Amazon.com

When production on Destination Moon began in 1949, everythingabout the project was state of the art. The great science fiction author Robert Heinlein cowrote the script (based on his novel Rocketship Galileo) and served as technical advisor. The film's astronomical visions were realized by Chesley Bonestell, whose artwork virtually defined the look of space travel at the dawn of the rocket era. Destination Moon is even noted in NASA's official timeline of space-travel history, and almost inevitably won the Academy Award for Best Special Effects. It remains a milestone film, not so much as classic science fiction but--like 2001: A Space Odyssey 18 years later--as an attempt to visualize the reality of space exploration. (To educate the audience on this topic, Woody Woodpecker makes an animated guest appearance, hosting an instructional film on the basics of rocketeering.)

The movie now seems quaintly nostalgic, and its depiction of man's first lunar landing is inaccurate on several details. Taken in context, however, it remains impressively authentic, and conveys the same charm and wonder of the later classic Forbidden Planet. The motivation for the lunar conquest remains military: the country that controls the moon will control the Earth, and cold war paranoia fuels the mission of the rocket shipLuna, which blasts off from the Mojave desert carrying four daring astronauts.

The stalwart crew consists of noted scientists and engineers, but Everyman Joe Sweeney (Dick Wesson) is aboard for broad audience appeal; he's the kind of Bronx-born guy who pronounces "Earth" as "oith" and complains that the moon has"no beer, no babes, no baseball." But when a payload crisis threatens the crew's safe return to Earth, Joe rises to the occasion. It's all a bit goofy now, but Destination Moon is still a wonderful movie, bursting with the awe and enthusiasm that would eventually lead to "one giant leap for mankind." --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Landmark Film!
Rather than call Destination Moon a science fiction film - George Pal labled his opus "a documentary of the near future". Pre-dating man's landing on the moon by at least a quarter century - it is a marvel how ahead of their time George Pal, Robert Heinlein, Irving Pichel, Chesley Bonestell and others who contributed to this film were. That speech by Neil Armstrong claiming the moon for all mankind - is actually duplicated here - a quarter of century before Neil Armstrong ever dreamt of landing on the moon or even contemplated writing that speech. That alone makes this film a landmark in the annals of film and space science history. George Pal's amazing ideas proove once again the great effect he had on science, writers, movies and even astronauts! Also to get a fabulous overview of this movie with many star interviews, crystal clear film sequences and amazing archival footage of Pal - buy the newly released on DVD expanded director's cut version of THE FANTASY FILM WORLDS OF GEORGE PAL by director Arnold Leibovit. It is positively sensational and one of the finest tributes ever done. There is an added 45 minute bonus kinescope sequence filmed on the actual set of Destination Moon in 1950. Appearances by Robert Heinlein, Chesley Bonestell, the stars of the film, the set, Irving Pichell, George Pal and more. No science fiction or fandom fan can be without the new DVD release of THE FANTASY FILM WORLDS OF GEORGE PAL!

Great Film - Lousy Print
George Pal's "Destination Moon" is a CLASSIC Science Fiction Movie of the 1950's. I recommend it to everyone. HOWEVER be aware that the DVD edition is made from an EXTREMELY POOR QUALITY print. Its scratchy, its noisy in places and scenes are shortened by a few seconds where broken film has been joined etc. etc. etc. (Its painful to watch sometimes). Come on the guys at IMAGE Entertainment; if your going to put out a DVD of a movie like this; (especially for its 50th Anniversary); at least get a GOOD QUALITY print!!!! Perhaps even get a NEW one made from the original negatives IF possible. I pulled my 15 year old BETAMAX video; (yes it still works!); from the archives and it looks 100% BETTER then the DVD version you have supplied!!!!! So be warned fans of this George Pal Movie; its a GREAT film, but Image Entertainment have decided to supply you, the customer, with an inferior quality product. This DVD version is extremely disapointing to people like me who who loved the film and who where looking forward to something BETTER. If you can't find a better QUALITY version on VHS, buy this DVD, otherwise FORGET IT. The film gets 4 stars; for the quality of the print it gets -1. The sleeve notes are good however at the end of the day I feel like I have wasted my money. Jay R. Eneberg.

Very Good Movie.
The sign of a good movie is always that the plot moves along.
This movie starts and doesn't stop.
The science is solid and holds up more then most.
The special effects are good and consistent, and of course it was written by Robert Heinlein, who wrote the original Starship Troopers.

Worst Transfer I've Seen... Ever
One of the greatest joys of DVD for me is not watching your latest block-buster, but seeing older films restored to their former glory. Two of the best are "Now Voyager" and "The Time Machine", but this film "Destination Moon" has to be the worst transfer I have ever seen and basically renders the film unwatchable. I didn't even get past the first ten minutes before it was back in it's box and is now being advertised for sale on eBay. Ghastly.

WARNING - NOT CAPTIONED
This otherwise excellent Geroge Pal movie, fully restored, and one of the only ones where Robert Heinlein participated in the production, is useless to anyone with a hearing impairment.

Nade Williams Collections, Corinth Films and Image Entertainment have produced this movie and another like it, (Rocket XM) which I purchased, and neither of them are captioned.

Having recently lost my hearing, I depend on Closed Captioning for nearly everything on TV or video. Therefore, these old classics which I wanted for my own are worthless in their present condition. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Most Dangerous Game is a classic, one of the first talkies to get pictures moving after five very static years following the birth of sound. The plot finds resourceful hero Joel McCrea and heroine Fay Wray being hunted on the island of the insane Zaroff (Leslie Banks). One of the grandfathers of the summer blockbuster, the film's setup has been reworked many times since, notably in John Woo's Hard Target (1993). By modern standards it's technically primitive, though still gripping stuff, complete with the jungle set built as a test run for King Kong (1933) and graced by Max Steiner's prototype of all Hollywood action scores. --Gary S. Dalkin ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Compelling and atmospheric classic
The Most Dangerous Game was a pet project of its producer,Merian C Cooper,and he did a bang up job of translating the Richard Connell short story to the screen.
The evil genius of the movie is demented Russian aristocrat ,Count Zaroff, who has his own private unchartered island .His passion is hunting and having become bored with the usual wild game hunts ,Zaroff has turned to the hunting of human beings for his kicks.
The objects of the hunt are a group of Americans headed by the resolute and stalwart Bob ,played strikingly well by the greatly under-rated Joel MacRae ,and including Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong.
The atmosphere is genuinely menacing from the sinister decor of Zaroffs home to the misty promordial swamp through which the relentless Zaroff and his baying hounds pursue the prey.The tone is grim and the pace unrelenting-here truly is a lean and economical movie that wastes not a single frame.
In some ways this can be viewed as a warm up for King Kong which re-used many of the personnel and ingredients from this movie --Fay Wray ,Robert Armstrong ,and a stirring brass heavy score from the great Max Steiner ,not to mention the producer/director team of Scoedsack and Cooper.It also used the same oppressive ,gloomy, miasmatic sets for the jungle and swamp scenes and these help give the movie its potency and power.
It lacks the one added dimension that helped transform King Kong into a genuine cultural phenomena-the mythic dimension -but is a gripping well made movie that still holds the attention over half a century from when it first saw the light.

One of the most effective horror films of the 1930s
I keep forgetting that Fay Wray made dozens of films before "King Kong," including this 1932 film which proves that you do not need special effects or lots of make-up to create a monster that will frighten audiences. Leslie Banks is Count Zaroff, a mad nobleman who has grown tired of hunting big game and decides to stalk human beings instead. Providence proves most accommodating when shipwrecked on the island are Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea), a famous big-game hunter, Eve Towbridge (Wray), and Martin (Robert Armstrong). After a few diverting attempts at hospitality, Zaroff sends the trio off into the jungle to try surviving until sunrise and the fun begins in earnest.

I give high marks for the tense and atmospheric direction by Irving Pichel and Ernest B. Schoedsack, but I must admit to be bothered by what Hollywood did to Richard Connell's classic short story of the hunter and hunted. Yes, the original has General Zaroff hunting a world famous big-game hunter (named Sanger Rainsford in the story), and there is certainly something compelling about the hunter now becoming the prey (not to mention the hunter's prey becoming the hunter of the hunter hunting the prey...if you know what I mean). But tossing two more characters into the picture is hardly cricket, the equivalent of hunting a lion and strapping a couple of manikins to its back. Of course with three people out in the jungle you can lose one of them (gee, you will never guess which one) and still have fun and a touch of romance. But while I am disparaging of these tacky Hollywood tack-ons, "The Most Dangerous Game" has a primal elegance that makes this one of the most effective horror films of the 1930s.

The Boring Book
The book of The Most Dangerous Game was about two couples that were trapped on an island far away from the Bahamas. they had a plane crash on the way to England. But they found themselves alone on an Island. they walked around the Island finding that they were the only ones. So the walked the whole Island and found a chateau with lighting fire lamps hanging on the side and found that they were not alone for long.
Before they even got there only one person was there an old soldier that had bught the land to hunt for fur and etc. so this boy Rainsford had told the General they were in a plans crash. Well awhile later in the chapter the general tried to kill the boy but they got away. As so as they got away they had illed the general themselves. but this story or book was an okay one cause it had alot to do with much crazy things.
the book I think was a star three not unless the writter tried to put more action and details to the staor at the beginning. I liked it just a little, good thing I didn't fall asleep on the book just like most boring books.

an excellent movie!
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

This movie, made by RKO radio pictures was the last picture they did before releagsing King Kong. Interestingly enough, both films used the same jungle set.

This film follows a man who becomes shipwrecked on an island. he later discovers a castle on the island and meets other shipwrecked people who are guests on the island. The only problem is that their host wants to hunt them down and kill the for sport!

The film has good acting and some familar sound effects as well.

The DVD also has audio commentary by film historian Bruce Eder who has done commentary for other films presented by the Criterion Collection.

INCREDIBLE DVD TRANSFER OF AN ADVENTURE CLASSIC
The Alpha DVD of THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME gets 5 stars from this commentator. The price is nearly impossible to pass up, even with a merely acceptable transfer of the film. But what Alpha offers here is superb image and sound quality. The way this 70 year-old film looks on this disc is nothing short of astounding. The blacks are deep and rich, and the image has a silvery, film-like luster. Speckles and scratches are few and far between. This is the kind of quality we may expect from Criterion, who also has this title on DVD, with a comentary track. If you can live without the commentary, go with the Alpha. It's hard to imagine that Criterion, or anyone, could improve on this film transfer.

Other comments here can provide backgound on THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME. It's an amazingly exciting, beautifully shot and scored masterpiece of adventure. The acting is mostly pretty hammy, but that only adds to the enjoyment. Was Irving Pichel a great director? Who knew?

A great addition to any DVD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Compelling and atmospheric classic
The Most Dangerous Game was a pet project of its producer,Merian C Cooper,and he did a bang up job of translating the Richard Connell short story to the screen.
The evil genius of the movie is demented Russian aristocrat ,Count Zaroff, who has his own private unchartered island .His passion is hunting and having become bored with the usual wild game hunts ,Zaroff has turned to the hunting of human beings for his kicks.
The objects of the hunt are a group of Americans headed by the resolute and stalwart Bob ,played strikingly well by the greatly under-rated Joel MacRae ,and including Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong.
The atmosphere is genuinely menacing from the sinister decor of Zaroffs home to the misty promordial swamp through which the relentless Zaroff and his baying hounds pursue the prey.The tone is grim and the pace unrelenting-here truly is a lean and economical movie that wastes not a single frame.
In some ways this can be viewed as a warm up for King Kong which re-used many of the personnel and ingredients from this movie --Fay Wray ,Robert Armstrong ,and a stirring brass heavy score from the great Max Steiner ,not to mention the producer/director team of Scoedsack and Cooper.It also used the same oppressive ,gloomy, miasmatic sets for the jungle and swamp scenes and these help give the movie its potency and power.
It lacks the one added dimension that helped transform King Kong into a genuine cultural phenomena-the mythic dimension -but is a gripping well made movie that still holds the attention over half a century from when it first saw the light.

One of the most effective horror films of the 1930s
I keep forgetting that Fay Wray made dozens of films before "King Kong," including this 1932 film which proves that you do not need special effects or lots of make-up to create a monster that will frighten audiences. Leslie Banks is Count Zaroff, a mad nobleman who has grown tired of hunting big game and decides to stalk human beings instead. Providence proves most accommodating when shipwrecked on the island are Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea), a famous big-game hunter, Eve Towbridge (Wray), and Martin (Robert Armstrong). After a few diverting attempts at hospitality, Zaroff sends the trio off into the jungle to try surviving until sunrise and the fun begins in earnest.

I give high marks for the tense and atmospheric direction by Irving Pichel and Ernest B. Schoedsack, but I must admit to be bothered by what Hollywood did to Richard Connell's classic short story of the hunter and hunted. Yes, the original has General Zaroff hunting a world famous big-game hunter (named Sanger Rainsford in the story), and there is certainly something compelling about the hunter now becoming the prey (not to mention the hunter's prey becoming the hunter of the hunter hunting the prey...if you know what I mean). But tossing two more characters into the picture is hardly cricket, the equivalent of hunting a lion and strapping a couple of manikins to its back. Of course with three people out in the jungle you can lose one of them (gee, you will never guess which one) and still have fun and a touch of romance. But while I am disparaging of these tacky Hollywood tack-ons, "The Most Dangerous Game" has a primal elegance that makes this one of the most effective horror films of the 1930s.

The Boring Book
The book of The Most Dangerous Game was about two couples that were trapped on an island far away from the Bahamas. they had a plane crash on the way to England. But they found themselves alone on an Island. they walked around the Island finding that they were the only ones. So the walked the whole Island and found a chateau with lighting fire lamps hanging on the side and found that they were not alone for long.
Before they even got there only one person was there an old soldier that had bught the land to hunt for fur and etc. so this boy Rainsford had told the General they were in a plans crash. Well awhile later in the chapter the general tried to kill the boy but they got away. As so as they got away they had illed the general themselves. but this story or book was an okay one cause it had alot to do with much crazy things.
the book I think was a star three not unless the writter tried to put more action and details to the staor at the beginning. I liked it just a little, good thing I didn't fall asleep on the book just like most boring books.

an excellent movie!
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

This movie, made by RKO radio pictures was the last picture they did before releagsing King Kong. Interestingly enough, both films used the same jungle set.

This film follows a man who becomes shipwrecked on an island. he later discovers a castle on the island and meets other shipwrecked people who are guests on the island. The only problem is that their host wants to hunt them down and kill the for sport!

The film has good acting and some familar sound effects as well.

The DVD also has audio commentary by film historian Bruce Eder who has done commentary for other films presented by the Criterion Collection.

INCREDIBLE DVD TRANSFER OF AN ADVENTURE CLASSIC
The Alpha DVD of THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME gets 5 stars from this commentator. The price is nearly impossible to pass up, even with a merely acceptable transfer of the film. But what Alpha offers here is superb image and sound quality. The way this 70 year-old film looks on this disc is nothing short of astounding. The blacks are deep and rich, and the image has a silvery, film-like luster. Speckles and scratches are few and far between. This is the kind of quality we may expect from Criterion, who also has this title on DVD, with a comentary track. If you can live without the commentary, go with the Alpha. It's hard to imagine that Criterion, or anyone, could improve on this film transfer.

Other comments here can provide backgound on THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME. It's an amazingly exciting, beautifully shot and scored masterpiece of adventure. The acting is mostly pretty hammy, but that only adds to the enjoyment. Was Irving Pichel a great director? Who knew?

A great addition to any DVD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Classic
This is the classic black and white movie on Luther's life, shown in nearly every Lutheran church basement! It takes the viewer from Luther's entry into the monastery to around 1530, when the Augsburg Confession was presented to the Emperor. For many years, this was the best film on Luther. Unlike Luther (1973, with Stacy Keach) which showed only Luther's struggles, this movie shows his triumphs and successes, and the support he had from others.
This DVD has several good features. Several languages are supported, Spanish, German, Korean, and a few others. Unfortunately, the film was not digitally remastered-- but the picture quality is still not that bad. An interesting documentary is included on how the movie was made and the reaction when it was shown. It also includes a slideshow of Luther sites.
This movie can't compare with the new movie (Luther, 2003 with Joseph Fiennes) as far as presentation is concerned. Yet it is still inspiring, and a faithful presentation of Luther's life. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

oh, no -- the return of colorization!
God help us, colorization is back! WHY? I thought this miserable fad went away with the '80's. Why bring it back? Why ruin this film with phoney color? It's almost as bad as the fake "3-D" crap some DVDs are using. For the b/w version, I give 5 stars. But for bringing back this wretched colrization process, I give 1 star. Please, studios, NO MORE COLORIZATION!

GOOD, CLEAN, WHOLESOME FAMILY FUN
I bought this movie (DVD) based on the reviews here at Amazon. I have four kids aged 14, down to five. My kids thought it was terrific. It was "old Hollywood" at its best: comic, romantic, fun and wholesome.

Can't wait for the release!
I often watched this movie on Christmas with my children and more recently with my young grandchildren because it touches the very essence of the Christmas season. I've always loved Terry Moore from her serious and not so serious movies (especially Mighty Joe Young) and of course Jimmy Durante is a clown that everyone loved and loves.

I personally feel The Great Rupert should have been produced originally in color and released as a Christmas movie. I'm so I'm so happy to learn it is now considered a Christmas classic and is available in color. Can't wait to see it in color and listen to Terry's commentary.

Re-discover this Jimmy Durante Christmas Classic
A Christmas Wish is a heartwarming holiday classic that truly captures the magic of Christmas. This well-written film combines a genial underdog (Durante) whom you can't help rooting for, an inspiring tale of young love, unforgettable comedy bits by Durante, and an irresistible guardian angel who saves Christmas.

The film has a touching love story between Terry Moore (Mighty Joe Young) and Tom Drake (Meet Me in St. Louis). Rupert the Squirrel (created using George Pal's Academy Award winning puppet animation technique) will charm young and old alike. Jimmy Durante shines when he sings Jingle Bells and other Christmas Carols.

Originally titled "The Great Rupert", this film has been restored perfectly and is being released in color for the first time. It looks absolutely beautiful. There also is an engaging special DVD commentary by star Terry Moore (secret wife of Howard Hughes). If you've already seen It's a Wonderful Life and are looking for something charming and new for Christmas, this is the film.

This Film Is A 100% Must-See For The Whole Family!
You'd Know Why I've Given This 5 Stars, After You've Seen This!
To MAke The Long Difficult Plot Quick, Rupert Helps 2 Poor Families Overcome Their Obstacles. GREAT FILM! I RECCOMEND TO ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE A GOOD LAUGH AND A GOOD CRY! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Randolph Scott is his usual stiff but smiling self as Leo Vincey, the long-lost American heir to a British family legacy, sent by his estranged father to reclaim the legendary "Flame of Life," discovered five centuries ago by his explorer ancestor. Producer Merian C. Cooper, best known for directing King Kong, changes the locale of H. Rider Haggard's classic adventure from Africa to the Arctic (which, apart from a spectacular avalanche, looks positively stagebound), but he pulls out all stops for the magnificent underground kingdom hidden in the icy mountains, complete with a cavernous throne room with vaulted ceilings and a massive staircase that would look right at home in the Ziegfeld Follies. The cruel She Who Must Be Obeyed (Helen Gahagan) is a beautiful but icy queen driven ruthless by her centuries of loneliness. The film takes some time to get started but once She makes her impressive entrance through a mist-enshrouded arch, we're plunged into a dangerous, exotic world of strange ceremonies, human sacrifices, nefarious plots, and the gorgeous whirlwind of light that is the Flame of Life. Though the dialogue is often flat and uninspired and the performances by Scott and Gahagan rather arch (costars Nigel Bruce and Helen Mack fare much better), this grand adventure concludes with a rousing climax full of impressive set pieces and breathtaking effects. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (9)

This is not the story I remember...
The actor who played She did not seem to portray the she I had in mind. I read this story as a little girl, or rather it was read to me. I remember She being the most beautiful woman on earth. This did not come across in the movie. At lot of illustration and characterization was left out. I did like the campy dance sequence in the movie, very strange and eerie. The music that went with it was ominious and quite effective. The stage sets were quite good, yet the story is taking place in the cold north, rather than Africa. She does convey an icy distance in her stance so I give the actor points for that, yet it is just lacking in story and plot to really hold my attention. Randolph Scott was handsome yet his acting looked very much like acting. I liked Tanya's eyes, they were really sparkly. The threesome, Scott's character, his sidekick, and Tanya, a girl who they met in Antartica, who had been abused by her father, went on a trek to find the eternal flame that bathed you in a mythical fire of youth. When the flame reverses itself the effects are quite good. The avalanches are pretty neat and the chase scenes in the frozen mountain glaciers are fun to watch. All and All not heartily recommended but not to dissuade you either. By all means read the book, it is exceptional.

Lisa Nary

The story was adjusted a bit
O.K. it was adjusted a lot.

Leo Vincey (Randolph Scott) all grown up is fresh back from the U.S. So he does not have to have an English accent. His dying uncle points to a portrait of a 500 year old Vincey in a Prince Valiant haircut that is the spitting image of Leo. Then with old sci-fi equipment in the background he is told a tail of radiation and a woman that will live for ever; Doctor Watson (oops) Horace Holly is standing by.

For readers that are familiar with the book, you are in for some laughs. Because the Vincey explorer was only five hundred years ago all the majors can speak English (or pigeon English). There is a native scene right out of Kong and a second with a sacrifice and a ritual dance. Can it be that this is the same director, Producer Merian C. Cooper, known for King Kong?

On a more serious side the eternal questions posed in the book were replaces with a love story made for two.

Helen Gahagan is a rather unique name so I looked it up in Ephraim Kats "The Film Encyclopedia"; turns out among other things She was married to Melvyn Douglas, was the author of "The Eleanor Roosevelt we Remember" (1963). A Democratic congress woman. And was defeated by Richard Nixon in her bid or a Senate seat.

A flashy, campy fantasy-action classic
A goofy old-fashioned action film produced by Meriam C. Cooper, the brains behind the1931 smash "King Kong." Randolph Scott stars in this slightly tweaked adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's novel (in the book, the action is set in Africa; here it's in the Antarctic). Anyway, the basic plot is that a dashing young Anglo-American adventurer heads off in search of a magical fountain of life, but when he arrives at its hidden temple, it turns out the guardian is an immortal hottie (played by Helen Gahagan), who believes that our hero is a reincarnation of her long-lost lover. The first half of the film is kind of rickety and slow-moving, but once the films starts zipping to its crescendo, things get pretty fun. There's a big, silly dance number (half modern dance, half Busby Berkeley revue, with kooky ethnic elements), and some really cool special effects -- including a jumping-over-the-chasm scene that may seem familiar to fans of the first "Lord Of The Rings" film. Acting wise, this flick is campy at best -- it's not Scott's best effort (and I *like* Randolph Scott!), and Gahagan is kind of a dud; she's just not very convincing as an irresistible(...)-- couldn't they have gotten Bette Davis or Marlene Dietrich instead? Still, it's a fun film... definitely worth checking out!

AN ORIGINAL SCI-FI FROM 1935.
Ancient papers lead a Cambridge professor and his friends to the lost city where dwells a queen who cannot die - until she falls in love... SHE is alternately hilarious, terrible - and essential viewing for lovers of vintage Sci-Fi flicks! H. Rider Haggard was a British civil servant who began writing to win a bet with his brother after they'd argued about what made good literature. Haggard's works included a prolific 58 works of fiction and 7 works of non-fiction. KING SOLOMON'S MINES was his first novel: his second was SHE which was written in 1887. When adapted for this 1935 flick, the locale was - perhaps mistakenly - altered from the humid wastes of Africa to the frozen wastes of the near-Arctic. The two romantic leads were originally to be played by Joel McCrea and his wife, Frances Dee. Since they proved to be unavailable, the wooden Randolph Scott and the adequate Helen Mack were cast instead. The sometimes hokey script and colourless performances from both Scott and Gahagan tend to mar the film, but not completely: they give the film an unintended campy/eclectic feeling which somehow lingers in the memory rather than offends. The stagey decor of Kor is very Art Deco and reminds one of the Radio City Music Hall & you expect the Rockettes to appear out of nowhere! It is a great relief to film connoisseurs that a print of this movie - which was actually considered lost for years - was found!

The Ice Queen cometh
After reading H. Rider Haggard's enthralling work, I had to see this movie to see how it stacked up--especially since it's regarded as the best of the 11(!) versions to date--but was disappointed as it's unfaithful to the book in some big ways. A glaringly obvious change was the shift in locales, from hot equatorial East Africa to the frigid Arctic! It's puzzling why the movie powers that be did this--could it be it was more convenient for them, more cheaper, did they think it was more dramatic, or suited better to Helen Gahgagan's glacial regal beauty and chilly demeanor? They should have stayed with Africa since it evokes images of a wild, untamed pagan land ungoverned by laws of man or civilized society which is more suited to the story's Freudian theme of man's fear and loathing of an all-powerful, dominant female, than a sterile iceland, which admittedly doesn't take much away from but doesn't add anything either--although the barren Arctic landscape does lend an eerie air of beautiful stasis, which could be seen as an atmospheric, symbolic parallel to Gahagan's lofty position of She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed (to her terrified subjects; her name is Ayesha, pronounced AH-SHA), an awe-inspiring b**tch goddess of eternal youthful beauty and deadly coldness. This film has the distinction of being Broadway star and Mrs. Melvyn Douglas' only film, especially since it's a legendary character from a literary masterpiece and she certainly lived up to the part physically as painstakingly described with her perfect brunette beauty--but her performance leaves one cold since she doesn't possess the mesmerizing persona, charisma and intensity integral to She. On to the story--Ayesha is a 500-year old queen of the city of Kor who was madly in love with John Vincey, an Apollo Greek God lookalike, but lost him when she impulsively murdered him out of jealousy. Later she discovered the mysterious Flame of Life, which gives eternal life, youth and beauty if you bathe yourself in it, which of course she did (who wouldn't!). But talk about too little, too late--with her beloved gone, all the regretful and mourning queen can do is wait however long it takes until he's reincarnated. Boy, does she have an impossibly long wait and becomes a monstrously cold and heartless ruler whose very name evokes terror--but she's still a sympathetic character because she's capable of love (though only for ONE man!) and it's the long, lonely agonized centuries of waiting that's made her cruel.

The wooden but amiable Randolph Scott plays Leo, descendent of and deadringer for John Vincey, who journeys from England to the Arctic with his scholarly mentor friend Horace Holly (Nigel Bruce) to find this secret city with its promise of immortality. Once there they're joined by their guide's cute and sweet waifish daughter Tanya (Helen Mack), who's smitten with Leo. Of course they find Kor and news is brought to Ayesha at once about this John Vincey lookalike, and she knows her long wait is over. Unfortunately there are obstacles to her much-awaited "reunion"--though Leo finds her intriguing and undeniably beautiful and buys the "fact" he's John Vincey reincarnated, he's smitten with Tanya also and turned off by Ayesha's cruelty and ruthlessness. The likely possibility of getting scorned by her great love yet again unleashes her unearthly fury and brings to mind that cliched saying of "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," which is appropriately ironic here since it's the very Flame of Life that turns into the flame of death for Ayesha when she bathes in it a second time and turns into a ghastly wrinked old prune! I felt some of the soul of Rider's work was missing here, but there's enough substance and merit to make it worthwhile viewing--such as the hauntingly atmospheric B&W cinematography which is simply beautiful, evocative Max Steiner score, breathtaking and unreal sets, spectacular special effects that still stand up to this day, and an endearing performance by Mack, who exudes wholesomeness and warmth. Although it's considered inferior to this one, I prefer the 1965 Hammer Film-Ursula Andress version as it's more faithful in regard to the locale, names, ending and other details, as well as being quite good too! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Surprise! CLASSIC Film Noir!
100% fun film-noir rollercoaster in which Mickey Rooney plays an amoral mechanic who makes one horrible decision after another, getting himself stuck deeper and deeper in the quicksand of his predicament. The plot is hokey, but so satisfying...it includes a great femme-fatale and a swell part played by Peter Lorre. The photography is top-notch, and the San Francisco boardwalk (nighttime, natch)scenery is wonderful. Rooney is actually very good in this...he makes you root for him even though he acts like a jerk all the way through the picture. If you've ever dug yourself into a well of trouble, you'll really relate to this one! Enjoy!

Mickey Rooneys acting very good as usual but plot weak.
The story line was not up to the standards of a Mickey Rooney film of that era. The story starts off with Rooney oweing $100,00 for a watch and snowballs into a series of crimes that lead to 'murder'. If your not a Mickey Rooney fan save your money and time. ... Read more

Description

Stranded in the frigid wilderness, explorers searching for the fountain of youth stumble onto a colony of ferocious cave dwellers who guard Kor, a fantastic, subterranean lost kingdom ruled by an independent and powerful woman known as She. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

This is not the story I remember...
The actor who played She did not seem to portray the she I had in mind. I read this story as a little girl, or rather it was read to me. I remember She being the most beautiful woman on earth. This did not come across in the movie. At lot of illustration and characterization was left out. I did like the campy dance sequence in the movie, very strange and eerie. The music that went with it was ominious and quite effective. The stage sets were quite good, yet the story is taking place in the cold north, rather than Africa. She does convey an icy distance in her stance so I give the actor points for that, yet it is just lacking in story and plot to really hold my attention. Randolph Scott was handsome yet his acting looked very much like acting. I liked Tanya's eyes, they were really sparkly. The threesome, Scott's character, his sidekick, and Tanya, a girl who they met in Antartica, who had been abused by her father, went on a trek to find the eternal flame that bathed you in a mythical fire of youth. When the flame reverses itself the effects are quite good. The avalanches are pretty neat and the chase scenes in the frozen mountain glaciers are fun to watch. All and All not heartily recommended but not to dissuade you either. By all means read the book, it is exceptional.

Lisa Nary

The story was adjusted a bit
O.K. it was adjusted a lot.

Leo Vincey (Randolph Scott) all grown up is fresh back from the U.S. So he does not have to have an English accent. His dying uncle points to a portrait of a 500 year old Vincey in a Prince Valiant haircut that is the spitting image of Leo. Then with old sci-fi equipment in the background he is told a tail of radiation and a woman that will live for ever; Doctor Watson (oops) Horace Holly is standing by.

For readers that are familiar with the book, you are in for some laughs. Because the Vincey explorer was only five hundred years ago all the majors can speak English (or pigeon English). There is a native scene right out of Kong and a second with a sacrifice and a ritual dance. Can it be that this is the same director, Producer Merian C. Cooper, known for King Kong?

On a more serious side the eternal questions posed in the book were replaces with a love story made for two.

Helen Gahagan is a rather unique name so I looked it up in Ephraim Kats "The Film Encyclopedia"; turns out among other things She was married to Melvyn Douglas, was the author of "The Eleanor Roosevelt we Remember" (1963). A Democratic congress woman. And was defeated by Richard Nixon in her bid or a Senate seat.

A flashy, campy fantasy-action classic
A goofy old-fashioned action film produced by Meriam C. Cooper, the brains behind the1931 smash "King Kong." Randolph Scott stars in this slightly tweaked adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's novel (in the book, the action is set in Africa; here it's in the Antarctic). Anyway, the basic plot is that a dashing young Anglo-American adventurer heads off in search of a magical fountain of life, but when he arrives at its hidden temple, it turns out the guardian is an immortal hottie (played by Helen Gahagan), who believes that our hero is a reincarnation of her long-lost lover. The first half of the film is kind of rickety and slow-moving, but once the films starts zipping to its crescendo, things get pretty fun. There's a big, silly dance number (half modern dance, half Busby Berkeley revue, with kooky ethnic elements), and some really cool special effects -- including a jumping-over-the-chasm scene that may seem familiar to fans of the first "Lord Of The Rings" film. Acting wise, this flick is campy at best -- it's not Scott's best effort (and I *like* Randolph Scott!), and Gahagan is kind of a dud; she's just not very convincing as an irresistible(...)-- couldn't they have gotten Bette Davis or Marlene Dietrich instead? Still, it's a fun film... definitely worth checking out!

AN ORIGINAL SCI-FI FROM 1935.
Ancient papers lead a Cambridge professor and his friends to the lost city where dwells a queen who cannot die - until she falls in love... SHE is alternately hilarious, terrible - and essential viewing for lovers of vintage Sci-Fi flicks! H. Rider Haggard was a British civil servant who began writing to win a bet with his brother after they'd argued about what made good literature. Haggard's works included a prolific 58 works of fiction and 7 works of non-fiction. KING SOLOMON'S MINES was his first novel: his second was SHE which was written in 1887. When adapted for this 1935 flick, the locale was - perhaps mistakenly - altered from the humid wastes of Africa to the frozen wastes of the near-Arctic. The two romantic leads were originally to be played by Joel McCrea and his wife, Frances Dee. Since they proved to be unavailable, the wooden Randolph Scott and the adequate Helen Mack were cast instead. The sometimes hokey script and colourless performances from both Scott and Gahagan tend to mar the film, but not completely: they give the film an unintended campy/eclectic feeling which somehow lingers in the memory rather than offends. The stagey decor of Kor is very Art Deco and reminds one of the Radio City Music Hall & you expect the Rockettes to appear out of nowhere! It is a great relief to film connoisseurs that a print of this movie - which was actually considered lost for years - was found!

The Ice Queen cometh
After reading H. Rider Haggard's enthralling work, I had to see this movie to see how it stacked up--especially since it's regarded as the best of the 11(!) versions to date--but was disappointed as it's unfaithful to the book in some big ways. A glaringly obvious change was the shift in locales, from hot equatorial East Africa to the frigid Arctic! It's puzzling why the movie powers that be did this--could it be it was more convenient for them, more cheaper, did they think it was more dramatic, or suited better to Helen Gahgagan's glacial regal beauty and chilly demeanor? They should have stayed with Africa since it evokes images of a wild, untamed pagan land ungoverned by laws of man or civilized society which is more suited to the story's Freudian theme of man's fear and loathing of an all-powerful, dominant female, than a sterile iceland, which admittedly doesn't take much away from but doesn't add anything either--although the barren Arctic landscape does lend an eerie air of beautiful stasis, which could be seen as an atmospheric, symbolic parallel to Gahagan's lofty position of She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed (to her terrified subjects; her name is Ayesha, pronounced AH-SHA), an awe-inspiring b**tch goddess of eternal youthful beauty and deadly coldness. This film has the distinction of being Broadway star and Mrs. Melvyn Douglas' only film, especially since it's a legendary character from a literary masterpiece and she certainly lived up to the part physically as painstakingly described with her perfect brunette beauty--but her performance leaves one cold since she doesn't possess the mesmerizing persona, charisma and intensity integral to She. On to the story--Ayesha is a 500-year old queen of the city of Kor who was madly in love with John Vincey, an Apollo Greek God lookalike, but lost him when she impulsively murdered him out of jealousy. Later she discovered the mysterious Flame of Life, which gives eternal life, youth and beauty if you bathe yourself in it, which of course she did (who wouldn't!). But talk about too little, too late--with her beloved gone, all the regretful and mourning queen can do is wait however long it takes until he's reincarnated. Boy, does she have an impossibly long wait and becomes a monstrously cold and heartless ruler whose very name evokes terror--but she's still a sympathetic character because she's capable of love (though only for ONE man!) and it's the long, lonely agonized centuries of waiting that's made her cruel.

The wooden but amiable Randolph Scott plays Leo, descendent of and deadringer for John Vincey, who journeys from England to the Arctic with his scholarly mentor friend Horace Holly (Nigel Bruce) to find this secret city with its promise of immortality. Once there they're joined by their guide's cute and sweet waifish daughter Tanya (Helen Mack), who's smitten with Leo. Of course they find Kor and news is brought to Ayesha at once about this John Vincey lookalike, and she knows her long wait is over. Unfortunately there are obstacles to her much-awaited "reunion"--though Leo finds her intriguing and undeniably beautiful and buys the "fact" he's John Vincey reincarnated, he's smitten with Tanya also and turned off by Ayesha's cruelty and ruthlessness. The likely possibility of getting scorned by her great love yet again unleashes her unearthly fury and brings to mind that cliched saying of "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," which is appropriately ironic here since it's the very Flame of Life that turns into the flame of death for Ayesha when she bathes in it a second time and turns into a ghastly wrinked old prune! I felt some of the soul of Rider's work was missing here, but there's enough substance and merit to make it worthwhile viewing--such as the hauntingly atmospheric B&W cinematography which is simply beautiful, evocative Max Steiner score, breathtaking and unreal sets, spectacular special effects that still stand up to this day, and an endearing performance by Mack, who exudes wholesomeness and warmth. Although it's considered inferior to this one, I prefer the 1965 Hammer Film-Ursula Andress version as it's more faithful in regard to the locale, names, ending and other details, as well as being quite good too! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although it's now more of a curiosity and a quaint reminder of a timewhen movies possessed a quality of innocence that has long since vanished, The Great Rupert was something of a marvel when it was released in 1950. Produced by special-effects pioneer George Pal, who had delighted audiences of the 1940s with his innovative series of Puppetoon shorts, this charming comedy employs Pal's technique of animated puppetry to bring life to the title character--a lovable trained squirrel that comes to the rescue of a down-and-out family of vaudeville performers in the depths of the Great Depression.

Jimmy Durante leads the struggling clan, barely able to pay rent in a converted garage adjoining the home of a man who's been stockpiling lucrative investment dividends in the floorboard between the two homes. From his cubbyhole in the wall, resourceful Rupert has been tossing wads of $100 bills to Durante's wife, who thinks it's cash from heaven! Ol' Jimmy cracks wise with ancient puns and one-liners, making this a treat for Durante fans looking for squeaky-clean family entertainment. And once he's saved the day for all involved, furry-tailed Rupert goes back to his own vaudeville gig with his devoted owner, played by another veteran of vaudeville, Jimmy Conlin. It's all a bit too sweet by today's tarnished standards, but The Great Rupert stands as a testament to George Pal's optimistic spirit and creative imagination, which would later bless the productions of such films as The Time Machine and The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (9)

oh, no -- the return of colorization!
God help us, colorization is back! WHY? I thought this miserable fad went away with the '80's. Why bring it back? Why ruin this film with phoney color? It's almost as bad as the fake "3-D" crap some DVDs are using. For the b/w version, I give 5 stars. But for bringing back this wretched colrization process, I give 1 star. Please, studios, NO MORE COLORIZATION!

GOOD, CLEAN, WHOLESOME FAMILY FUN
I bought this movie (DVD) based on the reviews here at Amazon. I have four kids aged 14, down to five. My kids thought it was terrific. It was "old Hollywood" at its best: comic, romantic, fun and wholesome.

Can't wait for the release!
I often watched this movie on Christmas with my children and more recently with my young grandchildren because it touches the very essence of the Christmas season. I've always loved Terry Moore from her serious and not so serious movies (especially Mighty Joe Young) and of course Jimmy Durante is a clown that everyone loved and loves.

I personally feel The Great Rupert should have been produced originally in color and released as a Christmas movie. I'm so I'm so happy to learn it is now considered a Christmas classic and is available in color. Can't wait to see it in color and listen to Terry's commentary.

Re-discover this Jimmy Durante Christmas Classic
A Christmas Wish is a heartwarming holiday classic that truly captures the magic of Christmas. This well-written film combines a genial underdog (Durante) whom you can't help rooting for, an inspiring tale of young love, unforgettable comedy bits by Durante, and an irresistible guardian angel who saves Christmas.

The film has a touching love story between Terry Moore (Mighty Joe Young) and Tom Drake (Meet Me in St. Louis). Rupert the Squirrel (created using George Pal's Academy Award winning puppet animation technique) will charm young and old alike. Jimmy Durante shines when he sings Jingle Bells and other Christmas Carols.

Originally titled "The Great Rupert", this film has been restored perfectly and is being released in color for the first time. It looks absolutely beautiful. There also is an engaging special DVD commentary by star Terry Moore (secret wife of Howard Hughes). If you've already seen It's a Wonderful Life and are looking for something charming and new for Christmas, this is the film.

This Film Is A 100% Must-See For The Whole Family!
You'd Know Why I've Given This 5 Stars, After You've Seen This!
To MAke The Long Difficult Plot Quick, Rupert Helps 2 Poor Families Overcome Their Obstacles. GREAT FILM! I RECCOMEND TO ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE A GOOD LAUGH AND A GOOD CRY! ... Read more

Description

Enter a realm of mystery, suspense, and femme fatales in these 3 classic black & white films. QUICKSAND - Danny Brady is a garage mechanic who falls for a waitress who destroys his life in less than a week. SCARLET STREET - Christopher Cross is a cashier whose only outlet for his frustrations is painting. Realizing that he has been duped for his work, Cross resorts to murder. SUDDENLY - John Baron (Frank Sinatra) and his band of paid killers take over a house while posing as FBI agents in the small town of Suddenly. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Surprise! CLASSIC Film Noir!
100% fun film-noir rollercoaster in which Mickey Rooney plays an amoral mechanic who makes one horrible decision after another, getting himself stuck deeper and deeper in the quicksand of his predicament. The plot is hokey, but so satisfying...it includes a great femme-fatale and a swell part played by Peter Lorre. The photography is top-notch, and the San Francisco boardwalk (nighttime, natch)scenery is wonderful. Rooney is actually very good in this...he makes you root for him even though he acts like a jerk all the way through the picture. If you've ever dug yourself into a well of trouble, you'll really relate to this one! Enjoy!

Mickey Rooneys acting very good as usual but plot weak.
The story line was not up to the standards of a Mickey Rooney film of that era. The story starts off with Rooney oweing $100,00 for a watch and snowballs into a series of crimes that lead to 'murder'. If your not a Mickey Rooney fan save your money and time. ... Read more