Reviews (35)

The one Tracy-Heburn movie where she gets the upper hand
This 1957 film directed by Walter Lang was the eighth of the nine Tracy-Hepburn films and their first in color. Based on the play by William Marchant (which had starred Shirley Booth on Broadway), Katharine Hepburn plays Bunny Watson, a reference librarian who works for a television network. Bunny becomes quite concerned when she learns that the new computer being installed by Spencer Tracy's Richard Sumner is supposed to put her and the rest of her staff out of work. Gig Young has his standard role as the nice guy who ends up losing the girl in the end, while Joan Blondell, Dina Merrill and Sue Randall make up the rest of Bunny's brainy staff.

In terms of pairing Tracy and Hepburn "Desk Set" is certainly unique because it is the only film where she gets the upper hand at the end and he gets the comeuppance. Tracy is really nothing more than a misunderstood villain; his new toy is suppose to help the girls in the reference library not replace them. But none of this really matters because in the end it is clear than the women are a lot smarter than the machine (although they do get the baseball trivia answer wrong). The one priceless scene in the film is a roof top lunch between Tracy and Hepburn. He just has a few simple questions for her that turn out to be brainteasers, and Hepburn's character disposes of each and every challenge with an ease grace and guileless naiveté that is quite charming, while Tracy sinks lower and lower as she beats him at every turn. The rest of the film is fairly pedestrian as we wait for the expected happy endings for the computer and romantic plot lines.

After receiving Academy Award nominations for her work in "Summertime" and "The Rainmaker," Hepburn had made a film with Bob Hope that was totally butchered, the astonishingly unfunny film "The Iron Petticoat," and "Desk Set." It would be another two years before she made another film, although Spencer Tracy's failing health was as much if not more of a contributing factor as the sudden drop off in the quality of her films. Hepburn would turn to the stage and perform Shakespeare and then return to the screen with four consecutive Oscar nominated roles. Consequently, in retrospect, "Desk Set" clearly defines the end of a period in Hepburn's career. You can not help but look at the next two decades of her film career, where virtually every film is based on a play by a great dramatist (Tennessee Williams's "Suddenly Last Summer," Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into Night," Euripides's "Trojan Women," Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance") and not think that this was very much a conscious effort by Hepburn in the wake of this particular fluff piece.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!
I've been waiting for this DVD forever because I love this movie but can't stand the pan-and-scan version. I just saw this mentioned on Turner Classic Movies, cried out "Yes! Yes!" and immediately came to Amazon to see if they have it. I am so glad they do! And in honor of this great movie finally being released in all of it's widescreen glory, I am cut and pasting my review for the video version here below:

"Like Floating Island...Delicious!"

The smart dialogue, the gorgeous fashion, the way you want to kick Gig Young in the teeth...I wish more modern comedy could be this clever. (My two favorite scenes are the rooftop lunch quiz and the rainy evening misunderstanding. As usual you never think Tracy is acting, he's so real. And Hepburn's Miss Watson (her name a inside-joke nod to the founder of IBM -Thomas J. Watson) is a character you root for to blow off egotistical beau Mike. Another bonus is the Sumners snooty EMIRAC assistant, Miss Warringer-whose come-uppance couldn't be better. I want a brown coat like Bunny's!

Thank goodness this is finally out on DVD and WIDESCREEN! It's completely enjoyable now without the distractions of pan and scan!

Tracy and Hepburn Forever!

The one Tracy & Hepburn match where she gets the upper hand
This 1957 film directed by Walter Lang was the eighth of the nine Tracy-Hepburn films and their first in color. Based on the play by William Marchant (which had starred Shirley Booth on Broadway), Katharine Hepburn plays Bunny Watson, a reference librarian who works for a television network. Bunny becomes quite concerned when she learns that the new computer being installed by Spencer Tracy's Richard Sumner is supposed to put her and the rest of her staff out of work. Gig Young has his standard role as the nice guy who ends up losing the girl in the end, while Joan Blondell, Dina Merrill and Sue Randall make up the rest of Bunny's brainy staff.

In terms of pairing Tracy and Hepburn "Desk Set" is certainly unique because it is the only film where she gets the upper hand at the end and he gets the comeuppance. Tracy is really nothing more than a misunderstood villain; his new toy is suppose to help the girls in the reference library not replace them. But none of this really matters because in the end it is clear than the women are a lot smarter than the machine (although they do get the baseball trivia answer wrong). The one priceless scene in the film is a roof top lunch between Tracy and Hepburn. He just has a few simple questions for her that turn out to be brainteasers, and Hepburn's character disposes of each and every challenge with an ease grace and guileless naiveté that is quite charming, while Tracy sinks lower and lower as she beats him at every turn. The rest of the film is fairly pedestrian as we wait for the expected happy endings for the computer and romantic plot lines.

After receiving Academy Award nominations for her work in "Summertime" and "The Rainmaker," Hepburn had made a film with Bob Hope that was totally butchered, the astonishingly unfunny film "The Iron Petticoat," and "Desk Set." It would be another two years before she made another film, although Spencer Tracy's failing health was as much if not more of a contributing factor as the sudden drop off in the quality of her films. Hepburn would turn to the stage and perform Shakespeare and then return to the screen with four consecutive Oscar nominated roles. Consequently, in retrospect, "Desk Set" clearly defines the end of a period in Hepburn's career. You can not help but look at the next two decades of her film career, where virtually every film is based on a play by a great dramatist (Tennessee Williams's "Suddenly Last Summer," Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into Night," Euripides's "Trojan Women," Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance") and not think that this was very much a conscious effort by Hepburn in the wake of this particular fluff piece.

TRACY/HEPBURN MAGIC STRANGELY ABSENT!
This is one of Kate and Spencer's later efforts - post MGM, pre-"Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" and it generally lacks in the chemistry that most of thier work at MGM had in spades. Tracy's a method's engineer who's assigned to make the daily operation of a television station more efficient. Of course he's bound to butt heads with researcher, Bunny Watson (Hepburn). Unlike most Tracy/Hepburn movies, in which their love for one another is never in question, on this occasion,Gig Young is inexplicably and needlessly thrown into the mix as Bunny's boyfriend. But it's the old Hepburn/Tracy's stardust and magic that keeps this otherwise deadly boring film afloat.
TRANSFER: Desk Set is at last presented in its original Cinemascope 2:35:1 aspect ratio and it is anamorphically enhanced to take full advantage of 16:9 displays. Although colors can be rich, vibrant and bold, flesh tones have an uncanny pasty look in certain scenes and a reddish/pinkish overcast in others. There are instances where dirt, film grain and age related artifacts crop up throughout this print. Also, black levels tend to be weak in certain scenes. There's a hint of edge enhancement and some pixelization but the print is generally smooth looking. The audio, as with all Cinemascope films of the period, is vintage stereo and presented at a reasonable listening level.
Extras: Fox is genuinely inconsistent in the extra content they provide for their "Studio Series" titles. If you recall, "The Day The Earth Stood Still" contained a 70 min. documentary while "The Inn of The Sixth Happiness" contained only an audio commentary track. On this occasion we get an audio commentary and some truncated movietones junk that is short, boring and generally slapped together as an afterthought. Not what I would expect from any series dubbed, "Studio Series".
BOTTOM LINE: If you're a die hard Tracy/Hepburn fan than this is a must have. But it's not one of their best or even one of their mediocre. It's just big on...well, being big and short, unfortunately, on entertainment!

We get set up with Desk Set at last!
"A large market exists in the U.S. for classic movies on DVD. There can really be no excuse for withholding America's rightful cinematic history when Europe and Asia is already enjoying it!" That comes from another reviewer on these pages, and I second that emotion.

I'll go even further than that review and say that Desk Set is the BEST film with Spence and Kate. And don't forget the great Gig Young doing his perfect second banana routine, which has already delighted us in so many other films. They didn't hide behind so many physical gags or the safer facade of black and white. Instead they acted out the script in glorious full color widescreen and stereo, no less.

And did Fox drop the ball in giving us the proper widescreen version of this classic? No, they did not! The studio came through for us (which is more than we can usually say about studios) and put it out in widescreen! And they even added some actress commentary for good measure. Yes, it's been a long 9-year wait, since DVDs first came out in 1995, but it's here now, at least.

And what a great modern plot Desk Set has: an independent woman (instead of a cloying playtoy), a job for that woman as a research expert, (instead of the usual secretary trying to date her boss), a strong leading man but one with a sense of humor (instead of the usual he-man tough guy). And all smack in the middle of the early revolution of COMPUTERS!

The man vs. machine concepts in this film will reverberate down through the ages. Plus it has a great romantic plot, too. This film has everything! Many people say they love to see a well-restored 1957 Chevy, but I'll take this well-restored 1957 Desky instead! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The third Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway hit to go before the cameras, The King and I boasts a career-making performance from Yul Brynner, repeating his stage triumph as the titular monarch and proving to moviegoers that bald can be beautiful. It's Brynner's proud king that provides the fulcrum to the plot, and it's Brynner himself, with his piercing gaze and graceful physicality, that demands our attention.

The story line, adapted from an earlier, nonmusical stage hit, follows widowed English teacher Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr) to her new posting as tutor to the Siamese king's formidable mob of children. The collision of East and West affords its winning mixture of drama and humor, and the warm friendship that grows between the king and the patrician teacher provides a poignant, unfulfilled romance between the two wary protagonists. Into this framework, the composers insert a superb score, echoing Asian motifs, as well as a bouquet of lovely songs including "Hello, Young Lovers," "Shall We Dance," and two ensemble pieces for Anna and the royal children ("Getting to Know You" and "I Whistle a Happy Tune") that suggest prototypes for Rodgers & Hammerstein's later hit, The Sound of Music.

For this 1956 production, 20th Century Fox lavished stereophonic sound, widescreen cinematography, intricate production design, and stunning sets.Technically, this newly mastered THX version is the best-looking and -sounding King yet to hit video. But, regardless of format, the glorious music is reason enough to hit "play." --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (67)

BEAUTY, MAJESTY AND SPLENDOR
One of the grandest, most entertaining musicals ever committed to the silver screen, "The King And I" is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's greatest achievements. From the film's excellent performances by two beloved screen icons, Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr, to the splendid score, to the breathtakingly beautiful cinematography and set direction and elegant costuming... all come together to create an indelible movie masterpiece.

Loosely based on the real-life story of British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens, the film begins in the year 1860, when Leonowens (Kerr, at her most beautiful and most charming) comes to Siam with her young son to educate the many children of His Majesty the King of Siam (Yul Brynner, in an oustanding Academy-Award winning performance). Although Anna enjoys very friendly relationships with her charges, she has many conflicts with the stubborn King, at first refusing to live in the palace, in the King's "harem". He questions her culture and customs, but many of which he readily adopts, including the phrase: "Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera," (which becomes an oft-repeated line in the film). Although wary of the proper Englishwoman, he is intrigued by her teaching methods and her sly sense of humor and her pronounced propriety. Anna soon finds herself developing a deeper relationship with her employer... and the unspoken feeling is mutual.

Another romantic drama is also unfolding behind the scenes: Tuptim, the King's favorite courtesan, has fallen in love with Lun Tha, a young slave. They wish to run away together, but to forever seal their love, they would have to defy the King... or be separated forever.

With underlined with unspoken emotions, vain pride, and biting humor, "The King And I" is glorious entertainment, not only for its fine performances and glamorous spectacle, but for its legendary music: Kerr and the children perform a delightful rendition of the classic "Getting To Know You", Kerr sings the praises of young love in "Hello, Young Lovers", Brynner shines with his pronounced staccato "Confusion", and the film's most memorable scene has Kerr and Brynner waltzing and singing to the film's masterpiece, "Shall We Dance?".

The film is also full of many golden scenes: the King's wives giggling at the sight of Kerr in a billowy petticoated gown (believing that is how she is shaped!), Kerr teaching the inquisitive Siamese youngsters about falling lace from the sky called snow, and one scene in particular, a royal banquet given for an English ambassador, with a performance by the King's dancers of an interpretive version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin", reworked as "Small House of Uncle Thomas", which is very entertaining. And the film's final, memorable scene will not be forgotten quickly.

Rodgers and Hammerstein work their incredible magic and Hollywood works its own magic in this beloved movie musical, which has delighted and entertained audiences for years, and lives on in this celebrated film classic.

Fantastic movie. But missing too many great songs!
The King And I, Is a fantastic film. A great adaption from stage to film. The peformances by Brynner and Kerr are simply amazing, and the beautiful Rita Moreno does a spectacular job as playing the slave Tuptim. I'm sure you know the story, so I won't go on about that. I am most dissapointed with the cut of so many great songs, I understand the film was very long, but cutting many great songs makes the movie less enjoyable for me.

The songs cut for the film are Tuptim's beautiful "My Lord And Master", "The Royal Bangkok Academy", "A Puzzlement REPRISE", "Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You?", "Western People Funny", and Tuptim's and Lun Tha's "I Have Dreamed". In my opinion the two most drastic cuts are the beautiful "My Lord And Master", and "I have Dreamed", which are considered two of the most beautiful and powerful songs in the whole score. LUCKILY! Those two songs were recorded along with "Shall I Tell you..." So its great we get to hear Rita Moreno on Tuptim's other songs, even though Rita had slight augmenting done with her high notes by another woman, for most part it was Rita's voice, and her voice was beautiful indeed. Sadly, songs like Lady Thiang's and Wive's hilarious "Western People Funny" was not recorded, And I think the song is fantastic.

Otherwise, the cut of those wonderful songs, are the only dissapointment for me. So this movie is amazing. I highly recommend this masterpiece. The DVD is great, with great bonus features, and being remastered..the picture quality is great.

Get this DVD, and enjoy a classic musical!

Great Movie; DVD *not* Anamorphic
I confess I only chapter-skipped through this DVD. After I put it on and discovered it is *not* anamorphically formatted (i.e. not specially formatted for wide screen tv's), then I "boycotted" this Fox release by not watching it.

Come on, Fox. In 2004 more people own wide screen tvs than ever before. I *hate* popping in a disk that would look gorgeous on my wide screen, only to discover that I must watch it in "square" format with a letterbox.

The gorgeous KING AND I deserves a good, anamorphic transfer to DVD. And while you're at it, please send a memo to Universal to release VERTIGO in anamorphic format as well.

Yes, there is a large segment of the DVD population who don't care about anamorphic format. But there are also a lot of us who *do*. And I'll stop renting and buying your films until you release them that way.

One of the Greatest Musicals of All Time!
Rodgers and Hammerstein's THE KING AND I (1956) is a wonderous movie musical, an incredible adaption of the Broadway musical that premiered on stage in 1951 (and has been performed tens of thousands of times since). It tells a timeless story about tradition vs. modernity, Eastern vs. Western culture and men vs. women. This story was first written as the first-hand account of Anna Leonowens' experiences in Siam in the mid-19th Century, where she had been hired by King Mongkut to teach his many children, in his hopes to push Siam into the modern age. This account was first adapted for the big screen as ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM (1946); unseen by me, it has been highly regarded in its own right, and starred Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison. THE KING AND I stars Deborah Kerr (last name pronounced "Carr") and Yul Brynner. Deborah Kerr completely embodies the strong-willed but emotionally fragile young widow Anna Leonowens; she makes Anna into a character with whom we identify and sympathize. We side with her in all disputes, from demanding that she be given her own house in which to stay as part of the original deal, to calling King Mongkut to task for enforcing double-standard sexual laws that were outdated and demeaning to women even at that time. As the equally strong-willed King Mongkut, Yul Brynner commands the screen in every scene he's in. You simply cannot look away. His King Mongkut is someone who wants to change Siam for the better, yet struggles to cling to many of the same traditions that he slowly begins to realize is partly responsible *for* holding Siam back. His heartbreak by film's end is emotionally gut-wrenching, and never fails to bring me to tears. The Russian-born, half-Mongolian Yul Brynner makes you believe he is a Siamese King; his performance is so brilliant that his transformation into this character appears to be almost effortless. And, of course, it won him a very well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor. Deborah Kerr gives a wide-ranged performance that spans all emotions throughout the course of this film. She was deservedly nominated for Best Actress, but unfortunately didn't win.

This film would have given us enough meat to chew on just in the complex relationship between our two principals alone. However, it is not content with just doing that for us. It gives us two spellbinding subplots, one of the forbidden love between Tuptim (a virtually unrecognizable Rita Moreno, in a truly marvelous performance) one of King Mongkut's many wives, and Lun Tha (Carlos Rivas), and the visit by the British Ambassador Sir John Hay (Alan Mowbray) whom King Mongkut wants to impress with how civilized he, and the Kingdom of Siam, is. Also, the "play within the play"; namely, the hypnotic Siamese theater performance of Harriet Beecher Stowe's epic American tale of oppression and cruelty UNCLE TOM'S CABIN, is just so incredible that words fail me as how else to describe it. Anna's young son Louis (Rex Thompson) provides us with an effective sounding-board onto whom Anna reveals the kind of feelings about the situation that she cannot express to the King.

Unfortunately, this or any other Western film treatment of this truly fascinating story continues to be banned in Thailand today, namely they feel that King Mongkut, whom I understand was one of their most beloved monarchs, is portrayed as a barbarian. I have two beefs with that sentiment: 1) King Mongkut is most decidedly *not* portrayed as a barbarian in this treatment (or in the 1999 non-musical ANNA AND THE KING, which is quite a brilliant film in its own right)---rather, he is shown to be a deeply conflicted man who agonizes at the prospect of losing centuries-old Siamese traditions, even as he expresses himself as one who wants to help his country modernize; 2) If they want to get the story right in their eyes, then where is the *Thai* version of the story?

Controversies aside, this is just a splendid, gorgeous film. It has great period costumes, in both Eastern and Western traditions. It has a huge, ornate set used for the Palace. It has great music ("Getting To Know You" and "Shall We Dance" are my two favorites). And it has incredible acting from all involved, especially Brynner, Kerr and Moreno (who should have been at least nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her sensitive and delicate protrayal of Tuptim). It is a joy to revisit every now & then. Parents, please do your children a favor and *keep them away* from the HORRENDOUS 1999 animated version, insultingly called THE KING AND I. That simpleminded, stereotype-laden, lamebrained version is a complete insult to anyone of decent intelligence. Just show your kids the 1956 original; it is the only version they will ever need to see!

MOST RECOMMENDED, AGES 6 & UP

Disappointed At What's Missing
I recall seeing the original road show engagement of this in the mid-1950's and recall vividly seeing the "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You" (with Anna combing her hair as she sings it) and "My Lord and Master" in that showing and being disappointed that the subsequent theatre, television, and video showings did not have those performances included. I was hoping the DVD would include all of the original material and am disappointed that it evidently does not. Still and all, I love the film and still love watching it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A great star and a great composer can make a Broadway musical into a smash, as Ethel Merman and Irving Berlin proved with Call Me Madam. Not a bad place to start with a movie, either, and the 1953 film of the show has both Merman and Berlin represented in brassy fashion. Granted, Merman's platinum-throated talents were best suited to the stage, and the production overall has that dutiful, stodgy tone of so many Fox musicals. Extra points for the suavity of George Sanders (he's Merman's love interest in tiny Lichtenburg, where the lady has been appointed U.S. ambassador), and for the dancing of Vera-Ellen and Donald O'Connor. A year after crashing through the wall in Singin' in the Rain, O'Connor has a similar solo athletic workout to "What Chance Have I with Love." High point:Merman and O'Connor trading verses on "You're Just in Love," the best tune in a bouncy score. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (11)

great film with less than great transfer to DVD
The four stars are for the movie, which it's great to have on DVD - Merman given a chance to recreate one of her Broadway triumphs, a witty script, good songs and terrific dancing by Donald O'Connor and Vera-Ellen. However...as other customers have pointed out, the colour and sound restoration could have been better, plus there is a strange glitch that no-one seems to have noticed - Fox have missed the first two notes of the credit title music! I compared it to my old VHS to make sure I wasn't imagining things. All in all, though it is definitely worth buying for the pleasures of the film overall, one hopes that Fox will do it properly at a later date.

Fun movie, shoddy transfer. Very disappointed in Fox!
I love CALL ME MADAM, and I love Ethel Merman's performance in it. The lack of home video availability for this title drove fans nuts for years, and finally Fox has released it on DVD, and the results are...welll..underwhelming.

Don't get me wrong. The film holds up very well. It's one of the better Fox musicals, buoyed by terrific performances, a sprightly script, and great Irving Berlin songs.

However, the treatment the film has been given for DVD leaves a great deal to be desired. The image is OK, but not great. Compare this to Warner's stellar ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (which was also not available for years) and you'll see the difference. Even worse is the sound. It sounds scratchy, tinny and distorted. Both the supposed "stereo" track and mono track are very poor in quality. These technical aspects really detract from the viewing experience.

Last, but not least is the dull and pompous commentary by musical theater "expert" Miles Krueger. It's like listening to a boring college professor, and would be an ideal substitute for Ambien as a sleeping aid.

Maybe Fox will decide to revisit this title someday and give it a full-blown restoration. Until then, hard-core fans will have to be content with this sorry excuse for a DVD release.

La Merman Shines in a Text-Book Example of Movie Musicals
I wish that more movie musicals were done like this...

Okay, okay... I'll be the first to admit: the show is DATED. (In fact, had it not been for Miles Kreuger's commentary, I would NEVER have understood the phonecalls from Harry Truman.) I am also not a huge fan of the stage score or of Irving Berlin's score (with the exception of a handful of songs). BUT--I bought this DVD for basically one reason: the presence of the incomparable La Merman. She is wonderful, and one can only wish after watching this that she had done the film version of GYPSY.

Any way, the film is very faithful to the original, which is admirable for a film musical, ESPECIALLY in that time period. (CHICAGO was particularly good about this, as well.) Pratically all of the songs from the stage score are kept intact -- even the inane "Dance to the Music of the Ocarina," whish is, however, staged as a lovely dance routine. Insanely, the film cuts "They Like Ike," which was one of the biggest show-stoppers (after "You're Just in Love") in the original stage incarnation.

Merman gives a spectacular performance: those big eyes and that BIG voice. Amazing. Donald O'Connor is utterly charming, as usual, and finds the perfect foil in Vera-Ellen. (Kreuger makes a fine point when he discusses why they dance so well together: her ballet-trained movements nicely compliment his vaudevillian-hoofer training. Just watch and see.) O'Connor and Merman are great in "You're Just in Love." George Sanders plays a very striking Cosmo, and it is easy to see Merman's attraction to him. Incidentally, Merman's figure looks GREAT in this film (when you can stand next to super-petite Vera-Ellen and not look huge, that's always a testament to something) and she is always costumed exquisitely by Irene Sharaff.

Kreuger's commentary will not be for everyone, but I myself enjoyed it. Be forewarned, a good deal of it is focused on the bit players, and is generally a variation on the following: "The actor in grey on the right is Bilbo Baggins, who appeared in over 500 films with the studio, usually playing a Nazi sergeant or drunken cowboy. He's most remembered for his cameo in CASABLANCA where he steps on Humphrey Bogart's foot without saying 'excuse me,' etc." While this got tedious at times, I appreciated that he was recognizing these vetran actors, who did indeed have a large body of work: however, most just won't care. He also gives some helpful set up into the story of Perle Mesta and her trip to Luxembourg for President Truman.

Anyway, not a great musical, but watch it for Ethel perfoming the hell out of great songs with a wonderful supporting cast, in a film that should be mimiced closely by those attempting to mave film musicals today.

What has happened to the colour?
After waiting so long for this title to get a DVD or Video release, I was amazed to see that the original 3 strip technicolor has not been re-mastered for the DVD release. There seems to be a lack of yellow and all the cast have pink faces instead of flesh tones. As the film has recently played on cable television here in a near perfect color corrected version, I cannot understand why Fox have not taken more care in their DVD transfer. All the extras including trailers have this sub-standard look. Apart from this point, it is still a great film and a must for devotees of top Hollywood musicals if you haven't seen it.

Donald O'Connor and Ethel Merman...Great Chemistry!
This is the kind of quality film I'd kept hoping to see Donald O'Connor in after his bravura performance in "Singin' In The Rain." In whatever vehicle Donald appeared, whether it was his movies as a child or teenager, or as an adult, he always shone brightly ("A glittering, glowing star in the cinema firmament," to quote Lina Lamont!), even if the material was not top notch -- and unfortunately, much of his material was beneath his great skill. In "Singin' in the Rain" he proved he was worthy of great "A" material -- and he proves it again here. At the risk of gushing too much, a documentary on O'Connor says that his name spelled backwards was Talent! Amen to that. Here, he proves it. One is tempted to irreverantly murmer, "Fred and Ginger WHO?" when he and Vera-Ellen dance together. And O'Connor and Ethel Merman are absolutely wonderful together, too. The duet they perform, "You're Just In Love" is already being worn thin on my DVD from repeated viewing! Ethel Merman is an acquired taste, usually, but in this film she's just plain fun from beginning to end. Funny note: Donald O'Connor had to wear ear plugs during this scene and others with Merman because of her sterophonic lungs! Great movie, well worth the long wait for its release...don't miss it! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A throwback to family values and an all-around great movie!
I was one who hounded the powers-that-be that this movie (that pre-dates ME by a good 23 years!) be released on DVD. I was thrilled when I received notice that it was being released and I just received it today (funny since I just happened to catch it on TV two days ago!). It's a timeless classic with a fantastic (and woman-empowering)plot based on a true story. I still can't imagine how they managed with 12 children but it gives me the courage to deal with my two (who sometimes make the mess of 12!). A great story for homeschoolers too- the importance of education could not be more delightfully presented.

I was worried that the quality of the DVD might not be up-to-snuff but it was great (unlike the other classic-movie DVD I just purchased, Life with Father, another favorite movie but the quality is quite poor).

By the way, I haven't seen the Steve Martin adaptation of Cheaper by the dozen but I've heard/ read that the storylines have close to nothing (other than 12 children) in common. Instead, invest in this classic and you'll be very pleased.

If I could give it more stars, I would!!

A Real Treasure of a Classic!
The wonderful story of a unique real-life 1920's family with 12 children. Myrna Loy the mother of this close knit family, will steal your heart with her dry, deadpan humor. In one scene she sits patiently in her living room listening to an unsuspecting birth-control advocate spew over-population nonsense in an attempt to get her to join their nefarious group! The father is an efficiency expert and runs his household accordingly, but not without a lot of unavoidable laughs and surprises. Very entertaining film you and your family will love. Takes you back to the wonderful time of 1910's and 1920's pre~Depression era America. The way a family ought to be. You'll simply love this classic treasure.

Cheaper by the Dozen -Clifton Webb
This is by far better than the remake. A definite must see. For a collector it is a must have. I really enjoyed all the problems that cropped up and were solved ingeniously.

Funny! Intelligent! Down-to-earth!
This movie is an absolute delight all around, content and production quality included! Pro-lifers will especially LOVE it! There's a very funny moment concerning that issue. Also, be sure to watch the "Special Awards" extra featured on the DVD menu. Fascinating to learn that this movie was attended by more people in 1950 than any other movie, according to Ernestine Gilbreth.
The cry from most today is just as strong as it was then - "We want wholesome family movies that are intelligently made." It takes a lot of EFFORT, a lot of THINKING to produce those. But, if Hollywood makes them, we will spend our money to see them, and also add them to our personal libraries. Wholesome movies are a good investment in the health of our society. Love those Gilbreth's!

AS WONDERFUL AS THE FIRST TIME :)
I saw this movie years ago, on television, and liked it then. I enjoyed it just as much when I watched the DVD of it I recently purchased. The DVD came in a timely manner, and was in perfect condition. I would buy from this seller again. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Many Stooges fans will find Snow White and the Three Stoogespainful going, while some might find it quite charming. The film was conceivedas a vehicle for Carol Heiss, the 1960 Olympic figure skating champion, but itwas obvious that her limited acting would not carry the classic plot very far.So the Three Stooges were substituted for the Seven Dwarfs, and Prince Charming(Edson Stroll) became their companion. The start and end of the film follow theDisney version fairly closely, with Patricia Medina providing the only realacting as the Wicked Queen, abetted by the reliable villainy of Guy Rolfe.

In fact, Snow White lost in the woods is almost a frame-by-frame copy of theDisney sequence, complete with a live tree out of the 1939 Wizard of Oz.This might grab some youngsters' attention by frightening them and some byamusing them, but the love sequences and the forgettable songs might bore them.The fight sequences are possibly too grisly for some children; Guy Rolfe dies byfalling into a vat of boiling oil.

As a Three Stooges vehicle, it differs from their other films. Except for CurlyJoe's spoonerisms, there is little humor in the dialogue, a bare minimum ofslaps (without the reassuring comic sounds), and no eye pokes. (Moe wassensitive to parental complaints about their television shorts.) There is,however, a touching moment when they are mourning the supposed death of SnowWhite. And you do get to see them in color. --Frank Behrens ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Delightful Children's Movie!
This definitely brought back some memories of going to Sunday afternoon matinees as a child in the early 70's, and this was one of the ones I saw back then. "Snow White & The Three Stooges" was a milestone film for the boys in a several ways: first, it was their only feature film to be made by a big name studio (20th Century Fox), to have a sizeable budget (well over $1 million, fairly large for a children's movie in 1961), and also the only one shot in color. Again, the money was there, so why not? Columbia certainly wasn't shelling it out as all of their features were shot in black & white and on shoestring budgets until the end.

I've read quite a few of the previous reviews stating that this wasn't the "real" Three Stooges and that their antics of old are all but gone, and while I do agree with both, you have to remember that all of them were in their late fifties by this time (in Moe's case, his early sixties), and also the Stooges were bowing to public pressure to tone down the violence. If this hadn't already been the case, they probably would've toned it down themselves anyway, because how convincing would it be watching retirement-age men slapping each other around? Probably not very. If anything, they would've ended up making an embarassing mockery of themselves had they kept at it.

That notwithstanding, this movie is very delightful; there's certainly plenty of ice skating going on here as Carol Heiss was a renowned Olympic skating champion in 1960. She really wasn't much of an actress, so what else would there have been for her to do in this film except to skate? As you might expect, the Stooges are the good guys, taking the place of the Seven Dwarfs, who were, of all things, on "vacation" and allowed the Stooges to use their cottage!

While the Stooges were pretty tame and "sanitized" here as some people have referred to it, their lack of violence was replaced by the swordfighting throughout the film, which to me was much more violent than slapping, eye-poking or head-clunking; I had forgotten about it until I saw the film again recently and never knew it was rated PG; I always thought it was G. After seeing the level of violence in the sword fights, I was not at all surprised.

It was nice seeing this again after many years and was a real treat; I can't wait to watch it with my son when he gets a little older and hopefully he'll enjoy it as much as his Dad!

New widescreen restoration is fabulous
This film does not deserve half the abuse the critics give it (you know who you are).It is a wonderful telling of the story of Snow White, with the Three Stooges (Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe) stepping in for the Seven Dwarfs.It is beautifully filmed, the tuneful musical score is well done and performed, and the cast is exceptional.

Unfortunately, this film is not often looked well upon by the critics.The most often-cited downfall of this film is that the slaps, pokes, and other classic slapstick "stooge" routines are kept to a bare minimum.Well, what do you expect?Please keep in mind that, even though the Stooges are present, this is still a telling of Snow White--a fairytale.Do you honestly think that the Stooges' slapstick comedy from their shorts days (and their Columbia feature films yet to come) have any place in a film like this?I suspect that just because the words "The Three Stooges" are in the title, people think it is essential that we see and hear all the slaps, pokes, and Nyuk Nyuk Nyuks we all know and love.Never mind that here the Stooges are actually attempting to portray REAL characters rather than just slap each other around.There is SOME Stooge comedy thrown in here and there, but not on the level that some might expect.Now don't get me wrong, I love the Stooges dearly, and have many of their tapes/DVDs, but if you take this film for what it really is, you'll find that it is truly enchanting.

The new DVD transfer from 20th Century Fox Home Video is awsome.Colors are bold and sharp and well defined.For the first time since its 1961 release, we can see it in widescreen, which was not offered on the previous VHS version (only full-screen).Both the widescreen and the full-screen versions are on the DVD (2 sides), and there is a theatrical trailer.There are no other extra features, but no reason to gripe, as the package is available for less than $10.

The bottom line: Don't take it as a Stooges vehicle.Take it for the enchanting fairytale film that it is.You might even like it.

THE AGED THREE STOOGES CAN'T QUITE CARRY THE FILM
Carol Hiess was a world and Olympic figure skating champion in the late 50's and early 60's.In the same vein as Sonja Henie, movie producers tried to make a star out of her.The fact that Hiess never made another film should tell you all you need to know about her acting ability.The stooges, Larry, Moe, and Curly Joe DeRita replace the Seven Dwarfs but their severly watered down and tamed act can't save this flick from being a sappy mess.Curly Joe actually gets a few funny scenes, especially when he wishes the wicked with would go to "hades" but the Stooges keep the slaps to a bare minimum.Edson Stroll as Prince Charming was a good looking guy and would go onto play in McHale's Navy as Virgil Edwards.

Because heiss couldn't act we get some scenes thrown in where she just skates a bit that are out of place in what is supposed to be a fairy tale.But the fact that the producers and directed made Heiss the focus and put the Stooges in the background instead of the other way around damages what could have been a somewhat funny film, even for Stooges who were now well past their prime.There's some decent songs and the film looks good.The makeup on the queen when she transforms herself into the old hag is very good.But that's hardly enough to save the film.Three stars just for the Stooges.

Stooges Should Have Stuck To Storts
I love the Three Stooges. Don't get me wrong. But this movie is just awful. Not funny; not like the old days; not as much slapping and eye-poking as there should be. Please rent or purchase the black and white shorts to see the Stooges in their prime. DO NOT GET THE COLORIZED VERSIONS OF THEIR SHORTS. This movie was made in color, not colorized. But it's very bad unless you like cheesy, kids movies that have sappy love plots and forgetable songs. Please don't watch this and say you dislike the Stooges. THIS IS ONE OF THE WORST THINGS THE STOOGES DID. PLEASE GET THE BLACK AND WHITE SHORTS.

DVD: WIDESCREEN Cinemascope presentation in COLOR!
O.K. the movie is not the greatest Stooges film, but as a childrens film it is entertaining.

The BIG news here is that this DVD will be the first WIDESCREEN CINEMASCOPE presentation of this movie since its original theatrical release!For decades Stooges fans have only seen the cropped/pan & scan square picture on their TVs.

This two-sided DVD offers both the theatrical Cinemascope version, and the cropped/pan & scan TV version.Its design encourages you to view the full screen/pan & scan version, you must put the side with the green ring around the center facing downward to view the original theatrical wide screen Cinemascope version.

The occasional fan will want to pass on this for the Curly classics.But the true serious fan will want this one! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Not Particularly Good - But Entertaining...
I was about to write a review that so many people on this site have repeated: "Shirley Temple is SO cute in this film! She is beleivable and makes you think as a child might about the world. The film was made in lush technicolor and the sets and costumes are lavish!" Then, I thought that I should write a review, honestly stating what I felt about this film. This movie is a popular one, and a very good Shirley Temple vehicle, but it is not a particularly good movie.

I grew up with the Francis Hodgeson Burnett(The Secret Garden) book. I loved it's charm and message. The characters were priceless and the tale was brilliant, melancholy, but beautiful. The tale was about a young girl of seven named Sara Crewe, who has always had a wonderful relationship with her young and wealthy papa, Captain Crewe. When she is seven, she is left with a dissagreeable caretaker named Ms. Minchin in her seminary for 'distinguished young ladies.' As the years pass she makes friendships with the dumpy, comic, and sweet Ermangarde, and the cockny maid, Becky. She is pampered, and treated quite royaly, and is given the nickname of the 'little princess.' On her birthday, it is found out that her papa has passed away, and she is left to work as a scullery maid with nothing but a black frock, and a doll named Emily. Throughout her left as a miserable maid, she keeps her dignity, and the theme of the novel becomes not to let the hate around you make you bitter, and hateful. Sara is eventualy saved, in the end.

The plot of this movie is not at all faithful to the novel. Shirley Temple is only Shirley Temple throughout the film. Her dimples and teary eyes are, in comparison to the Sara of the novel, a baby. Sara of the novel was one 'who never cried' and was 'always dreaming and making up stories.' Temple's Sara cries often throughout the film, and it never dreams as the Sara of the book does. She is just a regular seven year old girl. The characters of Ermengarde, and Ms. Minchin's sister, Miss Amelia, have been either removed completly, or replaced with new characters. This leaves for a very miscast and confused film, that does not offer any of the beautiful lessons of the novel.

As a movie, it might seem entertaining. Throughout the film, a dance sequence with Sara and Miss Minchin's brother, Bertrand, appears. It is commonplace for Temple, also, to have a dance sequence of some sort. This has a 'fairy tale' dance sequence. The script has small bits of humor, but not anything quite so nice.

This is a nice movie, but not a good one to offer the lessons of the original book. All the same, it is best to watch it, as it will offer family entertainment. But, those who read the book will be disapointed.

A candidate for a restoration
The Little Princess remains one of my favorite childhood movie memories. Finding the DVD version was simple enough. I was unaware of how widely the quality varied between the different versions available. The first version I purchased from a Canadian group was horrible. This DVD presentation was reasonable but not striking. The image was grainy and lacked that "Technicolor" brilliance I had hoped for. All of the DVD and VHS versions seem to be made from one film transfer made from an old print. The color rendering is poor. Some scenes appear almost Black and White. Unlike "The WIzard of Oz" or "The Secret Garden" I don't think this was intentional. This version is not transfered from Technicolor stock. I wonder if it was even made from 35 millimeter film. The quality if any in this DVD is from some digital processing available to old video. It does not appear a flying spot scanner or any film restoration equipment was used to create this DVD. The only really nice color image was the cover of the DVD package. I wish someone could find the real Technicolor masters, either the negative or positive film. If you were going to restore one Shirley Temple work, this film would be the one. It is a classic of the time with a glimpse at that time. And Shirley Temple was good in this film. You wipe tears away from your eyes at least twice. And Temple sings a great little song. Did I mention she dances a little too.

watch the remake, please?
This is one of those few times when I like a remake better than the original of a motion picture. I'll confess that, based on this movie, I'm not a Shirley Temple fan (her voice alone is annoying, not to mention her acting ability). She is utterly unconvincing as Sara Crew, and that American accent! Please, can we stop making movies of British literature where all the characters except the main one are truly British? I know this is done so as to appease and appeal to the idiots on our side of the pond, but really, are we so uncultured and stupid, not to mension spoiled, that we won't watch a movie unless it has at least one American actor playing a prominent role? If I had to choose between these two movies, I'd definitely see the 1990's version of this one; at least there, all the characters are Americanized, so one doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Lisel Matthews' performance is enchanting, and the movie all around is delightful.

Dreadful Audio
This review is of the Madacy DVD of "The Little Princess." The picture quality of this DVD is acceptable, more or less, but the audio portion is another thing. The sound is limited to a very narrow band in the midrange. Shirley's voice, for example, is quite tinny throughout the film. At times the sound volume changes abruptly or even disappears completely. One has the impression that the DVD audio engineer tried to regulate the sound volume at a single sitting by turning the knob in real time as he listened to the film. This movie has always sounded quite good on broadcast TV, which obviously wasn't playing back this Madacy disaster.

Unfortunately, it would seem that this writer's experience with "The Little Princess" is not unlike others' experiences with Madacy products. Read Doug Pratt's review of "Two Women" in his Video and DVD Guide (available from amazon.com but also readable on DVDLaser.com) and be forewarned. I now avoid Madacy DVDs.

This is one of my favorite Shirley Temple movies
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I absolutely adore this Shirley Temple movie. It is one that brings back many memories of watching Shirley Temple movies with my sister when we were little. My favorite parts are when Shirley and her little friend wake up and see all the beautiful gifts that were given to her by the Indian guy, and when she throws the bucket of soot on the snotty Clarissa, but most of all, when she finds her "Daddy" at the end,as he keeps calling "Sara, Sara."
This one is excellent, and I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Something for Everyone
This movie has something for everyone. Watched it for the first time today, then read reviews here on Amazon and elsewhere on internet. Marilyn fans think she is the best thing in the film. Ethel Merman fans rave about her performance. Hollywood musical fans rave about the extravagant production numbers. Johnny Ray fans rave about his only film appearance. Technical reviews(of DVD version) rave about the sharpness of the image, color rendition, sound reproduction and restoration process. Of course, Pseudo-Intellectual-Sophisticates like Tom Reynolds panned this film ... but pay no attention to the naysayers. This is a really fun film to watch, a gem, a blast from the past, non-stop singing and dancing from the Golden Era.

Overblown but tremendous fun!
It's wonderful to have these recordings available in true stereo and the version of the title song belted out by Merman remains her most definitive recording of the song. A few oddities: Johnny Ray's vocal track for "If You Believe" is wildly out-of-synch (and re-listening to the original Decca album it does sound as if they manipulated the track with some editing. Ray was deaf.. perhaps he could not hear the click track? At any rate, Varese should have tried to edit the song so that it sounds the same as in the film) and there are a few other places where the orchestra comes in too early. Minor quibbles. More curious was the decision to drop some musical segments that were in the film: Gaynor adn O'connor doing a wicked parody of (parents) Merman and Daily; Dailey's "You'd be surprised"; Merman's "Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee" and the deleted songs "Anything You Can Do" and Marilyn Monroe's unused vocal of "You'd be surprised" - but what is on the disc is great! And the set comes with good liner notes.

It's the Five Donahues..............
Ok Ok. I have been a lifelong Marilyn Monroe fan since childhood, I love her. But when you are a Marilyn fan you have to put up with hit and miss movies. No Business is one of them. When Marilyn is on the screen singing and dancing, the movie is all hers. Who doesn't love the Heat Wave number? The rest of the movie is a drag and unless you are a huge Ethyl Merman fan (?) this film doesn't have much to offer.

This is a musical with a very light plot; the story of the Donahue Family in show business. The two sons grow up to be a couple of dorks. The one who wants to be a priest is just scary. He acts like a Peter O'Tool derelict with a murderous smile. The other one is driven over the edge by Marilyn's lack of interest and joins the Navy.

Like I said, if you are a Marilyn fan, there are scenes in this film that you must have. If youare not a Marilyn fan, well you got Ethyl and Berlin music.

BETTY GRABLE WHY DID'NT YOU DO THIS MOVIE?
Betty Grable was supposed to play the Ethel merman part , but looked to young to be a mother of grown ups Donald O'Conner , Mitzi Gaynor and Johnny Ray so they hired Merman.

A must Have Musical
I think this is one of the best musicals available. And- if you're into musicals this one you need to get. Since Hollywood refuses to make musicals you better latch on to this one while you can. I think the color and the musical numbers are wonderful! And in those days they used better color for films than they do today! For color films and for tv viewing they use cheap color. Many people has told me that they thought their tv was fading out and had a foggy color to it. I've told them it's not their tv at all. The best color was always used back in the 40's and 50's. I see nothing ethnically wrong in the film that would be wrong. People are just too too sensitive these days and now they are picking the old films apart. They need to learn how to get over it. I am so glad that they have not destroyed these old films because 98 per cent of the films today are trash and will never become classics such as this one. When all the great producers and directors and screenwriters pass away there just seems like no one can take their place. They knew what they were doing back then. The craftsmanship has been lost. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I've got that nice, tired old feeling," says Pa Frake near the end ofthe gentle, sunny 1945 film, State Fair.The Rodgers and Hammerstein music, commissioned while Oklahoma was still making musical-theater history, feels tired too, like the result of a hastily written score. The state of Iowa just can't seem to inspire the same quality music as its more memorable, southern cousin.Remember that State Fair gem "All I Owe Iowa"?Still, it is R and H, and "It Might as Well Be Spring" is here as well as some other decent ditties.There's a country-mouse feeling as the Frake family journeys to the big city for the annual harvest celebration.Young daughter Margy (Jeanne Crain) has her eye on something more exciting than her bore of a fiancé, while her brother meets a lovely big-band singer with a secret.But the bucolic, Old Farmer's Almanac feel is genuine, and it's most obviously a picture of a bygone era when someone expostulates gleefully, "You're gonna be the wife of a journalist!" Not a "don't miss" but not a dismiss either.The DVD features include a vintage trailer for the film and production notes, which do add to the experience. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A beautiful film musical!
I really loved this movie. It has auch beautiful songs and is a great romance story as well. I highly recommend it. It's a movie the entire family can watch.

A grand night
This was the first movie I ever saw, at the age of four at the Victory Theatre in Wellston, Missouri (The Victory, a new name for the Mikado, dumped when World War II broke out for obvious reasons). During "It Might As Well Be Spring" I was horribly worried Jeanne Crain was going to fall out of the windowsill of her second story bedroom window. I was so relieved when the song was over. This is a colorful, sweet film, though it does demonstrate as so often was demonstrated that only M-G-M could make M-G-M musicals. Jeanne Crain, the mother of many, always seemed to be acting with her mind on what the kids would have for dinner that evening, but she was lovely, so totally natural (my favorite Jeanne Crain film is the totally forgotten "Take Care Of My Little Girl," about college sorority life). Poor Dick Haymes is totally out of his element, though a wonderful singer. Vivian Blaine pretty much steals the show. She should have enjoyed a much bigger movie career; it's Broadway that won her heart. I love the roller coaster scenes. The coaster in the closeups is not the coaster in the far shots. The studio had a limited budget and, because of World War II, even more limited resources to build the darned sets with. "State Fair" has a lot of pasted-together elements, consequently, but if you don't look close (so much doesn't match from shot to shot and the big, overall shots of the Fair clearly are shooting a miniature that if you think too much doesn't make any sense at all) you'll feel you are at the State Fair.

Isn't the film kinda fun?
This is a better film for families to see, despite the kissing. It is better than Carousel(a nightmare,) but not as good as Chicago. The first time I saw it, it was fast, but now that I almost know it by heart, truthfully, it is going slower despite the running time being 100 minutes. Overall, an entertaing yet so-so film.

A kinder, gentler era
This movie is pure delight. Yes, it has some of the corniest moments ever put on film -- but isn't that part of the charm of these old movies? The music is lovely (I just can't agree with those critics who call it weak), and even though Jeanne Crain and Dick Haymes look far too worldly and sophisticated to be smalltown Iowa farm kids, the movie has a colorful and homey feeling to it. It is about a time when people got excited about spending three days at a county fair, riding on ferris wheels and eating candy apples. Our world may be a lot more sophisticated and technologically savvy nowadays, but I can't help thinking that we've lost a lot of the fun that our grandparents had. This movie brings it back. Enjoy!

Don't forget Vivian Blaine
Unlike Jeanne Crain's, Vivian Blaine's singing voice is her own and she outclasses everyone in the film. Compare her magnetism and composure to her partner, Dick Haymes, in their duet "Isn't it Kinda Fun." Real talent shines through and Vivian's delivery of a song is the only thing in this movie that doesn't seem naive, contrived, and dated. And to the reviewer who told us to "listen for Harry Morgan's voice over as the barker," look closely: that's no voice over... that young face IS the young Harry (billed as Henry Morgan). ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Two Great Movies
Having read two of the reviews where this DVD was panned I felt after watching it that the reviews were unfair and misleading. The box actually says Heidi is the Maximillian Schell version and not the Shirley Temple version... on the front and the back!

As to the films, the story of a little girl's search for her father and her struggle aginst poverty is a lovely story. Arthur Treacher is a treat to watch as he dances with Shirley Temple in this fantastic story.

Heidi is much the same, a treat for any child, especially young girls.

The prints from this studio are first rate, the sound is perfect. I have to wonder about the motivation of the person who panned this disk. For the price this is a great value and I am very pleased and I am sure you will be too.

where's shirley? quality poor
I was surprised to see that Shirley Temple is not the star in Heidi. I feel that I was mislead. Also, the quality is not up to par. I would spend the extra money and buy the studio release of these films.

Shirley Never Looked So Good!
This is the best print I have ever seen of this film! Hats off to Dallas, TX based film buffs Marengo Films, they really take the time and effort to do it right.

Best Version of This Film Ever!
The Little Princess is one of my all time favorite movies, I have seen it on AMC and other TV stations over the years. I was so impressed by the quality of this film released by Marengo Films!

Heidi is not Shirley Temple
I was extremely disappointed to find that even though this DVD is billed as Shirley Temple that she is only in The Little Princess and not Heidi on the same DVD. Clearly mislabeling and maybe even worse. The Heidi version is from the 1960's and is an unknown Heidi. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Not Particularly Good - But Entertaining...
I was about to write a review that so many people on this site have repeated: "Shirley Temple is SO cute in this film! She is beleivable and makes you think as a child might about the world. The film was made in lush technicolor and the sets and costumes are lavish!" Then, I thought that I should write a review, honestly stating what I felt about this film. This movie is a popular one, and a very good Shirley Temple vehicle, but it is not a particularly good movie.

I grew up with the Francis Hodgeson Burnett(The Secret Garden) book. I loved it's charm and message. The characters were priceless and the tale was brilliant, melancholy, but beautiful. The tale was about a young girl of seven named Sara Crewe, who has always had a wonderful relationship with her young and wealthy papa, Captain Crewe. When she is seven, she is left with a dissagreeable caretaker named Ms. Minchin in her seminary for 'distinguished young ladies.' As the years pass she makes friendships with the dumpy, comic, and sweet Ermangarde, and the cockny maid, Becky. She is pampered, and treated quite royaly, and is given the nickname of the 'little princess.' On her birthday, it is found out that her papa has passed away, and she is left to work as a scullery maid with nothing but a black frock, and a doll named Emily. Throughout her left as a miserable maid, she keeps her dignity, and the theme of the novel becomes not to let the hate around you make you bitter, and hateful. Sara is eventualy saved, in the end.

The plot of this movie is not at all faithful to the novel. Shirley Temple is only Shirley Temple throughout the film. Her dimples and teary eyes are, in comparison to the Sara of the novel, a baby. Sara of the novel was one 'who never cried' and was 'always dreaming and making up stories.' Temple's Sara cries often throughout the film, and it never dreams as the Sara of the book does. She is just a regular seven year old girl. The characters of Ermengarde, and Ms. Minchin's sister, Miss Amelia, have been either removed completly, or replaced with new characters. This leaves for a very miscast and confused film, that does not offer any of the beautiful lessons of the novel.

As a movie, it might seem entertaining. Throughout the film, a dance sequence with Sara and Miss Minchin's brother, Bertrand, appears. It is commonplace for Temple, also, to have a dance sequence of some sort. This has a 'fairy tale' dance sequence. The script has small bits of humor, but not anything quite so nice.

This is a nice movie, but not a good one to offer the lessons of the original book. All the same, it is best to watch it, as it will offer family entertainment. But, those who read the book will be disapointed.

A candidate for a restoration
The Little Princess remains one of my favorite childhood movie memories. Finding the DVD version was simple enough. I was unaware of how widely the quality varied between the different versions available. The first version I purchased from a Canadian group was horrible. This DVD presentation was reasonable but not striking. The image was grainy and lacked that "Technicolor" brilliance I had hoped for. All of the DVD and VHS versions seem to be made from one film transfer made from an old print. The color rendering is poor. Some scenes appear almost Black and White. Unlike "The WIzard of Oz" or "The Secret Garden" I don't think this was intentional. This version is not transfered from Technicolor stock. I wonder if it was even made from 35 millimeter film. The quality if any in this DVD is from some digital processing available to old video. It does not appear a flying spot scanner or any film restoration equipment was used to create this DVD. The only really nice color image was the cover of the DVD package. I wish someone could find the real Technicolor masters, either the negative or positive film. If you were going to restore one Shirley Temple work, this film would be the one. It is a classic of the time with a glimpse at that time. And Shirley Temple was good in this film. You wipe tears away from your eyes at least twice. And Temple sings a great little song. Did I mention she dances a little too.

watch the remake, please?
This is one of those few times when I like a remake better than the original of a motion picture. I'll confess that, based on this movie, I'm not a Shirley Temple fan (her voice alone is annoying, not to mention her acting ability). She is utterly unconvincing as Sara Crew, and that American accent! Please, can we stop making movies of British literature where all the characters except the main one are truly British? I know this is done so as to appease and appeal to the idiots on our side of the pond, but really, are we so uncultured and stupid, not to mension spoiled, that we won't watch a movie unless it has at least one American actor playing a prominent role? If I had to choose between these two movies, I'd definitely see the 1990's version of this one; at least there, all the characters are Americanized, so one doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Lisel Matthews' performance is enchanting, and the movie all around is delightful.

Dreadful Audio
This review is of the Madacy DVD of "The Little Princess." The picture quality of this DVD is acceptable, more or less, but the audio portion is another thing. The sound is limited to a very narrow band in the midrange. Shirley's voice, for example, is quite tinny throughout the film. At times the sound volume changes abruptly or even disappears completely. One has the impression that the DVD audio engineer tried to regulate the sound volume at a single sitting by turning the knob in real time as he listened to the film. This movie has always sounded quite good on broadcast TV, which obviously wasn't playing back this Madacy disaster.

Unfortunately, it would seem that this writer's experience with "The Little Princess" is not unlike others' experiences with Madacy products. Read Doug Pratt's review of "Two Women" in his Video and DVD Guide (available from amazon.com but also readable on DVDLaser.com) and be forewarned. I now avoid Madacy DVDs.

This is one of my favorite Shirley Temple movies
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I absolutely adore this Shirley Temple movie. It is one that brings back many memories of watching Shirley Temple movies with my sister when we were little. My favorite parts are when Shirley and her little friend wake up and see all the beautiful gifts that were given to her by the Indian guy, and when she throws the bucket of soot on the snotty Clarissa, but most of all, when she finds her "Daddy" at the end,as he keeps calling "Sara, Sara."
This one is excellent, and I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Not Particularly Good - But Entertaining...
I was about to write a review that so many people on this site have repeated: "Shirley Temple is SO cute in this film! She is beleivable and makes you think as a child might about the world. The film was made in lush technicolor and the sets and costumes are lavish!" Then, I thought that I should write a review, honestly stating what I felt about this film. This movie is a popular one, and a very good Shirley Temple vehicle, but it is not a particularly good movie.

I grew up with the Francis Hodgeson Burnett(The Secret Garden) book. I loved it's charm and message. The characters were priceless and the tale was brilliant, melancholy, but beautiful. The tale was about a young girl of seven named Sara Crewe, who has always had a wonderful relationship with her young and wealthy papa, Captain Crewe. When she is seven, she is left with a dissagreeable caretaker named Ms. Minchin in her seminary for 'distinguished young ladies.' As the years pass she makes friendships with the dumpy, comic, and sweet Ermangarde, and the cockny maid, Becky. She is pampered, and treated quite royaly, and is given the nickname of the 'little princess.' On her birthday, it is found out that her papa has passed away, and she is left to work as a scullery maid with nothing but a black frock, and a doll named Emily. Throughout her left as a miserable maid, she keeps her dignity, and the theme of the novel becomes not to let the hate around you make you bitter, and hateful. Sara is eventualy saved, in the end.

The plot of this movie is not at all faithful to the novel. Shirley Temple is only Shirley Temple throughout the film. Her dimples and teary eyes are, in comparison to the Sara of the novel, a baby. Sara of the novel was one 'who never cried' and was 'always dreaming and making up stories.' Temple's Sara cries often throughout the film, and it never dreams as the Sara of the book does. She is just a regular seven year old girl. The characters of Ermengarde, and Ms. Minchin's sister, Miss Amelia, have been either removed completly, or replaced with new characters. This leaves for a very miscast and confused film, that does not offer any of the beautiful lessons of the novel.

As a movie, it might seem entertaining. Throughout the film, a dance sequence with Sara and Miss Minchin's brother, Bertrand, appears. It is commonplace for Temple, also, to have a dance sequence of some sort. This has a 'fairy tale' dance sequence. The script has small bits of humor, but not anything quite so nice.

This is a nice movie, but not a good one to offer the lessons of the original book. All the same, it is best to watch it, as it will offer family entertainment. But, those who read the book will be disapointed.

A candidate for a restoration
The Little Princess remains one of my favorite childhood movie memories. Finding the DVD version was simple enough. I was unaware of how widely the quality varied between the different versions available. The first version I purchased from a Canadian group was horrible. This DVD presentation was reasonable but not striking. The image was grainy and lacked that "Technicolor" brilliance I had hoped for. All of the DVD and VHS versions seem to be made from one film transfer made from an old print. The color rendering is poor. Some scenes appear almost Black and White. Unlike "The WIzard of Oz" or "The Secret Garden" I don't think this was intentional. This version is not transfered from Technicolor stock. I wonder if it was even made from 35 millimeter film. The quality if any in this DVD is from some digital processing available to old video. It does not appear a flying spot scanner or any film restoration equipment was used to create this DVD. The only really nice color image was the cover of the DVD package. I wish someone could find the real Technicolor masters, either the negative or positive film. If you were going to restore one Shirley Temple work, this film would be the one. It is a classic of the time with a glimpse at that time. And Shirley Temple was good in this film. You wipe tears away from your eyes at least twice. And Temple sings a great little song. Did I mention she dances a little too.

watch the remake, please?
This is one of those few times when I like a remake better than the original of a motion picture. I'll confess that, based on this movie, I'm not a Shirley Temple fan (her voice alone is annoying, not to mention her acting ability). She is utterly unconvincing as Sara Crew, and that American accent! Please, can we stop making movies of British literature where all the characters except the main one are truly British? I know this is done so as to appease and appeal to the idiots on our side of the pond, but really, are we so uncultured and stupid, not to mension spoiled, that we won't watch a movie unless it has at least one American actor playing a prominent role? If I had to choose between these two movies, I'd definitely see the 1990's version of this one; at least there, all the characters are Americanized, so one doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Lisel Matthews' performance is enchanting, and the movie all around is delightful.

Dreadful Audio
This review is of the Madacy DVD of "The Little Princess." The picture quality of this DVD is acceptable, more or less, but the audio portion is another thing. The sound is limited to a very narrow band in the midrange. Shirley's voice, for example, is quite tinny throughout the film. At times the sound volume changes abruptly or even disappears completely. One has the impression that the DVD audio engineer tried to regulate the sound volume at a single sitting by turning the knob in real time as he listened to the film. This movie has always sounded quite good on broadcast TV, which obviously wasn't playing back this Madacy disaster.

Unfortunately, it would seem that this writer's experience with "The Little Princess" is not unlike others' experiences with Madacy products. Read Doug Pratt's review of "Two Women" in his Video and DVD Guide (available from amazon.com but also readable on DVDLaser.com) and be forewarned. I now avoid Madacy DVDs.

This is one of my favorite Shirley Temple movies
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I absolutely adore this Shirley Temple movie. It is one that brings back many memories of watching Shirley Temple movies with my sister when we were little. My favorite parts are when Shirley and her little friend wake up and see all the beautiful gifts that were given to her by the Indian guy, and when she throws the bucket of soot on the snotty Clarissa, but most of all, when she finds her "Daddy" at the end,as he keeps calling "Sara, Sara."
This one is excellent, and I highly recommend it! ... Read more