never-before-heard deleted song. You won't need "A Spoonful Of Sugar" to love every moment of this timeless Disney classic!

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-05-11

We had a flawless transaction on this one. Plus, what a great classic. My wife loves Disney movies and this is one of her all time favorites, so it made a great gift.

SUPER..califragilisticexpialidocious :).......2007-05-10

Absolutely delightful for my just-turned 3 year old daughter. She knows all of the songs and we sometimes just watch the feature which allows you to just play the songs...
I loved this movie as a child and I now really enjoy the movie on a different level as an adult. A classic and must-have in a child's dvd library!

Mary Poppins.......2007-05-09

Wonderful movie, even better on DVD. Just a little bit of sugar helps the medicine go down.

Practically Perfect in Every Way. Until the Last Hour........2007-05-03

There's a stretch of Mary Poppins, from around "The Perfect Nanny" until "I Love to Laugh," that really is perfect. Pure magic. But then that ending just drags and drags. The beauty of the movie, during that enchanting middle section, is that it is spirited and breathtaking, and delivers a message without being preachy. But then, shortly after the gang find themselves laughing to the point that they float to the ceiling, the energy starts to leak out of the movie. I appreciate that attention spans were longer a generation ago. But, two hours and twenty minutes for a children's musical? Could anyone- even back then- have really wanted to watch more of the Banks father being emasculated? There is "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "Step in Time" to break up the heavy handed morality, and then Mr. Banks' rebirth as a `quality-time' father is demonstrated briefly by his interest in kites. Don't get me wrong. I'm down with the messages: The pursuit of money and status doesn't guarantee happiness. Don't forget to appreciate and nurture your kids. You don't have to sacrifice limit-setting to be playful, and so on. But there's something annoying about having that message remastered, repackaged, and forcefully delivered by the encroaching, ubiquitous Disney colossus.

Mary Poppins does a tremendous piece of family therapy with the Banks. While one can find elements of structural family therapy in her work, she mainly uses a strategic approach, focusing less on insight and understanding and instead adopting a directive and authoritative stance to manipulate the elements of symptoms, metaphors, hierarchy, and power that form the secret language of the Banks family. In fact, there is no better illustration of a paradoxical intervention than when she sings the lullaby "Stay Awake." The late Jay Haley himself must have marveled at her technique. And it is a wonderful talent that allows Mary Poppins the character, as well as Julie Andrews the actress, to act in an authoritarian manner while projecting enough playfulness and charm to secure the alliance with not just the kids but the parents. Magic doesn't hurt the transference either.

Anyway, the stuff that's great is really priceless and well worth it. You should probably slog through the movie all the way at least once, perhaps in a few sittings, but then after that you can select to view just the musical numbers with the kids. Some of the behind-the-scenes bonuses are worth watching. It's always interesting to see how the creative process works, the little serendipitous moments that add up to brilliance.

I think I'm done. I managed to get through this review without saying "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." By the way, "dociousaliexpilisticfragicalirupus" is not strictly speaking the same word backwards. They throw in that "rupus" at the end to throw us off, but the rest of it is made up of roots, some of them multisyllabic, intact but in reverse order. Just wanted to mention that.

FANTASIC 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION.......2007-04-12

A great deluxe treament to an equally great film. Julie Andrews in her first film is just spellbinding as "Mary Poppins". The DVD has a great transfer and a load of interesting extras. One of Disneys finest moments.

Average customer rating:

FAST shipping!
One of the all-time classics!
murder by death kills with laughs!
Star Studded Spoof
A Wonderful Spoof

Murder by Death [Region 99]
Starring: Eileen Brennan , Truman Capote , James Coco , Peter Falk , and Alec Guinness
Director: Robert Moore
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Clue
The Cheap Detective [Region 99]
Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express
Without a Clue
Death on the Nile

ASIN: B00005RDRO
Release Date: 2001-12-18

Amazon.com

Neil Simon wrote this 1976 spoof in which virtually every famous fictional detective of the 1930s and 1940s congregate at the home of a mysterious fellow (Truman Capote) to try and solve the mystery of who's trying to kill them all. Simon's jokes are mostly obvious, and the film's real appeal is the clever concept matched with fine--sometimes legendary--actors. Peter Falk plays a very Bogart-like Sam Spade equivalent, James Coco is a Hercule Poirot wannabe, Peter Sellers does a Charlie Chan bit, David Niven and Maggie Smith are reflections of Nick and Nora.... You get the picture. Lighthearted and silly, this is cotton-candy comedy for the cast as well as viewers. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

FAST shipping!.......2007-05-18

Good price - got here in GREAT time, even with super saver shipping... The movie is hysterical and timeless.

One of the all-time classics!.......2007-03-27

My daughter and I have loved this movie since she was little and we still catch ourselves quoting our favorite lines from the movie! It is such a great spoof on old detective movies and there are so many of our favorite, big stars in it! It is really a fun movie!

murder by death kills with laughs!.......2007-02-26

murder by death has to be one of the best movies made
in the 70's. it seems nobody ever mentions this movie.
written by neil simon it's just as funny as the odd
couple. one liners just keep coming. the casting is
just brilliant. peter falk, davin niven, peter sellers
alec guiness and truman capote make this a classic!
of course the surprise ending is still a surprise even
after the movie ends! i love it! highly recommended.

Star Studded Spoof.......2007-02-25

A rich millionaire invites the greatest living detectives to his castle (complete with fog, lightning and rain etc) for dinner - and a murder. The surviving detective who figures it out is promised one million dollars.
OK, so it is not the plot or the inherently stagey nature of the movie that is classic - but the mixing of such a fine ensemble cast. A brilliant cast play similes of literatures great detectives - Peter Falk playing Bogart's Sam Spade crossed with Columbo (Sam Diamond in the movie), David Niven playing The Thin Man, Peter Sellers playing Charlie Chan (Wang in the movie), and Agatha Christies Poirot and Marples give rise to the hysterically monikered Milo Perrier and Miss Marbles. Add to that the iconic Truman Capote as the millionaire, and Alec Guinness as the blind butler as well as various sidekicks, and you have possibly the biggest set of scenery chewers crammed into one dining room.
The jokes are thick and fast, always farcical, but never straying too far into slapstick. Any misses are quickly forgiven as the next joke comes along.
Predictably perhaps the ending is not entirely satisfactory - a simple but clever ending would have been more effective than the over elaborate series of revelations which don't quite tie up. But lets face it, when you're having this much fun, who cares.
The 91 minute running time makes this a satisfactorily tight little movie that is ideal for a rainy Sunday evening...

A Wonderful Spoof.......2007-02-16

I first saw this movie as a young man, and I was amazed at the sheer number of first-rate acting talent it contained. With stars like: Peter Falk, David Niven, Peter Seller and Alec Guinness (to name a few) this movie should have been a more mainstream success, but sadly remains a cult-classic. The main appeal of this film, comes in the form of it's spoofing of the Detective drama, and the methods of classic TV and Movie sleuths. If you are fond of movies like "Scarey Movie," then you should enjoy this one. The script and acting are top-notch, especially the characterization of Detective Wong, by Peter Sellers. If you like Charlie Chan, Sam Spade, or the Thin Man movies, you will easily appreciate the humor and repect the writer give to the story. It is especially funny, seeing these loner detectives trying to tell each other how to solve a case. Even if you don't favor the realm of crime drama, there is more than enough goofy sight gags and slapstick comedy to appeal to most anyone. I hope you enjoy!

Average customer rating:

A highly skilled and professional movie, with four highly skilled and amusing performances
From the Old School!
Guilty, Your Honor - I Love This Movie
Charles Laughton Steals the Show
Prepare for a Kidney Punch!

Witness For the Prosecution
Starring: Tyrone Power , Marlene Dietrich , Charles Laughton , Elsa Lanchester , and John Williams (II)
Director: Billy Wilder
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Anatomy of a Murder
Inherit the Wind
Judgment at Nuremberg
12 Angry Men
Dial M for Murder

ASIN: B00005PJ6Z
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Amazon.com essential video

Billy Wilder cowrote and directed this brilliant 1957 mystery based on Agatha Christie's celebrated play about an aging London barrister (Charles Laughton) who's preparing to retire when he takes the defense in the most vexing murder case of his distinguished career. In his final completed film (he died of a heart attack less than a year later), Tyrone Power plays the prime suspect in the murder of a wealthy widow, and Marlene Dietrich plays the wife of the accused, whose testimony--and true identity--holds the key to solving the case. A classic of courtroom suspense, Witness for the Prosecution is one of those movies with enough double-crossing twists to keep the viewer guessing right up to the very end, when yet another surprise is deftly revealed. This being a Billy Wilder film, the dialogue is first-rate and the acting superb, with both Laughton and his offscreen wife Elsa Lanchester (playing the barrister's pesty nurse) winning Academy Awards for their performances. Although later films would concoct even more complicated courtroom scenarios, this remains one of the best films of its kind and a model for all those films that followed its lead. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton star in this brilliantly made courtroom drama (The Film Daily) that left audiences reeling from its surprise twists and shocking climax. Directed by Billy Wilder, scripted by Wilder and Harry Kurnitz and based on Agatha Christie's hit London play, this splendid, six-time Oscar-nominated* classic crackles with emotional electricity (The New York Times) and continues to keep movie lovers riveted until the final, mesmerizing frame. When a wealthy widow is found murdered, her married suitor, Leonard Vole (Power), is accused of the crime. Vole's only hope for acquittal is the testimony of his wife (Dietrich) but his airtightalibi shatters when she reveals some shocking secrets of her own! *1957: Best Picture, Actor (Laughton), Supporting Actress (Elsa Lanchester), Director, Sound, Film Editing

Customer Reviews:

A highly skilled and professional movie, with four highly skilled and amusing performances.......2007-06-13

"I'll snatch her thermometer," snarls the aging, portly, brilliant, irascible London barrister Sir Wilfred Robarts, just back in his office after spending time in a hospital recovering from a heart attack, "and plunge it between her shoulder blades!"

In Witness for the Prosecution, based on an Agatha Christie story and popular stage play, Sir Wilfred (Charles Laughton) is referring to his personal nurse and attendant, the chirpy and determined Miss Plimsoll (Elsa Lanchester). Sir Wilfred has strict instructions to give up everything he holds dearest, namely brandy, cigars and the excitement of criminal defense cases. Nurse Plimsoll is there to see that he does, as well as to give him his injections, make sure he swallows his pills and tuck him in for his afternoon naps. In an effort to sneak a cigar that first day back in his office, Sir Wilfred finds himself intrigued by the case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power). Vole is a charming, too charming, man whom we don't quite trust. He has been charged with murdering a rich, silly woman...who coincidentally changed her will in Vole's favor a week before her death. Vole stands to become a very wealthy man. There is means, motive and opportunity, and for Sir Wilfred, there is a challenge. Vole swears he's innocent, but his story is not altogether plausible. His only hope, and a shaky one it is, is the testimony of his German wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich). She has supplied an alibi, which cannot be verified, but at least she cannot be forced to testify against her husband. Then, when the marriage is found to be invalid, who should decide to become a witness for he prosecution? Sir Wilfred is mortified but even more determined to save his client.

The case, full of startling twists, legal shenanigans, first-rate performances and vivid characters, ends with a typically Agatha Christie surprise. Some argue that Christie perhaps was weak as a writer, but peerless as a storyteller, able to construct mystery plot puzzles that consistently stumped her readers until the last chapter. With Billy Wilder directing and Wilder and Harry Kurnitz, an old pro, providing the screenplay, Christie once again gives a surprise twist that leaves us open-mouthed, yet smiling at her cleverness. Thanks to Wilder and Kurnitz, we also have a conclusion that involves Sir Wilfred and Nurse Plimsoll that is immensely satisfying. If only there had been a sequel.

The four leads do marvelous jobs. In a way, the movie is about two relationships, not just one. There is the relationship between Vole and his wife. They met when Vole was a sergeant stationed in Germany right after WWII. He met Christine when she was earning money entertaining in a dive for soldiers. We see some of this in flashback. With Vole's opportunistic charm and Christine's cool manner, it's difficult to determine who, if either of them, is using whom, or to what degree love enters the picture. Christine's first entrance is memorable. Says Sir Wilfred to a group of fellows awaiting Mrs. Vole, "Be prepared for hysterics and even a fainting spell. Better have smelling salts handy and a nip of brandy." Then in walks Marlene Dietrich as Christine Vole, with perfect assurance. "I do not think that will be necessary," she says to Sir Wilfred. "I never faint because I am not sure that I will fall gracefully and I never use smelling salts because they puff up the eyes. I am Christine Vole."

In the second relationship, Sir Wilfred and Nurse Plimsoll provide the acerbic and mutually bullying comic relief for the movie. The two actors, however, married in real life, manage to develop a touching inter-dependence. It's not just a smile they give as at the end, but also a modest lump in the throat.

And personally, I was delighted to see Henry Daniell in a substantial secondary role. He plays Mayhew, the solicitor who brings Vole to Sir Wilfred. Daniell could look like he was sneering with disdain even if he was just admiring the view. He played some wonderfully upper-class cads and villains in a lot of so-so movies. He also was a first-rate actor, who, given the chance, could also play serious, concerned men, the kind you wouldn't mind having for a friend. He does a fine job here.

The movie, filmed in black and white, looks very good in the DVD transfer. There are no extras to speak of.

From the Old School!.......2007-04-25

"Witness for the Prosecution" is a first rate courtroom drama with razor sharp direction by Billy Wilder and a cast to die for. As the plot opens, "nice guy" Tyrone Power stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow. Unemployed and shiftless, he reminded this reviewer of Ray Milland in "Dial M for Murder". TP was the last known person to see the demised alive, has a shaky alibi-and is in the lady's will for big bucks! TP turns in desperation to big shot London lawyer Charles Laughton. In fact, Scotland Yard busts him in CL's office! Most have already commented on the lively courtroom drama but this reviewer admired the out of court sparring too as Laughton and his colleagues prepare for trial. Just out of the hospital, CL is perfect as the curmudgeonly and crafty barrister, even if he does tear up most of his scenes. His tart banter with his nurse (Elsa Lanchester) is softened by the knowledge that she was his real life wife. There are at least 3 huge plot twists to WFP, leading this observer to write a concise review in the interests of not divulging the ending. That leads us to female lead Marlene Dietrich: She is central to those twists- watch her closely! MD played 30 movies from 1930-1965; was she ever better than here? Hollywood took notice of WFP: It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Laughton) and Best Supporting Actress (Lanchester), though winning none. Dietrich was ignored by the Academy but nominated for Best Actress by the Golden Globes. How many times were husband and wife nominated together? WFP is filmed is beautiful black and white-a lost art-and features true economy of sets, perhaps reflecting its' stage origins. This review tried to maintain an aura of mystery about the ending; there is a good deal more suspense than implied here. Like the header states, WFP is a winner from the old school -one that has long since been out of session.

Guilty, Your Honor - I Love This Movie.......2007-04-19

The film is based on Agatha Christie's story with the enormous twist not on the last page but on the last line. Billy Wilder's direction is perfect and all actors get it right. Charles Laughton is absolutely superb; he has the best lines and scenes and he brings the wit, intelligence, and the heart to the film. Marlene Dietrich is perfect playing not one but three roles, convincingly transforming from one character to another, from the present to the past. This is not just a good mystery but a classic of the courtroom genre and a very enjoyable film even after you know the ending. "Witness for the Prosecutionis" is one of my favorite Agatha Christie's screen adaptations.

Charles Laughton Steals the Show.......2007-04-04

Witness for the Prosecution is an outstanding film with a number of great performances. I've seen some criticism of Tyrone Power but I can't agree. Far from wooden, he alternates between suave man-about-town and frantic defendant depending on the scene. Marlene Dietrich is also very compelling as his wife although I'm not sure I see her appeal as a sex-symbol which she used to enjoy. By far the best role, however, belongs to Charles Laughton as the defense attorney (or barrister) and he nails it beyond belief. His character is a classic curmudgeon but he plays it with such charm and humor that he is one of my favorite characters of all time from any movie.

The story moves along briskly and there are plenty of mood shifts as some scenes are very light and funny while others are quite tense. It's a bit of a roller coaster but one that is pure pleasure to ride. All in all, I highly recommend this film for virtually any movie fan.

Prepare for a Kidney Punch!.......2007-03-25

Yeah...I said a kidney punch. The VHS version [and I suppose the DVD as well]contains the warning spoken in theaters to please not reveal the surprise ending...so I won't. Suffice it to say it'll be awhile before you compose yourself enough to turn off your DVD player. This movie is a masterpiece of suspense. Charles Laughton is fabulous as the grumpy old barrister who just can't abide his doctor's order to never set foot in a courtroom again [I know the feeling first hand and he is brilliant at it]. And I just LOVE that line "Please Mayhew...not while I'm smoking!"[I've used it ever since].Marlene Dietrich plays the scheming German wife [this movie was made close enough to the War and all the drivel spoken in those days about "the German National Character"]to perfection [the flashback sequence even tells you why she needs to be a schemer). Tyrone Power gives a stunning performance [that's all I'll say about him] and Una O'Connor is positively delightful as, in the Laughton character's words, the "worthy and devoted housekeeper".

Beyond that, the courtroom stuff isn't half bad. The Judge's rulings make sense, up to and including his order on the motion to reopen the case. And last but not least...are you a trial lawyer? Like me, do you have problems avoiding a stroke when the jury is coming back in with a verdict?? Well...whoever wrote the score for that scene really knew his stuff...my heart starts hammering as if it were my case.

In short...this movie is all around worthwhile if you're looking for stimulating entertainment in the mystery genre! Five Stars. For more courtroom drama, see Chapter "Most Unsentimental Journey" in the first link and throughout the second! Hell's Quest: 1971Presumed Innocent

Average customer rating:

Darn That Cat!
Why, oh WHY is this FULL SCREEN???
That Darn Cat
My All-Time Favorite Comedy
Super movie for cat lovers

That Darn Cat!
Starring: Hayley Mills , Dean Jones , Dorothy Provine , Roddy McDowall , and Neville Brand
Director: Robert Stevenson
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Ugly Dachshund
Summer Magic
In Search of the Castaways
The Moon-Spinners
The Parent Trap (1961) and The Parent Trap II (1986): 2-Movie Collection (2-Disc Set)

ASIN: B00005JN0Q
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

When a slightly cross-eyed Siamese cat named D.C. (Darn Cat) turns up with a wristwatch around his neck instead of a collar, it could be just the clue the FBI needs to crack a series of bank robberies in this lightweight comedy from Disney. The watch belongs to a bank teller who has been taken hostage. Dean Jones stars as the good-hearted FBI agent assigned to the case. Unfortunately, he is highly allergic to, you guessed it, cats. Hayley Mills is D.C.'s doting owner who hatches a hair-brained scheme to follow D.C.'s every move until he returns to the crooks' hideout where he got the wristwatch. After a lot of sneezing, slapstick, and comedic intrigue, the bank robbers are foiled, the hostage is safe, and everyone is happy. An impressive supporting cast of Frank Gorshin, Elsa Lanchester, Roddy McDowall, and Ed Wynn add to the zaniness. Released in 1965 (and remade in 1997), it is understandably dated, but the performances are fun nonetheless. Hayley Mills is delightful as the determined and unflappable wannabe sleuth, and Dean Jones proves he is adept at physical comedy. This is a movie of little consequence, just a clean, fun diversion that the whole family can watch. The theme song is sung by Bobby Darin. --Peggy Maltby-Etra

Description

The fur flies when a smart Siamese cat goes undercover and Hayley Mills and Dean Jones team up for mystery, adventure, and wild comedy on Disney DVD. When the irrepressible and always hungry D.C. (Darn Cat) turns up with a wristwatch for a collar, it becomes a tip-off to an unsolved robbery and kidnapping. You don't know who's tailing who as nosy neighbors, jealous boyfriends, and a highly allergic FBI agent play a game of cat and mouse to crack the baffling case. Don't miss the spectacular supporting cast featuring Dorothy Provine, Roddy McDowall, Frank Gorshin, and Ed Wynn, plus 100 purr-cent feline family fun!

Customer Reviews:

Darn That Cat!.......2007-05-07

I'd been holding out on this title for a widescreen version of the film...which this is not. I am a widescreen snob like so many others but I just could not hold out any more. We have a 42" plasma TV and I'll tell you, the film did not look all that bad. It is stretched but, it doesn't look terrible. I'd prefer a lovely remastered anamorphic widescreen version but, in lieu of not knowing if that will ever happen....this will certainly do.

The movie is a little slow in parts but is a Disney classic. No child of the late 60's or 70's who grew up with Disney live-action movies could deny that this is one for the collection.

That Darn Cat! does deserve a special edition.

Why, oh WHY is this FULL SCREEN???.......2007-04-17

The movie is a delightful romp, with a cast of wonderfully talented actors. This was one of those transition films for Haley Mills, between childhood and adult. Dean Jones was great, and the supporting characters are just that - characters.

HOWEVER: This film was released to theaters in 1965, at a high point in the Disney studio history. It was shot in WIDESCREEN. Why is it now only available on DVD in full screen???

This is a FIVE STAR movie. I give it four stars, subtracting one for the full screen DVD format.

That Darn Cat.......2007-02-09

Still a favorite after all of these years! Cute and charming, with plenty of laughs. Even my "cool" pre-teen boys really enjoyed it.

My All-Time Favorite Comedy.......2006-12-19

This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Yet, it is funny without being too silly. Dean Jones was excellent playing what is basically a straight man's role, with some of the other characters (including the cat) being the comedic stars.

The villains are very effective. You can tell from the beginning of the movie we are not dealing with typical comedy villains. One of them, played by Frank Gorshin (a year before he showed up as the Riddler in the Batman TV series). It creates the tension of a woman whose life is in danger, which is the set up for the story.

One of my all-time favorite scenes is where D. C. (for "Darn Cat") is playing with a butterfly in front of a drive thru movie camera. I find it funny . . . but then, I can picture a cat doing that.

This is a timeless comedy classic, and I highly recommend it for a good laugh. U also feel it is safe for children of all ages, though I always recommend parental involvement with any movie or TV series a child watches.

Super movie for cat lovers.......2006-11-24

DC is great, the neighbors are very nosey, wonderful family movie.

Average customer rating:

GREAT MOVIE FOR ANYBODY!!!
Just Plain Fun
Excelent Movie, I Still Love it !!
Review
Wonderful Family Classic..Terrible Video Transfer...

Blackbeard's Ghost
Starring: Peter Ustinov , Dean Jones , Suzanne Pleshette , Elsa Lanchester , and Joby Baker
Director: Robert Stevenson
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Snowball Express
The Gnome-Mobile
Darby O'Gill and the Little People
The Absent-Minded Professor (Widescreen Edition)
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

ASIN: B00006472U
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Amazon.com

In the moody prologue, amid a raging storm that evokes Hollywood golden-age high-seas swashbucklers, a foreboding scroll recounts the legend of one of the bloodiest pirates in the history of the Caribbean. Leave it to Disney to turn him into a fun-loving old prankster with a whimsical side. Peter Ustinov mugs shamelessly as the bombastic but harmless apparition who renounces his wicked ways to become the mischievous school spirit of the local college, much to the annoyance of straight-arrow track coach Dean Jones. Made in the heyday of Disney's live-action family comedies, Blackbeard's Ghost is all haphazard but high-energy slapstick and squeaky-clean romance (courtesy of contemporary schoolmarm Suzanne Pleshette) performed with more gumption than grace, but there's a nostalgic innocence to the whole overplayed affair. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Award-winning actor Peter Ustinov stars in this hilarious fantasy as the ghost of the legendary pirate Blackbeard. The once blackhearted scoundrel materializes in a small New England town, cursed to wander in limbo until he performs a good deed. He gets his chance when he decides to help a local college track team--that hasn't a ghost of a chance of winning! Blackbeard finds himself full of team spirit, and dispensing his own brand of invisible coaching--in this warmhearted comedy that will have you laughing from his first fade-in to his final fade-out!

Customer Reviews:

GREAT MOVIE FOR ANYBODY!!!.......2007-05-07

This is a movie I remember loving as a kid. So many movies though, when you look at them again when you're older, lose some or all of their charm. This is not the case with Blackbeard's Ghost. I still laughed myself silly watching this Disney gem! The movie has got it all; swashbuckling pirates, ancient curses, goofy antics and schemes, awkward guy trying to get the self assured girl, and lots of old time Disney movie comfort factor-you know, the kind of movie you just feel really good after watching. I recommend this movie for anybody and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too.

Just Plain Fun.......2007-01-21

As usual for a Disney release, there are no extras and the print quality leaves something to be desired. Also, the plot, about the ghost of the famous pirate being brought back from purgatory to perform a good deed, is a bit coy and silly. But Peter Ustinov, full of side-wise wit and under-handed sexiness, plays Bluebeard, and that makes it worth the ride. And truth be told, he has a very good foil in the under-rated Dean Jones, whose exasperation at the supernatural intrusion into his already-hectic life is almost as funny as Ustinov's, er, intruding. Alas, Suzanne Pleshette, she of the sexy growl and the sultry eyes, is given little to do in the movie, even as Jones' love interest (it would have been a lot more fun to see her paired up with Ustinov--kiss your "G" rating goodbye).

There's also the usual covey of accomplished character actors on display, particularly Elsa Lanchester as Jones' landlady, who's trying to defend her property from gangsters trying to turn it into an off-coast casino, and the script and direction, by several of the folks involved with MARY POPPINS, ensure that the pace is brisk and the amusing banter is plentiful. Basically just a time-waster, but all time-wasters should be so amusing . . .

Excelent Movie, I Still Love it !!.......2006-11-02

This movie is as good as I remember it. Even my wife who had never seen it got a lot of laughs. The special effects may not be up to par for today's standards, but you won't mind.

Review.......2006-08-10

Call it nostalgia...I really liked this movie. It was dorky then, and it's dorky now, but it's fun!

Wonderful Family Classic..Terrible Video Transfer... .......2006-08-04

First off let me say that this review is on the VHS version of the movie. I was hoping to purchase the DVD that would correct the problems evident in the VHS. It appears that the problems have remained..grateful to all those reviewers who saved me from buying just another format of the same problems. It seems that Disney just copied the the film exactly like the VHS nothing more. By the way, that is one of the great benefits of Amazon reviewing...it hopefully prevents us from wasting money. The problem now is how to rate it..a 5 star movie on a 2 star format. Perhaps it was a money issue with Disney...they felt that the effort wasn't worth the return. Whatever the reason it is really a corporate shame to treat this movie so poorly.

The movie is one of those old Disney family fares that conveys the magic of the Disneyland when Walt was running the show. It stars the great Peter Ustinov who carries the movie and lights up the screen with his humor and presence. He has so many great lines of pirate seafaring dialogue that is a treat to hear(no swearing). He plays off of Dean Jones, who by the way does a great job himself as the College coach who unwittingly releases Blackbeard from limbo..between heaven and hell. Blackbeard now has to do a good deed to be set free to his just reward...'Help an old lady across the street? That's silly!". The movie is typical Disney's formulaic as they try to help Blackbeard's descendants save the old boarding house. Suzanne Pleshette stars as the romantic interest and several of the standard Disney stock players fill in the rest. My favorite scene is when Ustinov and Jones lock arms and head off to take on Silky and the Boys singing a revised version of "Heart of Oak" to be joined by Pleshette.."I'm not letting you go in there alone". No CGI's here but lots of physical comedy and a great performance by Ustinov.

Here's hoping Disney can get their act together and tranfers this movie in widescreen..getting the aspect ratio right..as it deserves. Even if for nothing more than letting the younger generation enjoy the work of the great Peter Ustinov.

Average customer rating:

Touched by an Angel - A Heart Warming Story
Did you see an Angel?
An under appreciated classic
Best Christmas movie !!!!!!
Wonderful Memories

The Bishop's Wife
Starring: Cary Grant , Loretta Young , David Niven , Monty Woolley , and James Gleason
Director: Henry Koster
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Christmas in Connecticut
White Christmas
Miracle on 34th Street (Special Edition)
The Bells of St. Mary's
It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)

ASIN: B000056HE9
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com

Perhaps if The Bishop's Wife had lapsed on its copyright and fallen into the public domain like It's a Wonderful Life, it would be as much a Christmas staple as that classic. It certainly deserves to be. Dudley (Cary Grant) is an angel sent down by the prayers of a new bishop (David Niven). The bishop is trying to build a new cathedral, and he's so entrenched in his fundraising that he's watching his own marriage crumble around him. Loretta Young is devoted, moist-eyed, and basically a great date for the tempted Dudley. They drink in the afternoon, go skating at night, and make impulse buys. The skating sequence beats mightily on one's suspension of disbelief, but the rest of the film is an absolute joy. Grant is suave, worldly, and enchanting. A wonderful present for anyone who has not seen it. --Keith Simanton

Description

Heavenly bells are ringing, jubilant choirs are singing and Christmas joy is blanketing the world like freshly fallen snow. But the Yuletide spirit has yet to warm Bishop Henry Brougham's Victorian home. Struggling to raise funds for a new cathedral, the preoccupied young clergyman has neglected his loving wife Julia, and now only divine intervention can save their marriage! But the powerful and handsome angel sent from above has a mind of his own and teaching mortal Henry an immortal lesson inromance isn't all he's got planned! Starring Oscar(r) winners* Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven, and featuring "a stellar supporting cast" (The Hollywood Reporter) that includes James Gleason and Monty Woolley, this delightful romantic comedy is wondrous, witty andtruly divine! *Grant, Honorary Oscar (1969); Young, Actress, The Farmer's Daughter (1947); Niven, Actor, Separate Tables (1958)

Customer Reviews:

Touched by an Angel - A Heart Warming Story .......2007-06-05

If you are looking for a movie to watch on Christmas day with your family, you must include this heart warming story about an angel who intervene the busy lives of an Episcopalian bishop named Henry Brougham (David Niven) and his wife Julia (Loretta Young). This movie is set in Yuletide spirit with bells ringing, choir singing, Christmas wreaths decorating the walls of churches, homes, shops and buildings, and streets and neighborhoods covered with fresh snow. During this time, an angel named Dudley (Cary Grant) enters the lives of the bishop and his wife as an office assistant. At the Victorian home of Bishop Henry not everything is going well. Years of neglect about his own family left Julia on her own while the bishop is busy raising funds for a new cathedral. Dudley's attentiveness, charm, and sheer magical powers drive Julia to him, but Dudley is only interested in helping Henry to get back with Julia. The writers have cleverly crafted many moments between Dudley and Julia that would be purely romantic, but writers did not forget to remind us that Dudley is an angel and he is not romancing Julia. Several instances of walking down the street, driving in the country and having lunch at local cafeteria makes her feel that she is appreciated as a woman. The magical ice-skating scene where Dudley charms everyone with his skating ability, and helps Julia to glide on ice is a memorable scene of the movie.

Dudley's "angelic" effect is felt by many: He touches the lives of people he comes in contact with. As the friendship between Julia and Dudley becomes strong, Henry begins to feel that Dudley is a devil trying to steal his wife, but soon all ends well when Dudley completes his job by helping Henry to raise money for the cathedral. Cary Grant is spectacular and charms not only Julia but many viewers. I was most impressed by the performance of Julia who is attracted to Dudley; she is tender, romantic, and vulnerable, yet she also knows that she is a wife and a mother.

Did you see an Angel?.......2007-03-19

When movies didn't have to be edited. This is a classic Christmas movie, good family movie. I don't want to give it away. You'll just have to see it.

An under appreciated classic.......2007-02-05

This is without doubt one of the finest Christmas flicks ever made. Cary Grant just does Cary Grant sooooo Well. I highly recommend this movie once you have watched Grinch and Elve too many times...this will help you get back into the true holiday spirit.

Best Christmas movie !!!!!!.......2007-02-04

I and my family as well as friends I have shared this with we all just love it!!!!!! Preformances are wonderful!!!! And one that inspires the true feelings and meaning of Christmas !!!! A MUST have!!! Start your tradition now!!! Thank you

Wonderful Memories.......2007-02-02

Wonderful cast. Enjoyed seeing the movie that I thought relayed the essence of Christmas past. Loved seeing Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven again.

Average customer rating:

A lost prospective
Lavish But Remarkably Superficial
Ahead of its time
Classic B&W
Razors Edge

The Razor's Edge
Starring: Tyrone Power , Gene Tierney , John Payne , Anne Baxter , and Clifton Webb
Director: Edmund Goulding
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Leave Her to Heaven
Laura (Fox Film Noir)
The Razor's Edge [Region 99]
Whirlpool (Fox Film Noir)
Nightmare Alley (Fox Film Noir)

ASIN: B0007PALVQ
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Amazon.com

The Somerset Maugham novel should be read by everybody at a certain age (say, early twenties), and this 1946 movie adaptation of The Razor's Edge stays faithful to the book's questing spirit. Despite its apparently uncommercial storyline, it was a pet project of Fox honcho Darryl F. Zanuck, who saw the spiritual journey of Larry Darrell (Tyrone Power) as an "adventure" movie. Power, who was newly returned to Hollywood after his military service in World War I, does his most soul-searching work as the WWI vet who needs to find something in life deeper than money and conformity. The search takes him away from fiancee Gene Tierney and her skeptical uncle Clifton Webb and into Parisian streets and Himalayan mountain ranges. Herbert Marshall deftly plays the role of "Somerset Maugham," the observing author, and Anne Baxter picked up the supporting actress Oscar for her brassy turn as a floozy. The picture has the careful, glossy look of the studio system's peak years (you can sense Zanuck "classing it up" and squeezing the life out of it), and Edmund Goulding's tasteful approach is hardly the way to dig deep into the soul of man. If it seems a little staid today, its square sincerity nevertheless holds up well--and it just looks so fabulous. The really amazing thing about the movie is that it was made at all. A 1984 remake, with Bill Murray, is an extremely weird variation on the material. --Robert Horton

Description

Narrated by on-screen observer Maugham (Herbert Marshall), this intriguing tale centers on a soul-searching World War I veteran (Tyrone Power) who finds he can not settle back into the world of the upper class. Shunning his planned marriage and career, he travels abroad to seek the meaning of life and career, he travels abroad to seek the meaning of life and causes his distraght fiancee (GeneTierney) to seek solace with another man (John Payne).

Customer Reviews:

A lost prospective.......2007-06-10

This movie echo's the foundation of my life. The main character of the movie (who seeks his true purpose in life) is me just before I found my true purpose in life. Not enough people can relate to this sort of thing; but if you can, you are fortunate indeed. We all have a purpose in life, but few of us realize it. If you can relate to the main character -then this movie relates to you. What is the purpose of this movie? Is it to entertain, or to set us upon the right track? There is something wrong in society when most of the people who write movies today are philosophizers of mostly infantile or vile humor, horrible scenes of violence, or other evidence of disconnection. This film should redistribute a not too stagnant sense of awareness within those who merit it. I am a philosopher and writer of aphorisms (thematic verse) whose work can be found at (...).

Lavish But Remarkably Superficial.......2007-06-02

The author of numerous novels, plays, and short stories, W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) was considered among the world's great authors during his lifetime, and although his reputation has faded over the years his work continues to command critical respect and a large reading public. Published in 1944, THE RAZOR'S EDGE is the tale of a World War I veteran whose search for spiritual enlightment flies in the face of shallow western values. It was Maugham's last major novel--and it was immensely popular. Given that the novel's conflicts are internalized spiritual and philosophical issues, it was also an extremely odd choice for a film version--but Darryl F. Zannuck of 20th Century Fox fell in love with the book and snapped up the screen rights shortly after publication.

According to film lore, THE RAZOR'S EDGE was to be directed by the legendary George Cukor from a screenplay by Maugham himself--and it does seem that Maugham wrote an adaptation. When the film went into production, however, Cukor was replaced by Edmund Goulding, a director less known for artistic touch than a workman-like manner, and the Maugham script was replaced with one by Lamar Trotti, the author of such memorable screenplays as THE OXBOW INCIDENT. Tyrone Power, recently returned from military service during World War II, was cast as the spiritually conflicted Larry Darrell; Gene Tierney, one of the great beauties of her era, was cast as socialite Isabell Bradley. The supporting cast was particularly notable, including Herbert Marshall, Anne Baxter, Clifton Webb, Lucille Watson, and Elsa Lanchester. Both budget and shooting schedule were lavish, and when the film debuted in 1946 it was greatly admired by public and critics alike.

But time has a way of putting things into perspective. Seen today, THE RAZOR'S EDGE is indeed a beautifully produced film--but that aside the absolute best one can say for it is that it acheives a fairly consistent mediocrity. As in most cases, the major problem is the script. Although it is reasonably close to Maugham's novel in terms of plot, it is noticeably off the mark in terms of character and it completely fails to capture the fundamental issues that drive the story. We are told that Larry is in search of enlightenment; we are told that he receives it; we are told he acts on it--but in spite of the occasional and largely superficial comment we are never really told anything about the spiritual, artistic, philosophical, and intellectual processes behind any of it. We are most particularly never told anything significant about the nature of the enlightenment itself. It has the effect of cutting off the story at its knees.

We are left with the shell of Maugham's plot, which centers on the relationship between Larry and Isabell, a woman Larry loves but leaves due to the growing ideological riff that opens up between them. Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney were more noted for physical beauty than talent, but both could turn in good performances when they received solid directorial and script support. Unfortunately, that does not happen here; they are extremely one-note and Power is greatly miscast to boot. Fortunately, the supporting cast is quite good, with Herbert Marshall, Clifton Webb, and Lucille Watson particularly so; the then-famous performance by Anne Baxter, however, has not worn as well as one would hope.

With a running time of just under two and a half hours, the film also feels unnecessarily long. There is seemingly endless cocktail party-type banter, and indeed the entire India sequence (which reads as faintly hilarious) would have been better cut entirely--an odd situation, for this is the very sequence intended as the crux of the entire film. Regardless of the specific scene, it all just seems to go on and on to no actual point.

As for the DVD itself, the film has not been remastered, but the print is extremely good, and while the bonus package isn't particularly memorable neither is noticeably poor. When all is said and done, I give THE RAZOR'S EDGE three stars for production values and everyone's willingness to take on the material--but frankly, this a film best left Power and Tierney fans, who will enjoy it for the sake of the stars, and those whose ideas about spiritual enlightment are as vague as the film itself.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Ahead of its time.......2007-05-08

Not trying to be biased here "but" this movie is awesome. It really has portrayed my life and hit home. I became totally engulfed in this movie as I had questions going unanswered in my life. Studying Buddha and his teachings have helped me a lot. 5 star movie in my opinion, a must see for someone with unanswered questions in their lives.

Classic B&W.......2007-03-09

This is a classic B&W film. It is also closest to the novel and in advice to use in life. I give it 5 stars for being true to the novel and the great job done when you stop and think about when this motion picture was made.

Razors Edge.......2007-03-09

Everyone knows the movie, it appears on TV often. The DVD I got from Amazon is AAA+ quality.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Witchcraft!
A rare bird....
A Romantic Comedy Named After an Exorcism Method?!
Color oh Color
Christmas with witches

Bell, Book and Candle
Starring: James Stewart , Kim Novak , Jack Lemmon , Ernie Kovacs , and Hermione Gingold
Director: Richard Quine
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
Harvey
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation
Arsenic and Old Lace
Topper/Topper Returns

ASIN: 0767821556
Release Date: 2000-03-28

Amazon.com

Staid, secure publisher James Stewart leads a quiet life until he meets his bewitching downstairs neighbor, Kim Novak. John Van Druten's lighthearted Broadway comedy becomes a lush if lightweight romantic vehicle for Stewart and Novak, who would reunite for Hitchcock's Vertigo the next year. Novak is at her best as a Greenwich witch halfway between the worlds of magic and mortals, looking after her dotty aunt (Elsa Lanchester) and mischievous warlock brother (Jack Lemmon) as they keep their skills in practice. Novak's specialty is making men fall for her, but it's a one-way street: when a witch falls in love, she loses her powers. Director Richard Quine gives the witches an almost beatnik sensibility, a real Greenwich Village subculture hanging out in underground clubs and smart curio shops. Elegantly photographed in rich, glowing colors by James Wong Howe, Bell, Book and Candle is a fantasy world in New York set to a funky bongo-laced jazz score by George Duning. Quine's gliding camera is somewhat marred by abrupt editing, but his handling of actors is superb, in particular Novak, whose mysterious beauty masks inner turmoil and romantic yearnings. Ernie Kovacs appears as a wry author whose specialty is the supernatural, and Hermione Gingold is suitably florid as a witch elder with a penchant for theatricality. For once in his life Stewart is actually upstaged by the slyly comic performances around him. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Witchcraft!.......2007-06-14

This film is a wonderful classic love story with a twist. Anyone who remembers the early episodes of Bewitched is bound to see the similarities. It has become one of my "comfort" movies.

A rare bird...........2007-04-26

Yet another one of the perfectly made romantic comedies of the late fifties/early sixties that, along with "Auntie Mame", "Charade" and the slew of Doris Day movies, starting with "Pillow Talk" and ending with "Send Me No Flowers", gave an ideal and funny take on life in an innocent time.

Kim Novak plays Gillian Holroyd, a kittenish practioner of the eldritch arts living in Greenwich Village, NYC, with her Aunt Queenie, played by Elsa Lanchester. Jack Lemmon plays her brother, Nicky, (always a favorite name of any young male involved in the dark arts in fiction for some reason.) It's Christmas, and, believe it or not, these three conjurers are celebrating it like anybody else, exchanging presents and watching it snow.

James Stewart plays the unlikely object of her desire, (the only mismatch I can think of that was worse about this time was Doris Day and Danny Thomas in "I'll See You In My Dreams"!) named Shepherd Henderson ("Shep"). I think maybe someone like John Gavin or Cary Grant or Robert Sterling might have been better choices, but there is one scene in this movie that only Stewart could have done, and it is HILARIOUS!

The plot goes like this: Gillian is lonely. She sees Shep moving into her very apt. building just before she and her small family celebrate Christmas. She wishes, using her cat, Pywacket, as a medium, to actually meet him. Shep goes upstairs to get settled in and finds Gillian's aunt, Queenie, fooling around at his desk, even though he distinctly remembers locking the door when he left earlier. She explains that he did NOT lock the door, and she saw how sloppy his desk was and that his window was open on a snowy night, and straightened it all out. After objecting mildly about her unbidden presence there, he dismisses her, seeing how eccentric she is, (and conceding that it IS Greenwich Village, after all,) not realizing the whole truth. Queenie objects to his treatment of her and puts a temporary curse on his phone so he only hears garbled nonsense on it.

Early Christmas morning, after partying at the Zodiac Club with Shep and his fiancé, Gillian, Nicky and Queenie exchange gifts at Gillian's place. Gillian gives Nicky records, Queenie a scarf, and Nicky gives Gillian a vial of summoning fluid, which she puts to the test immediately. It isn't clear whether she uses it to bring Shep to her apartment, curse his fiancé or what, but Shep DOES show up fairly quickly and they get to know each other. This is AFTER Shep tells her that he and his intended are getting married later that very day. Gillian starts humming the haunting theme song, again using Pywacket as a medium, to put the kibosh to THAT business!

What follows is a series of classic scenes that didn't see any equals until the 80s! The scene in Miss De Passe's house where Shep goes to get "de-spelled" and is forced to drink a disgusting potion she whips up is almost worth the price of the DVD on its own. The scene where Nicky meets an author character, played by Ernie Kovacs, (Shep is a publisher,) and takes him to an occult apothecary, is also funny, as the camera pans down the list of diseases and spells it has remedies for.

For some reason, after the mid-sixties, Hollywood couldn't make another good romantic comedy to save its life. "A Thousand Clowns" was the last really good one, made smack dab in the middle of the decade in 1965! This is a rare movie that's hard to find, no matter WHO you know, so, if you can find it, (and I found it right here at Amazon,) GET IT!!

You'll wonder why the people who produced "Bewitched" even tried, it's such a pale imitation. It's been reported that "B,B&C" was the basis for "Bewitched"...DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT! "Bell, Book and Candle" is in a class by itself, and so much more enjoyable than its saccharine TV counterpart, it isn't funny!

A Romantic Comedy Named After an Exorcism Method?!.......2007-04-11

I can see that this unusual and silly movie has its admirers. As there are a number of reviews on this page giving ample background on it, let me point out that perhaps the film's principal oddity is the fact that a lithe Kim Novak would be so smitten with the decidedly older and rather dull character played by James Stewart.

No matter, the actors are all quite droll, particularly a florid Ernie Kovacs. And a special shout-out to the Siamese cat that played Pyewacket.

SIDELIGHT: Pyewacket was allegedly a familiar of the "witch" that Englishman and "witchfinder general" Matthew Hopkins found in 1644. Through physical coercion, the woman named her other familiars as well. They included animals named Vinegar Tom, Pecke in the Crowne, and Griezzel Greedigutt. (I particularly like that last one.)

Also recommended: The Last Witchfinder: A Novel (P.S.)

Color oh Color.......2007-01-26

The color in these old movies is the best. Sadly you don't see that quality today. Great movie too.

Christmas with witches.......2007-01-15

Lots of fun, characters were interesting. Didn't realize it was a Christmas movie!

Average customer rating:

Great!!!
Imagine Virtually Becoming the VIP for Whom You Were Mistaken
INSPECTOR GENERAL
Warm, witty and full of fun
One Of The Best Comedies I've Ever Seen

The Inspector General
Starring: Ben Baker , Barbara Bates , Lennie Bremen , John Carradine , and Walter Catlett
Director: Henry Koster
Manufacturer: St Clair Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Court Jester
Hans Christian Andersen
The Five Pennies
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty [Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo]
The Best of Danny Kaye - The Television Years

ASIN: B0001GH7RM
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Customer Reviews:

Great!!!.......2007-02-16

This movie is one of Danny's best! I love Danny Kaye, so my opinion is a little biased, but if you like Danny Kaye's style of humor and acting, then this is a good DVD to buy. I think there are better movie's he's done, but this one definitely has it's great moments.

Imagine Virtually Becoming the VIP for Whom You Were Mistaken.......2007-01-24

This fantasy is a rags-to-riches story. A vagrant and charlatan (played by Danny Kaye) is rejected by his partner for being too honest (refunding a needy woman's money. She had earlier been conned into buying a worthless liquid). He travels from town to town, hungry and rejected everywhere. To make matters worse, he is falsely accused of attempting to steal a horse, and is about to be hanged.

He manages an escape, and ends up amongst a group of corrupt men who are fearfully awaiting the incognito appearance of the one who can expose their wrongdoings--an inspector general. They come to think that HE is the inspector general. At first, he thinks only of escaping from town so as to escape recognition as an outlaw and gallows bird. But then, he decides to play along with the charade. He asks himself, "What does an inspector general do? Inspect generals? Inspect generally?" He decides what kind of persona his "inspector general" self should be.

Overnight, his fate undergoes a complete reversal. His near-starvation situation gives way to parties, lavish dinners, and other forms of obsequious behavior, all provided courtesy of the powerful, corrupt men who fear his (imagined) authority. After he "examines" the books, one by one the corrupt men come to see him privately, each minimizing and confessing his wrongdoings, and pleading for mercy while also paying a bribe. Ironic to all this is the fact that the vagrant "inspector general" cannot even read! He can only pretend--and he does this very well, and in a very entertaining manner.

In time, the corrupt men plan to destroy him. They set up a trap for him. Will the "inspector general" fall victim to the poisoned goblet of wine? If not, what will happen when he wanders near a barn near which an axe-wielding hit man is waiting for him? How will the town react once the fraudulence of his "inspector general" self become evident? Will he hang? I will not spoil the ending by revealing it.

INSPECTOR GENERAL.......2007-01-05

THIS NOT A REVIEW BUT IT'S A COMPLAINT WITH U GUYS THAT SUCH A GOOD MOVIE WHICH I WAS SEARCHING FOR AGES I FINALLY FOUND FROM U BUT I HAVEN'T GOT MY DELIVERY SO FAR IAM GETTING YOUR MOVIES REGULARLY WITH THIS GILMORE GIRLS (SEASON 2) WAS ALSO ORDERED PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
BEACAUSE I AM EAGERLY WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE

Warm, witty and full of fun.......2005-01-12

This is one of my all time favorites. Danny Kaye is just superb in his role. The story is really well told and there is not a single boring moment in this film.

One Of The Best Comedies I've Ever Seen.......2005-01-08

I first saw this comedy a couple years ago on television. It was in black-and-white format which detracted from the film a little for me. However this offering on Amazon is in color format.

If you've seen and liked "Court Jester" or any of Danny Kaye's other classics, I assure you you will love this one.

It is definately one of the best comedies I've ever seen and as I am 45 years old, I've seen a few.

Enjoy!

Motion Picture Masterpieces Collection (David Copperfield 1935 / Marie Antoinette 1938 / Pride and Prejudice 1940 / A Tale of Two Cities 1935 / Treasure Island 1934)

Average customer rating:

History and literature put together in a pleasant picture
The movie summit! As good as movies get!
A Tale of Two Cities
Motion Picture Masterpieces
Excellent collection

Motion Picture Masterpieces Collection (David Copperfield 1935 / Marie Antoinette 1938 / Pride and Prejudice 1940 / A Tale of Two Cities 1935 / Treasure Island 1934)
Starring: Edna May Oliver , Elizabeth Allan , Jessie Ralph , Harry Beresford , and Freddie Bartholomew
Director: George Cukor , W.S. Van Dyke , and Robert Z. Leonard
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Humphrey Bogart - The Signature Collection, Vol. 2 (The Maltese Falcon Three-Disc Special Edition / Across the Pacific / Action in the North Atlantic / All Through the Night / Passage to Marseille)
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ASIN: B000GRUQLK
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Amazon.com

For an accurate look at how things were at MGM in the glory days, go directly to Motion Picture Masterpieces, a DVD box with five literary-minded A-list productions. MGM liked to think of itself as the studio of class, and its highbrow aspirations (mixed with plenty of old-fashioned hokum) are on lavish display in this collection.

Louis B. Mayer ran the studio, and boy wonder Irving Thalberg supervised production. However, another strong-willed producer, future Gone with the Wind CEO David O. Selznick, was responsible for guiding a pair of highly enjoyable Dickens adaptations, both released in 1935. David Copperfield is a wonderful condensation of the sprawling novel, crammed with memorable evocations of Dickens' roster of eccentrics. Freddie Bartholomew, who became a star with this role, plays the young David; equally indelible are W.C. Fields as Mr. Micawber, Basil Rathbone as Murdstone, and especially Edna May Oliver as Besty Trotwood. Director George Cukor's empathy and craftsmanship keep the movie humming with Dickensian wit. A Tale of Two Cities followed shortly thereafter, with Ronald Colman in one of his signature roles as the drunken romantic Sydney Carton, whose throttled love for the beautiful Lucie Manette leads to the French Revolution's guillotine. Jack Conway directs in tight, brisk fashion, and once again the supporting cast (Oliver and Rathbone return from Copperfield) is flavorful.

The French Revolution also figures in the rather preposterous Marie Antoinette (1938), an eye-popping production about the bride of Louis XVI. The project was a pet of Thalberg and his wife Norma Shearer, and MGM proceeded with the overstuffed production even after Thalberg's early death. Marie gets an extramarital affair (with the young Tyrone Power) and an incredib