Reviews (29)

Never Let You Go
Gene Tierney stars as Ellen, a woman incapable of anything except obsessive love. She goes to extreme lengths to keep her new husband (Cornel Wilde) all to herself. And I do mean extreme! She leaves her family in ruins. I'm not sure why Leave Her To Heaven works so well. The acting is either dull (Wilde, Jeanne Crain) or over the top (Vincent Price). The script is full of bad lines and unbelievable situations. But somehow it works! Give credit to Gene Tierney, who manages to make one of the most unbelievable and unlikeable characters in movie history so watchable by more than just her incredible beauty. Also give credit to the amazing technicolor photography that really must be seen. The musical score is very dramatic and over the top, which makes it a perfect fit for this movie. You may be shaking your head throughout most of the film, but I guarantee you'll watch it to the end to see what happens.

GLORIOUS TECHNICOLOR SCENERY PLUS GORGEOUS GENE TIERNEY
The real star of this fascinating little movie is the breath-taking Technicolor photography of Maine and New Mexico; even the architecture is great to look at (as is the gorgeous Gene Tierney!). Tierney's role of Ellen Berent has received almost cult status over the years since her character is that of an obsessive and cruel, selfish and evil woman; her relationship with Cornel Wilde indeed makes for an unusual and strange love story! Ben Ames William's novel of the same name was released in 1944 and was read by over a million people; the public was obviously captivated by this lurid little tale of a psychopathic wife. While being more than a little melodramatic, the story's believability is quite implausible at times, however the film lingers in the psyche nevertheless (the scene where Ellen lets Wilde's crippled little brother Hickman drown out of sheer jealousy is genuinely disturbing). Classic line: Ellen's mother: "There's nothing wrong with Ellen. She just loves too much!" Rarely has such a wicked woman looked as beautiful as Tierney does in this unusual story of obsessive "love".

"Sometimes the truth is wicked."
In the film "Leave Her to Heaven", writer Richard Harland (Cornel Wilde) travels to New Mexico for a holiday. On the train, he meets a woman, Ellen (Gene Tierney) who happens to be reading his book. They strike up a conversation, and once in New Mexico, Richard finds himself in a relationship with Ellen. A whirlwind romance leads to marriage, and soon the newlyweds are heading back to Harland's home on the East Coast.

It doesn't take long before Harland realizes that there's something not quite right with his beautiful bride. She's insanely jealous, but she's also hideously rude to lifelong friends. Ellen, however, is quite practiced at hiding her ugly side. At first, she welcomes Richard's crippled brother, Danny, but within a few weeks, she's eager to rid of him--she tries to get rid of Danny gracefully at first, and when that doesn't work, she takes matters into her own evil hands....

Gene Tierney was very well cast in this role. She has a sort of restless grace that convincingly conveys the sense of a mind that is not quite in control. Tierney's performance as the seriously disturbed beauty is flawless. She shifts from false sweetness to absolute psychotic evil with the blink of her eyelashes. Even the other characters in the scene seem amazed by her performance. Jeanne Crain is cast as Ellen's adopted sister, and the two actresses look incredibly alike. Vincent Price has a relatively small (and tame) role as Ellen's ex-fiance-the man has no idea what a narrow escape he had. This film is classed as film noir, but it has the feel of a soap opera at heart--an excellent one, I'll admit. The video is good quality and contains scenes from the film's premiere in Hollywood--displacedhuman

The most gorgeous motion picture ever photographed
This 1945 Technicolor "film noir" happens is the most visually beautiful picture that has ever been photographed. Lovely Gene Tierney is extremely gorgeous in this classic tale of obsession, jealousy and murder...all in a lush, Technicolor paradise. The scene where Tierney is rowing the boat and letting the little boy drown with the green pines in back of the blue, blue lake will knock your eyes out --- it is so beautiful. I can't think of any movie made today that has color like this.

Fox, we want this masterpiece on DVD NOW, we don't want anymore Simpsons crap!

Me too!
Since others have very eloquently outlined the intriguing plot and described the talents of the beautiful but ultimately tragic Gene Tierney already, I will only add that if you are a "film noir"/old movie fan and you haven't seen this one yet , then you are in for a huge treat. Don't just sit there! Get it now! Haunting actress, great plot and absolutley beautiful scenery up at the lodge.... Happy watching! ... Read more

Description

The Golden Age of Television lives again with this treasure-trove of TVfavorites . DIGITALLY RESTORED ON DVD!!!JACK BENNY, BURNS and ALLEN,Eve Arden in OURMISS BROOKS, RED SKELTON and OZZIE and HARRIET willkeep you laughing . DRAGNET'S Sergeant Joe Friday, MR. & MRS. NORTH andRACKET SQUAD will keep you guessing who-done-it . You'll deep-sea diveinto danger with SEA HUNT and ride with THE LONE RANGER and Tonto onanother thrilling adventure of the old west and more!!!This collectionof "family-friendly" programming includes 4 complete TV shows on each ofthe 3 DVDs - 12 shows in all - 5 hours of viewing fun!

DVD #1

The Jack Benny Program 10-31-54 "How Jack Found Mary" w/ Jack Benny .Dragnet 09-09-54 "The Big Crime" w/ Jack Webb . The Burns and Allen Show10-09-52 "Free Trip to Hawaii" w/ George Burns and Gracie Allen . TheLone Ranger 12-29-49 "Cannonball McKay" w/ Clayton Moore

DVD #2

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet 02-13-53 "Valentine Show" w/ Ozzie &Harriet Nelson . Sea Hunt 1956 "Mark of the Octopus" (pilot) w/ LloydBridges . The Red Skelton Show 01-25-55 "Trailer home" w/ guest, MaryMcCarty . Suspense 06-29-54 "The Hunted" w/ Ward Bond

DVD #3

Our Miss Brooks 05-13-55 "Here is Your Past" w/ Eve Arden . Mr. & Mrs.North 12-05-52 "The Comic Strip Tease" w/ Richard Denning and BarbaraBritton . The Life of Riley 04-24-53 "Riley's Operation" w/ WilliamBendix . Racket Squad 02-28-52 "Hearse Chaser" w/ Reed Hadley ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great looking DVD of 1950s favorites
There are plenty of DVDs out on the market today with episodes of television shows from the 1950s and 1960s that have fallen into the "public domain." Many of them are cheaply put together and, visually, look it. Not so with releases from the Falcon Picture Group. By and large, their releases look better than the vast majority of DVDs with older television shows. The reason for this is that they have done digital restoration of the prints included on this set.

What I like about this DVD is the great variety of shows included. Yes, some of the shows, like Dragnet, the Lone Ranger, Red Skelton, etc., are available on other DVDs, but they have also included some shows like Racket Squad, Mr. & Mrs. North, and Sea Hunt that are either rarely or never seen on video/DVD. I hadn't seen Sea Hunt since its syndication run in the 1960s. What a great show and, to the best of my knowledge, this is the only episode available anywhere on DVD (wish there were more episodes of Sea Hunt on DVD).

While this disk is more of a "potpourri" of different types of television shows from the 1950s, Falcon also offers three other DVDs, including ones with television Detectives, Westerns, and Comedies. If you are nostalgic for this great era in television, these DVDs are the way to go. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Shazam! It's Captain Marvel vs. The Scorpion
Definitely the finest of the old-time movie serials, and the finest live action version of Captain Marvel. This movie was voted by Wizard magazine as the best comics-to-movie adaptation ever.

It has decent special effects and a fine story. A classic desert adventure, including angry horde, offended god, and stalwart hero. The flying sequences are well done. The cliff hangers are appropriately dramatic. The Scorpion is a nice serial villain, complete with hooded face and ultimate weapon, and Captain Marvel remains my favorite hero.

If you like serials or Captain Marvel you really can't go wrong with this.

Shazam! It's Captain Marvel vs. The Scorpion
Definitely the finest of the old-time movie serials, and the finest live action version of Captain Marvel. This movie was voted by Wizard magazine as the best comics-to-movie adaptation ever.

It has decent special effects and a fine story. A classic desert adventure, including angry horde, offended god, and stalwart hero. The flying sequences are well done. The cliff hangers are appropriately dramatic. The Scorpion is a nice serial villain, complete with hooded face and ultimate weapon, and Captain Marvel remains my favorite hero.

If you like serials or Captain Marvel you really can't go wrong with this.

Greatest Serial
The 40s serial "The Adventures of Captain Marvel" has to be the "Greatest Serial Ever Made." The special effects, for its tme, are outstanding. The flying scenes stood the test of time until the first Superman movie.

Many in the cast do a fine job. Tom Tyler makes an excellent Captain Marvel. He looks the part and he demonstrates the great athletic ability required of the part. The actor playing Billy Batson leaves a lot to be desired. He delivers his lines as a Junior High student would do in a school play. The "bad guys" are just great. They fill the bill in typical 1940s serial style.

By today's standards, the plot is childish, but for its time and targeted audience it must have proved to be exciting from week to week. Anyone with a penchant for memoribelia would surely want this video in their collection.

Lighthearted fun
I do not know how accurate this is to the original comic book--the first time I read "Captain Marvel" (SHAZAM), I got the idea that Bill Batson was only between 10 and 15. Here, he is closer to 21 or so.

Told in 12 parts, "Adventures of Captain Marvel" tells of a man trying to get all six lenses to a golden scorpion, which has an ability to turn regular objects into gold--and other powers. So which of the men is behind the "Scorpion" mask? You guessed it! None of the suspects are developed enough to bother guessing.

Captain Marvel walks like a mummy, and the bad guys continue to shoot him even after it is apparent bullets will not harm him--why is this always the case? Captain Marvel does not talk much, and Billy Batson is the real hero...after all, he is the person behind the superhero.

The story is good. Corny at times because as a serial, it wants viewers to wonder how the hero will escape at the beginning of each week. Billy is flying a plane that explodes. We know he is not dead because he is Captain Marvel, but they do not reveal how he escapes until the next episode.

The effects are obvious, but remember that this was the 1940s.

While not rated, the DVD does contain violence and parents might want to monitor younger children...equivalent of a PG.

One of the Best Superhero DVD's from the 20th Century!
No, there's no Dr. Sivana, Captain Marvel Jr., Mary Marvel or even Uncle Marvel...but you do have the prototype for which all superhero movies should be judged. The origin is actually pretty close to the well-known comic origin, with the old wizard SHAZAM, just in a different setting. I grew up watching the CBS SHAZAM! series in the '70's, and actually loved it. But this blows that series away by a mile. The flying scenes, by today's standards, are mediocre...but for someone seeing this in a theatre in 1941, groundbreaking would not begin to describe them. This Cap isn't afraid to get rough with the badguys, and will even use a machine gun when necessary! If you love serials, superheroes, cliffhangers or Captain Marvel, you gotta get this! ... Read more

Reviews (46)

The Ultimate Woman's Picture
At a time when Hollywood paid more attention to its female audience and made films for them, this may be the best of the bunch. A padded Bette Davis stars as Charlotte Vale, an overweight, unattractive spinster bullied by the mother who never wanted her. On the verge of a nervous breakdown, her sister-in-law arranges for her to meet a psychiatrist played by Claude Rains, and after spending time at his "hospital", she emerges thinner, beautiful, and more prepared to face the world, a world which include Paul Henreid, a married man that she falls in love with while on a post-recovery cruise. It's the kind of role an actress must love, and Davis plays it with restraint and class. Rains is good as usual, and Henreid delivers one of his best performances. The supporting cast is excellent, with Gladys Cooper pulling out all the stops as the tough mother and Mary Wickes bringing a gentle humour to her role as a nurse. The musical score by Max Steiner is excellent, and of course, there are the famous moments of Henreid lighting two cigarettes at once, something that wouldn't work in today's movies, but is quite effective in this film. With it's Ugly Duckling/Cinderella angle and it's sense of romance, this has to be the ultimate woman's picture. It knows its audience and delivers.

One of Bette's Best
I can never decide whether VOYAGER is the best Bette Davis
movie or DARK VICTORY. She is fantastic as a spinster who
is dominated by her monster mother, beautifully played by Gladys
Cooper. After her nervous breakdown she begins a new life
and meets Paul Henried who of course is married but later she
is able to help Paul's child. This is the movie where he lights
two cigarettes and gives her one and ends with "Oh Jerry, let's
not ask for the moon, we have the stars" Fabulous score by
Max Steiner. Fine acting from Claude Rains, Bonita Granville,
Ilka Chase and in a very small role, Lee Patrick. They don't make 'em like this anymore so thank God for home video. The
DVD transfer is terrific.

Overwrought and Only Somewhat Convincing Melodrama
Davis plays nice with middling results. The acting is fine, to be sure, but I miss the feistyness of her better movies. A hapless neurotic woman breaks free of her tyrannical and hateful mother. She seeks therapy and begins to live her own life. She learns that life can't be perfect but it can always be better & happiness s not impossible. Could be seen as encouragement to wallflowers.

Now Voyager - Bette at Her Best
Bette made some terrific films.... this is my personal favorite along with "Mr. Skeffington"... the ONLY criticism is the biographies of the cast ONLY work with Ms. Davis.. the others on the menu do not function.... still.. the plus side is the stunning transfer of the film to DVD. It is fresh and few flaws are visible on this version. I saw the new version of "Sunset Blvd." just after seeing this film, and though "Voyager" is 8 years older, it looks far cleaner and crisper than "Sunset" does. Bravo to the restoration crew here! The film itself, is of course, a masterpiece and well worth the purchase price. A true gem!

A Classic for the Fans
'Now, Voyager' tells the story of hapless introvert Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis), her near-nervous breakdown machinated by her domineering Mother (Gladys Vale) and her subsequent recovery with the help of the dashing J.D. Durrance (Paul Henreid). Directed by Irving Rapper (Another Man's Poison), 'Now, Voyager' is another glorious slice of early forties melodrama, and a total Davis vehicle.

Not that that's a bad thing, actually. Her performance as Charlotte Vale is excellent, she's emotional and deep enough to be believable, and her private exchanges with JD and her Mother are excellent illustrations of the power of Ms. Davis as an actress. Henreid, too, is wonderful as the stiff and faithful JD, stern enough to cause Charlotte frustration yet likeable enough to generate sympathy from the audience.

The supporting cast are a credible bunch - Gladys Vale is an excellent Matriarch (where are the actresses of this calibre today?) and Ivisible Man Claude Rains is hugely charismatic as Dr. Jaquith, a Vermont-based psychologist who all-but saves Charlotte from herself. Comic relief is supplied in the shape of the always-entertaining Mary Wickes (the crotchety nun in the Sister Act movies) as Dora.

Direction is beautiful, with noir-esque interiors and excellent lighting techniques employed to best suggest the sense of Charlotte subsisting in a grim dictatorial household. Rapper's style is a strange contrast to the script, too - it's got a more organic flow about it than the sometimes-stilted dialogue. The score is provided by the genius Max Steiner and is, as one would expect from a man of this legendary reputation, exactly perfect for the tone of the piece.

DVD Quality is excellent, perhaps a little worn in places but on the whole, it's fantastic, and certainly better than a lot of other later DVD conversions. The extras are perfunctory (and indeed, as one reviewer pointed out below, half seem to be missing!) but they don;t make the picture.

On the whole, 'Now, Voyager' is definitely one for the fans. It seems to have established all of the trademark Davis moves (cigarette, EYES, clipped accent, constantly jiggling arm) and is very stilted in some scenes, approaching Camp (see Charlotte's exchanges with the dreadfully annoying Tina Durrance for proof of this!). While it is an endearing and oftentimes emotionally-involving story, one can't help but feel that it will win no new fans to the genre.

Still, if you're fan, you can't go wrong with this. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Entertaining Movie, Bad History
Guadalcanal Diary is exactly what you'd expect to come out of Hollywood during the war--high on fluff and propaganda, low on substance. While it's true that some of the events in the film are based on real events, many are not. None of the Japanese attacks, like at the Tenaru and Bloody Ridge, are depicted though they're mentioned in the film. To have included these hair-raising night battles would've made the movie much more realistic and entertaining. With the exception of the ill-fated Goettge Patrol, what you have instead are fictional battles. For instance, the marines never did launch an offensive on the 10 November, the Marine Corps' birthday.

Guadalcanal Diary, however, does create the general feel of what it was like to fight on Guadalcanal, though nobody in this film is ever hungry, sick, or unshaven! You do find an excellent depiction of the Battleship bombardment on 13 October as well as some superb air raid scenes. This movie would have been much better if it was strictly based on the time-frame of the book (late July - 26 September). Too bad the movie didn't depict real battles and real people. It's still fun to watch, though. If you like war movies, you'll like this flick.

A well-made "flag waver", which also entertains.
Set apart by its realistic portrayal of the struggle for Guadalcanal from most other "flag-wavers" made during World War 2, this film is also most entertaining. Marines live and die in this film, and the Japanese also certainly die, as you would expect. The black and white photography and narration by Richard Tregaskis (an actor really) give the film a documentary realism. For civilian audiences, this film must have seemed absolutely real to them. However, while the Marines on the 'canal were literally starving to death for a while, the actors in this film stay remarkably healthy looking. Also, they shave every day. The cast is top notch. You'll recognize many past and future stars from it. Richard Jaeckal (the MP Sergeant in The Dirty Dozen ) started his film career in the movie. Guadalcanal Diary is a fine example of the World War 2 film, made to bolster civilian morale during the war years. It is well worth seeing and owning, as a piece of cinematic history.

"boys with a memory of death in their eyes"
Based on Richard Tregaskis' popular book of his account of the action at Guadalcanal, when the first detachment of U.S. Marines landed in the Solomon Islands in August of 1942, this is a tough and gritty war film with a sturdy ensemble cast, who do a wonderful job of recreating the diverse characters in the story, from Anthony Quinn who dreams of his señoritas, to the young Richard Jaeckel, who is always writing home to mom.
Preston Foster, William Bendix, Lloyd Nolan and Richard Conte are the other actors that contribute to make the film interesting, along with the narration by Reed Hadley which contrasts with the everyday speech of the dialogue and at times is quite poetic.

Enduring the humid jungle, often plagued with torrential rain, and at one point running out of food and needing reinforcements, the narrator says of October 10th, "...for we are tired, after days of heat and rain, dust and disease, mud and malnutrition, weeks of constant fighting...", the film depicts a lot of heroism, the caring for one another, and much patriotism.
The battle cinematography by Charles Clarke is visually exciting, though all very sanitized, as none of the intense fighting is graphic, and one must remember that this is a 1943 film, and the language used is far from politically correct; those who can't put it into historical perspective should avoid seeing it.
Total running time is 93 minutes.

Well staged war movie
This account of the struggle to retake the South Pacific island of Guadalcanal from the occupying Japanese army in World War two is marked by superbly staged battle sequences .It -uniquely for the period -eschews the standard gung ho flag waving that marked most Hollywood war movies of the era (understandably ,in my book given the circumstances)and depicts a very matter of fact view of the average soldier's life in combat situations.
The acting honours are stolen by the under-rated Richard Jaeckel but there is sterling support from reliable performers like William Bendix,Richard Conte ,Lloyd Nolan and the great Anthony Quinn.
A war movie showing rare honesty and integrity .

Just Want To Go Home.
Set in the early days of WWII in the Pacific, the film follows a unit of Marines as they battle everything from disease and treacherous terrain to just being tired of not being at home. The Marines go from one battle to another, fighting to stay alive and keep there hopes up. There is a rogue Sgt. (Lloyd Nolan), a simple cab driver from Brooklyn (William Bendix), and a troubled Marine (Anthony Quinn)! With well done battle's and a outstanding script, this film is considered to be one of the best films done during WWII! If you can put aside that it was made in 1943, and it is not as realistic as it would be today. It is sure to get the message across and deliver the goods. One of the best war films of all time!
Grade:A ... Read more

Description

W.C. Fields stars as an unemployed, henpecked drunk who spends most of his time at the Black Pussy Cat café. Things take a turn for the absurd when he unwittingly captures a bank robber and lands a job as a security guard. Written by Fields under the pseudonym Mahatma Kane Jeeves and featuring one of his most hilarious performances, The Bank Dick is an undisputed classic of American comedy. Criterion is proud to present Fields' last major film in a new digital transfer, with English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

This is Just Too Funny
This is the second best Fields film (after It's a Gift) and it's similar in that it casts Fields as the lovable drunk with an absolutely hateful family. From the almost surreal episode directing the movie to the eye-poppingly ridiculous chase scene, this one is pure comic entertainment. One side note: it's sad and not a little scary how bloated and tired the Great Man looks in this compared to just six years earlier when It's a Gift was released

a fine example of slapstick comedy
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

W.C. Fields stars as Egbert Sousè (Pronounced as "Soosay" but mispronounced as "souse" by many of the people in his town though he is also a souse) a husband who is constantly critized by his family for his drinking and smoking. He lated inadvertently catches a bank robber and is offered a job as a guard at the bank.

The acting is what one would expect from comedy films of the time, and has a cameo role by Shemp Howard best known for his work as one of the 3 stooges.

This is W.C. field's last major film role. The DVD has no special features.

Pretty Good for Sketch Comedy
If this had been made 20 or 30 years later, it would have been great television stuff like Monty Python or Benny Hill. Essentially plotless w/ Fields careening around. Fun but no reason to own it.

W.C. Fields is too funny...
this movie may cause you to lose faith in the possibilities of comedy in the new millenium. W.C. Fields was the best curmudgeon ever and this is one of his greatest films. His wife and his children hate him. Only his friendly neighborhood bartender (played by 4th or 5th stooge, Shemp Howard) loves him. As usual, W.C. gets himself into loads of trouble and finds a way to get out of it with a bunch of money. The final chase scene is rivaled only by It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, What's up, Doc?, and Seven Chances in it's superfluity of gags and danger.

Watch this movie....or die!

Essential W.C. Fields DVD
The Bank Dick is pure Fields and the best of his feature films (with My Little Chickadee a close second). The comedy is timeless; most of the jokes, although written 60 years ago , are relevant today. Supporting cast is brilliant. A must have for all classic comedy fans. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Technicality, or where were you in 1942?
For those of you that will or want to screech about how technically incorrect this movie is, remember this movie was made and released in 1944. That means it was made and released during the Second World War. The U.S. government was loathed to confirm the fact that a sea battle even took place near Midway Island, let alone disclose what our force make-up was or what our or what it believed the enemies real battle looses were.

Additionally, in 1944 it was still unknown for certain what was results of the Torpedo Bombers attack. It wasn't until after the war that it was learned what actually happened. Although it is true that the Torpedo Bombers didn't get hits on the Japanese Carriers, the real point is that the TBF Squadrons took nearly 75% casualties in this battle, that if it wasn't for those brave men who gave their lives up at very-low altitude, the Dive Bombers coming in from 12 to 15,000 feet above the torpedo attacks may not have got the chance they needed to get through the Japanese air cover. Once again, it's also true that in 1944 none of this information was either known or if suspected, any where near releasable to the population as true.

Heck, one of our submarines reported sinking one of the 4 Japanese carriers and was actually credited with the sinking. That was until post war interrogations of the Japanese sailors that fought at Midway revealed they saw submarine torpedos hit a carrier during the air attacks and break up, without detonating.

By the way, the character portrayed by Dana Andrews was right to be worrying about Japanese radar. Because even though the Japanese didn't have radar on their ships at Midway, the United States Navy thought they might have radar and trained its Carrier Wings to expect its use. When you get right down to it, this film is as technically correct as the US Navy in 1944 could be.

I saw 'A Wing and a Prayer' at least 30 times on board US Navy ships and on TV since 1946. I bought the VHS copy I'm reviewing now about two years ago. If you like classic war movies made during WWll, this is one of the best. It's a fine film, with excellent acting.

a wing, a prayer and a snooze
Not the greatest WW II movie I've ever seen. During that time Hollywood could throw practically anything on the screen and people would come to watch it. This has the usual cast of 4-Fs acting brave, and Don Ameche, usually a laughing boy in lighthearted musicals, is particularly ludicrous as a tight lipped officer who sternly goes around making hard decisions that have to be made. Why couldn't he at least have sung one song to Betty Grable? Aside from these quibbles, this movie is good because it is about a more interesting, innocent time in America when Americans were naturally patriotic and patriotism wasn't a product of corporate America.

Technical Inaccuracies But Highly Entertaining
Most of the reviewers of A WING AND A PRAYER focus on the historical background that led up to the battle of Midway. It is quite true that when this film was released in 1944, much of the data that Americans now take for granted was not available or well-known. However, when critics harp on the background of the film rather than on its cinematic virtues, I think that some injustice is done. Putting aside the technical lapses--and I grant there were more than a few--the film itself did what its producers wanted. It roused the patriotism of America in a way that is still vastly entertaining today. Director Henry Hathaway got the most out of a sterling cast led by Don Ameche and Dana Andrews as Navy officers who every day had to balance the brute exegencies of war against its inevitable human cost. For a film about war, there is remarkably little war in it. Most of the action is the drama resulting from human interaction. Unlike most navy war films of the time, A WING AND A PRAYER tried to show the behind the scenes mechanics of war more than the bang-bang of anti-aircraft. It is this concentration on how to get a carrier fleet ready for the business of war that lends this movie its undeniable aura of plausibility. Pilots and crew are shown facing the stress of pre-combat with not all of them surmounting it. It is not until the end that American planes get busy shooting at the Japanese. There is a quite effective scene in which the captain, played by veteran character actor Charles Bickford, plays the radio broadcasts of combat over the ship's PA system. As the crew hears the shouts of men and the clangor of planes, the crew is mesmerized by the vicarious sounds all around them. A WING AND A PRAYER is one of the less heralded WWII films that chose to focus more on the events leading up to combat than on the combat itself. For those who have personal experience of combat, this movie rings as resonant a bell as any other movie that emphasizes the opposite.

War Classic is a must for your library.
You'll find some war footage I haven't seen elsewhere! Film is one to savor the life aboard a carrier in WWII.

Technicality, or where were you in 1942?
For those of you that will or want to screech about how technically incorrect this movie is, remember this movie was made and released in 1944. That means it was made and released during the Second World War. The U.S. government was loathed to confirm the fact that a sea battle even took place near Midway Island, let alone disclose what our force make-up was or what our or what it believed the enemies real battle looses were.

Additionally, in 1944 it was still unknown for certain what was results of the Torpedo Bombers attack. It wasn't until after the war that it was learned what actually happened. Although it is true that the Torpedo Bombers didn't get hits on the Japanese Carriers, the real point is that the TBF Squadrons took nearly 75% casualties in this battle, that if it wasn't for those brave men who gave their lives up at very-low altitude, the Dive Bombers coming in from 12 to 15,000 feet above the torpedo attacks may not have got the chance they needed to get through the Japanese air cover. Once again, it's also true that in 1944 none of this information was either known or if suspected, any where near releasable to the population as true.

Heck, one of our submarines reported sinking one of the 4 Japanese carriers and was actually credited with the sinking. That was until post war interrogations of the Japanese sailors that fought at Midway revealed they saw submarine torpedos hit a carrier during the air attacks and break up, without detonating.

By the way, the character portrayed by Dana Andrews was right to be worrying about Japanese radar. Because even though the Japanese didn't have radar on their ships at Midway, the United States Navy thought they might have radar and trained its Carrier Wings to expect its use. When you get right down to it, this film is as technically correct as the US Navy in 1944 could be.

I saw 'A Wing and a Prayer' at least 30 times on board US Navy ships and on TV since 1946. I bought the VHS copy I'm reviewing now about two years ago. If you like classic war movies made during WWll, this is one of the best. It's a fine film, with excellent acting. ... Read more

Description

Mexico is under siege from the nefarious Don Del Oro, who's passinghimself off as an ancient sun god intent on oppressing the people. The only hope lies witheveryone's favorite masked crusader for western justice, the one and only Zorro! A rip- roaring serial packed with swashbuckling, stunts and high-flying action, this whip- cracking classic remains a captivating yarn for Zorro fans of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Zorro ride again in superior Republic Chapterplay!
There have been four serials made that use the actual "ZORRO" name and two or three that use a character similar to Zorro, but this 1938 chapterplay is the only one with the one and ONLY Zorro! With Zorro played by Reed Hadley, Republic's original story takes Zorro to Mexico after Juarez's successful revolution aainst Spain to stop the reincarnated Yaqui god Don Del Oro from stealing much needed gold and fomenting a Yaqui uprising. The twelve chapters of this serial keep Zorro and his Fighting Legion in continual peril from Don Del Oro and his Yaqui followers, and trying to deduce which one of four evil councillors is Don del Oro will keep everyone guessing until the final chapter! One of Republic's best serials ever and a worthy addition to the Zorro legend. END

One of the greatest movie serials of all time
This is also the ONLY Zorro serial dealing with the original Zorro character, set in the original time period (early 1800's). The serial is very well made. Reed Hadley is an excellent Don Diego/Zorro. The sword fighting scenes are very impressive. The cliffhangers at the end of each chapter are excellently done. Don Del Oro is one of the greatest movie serial villians of all time. If you are a fan of the Zorro legend or of movie serials in general, this is one of the best. A must have!

ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE VERSION!!
Read the horrid reviews (as usual) for the Madacy product, then grab this Hal Roach Studios/Image version of this classic Republic Serial, perhaps second in fame only to THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL. This version is meticulously mastered from the original camera negative with fine grain shots substituted wherever necessary. Where Madacy "simply" eliminates(!) the beginnings and ends of each of their twelve 16mm chapters, making it more into a herky-jerky feature film that runs 3-1/2 hours (then making you buy TWO separate discs in order to obtain the whole story), this Hal Roach Studios version is absolutely complete--four hours on one disc (double-coated, no turning over!) and boasts trailers for six other top serials to boot. All from 35mm, with the visual power and dynamic soundtrack range the use of those elements brings to the table. This is the one you've been waiting for, so get the best possible version. (Same for ROBINSON CRUSOE OF CLIPPER ISLAND, ZORRO RIDES AGAIN and ZORRO'S BLACK WHIP, also mastered from the original 35mm nitrate camera negatives and fine grains. They're all being released by Image in the coming months.) As the reviewer from the Knight-Ridder Newspaper chain recently published "Do yourself a favor--wait for the Hal Roach Studios version from Image--it's the real deal". I concur. It's worth the little bit extra you have to pay to be able to see the picture and hear the sound the way it was all meant to be presented. ZORRO'S FIGHTING LEGION is worth the money for the twelfth chapter alone, with it's great unmasking scene (but, no peeking till you've built up to it by watching the first eleven!). You'll love it.

Enjoyed my 10 year old tape better
I was going to write my own review but michaeljmoore2 beat me to the punch. My old VHS version of this serial beats this DVD hands down. I still can't understand why the DVD version did not include the synopsis from the previous chapter. For me, this was one of the fun parts of the serial. It can't be because they ran out of space on the DVD since there are two DVDs with this set. Go figure.

GOOD FOR MADACY, BUT STILL DISAPPOINTING!
While Madacy may not have digitally remastered their version of Zorro's Fighting Legion, this disc does have decent picture and sound quality. The print is at times a little dark, but overall it is not bad to look at. The biggest problem with Madacy's version is that they not only have cut out the title's beginning and endings, they also removed the chapter recaps as well. This seems an odd choice on their part, considernig all chapter recaps were left in on their Painted Stallion, and New Adventures of Tarzan DVD's. Without the chapter recaps the serial loses some of its flare. I would reccomend waiting for the Image version of the serial. I understand that theirs comes from the original negative. ... Read more

Description

This 12-part serial made in 1939 places Don Diego (Reed Hadley) in Mexico. Disguuised as Zorro, he joins the conflict between the Mexican state and the Yaqui people where It seems a strange and mysterious figure in gold armor and a mask is being worshiped by the Yaqui, who rally behind their new leader to steal gold shipments from their Mexican neighbors. Diego must find out who is behind this false golden god and expose him for the good of peace!

The legendary masked swordsman Zorro dodges a variety of deathtraps, including exploding barns, runaway elevators and avalanches in his effort to thwart the insidious plan of armored bad guy Don Del Oro to rule Mexico. Directed by John English (TV’s "Gunsmoke", "Lassie") and William Whitney (TV’s "Bonanza", "The Virginian"). The original 12 chapter serial that inspired a number of Zorro adaptations including Walt Disney’s classic television series and Antonio Banderas’ blockbuster The Mark of Zorro. Early western directing style cited as an influence on later westerns including Rio Bravo, The Wild Bunch, and Unforgiven. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Zorro ride again in superior Republic Chapterplay!
There have been four serials made that use the actual "ZORRO" name and two or three that use a character similar to Zorro, but this 1938 chapterplay is the only one with the one and ONLY Zorro! With Zorro played by Reed Hadley, Republic's original story takes Zorro to Mexico after Juarez's successful revolution aainst Spain to stop the reincarnated Yaqui god Don Del Oro from stealing much needed gold and fomenting a Yaqui uprising. The twelve chapters of this serial keep Zorro and his Fighting Legion in continual peril from Don Del Oro and his Yaqui followers, and trying to deduce which one of four evil councillors is Don del Oro will keep everyone guessing until the final chapter! One of Republic's best serials ever and a worthy addition to the Zorro legend. END

One of the greatest movie serials of all time
This is also the ONLY Zorro serial dealing with the original Zorro character, set in the original time period (early 1800's). The serial is very well made. Reed Hadley is an excellent Don Diego/Zorro. The sword fighting scenes are very impressive. The cliffhangers at the end of each chapter are excellently done. Don Del Oro is one of the greatest movie serial villians of all time. If you are a fan of the Zorro legend or of movie serials in general, this is one of the best. A must have!

ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE VERSION!!
Read the horrid reviews (as usual) for the Madacy product, then grab this Hal Roach Studios/Image version of this classic Republic Serial, perhaps second in fame only to THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL. This version is meticulously mastered from the original camera negative with fine grain shots substituted wherever necessary. Where Madacy "simply" eliminates(!) the beginnings and ends of each of their twelve 16mm chapters, making it more into a herky-jerky feature film that runs 3-1/2 hours (then making you buy TWO separate discs in order to obtain the whole story), this Hal Roach Studios version is absolutely complete--four hours on one disc (double-coated, no turning over!) and boasts trailers for six other top serials to boot. All from 35mm, with the visual power and dynamic soundtrack range the use of those elements brings to the table. This is the one you've been waiting for, so get the best possible version. (Same for ROBINSON CRUSOE OF CLIPPER ISLAND, ZORRO RIDES AGAIN and ZORRO'S BLACK WHIP, also mastered from the original 35mm nitrate camera negatives and fine grains. They're all being released by Image in the coming months.) As the reviewer from the Knight-Ridder Newspaper chain recently published "Do yourself a favor--wait for the Hal Roach Studios version from Image--it's the real deal". I concur. It's worth the little bit extra you have to pay to be able to see the picture and hear the sound the way it was all meant to be presented. ZORRO'S FIGHTING LEGION is worth the money for the twelfth chapter alone, with it's great unmasking scene (but, no peeking till you've built up to it by watching the first eleven!). You'll love it.

Enjoyed my 10 year old tape better
I was going to write my own review but michaeljmoore2 beat me to the punch. My old VHS version of this serial beats this DVD hands down. I still can't understand why the DVD version did not include the synopsis from the previous chapter. For me, this was one of the fun parts of the serial. It can't be because they ran out of space on the DVD since there are two DVDs with this set. Go figure.

GOOD FOR MADACY, BUT STILL DISAPPOINTING!
While Madacy may not have digitally remastered their version of Zorro's Fighting Legion, this disc does have decent picture and sound quality. The print is at times a little dark, but overall it is not bad to look at. The biggest problem with Madacy's version is that they not only have cut out the title's beginning and endings, they also removed the chapter recaps as well. This seems an odd choice on their part, considernig all chapter recaps were left in on their Painted Stallion, and New Adventures of Tarzan DVD's. Without the chapter recaps the serial loses some of its flare. I would reccomend waiting for the Image version of the serial. I understand that theirs comes from the original negative. ... Read more

Description

Human brain transplants and blood-soaked operations highlight this saga filled with blood, shock, and sheer fright, featuring mad doctor antics, an evil dwarf ("Freaks'" Angelo Rossitto), and a pure gold drive-in cast including Kent Taylor (The Mighty Gorga), Grant Williams (The Incredible Shrinking Man), Regina Carrol (Dracula vs. Frankenstein), and Vicki Volante (Horror of the Blood Monsters). Inspired by the wildly popular success of the "Blood Island" series, this follow up (shot in Hollywood) follows the tradition of those Philippine favorites with cult filmmakers Al Adamson and Sam Sherman bringing you an unforgettable whirlpool of horror featuring a deformed and lumbering monster, a basement filled with chained women, and an entire country trapped in this horrific struggle! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Re-discovery of a closet classick
I first saw this movie back in 1978 on a little b+w television on the late night horror film (hosted by Detroit/Toledo icon "The Ghoul"). Over the years all I could remember of the movie was image of the evil dwarf drawing blood from the female victims chained up in the baesment...
Well, I finaly figured out that "Brain of Blood" was that movie which I ordered and watched last night.
What a treat, this is standard but classic early 70's blood schlock.
Brain of Blood has plenty of enjoyable/expected cliches...
a mad doctor, evil dwarf, big dumb oaf, busty blond, a twisted political plot, brain transplants, plastic ray guns, rubber spiders, and lots of thick, red movie blood.
The story is silly, but there's enough of a storyline to require the viewer to pay attention in order to follow it.

Other than the blood which may unsettle the very squeamish the movie is fine for family viewing (PG). There's no sex (real or implied) and no foul language (although some of the trailers may show a brief flash of nudity).
Plenty of good disc extras make this package all the sweeter.

Al Adamson strikes again
This is another in a long line of films made by the late great Al Adamson. The story is about a scientist who transplants the brain of a dying leader of a foreign country into the body of his hulking mentally retarded helper. You get a lot of gory brain surgery footage and a really mixed up plot involving government cover up's, sadism, spies, torture, and chained women. The cast is very good it includes Kent Taylor, Regina Carroll (Al's Wife), John Bloom and Grant Williams.
I happen to like Adamson's films a lot and this is really no better or worse than any of them. If you like verteran actors playing monsters and dress up, you'll like this film. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

In this 1942 melodrama, founded on the novel by Olivia Higgins Prouty (who also wrote the novel on whichStella Dallas was based), Bette Davis stars as Charlotte Vale, a dowdy, repressed woman who, overwhelmed by her domineering mother, is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She finds help at a sanitarium from a kind psychiatrist (Claude Rains), who turns her into a beautiful, confident woman. As a new person, she takes a pleasure cruise, where she meets Jerry (Paul Henreid), an architect trapped in an unhappy marriage, saddled with a troubled daughter. The two fall in love, but, of course, the romance is doomed. Yet their paths cross on occasion, and, despite their feelings, Charlotte finds satisfaction in helping Jerry's depressed child. The film will seem familiar to new viewers--the campy style was the pattern for many tearjerkers to come, and its most famous line has been oft repeated ("Don't ask for the moon--we have the stars"). But the heartstrings are tugged, and as Paul Henreid chivalrously lights two cigarettes and hands one over to the doleful-eyed Davis, pull out the box of tissues--you're gonna need 'em.--Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (56)

"To Seek and Find"
Sister #3:

"The untold want, by life and land ne'er granted
Now, Voyager sail thou forth to seek and find."- Walt Whitman

This was my favorite Bette Davis movie when I was growing up.I saw it many, many times.I loved her character - she was the "good Bette Davis" - I loved her clothes, and I loved the story: the transformation of an ugly, insecure duckling into the beautiful, graceful swan. I see the Charlotte Vale character as a women who must overcome herself in order find happiness.As the good Dr. Jaquith (Claude Rains), says, she "has come to a fork in the road and must decide which road to take."Ultimately, she decides that she can express her love by helping others overcome what she had to overcome.She makes a graceful, lovely decision.Charlotte Vale was my role model when I was growing up in the late 1960's and 70's.

"No one ever called me darling before."
A great melodrama, a tearjerker about love and sacrifice that grabs you by the throat and won't let go. Bette Davis is Charlotte Vale, a supressed spinster who gets help from her psychiatrist (Claude Rains). Breaking out of her shell, she goes on a voyage to Brazil where she meets Jerry (Paul Henreid), who is married. They fall in love and then must part. Davis later becomes the surrogate mother to Jerry's daughter Tina, who is suffering from a lack of love just as Charlotte did as a girl. In a famous scene at the end, Davis and Henreid reconfirm their love and its continuation through Tina: "Don't ask for the moon - we have the stars" Davis tells him. Max Steiner's music score is lush anddesigned to make the tears flow even more. At first, when the part about Tina begins, it seems like a tag-on for affect (the scene just before it with Davis on a train pleading for the absent Jerry when she needs him most seems like the logical conclusion to the picture), but it starts to grow on you, thanks to Rains's light touches at the right moments. It's a story of impossible, idealized love and the sacrifices attendant to that love - if it was an opera there'd be a double suicide. But it's moving and touching just the same. Davis was famous for this kind of role, and she is excellent. And Henreid and that famous bit of lighting two cigarettes at once - gotta love it. Definitely worth a watch.

Now,Voyager-First rate quality DVD.
Warner Bros of old would be proud of the quality of this DVD from a technical point,the crispiness of the black & white print is sheer outstanding-compare that with the trailer which is also enclosed.Over the years this was typical of the results you would expect from a VHS print.

Dolby have done an excellent job of cleaning up the sound track also.I've worked in the film industry/photography for many years so I can see quality when it comes along.This DVD lives up to expectation,not only to the contents but picture perfect as well.

It looks as though it's just arrived off the Warner lot only yesterday.

Abosultely Marvellous!!!
This is a MARVELLOUS film of which displays the true character of a young lady burdnened down by her mother. Throughout the film, a man on a cruise encourages her true character embeded within heart to be shown.I encourage every person who finds classic movies to his or her enjoyment to please view this movie.

Now, Voyager
With the help of her psychologist, Dr. Jaquith (Claude Rains), Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis) breaks lose from the iron grip of her stern and domineering mother (Gladys Cooper).Charlotte loses weight, trims her eyebrows, and finds love with the handsome Jerry Durrance (Paul Henreid) while on a cruise to Rio.
NOW, VOYAGER is full of that thick, gooey stuff of which impossible melodramas are made - the cruel parent, the ugly duckling child who must wrest herself out from under the suffocating maternal wing so she may blossom into a beautiful swan, etc., etc., etc.Tear-jerking muck is a toxin to my system, and my thumb hung heavy over the `eject' button, ready to zap this one into oblivion.
But Davis, who must be the greatest movie star ever, plays her character free of artifice and false sentimentality.By the time she meets (unhappily) married Henreid on the cruise ship I was totally involved in her story.By the time they parted at the railroad station and she asked "Shall I tell you what you've given me...?" I was reaching for the hankies.
What a remarkable actress was Bette Davis.
... Read more

Description

A boxing match at the Hollywood Stadium turns into a gripping murder mystery with over 2,000 suspects! As top contender Ace Cummings prepares to take on Madison, the reigning champ, Madison, the house lights dim. Suddenly, a scream echoes through the venue and a peculiar odor fills the air. When the lights come up, Ace is found dead. After witnessing the bizarre event, sassy and beautiful young writer Polly Ward decides to investigate, teaming up with dapper district attorney Bill Devons. Their long list of suspects includes a candy-seller, a gambler, a movie star, two of the victim's girlfriends and the boxer Madison. Clues are scarce, but the sleuths work every angle. As Polly and Bill draw closer to discovering the killer, their lives are threatened and the danger becomes frighteningly real. Rife with snappy dialogue, brisk pacing, and sharp performances, The Hollywood Stadium Mystery (a.k.a. The Stadium Murders) is a tightly-executed whodunit and a fine example of what smaller studios were capable of during Hollywood's golden era. The opening credit sequence is particularly inventive with its clever use of newspaper headlines to kick off the action. Director David Howard handles the mystery genre with panache, despite a career that centered mostly on adventures and western films like Six-Gun Gold, Painted Desert and Daniel Boone. Neil Hamilton later gained fame as white-haired Commissioner Gordon in the 1966 TV-series "Batman." The ringside radio commentator in The Hollywood Stadium Mystery was Jimmy Wallington, a real-life announcer whose voice was heard on such programs as "The Life Of Riley" and "Stranger Than Fiction." ... Read more

Description

Ripped from the case files of police forces across the country, "Racket Squad" sought to expose the devious machinations of the con man. Running from 1951-1953, "Racket Squad" was one of the first series to portray the gritty reality of criminal investigation and was twice nominated for an Emmy award.His Brother's Keeper:An elderly gambler known as Long Shot poses as a deaf hobo in order to receive handouts that he can use for gambling. Local gangsters already running a similar citywide racket don't take it lightly when Long Shot tries to beat them at their own game.Two Little Country Girls:Assistant hotel manager Harvey Anderson accuses a bellhop of stealing $15,000 from a guest. Captain Braddock hears Anderson's story and suspects that the guest may be a confidence woman who has pulled this con in several other hotels.Smoke Eater:Two petty swindlers con their way to riches by posing as Fire Marshals, enforcing fire code regulations at local businesses and collecting on the fines.Anyone Can Be A Sucker: Risking his life and attempting to prevent a murder, small time crook Smiley Gibbonsrats out a big-time gangster who runs a local gambling ring. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Serial Box Every Home Needs
The Roan Group (which is owned by Troma studios, the makers of such classics as "The Toxic Avenger" and "Class of Nuke `em High") has lovingly released The Serial Box.This affordable box set contains four serials: The New Adventures of Tarzan, Radar Men from the Moon, Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe, and Zorro's Fighting Legion.All serials are shown in their original 12 chapter uncut format, which clocks each serial in around 4 hours.Beware of cheap, edited versions of these serials that were cut down to 2 hours for television and released by cut-throat video distributors out to make a quick buck.

So why should you purchase this box set?The first reason is the price.The entire set costs around $30, whereas each disc is $20+ individually.The second, of course, is the serials themselves.Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe is a classic.Buster Crabbe is the quintessential Flash Gordon.He is also the only actor to portray Flash Gordon, Tarzan and Buck Rogers.Radar Men from the Moon is a sci-fi classic and is probably the most fun of the Commando Cody serials of the 1950's.The New Adventures of Tarzan was produced by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan, so you know it has to be good!And Zorro's Fighting Legion is probably the best of the Zorro serials.But don't believe me,; see for yourself.

The Roan Group's transfers are as nice as you're going to find and they manage to fit all 12 action-packed chapters onto one disc, unlike cheap video labels (like Alpha) that divide the serials onto 2 discs.There aren't many extras to speak of, and they'd mostly seem out of place if you weren't aware of parent company Troma's inclination towards the bizarre.Having said that, open your minds and your wallets and buy this set! You get 16 hours of classic cliff-hanging fun for roughly the cost of 2 movie tickets, popcorn and drinks.And with gas prices what they are, you can't afford not buy this 4 disc set. It'll save you money in the long run!

Four full serials for one low price!
This set contains these four serials:

New Adventures of Tarzan
Zorro's Fighting Legion
Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe
Radar Men From the Moon

These are the previous Roan released with a new slipcase.A great set. ... Read more