Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

WB Box Set of Literary Classics Collection-An Interesting Hodgepodge

I’ve been given a box set recently by the American Cinematheque that is five dvd’s of films that mostly made their collection dvd debuts in 2007.

Though all have their merits, all are products of their time and have flaws as well.  Overall, the movies are very good and showcase performers of an earlier generation.  With the exception of the divd that has the remake on the other side, I will review all as they were made in chronilogical order.

THE PRISONER OF ZENDA (1937)

There is actually an earlier version that starred Lewis Stone in the dual role.  It also co-starred Alice Terry, Roman Navarro and Barbara LaMarr and was well directed by Rex Ingram, a near forgotten silent film director.  That year was 1922.  That one has a great farewell scene that neither of the latter remakes have.

What the 1937 has is possibly the best Ronald Colman performance he ever gave.  It was produced by David O. Selnick, directed by John Cromwell and photographed by James Howe.  The flow is quicker and more to the point than the silent.  Madeline Carroll plays the princess that Colman, an Englishman disguised to be crown to be king because the real one too drugged to make his appearance, has to fool to foil Black Michael, played with aloof villiany by Raymond Massey.  This is also one of the best showcases of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., a rare turn to be a main antagonist and his only swashbuckling role he did when his father was still alive.  Easily, the most fun one here to watch.

THE PRISONER OF ZENDA (1952)

It is this type of remake that give remakes a bad name.  It’s pretty much a scene for scene retelling of the the 37 version.  Stewart Granger was more athletic than Colman was, but missing the same charm.  Deborah Kerr fairs better as she was one of the top beauties of the fifties.  James Mason was a very good actor and played villains well, but he too was missing the charm that bad boy Fairbanks gave.  With exception of the climatic swordfight, the inferior version.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS (1948)

This is actually a remake one of Douglas Fairbanks Sr.‘s best films and has been remade several times since.  Staying with this version, I am a big Lana Turner fan and this was her first color film.  However, in spite of her top billing, she is clearly in a supporting role as the wicked Countess de Winter and could have used for greater effect just like Faye Dunaway when playing the same role in 1973.  Still, Turner has great scenes with Vincent Price as the Cardinal and the film’s actual star, Gene Kelly.  Director George Sidney and Kelly are better known for musicals which accounts for the general light tone of this.  Also sacrificed to fit the two hour six minute movie is Van Heflin’s as Athos back story with de Winter.  We should be grateful that Kelly doesn’t burst into song but must give kudos that the film does remain faithful to the novel.  Seeing Kelly immediately fall in love with June Allyson’s Constance did make me recall the scene where Kelly spoofs being a silent star in SINGING IN THE RAIN.  This is Gene Kelly in his prime, able to jump over everybody and play a mean sword.

MADAME BOVARY (1949)

The woman’s picture of the lot.  A good vehicle for Jennifer Jones, giving lavish MGM treatment and directed by Vincente Minnelli.  Quite the daydreamer, she leaves the convent to marry the quite humble Van Helfin.  Unfortunately for him, she gets swept off her feet by the young dashing Louis Jourdan.  The movie is bookended by James Mason, who plays the novelist Flaubert defending his heroine and novel.  However, by today’s standards, the worst crime she’s really guilty of is being a bad business woman.  Definitely one of those five hanky movies that at times doesn’t pace very well.  Do look for an interesting bit of future tv star Harry Morgan.

CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER (1952)

Lest we forget, Warner Brothers did make movies itself back then and one of their most reliable directors was Raoul Walsh.  Going from South America to Europe in the 17th Century, we did a good colorful film.  Gregory Peck plays the heroic title character with the character traits he’s remembered for, being quite stoic, methological and always true to his word.  He enjoys good rapport with the female lead, Virginia Mayo.  The clearing of the throat gag is not as funny as the characters think it is, and this also suffers at times with scenes that don’t go anywhere.  However, this is a good early Peck vehicle and stands as a good showcase for him.

BILLY BUDD (1962)

Another seafaring adventure but very different than Peck’s Hornblower film, is the very psychological Allied Picture directed and co-staring Peter Ustnow.  An all male cast also stars Robert Ryan as the nemesis of the young Terrance Stamp who plays the title role. Though very stagey, the pace here is fine as the dialogue remains very intriguing.  This film is the one that stayed with me after it was finished.  In fact, I’ll reveal little of the plot as I do not want to ruin it for anyone who wants to see this.  In fact, this is the real gem of the group and the most serious.  Everyone is good but I’ll give special mention to Ryan and Stamp.

Funny there hasn’t been a sequel to THE PRISONER OF ZENDA.  After all, the main bad guy isn’t supposed to get away!