Reviews (2)

Very bad quality
If you see this DVD, stop and slowly back away. That way, no one will get hurt. It looked like a good deal at first. This is a two-sided DVD containing several hours of video at a great price. Sadly, it was too good to be true. I agree with another reviewer about the shoddy tehcnical quality of this film-to-DVD transfer. The images are grainy and riddled with dust, scratches and other contaminants. Worse yet, the audio track is noticeably out of sync. (It was like viewing one of those poorly-dubbed, Japanese sci-fi flicks.) To be fair, however, I did purchase a couple of other titles (Not Lucy, unfortunately) printed by the same company and they were okay.

Terrible Video Transfer
I was very much looking forward to this video, but the quality of the transfer is the worst I've ever seen on a commercial video or DVD. The brightness is recorded so high that only the darkest parts of the video are legible, and turning the brightness down on the TV doesn't help at all. The audio transfer rates a 2 on side 1, and a -1 on side 2 as it is out of sync with the video. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This is one of my favorite Kathryn Grayson movies
I love this movie. Most people only watch it because of all the MGM stars in it. i personally think this is the most boring part of the picture. I enjoy the romance between Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson much more than the songs, dances, and comedy scetches of the stars. The only thing I think is wrong with this movie is that Kathyrn Gryason only sings three songs which is hardly displaying her talent (although the songs are pretty good), and Gene Kelly only dances once. I'd like to say to anybody thinking of seeing this movie: go for it. It's wonderful!

Thousands cheer--when it's finally over!
With a cast like this, I thought how they go wrong? Well, they managed! This movie goes on forever, with a plot that's predictable from the first few minutes, yet keeps dragging on and on. The only relief is Gene Kelly's dance routine with a mop, but otherwise there's little that's even musical about it. Be prepared to fast forward to the real entertainment, which is about an hour and half into the movie. During a "show for the soldiers," the film makers bring on a huge cast of stars who all have brief songs or scenes. Lena Horne is beautiful as always singing "Honeysuckle Rose," Red Skelton does a pretty funny skit, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Lucille Ball, Gloria de Haven, and June Allyson are all right, and Virginia O'Brian is wonderful. Unfortunately, except for these few numbers near the end, it's not worth watching, even for major Gene Kelly fans.

A cavalcade of MGM stars
MGM redefines the big-screen musical extravaganza in this 1943 roll-out of MGM stars... Gene Kelly and Katheryn Grayson, Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, Red Skelton and Margaret O'Brien, plus Lucille Ball, Donna Reed, Ann Southern, Lena Horne, Frank (Oz) Morgan, Mary Astor, June Allyson, and John Boles and Ish Kabibble with Kay Kyser's big band. (At the time bigger than Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Or Tommy Dorsey.)

Filled with great period jive and swing numbers, Thousands Cheer capsules everything dear to a 40's teenager. On the brink of World War II this movie was a morale-lifter for our boys. The finale used the largest sound-stage in MGM history. Call it a 'don't miss,' call it a 'must-have,' and give it thumbs up and five stars.

For die-hard Kelly fans only
Despite the stars in the cast, this is ultimately disappointing. Granted, one doesn't usually watch this kind of all-star musical for the plot, but even so, this is especially weak on characterization and narrative drive. The stars are all concentrated in the last half-hour, and some of them are fun to see; actually, the best bit is Mickey Rooney doing impressions of Clark Gable and Lionel Barrymore (and his Barrymore is dead on!). Getting to the end, however, is tedious. The wartime romance angle is routine, spiced up only by some probably unintended Oedipal tension between the girl (Kathryn Grayson) and her father. Gene Kelly is energetic, charming, and sexy in one of his earliest roles, and he's about the only reason to watch this movie.

Stars Galore!
There are so many stars in this movie and is one of the greatest collaberation of stars ever assembled in one movie and at the end of the movie there is a special treat and is a must have! The stars that do what they do best include: Gene Kelly, Kathryn Grayson, Mary Astor, Judy Garland, Red Skelton, Eleanor Powell, Ann Sothern, Lena Horne, Margaret O' Brian, Marilyn Maxwell, Marsha Hunt, June Allyson, Gloria De Haven, Frank Morgan, Virginia O'Brien, Lucille Ball, Donna Reed, and Mickey Rooney. Can I say more? Simply the greatest stars assembled in one movie! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The 1974 film version of Mame stars legendary Lucille Ball and isbased on the 1966 hit Broadwaymusical, not the 1958 movie. When 10-year-old Patrick Dennis's father dies,he is sent to live with his eccentric Auntie Mame. Mame may know nothing aboutbeing a parent, but she's got love and spontaneity in spades, and Patrick bloomsin the time spent with her. Though Miss Ball seems sadly miscast whenMame begins (she's too old and can't sing), by the time the movie reachesthe famous foxhunt scene when Mame accidentally wins the hunt, and in turn theheart of gallant Beauregard Burnside, you start to believe Lucy is Mame.

Reprising her Broadway role (for which she won a Tony), Bea Arthur plays Mame'sboozy pal Vera Charles. Songs include the now-classic "We Need a LittleChristmas" and "Bosom Buddies" plus "Loving You," sung by Robert Preston's Beauand written for this movie. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Reviews (116)

Cheesy and a waste of time
After reading the book "Auntie Mame" by the real Patrick Dennis I decided to watch both of the movies to see how they treated the story.

I was very pleased with the Rosalind Russell version.She does an excellent job playing the part of Auntie Mame.The entire 1958 version is hilarious, and with the exception of the hydraulic furniture scene, stays true to the book.

However, this Lucille version is a bomb if I've ever seen one.Since when is Agnes Gooch Patrick's nanny?She was Mame's first secretary until her pregnancy.Pegeen was changed completely.Lucille Ball was far past her prime to star in this part.To top it off, the cheesiness of turning a story like this into a musical was beyond description!

I don't recommend spending your hard-earned money on this one.Purchase the Rosalind Russell version instead.You won't regret choosing that one over this one!

Another FABULOUS film not yet on DVD!
I have loved this film for 30 years.Why has it not been released on DVD?The bitchy but amiable relationship between Lucille Ball and Bea Arthur is still one of my favourite comedy bits!This film also shows Lucille Ball's tender, vulnerable side in counterbalance to the zaniness she usually brings to mind.

Beautiful Movie
I bought this movie for the holidays, and it came in the mail today and I sat down and watched it and I loved it. I am glad I finally bought it. Lucille Ball is beautiful as Mame, and the whole story line is beautiful and makes you want to cry. I cried throughout almost the whole movie it was so beautiful. Some of the events in this movie arn't exactly suitable for children. But all and all this is one of the best movies ever made I think. Mame goes through so much sorrow and heartbreak throughout the whole movie, but she always is able to go through every trial that comes her way with a smile and a song. And joy in everything. You weep for her when she looses everything in the Stock Market Crash of 1929. And when her own freind gets so mad at her, because Mame just accidentally ruined her show. And then you are so happy when she meets Robert Preston at the store she is working for and when she marries him. Then you weep once again when he dies when the Avalanche occurs. Then you are so heartbroken when Patrick is so mean to her, and tries to run her life for her. And then you rejoice again when Peter,Patrick and his Wifes little boy goes with Mame on one of her trips. This movie is a grand film to be enjoyed by one and all. I highly suggest it to everyone.

Lucy gets in the show
Yea, yea, yea, Lucy's singing is not the greatest. As Lucy once said:"A Barbra Streisand I'm not". But isn't that part of what endeared her to us as Lucy Ricardo? Didn't we always route for her to get in the show, despite mean old Ricky? Well, he she is folks..she finally got in the show! So, don't knock her. The movie is darn funny, the songs are great, the cast is excellant, especially the chemistry between Lucy and Bea Arthur.
Watch it, and remember Lucy Ricardo fondly. be happy our Lucy is in the show.

I Love Lucy, But Not "Mame"
Admirers of Rosalind Russell's "Auntie Mame" (1958) should avoid this disastrous 1974 musical, which only succeeded in ending Lucille Ball's film career. Lucy tries but is badly miscast in the title role. The only bright spot is Bea Arthur. You're better off watching a "I Love Lucy" rerun. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Shows, Horrible Quality.
I recently found this two-pack in a bargain bin for five bucks, Being a Lucy fan I snatched it up and brought it home. Well all I can say is that I'm glad I only paid five bucks for it. On the up side the shows are highly entertaining and they highlight an era in television that rarely receives it's due, But on the down side the tranfer looks like it's been pooped on and at times all you see is a white screen with an outline of Lucy. But the shows almost make this DVD a good value, bottom line! BUY IT FOR FIVE BUCKS. Any higher it's a bad value. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 great episodes
This DVD includes two classic uncut episodes of THE LUCY SHOW starring Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon and Mary Jane Croft.

"Lucy Meets the Law" - Lucy ends up in jail when she is mistaken for a shoplifter. On the 'inside' she meets many colorful characters including her eccentric cell-mate Hard-Head Hogan (played by Iris Adrian).

"Lucy and the Bean Queen" - Lucy devises a way of raising cash for her new furniture by roarting the 'double-your-money-back' policy on a brand of canned beans.

A great purchase for 'Lucy' fans! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 great episodes
This DVD includes 2 episodes from THE LUCY SHOW, starring Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon and Mary Jane Croft.

"Lucy and the French Movie Star" - Lucy meets a French film star (played by Jacques Bergerac), but romantic complications intervene.

"Lucy Flies to London" - Lucy enters a dog-food contest and wins an all-expenses-paid trip to London. However, getting there proves to be half the battle when her plane-trip dissolves into chaos.

A great purchase for all 'Lucy' fans! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

DO NOT SUPPORT MADACY HOME VIDEO/DVD
Another reviewer states that these are uncut episodes...NOT TRUE! At least 5 minutes have been cut from the beginning of the Jack Benny one. Madacy is the worst!!!

2 great episodes
This DVD includes 2 uncut episodes of THE LUCY SHOW starring Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon and Mary Jane Croft.

"Lucy Gets Jack Benny's Account" - Lucy manages to wrangle a huge coo for the bank in getting Jack Benny's account. She and Mr Mooney devise a foolproof vault for his money.

"Little Old Lady" - Lucy has to disguise herself as a filthy-rich old matron in order to help land the account of a rich millionaire.

A great purchase for all 'Lucy' fans!

Lucy, Funny as ever
Lucy is as funny as ever! She acts in her normal zany ways on these episodes of the Lucy Show. If you have never seen these episodes, they are a must see. You will laugh so hard you will wet your pants!!!!! "Lucy gets Jack Benny's Bank Account" is the best episode and when I feel down or upset, I put this in and watch and it makes me laugh and brightens my day! This is Lucy at her best. ... Read more

Description

The stars, the writers, the producers and those who almost made it big...Inside Television's Greatest reveals the answers to all the questions you've been dying to ask, and tells the secrets you wouldn't imagine to be true. Explore the creative process that brings an idea, and the characters of a new world, to life. Crawl inside the actors' heads and experience life in television from both sides of the camera. Understand the complex decisions and strange chain of events that bring the relative nameless to unequaled fame...and how one word can force them into obscurity. With Inside Television's Greatest, you'll never get closer to the shows that have brought so much joy, sadness and laughter into our lives.Few television shows will ever generate the mass appeal that keep them on the air for 50 years.I Love Lucy has captivated audiences since 1951 with its fresh, offbeat brand of humor that set the standard for every sitcom to follow.By blending styles from vaudeville and classic radio shows with startling innovations in production and writing, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz created an empire based on the infamous legend that was nearly cancelled after its first season.What happened?Inside Television's Greatest gives the answer to that tantalizing question, and many more, including: •What was "the monster" that stayed with the studios for 30 years? •What event took place on the show that became "the biggest thing in television history"? •How was it arranged so that Desi got top billing on the show while Lucy's more well known name was the focus of the title?•Who was registered with the CommunistParty and threatened the success of the show? ... Read more