The Three Stooges: Extreme Rarities Review

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(More customer reviews)The Three Stooges recorded so much material during their decades in show business, it's no wonder that plenty of it has remained elusive, even in the DVD era. The release of The Three Stooges: Extreme Rarities delves into this vault of material to offer up a little bit of something for everyone.
This DVD contains shorts, live appearances on talk/variety shows, interviews, movie trailers, home movies, commercials and many other materials which defy categorization. If there's a Stooge lover in your life, they'll definitely enjoy this DVD, and it may be the one to turn the non-Stooge lover around. I find myself firmly among the first group, so the abundance of entertainment on this collection that I had never seen before proved quite enjoyable.
Most of the rarities that comprise the Main Feature of the movie were either recorded originally in color or have been colorized, whereas the bonus features have not been colorized. Those of you who dislike the colorization you may have seen before, I can assure you that this job has been done well. In fact, the colorized footage looks even better than some of the footage that was shot in the early days of color TV.
The Main Feature of the DVD includes:
-Hollywood on Parade (A short with the Stooges and other stars of the day)
-Screen Snapshots (Another short with the Stooges and other stars of the
day)
-Heavenly Days (Stooges Short)
-Joe Besser Interview (Very interesting, about how Joe became a Stooge)
-The Stooges on the Steve Allen Show (Moe, Larry and Curly Joe perform three separate times on the show)
-Stop! Look! and Laugh! Trailer (Trailer for a Stooges movie)
-Simoniz Commercial (Stooges shill for Simoniz car wax)
-Snow White and the Three Stooges (Trailer)
-Danny Thomas Presents Comics (Live appearance on his show, the Stooges try to "go legetimate", funny stuff)
-Star Spangled Salesman (Promo short for The US Treasury department)
-Dickies Jeans CommercialThe bonus features include:
-Heavenly Days in Black and White (the short from the main feature in its original B&W)
-Larry Fine Interview (A rare interview after his stroke)
-Knife of the Party (Shemp Documentary and footage)
-Three Stooges Hand Puppets
-Three Stooges on Stage with Curly (rare home movie footage)
-Gentlemaniacs (Clips of Stooge impersonators, very interesting)
-Celebrity Charity Baseball Game (The Stooges go to Wrigley Field)
-On Stage with Curly Joe (A rare home movie clip)
-Three Stooges Arthritis Commercial (funnier than it sounds)
-Strictly for Laughs (Clips from a talk show pilot)
-Four for Texas (Movie Trailer)
-On The Go (Tv Show with Jack Linkletter)

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Those Magnificent Men Their Flying Machines (1965) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an absolutely wonderful movie. I have watched it again and again. It seems to be one of the funniest movies I've ever seen, yet it was a very good old fashioned, innocent, and more professional humor than most other comedies. I think it is a work of art and should be added to DVD format. Being that much of my family is German, Gert Fröbe was my favorite character. A funny and warm resemblance of the Prussian gentleman of the time. All the national characters were funny too. Terry Thomas was wonderful and gave me plenty of laughs. The Frenchmen and the Italian (Emilio) were great too. You will just feel naturally happier after you watch this movie. Don't even hesitate to buy it!

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Doris Day - It's Magic (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)Longer than most, this Doris Day edition of "Biography" originally aired on 'Sweethearts' week with Susan Lucci hosting. Many have confused it with Doris's first movie, "Romance on the High Seas", since "It's Magic" was an alternate title. The special follows young Doris's rise as a teenage dancer in Ohio who was good enough to secure Hollywood backing--until a train accident left one of her legs in horrible shape. Recuperating in bed, Doris began to sing along with the radio and discovered a hidden talent--she had an uncanny ear and was a superb vocalist! There are no interviews with Doris herself, but Terry Melcher, her son who recently passed away, adds his comments, as do Kaye Ballard and biographer A.E. Hotchner (who tells us of DD: "She's like Greta Garbo--you'll never see her again"). Except for a brief phone interview on CNN after Ronald Regan died, Hotchner seems to be right. Relishing her privacy in Carmel, California, Doris is said to be happily surprised at how her music and movies have held up in popularity. If only she knew how much the entertainment world still needs her...

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Group Sex (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie is funnier than most big Hollywood duds. Greg Grunberg, Tom Arnold and Rob Benedict stole every scene they were in. Definitely have to watch more than once to pick up on all of the one-liners. One of my favorites in a long time.

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Strange Bedfellows (1965) Review

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(More customer reviews)Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida (the former co-stars of 1961's "Come September") once again make a smashing team in the cute romantic comedy STRANGE BEDFELLOWS (produced and directed in 1965 by Melvin Frank).
Hudson plays Carter Harrison, a womanising company exec who marries Antonia (Lollobrigida), an Italian spitfire who is heavily into art and politics. When their marriage fails, Carter doesn't hear from Toni for many years, until his boss decides Carter will get a promotion if he can prove that he is a respectable (and, more to the point, MARRIED) man. He decides to lead Toni on to get the promotion but finds himself falling in love with her all over again. The memorable supporting cast includes Terry-Thomas, Nancy Kulp, Gig Young, Arthur Haynes and Edward Judd.
As other reviewers have noted, the film is presented in the wrong widescreen ratio, which will impact you if you own a widescreen television or 16:9 display. Still, we're lucky to have this movie on DVD in the first place.
The DVD includes the trailer. (Single-sided, single-layer disc).

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Laurel and Hardy Collection, Vol. 1 (Great Guns / Jitterbugs / The Big Noise) (1944) Review

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(More customer reviews)Fox is releasing three of its Laurel & Hardy features on DVD: GREAT GUNS (1941), JITTERBUGS (1943), and THE BIG NOISE (1944). These are among the team's later works, and Laurel & Hardy collectors and completists should welcome this boxed set.
GREAT GUNS is Fox's topical answer to Abbott & Costello's hit "Buck Privates," with awkward rookies Stan and Ollie in the army. The script is rather lame, but there are some choice moments (you'll howl when Laurel stashes a live crow down Hardy's pants during inspection). Watch for Alan Ladd in a bit part.
JITTERBUGS is an engaging comedy with music, with Stan and Ollie as zoot-suited bandleaders who get mixed up with swindlers, and who right the wrong by adopting disguises for a sting operation. Vivian Blaine sings three songs, radio actor Bob Bailey is fine as the stingmaster, and Stan and Ollie are in good form (and fun to watch when they're in disguise). This is the glossiest Laurel & Hardy movie from this period, with a notable supporting cast.
THE BIG NOISE is a matter of taste. Some viewers regard it as merely a humdrum rehash of old routines, while others enjoy it as a virtual textbook of tried-and-true Laurel & Hardy material. Either way, it's loaded with vintage gags. The boys are janitors-turned-detectives, who safeguard a gadget-crazy inventor and his new high explosive. Watch for young Robert Blake as a mischievous brat. First-time viewers should enjoy it; if you know Laurel & Hardy you'll certainly recognize the jokes: an upper-berth scene with drunken Jack Norton is a highlight.
This DVD set also includes bonus material, including vintage coming-attractions trailers, and audio commentaries by author Randy Skretvedt. A special treat is REVENGE OF THE SONS OF THE DESERT, Alexander Marshall's Emmy-winning featurette about the international Laurel & Hardy society (founded by L & H biographer John McCabe).
Picture and sound quality in these DVDs should be excellent, based on the studio's former VHS releases in this series.

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Episode Description: Disc 1 "Big Noise": Rating: NR Audio: English: Mono & Stereo Subtitled: English and Spanish Special Features: Commentary by Randy Skredvedt, Photo Gallery, Theatrical Trailer, Laurel and Hardy Theatre: Bullfighters Theatrical Trailer, Great Guns Theatrical Trailer, & The Dancing Master Theatrical TrailerDisc 2 "Great Guns": Rating: NR Audio: English: Mono & Stereo Subtitled: English & Spanish Special Features: Commentary by Randy Skretvedt, Photo Gallery, Opening the Freemont Theatre Movietone News, Theatrical Trailer, Laurel and Hardy Theatre: Big Noise Theatrical Trailer, Bullfighters Theatrical Trailer, & Jitterbugs Theatrical TrailerDisc 3 "Jitterbugs": Rating: NR Audio: English: Mono & Stereo Subtitled: English & Spanish Special Features: Commentary by Randy Skretvedt, Photo Gallery, Inauguration of the Railway Movietone News, Theatrical Trailer, Laurel and Hardy Theatre: Big Noise Theatrical Trailer, Bullfighters Theatrical Trailer, & Great Guns Theatrical Trailer

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TCM Spotlight: Doris Day Collection (It's a Great Feeling / Tea for Two / April in Paris / The Tunnel of Love / Starlift) (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the third of three box sets of films from Warner Home Video dedicated to Doris Day. The first two are Doris Day Collection 1 (Billy Rose's Jumbo / Calamity Jane / The Glass Bottom Boat / Love Me or Leave Me / Lullaby of Broadway / The Pajama Game / Please Don't Eat the Daisies / Young Man with a Horn) and The Doris Day Collection, Vol. 2 (Romance on the High Seas / My Dream Is Yours / On Moonlight Bay / I'll See You in My Dreams / By the Light of the Silvery Moon / Lucky Me).
This set contains five films, yet no extra features on Doris Day herself. She has a very interesting personal story, so I'm surprised at the lack of such details in any of her boxed sets. She basically had a double set of problems that could have ended her career in 1968 - her husband died and she was left with a mountain of debts. She rebounded with her successful TV career and is today quite active in animal rights issues. The following is taken from the press release for the set, which contains cartoons, shorts and trailers as extra features.
April in Paris (1952)
The State Department wants Ethel Barrymore to represent the American theater at an arts exposition in Paris. But Miss Barrymore's invitation is sent by mistake to Miss Ethel "Dynamite" Jackson, a blonde brassy chorus girl. Ray Bolger plays the stuffy bureaucrat who mismailed the Barrymore missive - and now has a stateroom full of explosives on his hands for a Paris-bound ocean voyage. Plus there's a little matter of a marriage performed on the high seas that isn't quite legal.
DVD Special Features:
· Vintage short So You Want To Wear The Pants
· Classic cartoon Terrier Stricken
· Theatrical trailer
· Subtitles: English & French (Main feature. Bonus material/trailer may not be subtitled)
It's a Great Feeling (1949)
No one will work with actor Jack Carson (who plays himself), so he just puts his own movie together. Good buddy Dennis Morgan is hoodwinked into co-starring. And there's a talented kid in the studio commissary (Day) eager for her big break.
In her third film (and third with Carson), Doris Day plays that up-and-comer in a musical spoof featuring real Hollywood and Warner Bros. back lot locales, star cameos (Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Edward G. Robinson, among others) and a surprise comedy finale.
Starlift (1951)
The charming tale of a serviceman with a crush on a movie ingenue is the backdrop for this film featuring Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, James Cagney, Gary Cooper, Ruth Roman, Gene Nelson, Virginia Mayo, Jane Wyman, Randolph Scott and more Hollywood celebrities performing for flyboys in uniform. Songs by the Gershwins and Cole Porter plus a hilarious Western production number with Gary Cooper as a Texas Ranger add to the fun.
DVD Special Features:
· Vintage short Musical Memories
· Classic cartoon Sleepy Time Possum
· Theatrical trailer
· Subtitles: English & French (Main feature. bonus material/trailer may not be subtitled)
Tea for Two (1950)
Wealthy, stagestruck Nan Carter strikes a bet that she can say "no" to everything for 48 hours. If she wins, she gets the $25,000 to back a Broadway musical vehicle for herself. She's determined, even if it means saying "no" when the guy she loves pops the question. Nan doesn't know it yet, but her fortune has been wiped out in the Crash of '29.
Costars Gordon MacRae and Gene Nelson on hand to help provide songs, dance and romance. Eve Arden, Billy DeWolfe and S.Z "Cuddles" Sakall deliver lots of laughs, and the Gershwins, Vincent Youmans, Harry Warren and other Tin Pan Alley greats supply the songs which include the title tune, Do, Do, Do, I Only Have Eyes for You, I Want to Be Happy and lots more.
DVD Special Features:
· Vintage short So You Want to Hold Your Husband
· Classic cartoon Tee for Two
· No, No Nanette Radio Show - From the 1949 "Railroad Hour" series, with Doris Day and Gordon MacRae
· No, No Nanette Overture - From the surviving Vitaphone disc from lost 1930 Warner Bros. film
· Theatrical trailer
· Subtitles: English & French (Main feature. Bonus material/trailer may not be subtitled)The Tunnel of Love (1958)
Isolde (Doris Day) and Augie (Richard Widmark) Poole are trying to adopt a baby. Dick (Gig Young), the Poole's neighbor, has advice for Augie during these challenging times: have an affair. No way, says Augie. Then he wakes up in a motel room with no memory of the night before - and finds a thank-you note from the caseworker who's handling the Poole adoption. Gene Kelly directs this musical comedy.
DVD special features include:
· Classic cartoon Tot Watchers
· Theatrical trailer
· Subtitles: English & French (Main feature. Bonus material/trailer may not be subtitled)

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Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 04/07/2009Rating: Nr

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Abbott and Costello: Funniest Routines, Vol. 1 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Abbot & Costello: Funniest Routines Vol 1 is a great collection of classic routines from my favorite comedy team. There is close to an hour and a half of comedy on the disc, and they're the type of bits the whole family can enjoy.
There's a wide variety of stuff here, and it all looks great. Two of the bonus features have been colorized, the rest are presented from a great B&W print, that is probably the best one I've seen. The bonus features that are presented in color are the Trailer for "Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein" and a Campbell's Soup commercial. Here's hoping for an all out colorized version of A&C Meet Frankenstein!
For the curious among you, here's a list of the included routines:
-Hole in the Wall
-Mustard
-The Magic Act Bit
-Aspirin
-Army Drill
-Niagara Falls
-Jonah and the Whale
-7 X 13 is 28
-The Piano Bit
-The Lemon Bit
-The Dice Game
-Who's on First?
DVD has truly been a blessing to us fans of old time TV. This, and Volume 2, are a great way to have some classic Abbott & Costello routines available to enjoy whenever you want.

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The Three Stooges: Malice in the Palace (1949) Review

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(More customer reviews)The shorts on this tape are great shorts, but the quality is horrible, even according to videotape standards. Plus, there are only two shorts on this tape! Not enough to sustain any stooge fan and there are better releases of these same two films by other companies! I'm giving this one two stars because the two shorts on the tape are quite funny.

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Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)It is a shame that it seems this holiday season so many studios are just double-dipping previously released material. Abbott and Costello are probably worthwhile purchases because, as someone else has already pointed out, the previous collections were on double-sided discs. However, this does seem to hurt the true fan who bought those double-sided disc collections by making them purchase the same films yet again in order to get something that will last long term. The following is the press release for this set, which indicates that 1943's "It Ain't Hay" will be the only film in this set that is a new release.
DISC 1:
One Night in the Tropics (1940) - Bud and Lou get mixed up in a "Love Insurance" scheme.
Buck Privates (1941)- The duo accidentally enlists in the U.S. Army to avoid getting arrested
BONUS FEATURES:
Commentary with Film Historians Bob Furmanek and Ron Palumbo (Buck Privates)
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer

DISC 2:
In the Navy (1941) - Bud and Lou are sailors bound for duty on the high seas in this musical comedy.
Hold that Ghost (1941) - The boys inherit a haunted house formerly owned by a mobster.
BONUS FEATURES:
Commentary with Film Historian Jeff Miller (Hold That Ghost)
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 3:
Keep `Em Flying (1941) - Bud and Lou enlist in the Army Air Corps and get caught up in a love triangle.
Ride `Em Cowboy (1942) - The duo head to the Lazy S ranch to hide after Lou accidentally proposes to an Indian girl.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 4:
Pardon My Sarong (1942) - Bud and Lou travel to the South Seas where Lou is mistaken for a legend.
Who Done It? (1942) - The boys are suspected of murder while being targeted by the actual killer.
BONUS FEATURES:
Commentary with Film Historian Frank Coniff (Who Done It?)
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer

DISC 5:
It Ain't Hay (1943) - Only film not previously on DVD
Hit the Ice (1943) - Bud and Lou hit the slopes at the Sun Valley Resort after getting mixed up with gangsters.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 6:
In Society (1944) - The boys find themselves in hot water after a plumbing job goes wrong at a high society bash.
Here Come the Co-Eds (1945) - Bud and Lou head to campus and attempt to save Bixby College from closing down.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 7:
The Naughty Nineties (1945) - Set aboard the River Queen showboat, Bud and Lou perform their legendary "Who's on First?" routine.
Little Giant (1946) - Lou plays a little man with big dreams and ends up selling vacuum cleaners.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 8:
The Time of Their Lives (1946) - Mistaken as a traitor, Lou's ghost is trapped in Danbury Mansion until his innocence is proven.
Buck Privates Come Home (1947) - Bud and Lou return to civilian life and get involved in midget car racing in the sequel to Buck Privates!
BONUS FEATURES:
Commentary with Film Historian Frank Thompson (The Time of Their Lives)
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 9:
The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap (1947) - Accused of murder, Lou is forced to take care of a widow and her children on a farm.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) - Bud and Lou encounter Frankenstein's monster, Dracula and The Wolf Man.
BONUS FEATURES:
Commentary with Film Historian Gregory W. Mank (Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein)
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 10:
Mexican Hayride (1948) - Bud and Lou head south of the border after getting mixed up in an oil stock scheme.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff (1949) - The boys meet up with Boris Karloff after a guest is murdered at their hotel.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 11:
Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion (1950) - Bud and Lou head to Algeria on business and are tricked into joining the Foreign Legion.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951) - As novice private detectives, Bud and Lou come face to face with The Invisible Man.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 12:
Comin' Round the Mountain (1951) - Lou discovers he is heir to a secret fortune, and the boys search for the hidden treasure.
Lost in Alaska (1952) - Bud and Lou save an ex-sheriff, then discover he is the target of every hitman in the Yukon.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 13:
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953) - The boys accidentally take off for Mars and end up in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953) - The duo are American cops in London to study police tactics. They wind up in jail and are bailed out by Dr. Jekyll. Jekyll has been murdering fellow doctors who laugh at his experiments. He has more murders in mind. At one point the doctor's serum gets injected into the pair.
BONUS FEATURES:
Commentary with Film Historians Tom Weaver and Richard Scrivani (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
DISC 14:
Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops (1955) - Harry and Willie buy the Edison Movie Studio in the year 1912 from Joseph Gorman, a confidence man. They follow Gorman to Hollywood where, as stunt men, they find him directing movies as Sergei Trumanoff and stealing the studio payroll.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) - In Egypt Peter and Freddie find the archaeologist Dr. Zoomer murdered before they can return to America. A medallion leads them to a crypt where a revived mummy provides the terror.
BONUS FEATURES:
Production Notes
Theatrical Trailer
BONUS DISC (DISC 15):
Abbott and Costello Meet Jerry Seinfeld
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Monsters
The World of Abbott and Costello - A compilation of clips from 19 Abbott and Costello features.

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The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 3 (Abbott & Costello Go to Mars / Abbott & Costello in the Foreign Legion / Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein / Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man / Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer / Comin' Round the Mountain / Lost in Alaska / Mexican Hayride) (1950) Review

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(More customer reviews)This set is as solid a value as Volume One, perhaps more so. There are more weak films in this package than in the first volume but the strongest films included are among the pair's best. The transfers, once again are excellent. Because the material is newer the audio quality is better. This should be a must for all fans of Bud and Lou.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein ****
This is (without a doubt) one of their best features. Between the presence of the full line of Universal Studio's famous monsters and the duo in top form there's hardly a moment in this film that doesn't work. The film features one of their strongest takes on the "moving candle" routine. The interplay between the pair while they read the about the legends of the monsters is fabulous. Lou's scene in the Monster's lap is not to be missed.
Mexican Hayride ***
This is a bit off the beaten track for Bud and Lou. It's one of the few times that Bud played somebody who was actually bad as opposed to just being frustrated with and (prone to) taking advantage of the slow-witted character Lou played. It is funny though. The bullfight is not to be missed. There's also the logic of how the stock " has to be good" and the bit with the "Mother-lode". It's not their best but is far from their worst. What it lacks in consistency it often makes up for in warmth.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer **
This should have been far better. The plot is sound enough and the cast was strong. Boris Karloff wasn't used nearly as well as he could have been. He's central to the film's best (and funniest) scene but languishes as a secondary character afterward. There aren't enough of the regular exchanges that take place between Bud and Lou. The ones that are there are too short. Because of it the film relies mainly on slapstick to generate laughs, a device which, without the character development created by those exchanges, doesn't work.
Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion ****
There's a level of spontaneity here that makes this one of the crown jewels of the set. It's true that some of he special effects look badly dated but that's not a big problem. This film, unlike a few of their vehicles (A&C meet the Killer to name one) gives plenty of opportunity for the two to play off each other. Even better, a lot of it looks to be "off the cuff", as if they were given a framework and allowed to run. Whatever was the case they're in top form. Hilarious!
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man ****
This is probably second in stature only to Bud and Lou meeting all of the monsters. It deserves that ranking-it comes very close to being just as good. Lou's reaction to Tommy Nelson turning invisible is priceless. The big fight is a hoot. The special effects, for the time, are great. What's really impressive is how well the film maintains an atmosphere of mystery around outrageous comedy. Hats off to (Director) Charles Barton and the crew for that.
Comin' Round the Mountain ****
This one is a riot from the pair's first appearance to the end of the film when they finally get to the treasure. The sequence with the love potion is hysterical. That "clean country air" Lou got courtesy of the skunk in his suitcase was a howler. A lot of people writing about this movie complained about Dorothy Shay and her singing. I thought she was great. For the most her numbers ran with the flow of the story and helped keep the mood bright.
Lost in Alaska ***
Leave it to Lou to get into trouble with a piece of Whale meat. This film is uneven mostly because some of the gags are repeated too often. The boomerang episodes are one example; Lou's sinking for the third time is another. On the plus side there are times when the humour is right off the wall. Lou's attempt to save Tom Ewell is one. His encounter with the Alaskan Crabs is a riot. The incident with the Eskimo Medicine man is a replay of a scene with the Monster from the boys' meeting with Frankenstein but it's just as fresh as the first time. It's easy to imagine that the guy playing the witch doctor had just as much trouble getting through this scene as Glenn Strange did the first time around.
Abbott and Costello go to Mars **
The premise for this one is completely preposterous. A spaceship couldn't be built by a private company without government knowledge of it. The 1950's special effects don't stand up at all. The sequences they're used for are lame. It's far from being all bad though. Bud and Lou bring hilarity to the unbelievable. The Mardi Gras scenes and the interstellar lie detectors are pure fun. The sentiment the Venusian's Queen feels for Lou is something we all identify with. Weak outing or not the boys' charm is still there.

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The Adventures of Ma & Pa Kettle, Vol. 1 (The Egg and I / Ma and Pa Kettle / Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town / Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm) (1950) Review

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(More customer reviews)In 1946 Author Betty MacDonald wrote a Best Seller "The Egg and I". In 1947 Universal Pictures made it into one of the most popular movies starring Claudette Colbert & Fred MacMurrary as newly wed city folk gone chicken farmers. And Majorie Main & Percy Kilbride as "Ma & Pa Kettle" the madcap country neighbors with 15 kids. The Egg and I and the Kettles were so popular that Universal Pictures made a sequel starring the Kettles in "The Further Adventures of Ma and Pa Kettle" in 1949. Again so successful the Kettles became a series of hilarious films. Main & Kilbride were the perfect blend for Beverly HillBillies comedy.
Summary: All 4 films are Standard Format and Black/White remastered picture & sound (excellent quality). "The Egg & I (1947) Has newly weds Bob & Betty MacDonald (Colbert & MacMurray) giving up the city life for the life of a chicken farmer "EGGS" in the state of Washington. Their 40 acre run down farm becomes a real challenge along with their scatter brain / madcap neighbors the destitute Kettles (w/ 15 kids). A great story, outstanding ensemble cast and hilarious antics fill this movie. "The Further Adventures of Ma and Pa Kettle" (1949) The procrastinating Pa Kettle obsession to enter contests proves to be a winner. The fun begins when the Kettle prize is a brand new house of the future. "Ma and Pa Kettle Go To Town" (1949) Pa wins another contest a trip to New York. Who will baby sit their 15 helluns so they can go? "Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm" (1950) Ma & Pa are to become grand parents and the rich society in-laws are coming to stay with the Kettles to visit their grandson.
This is Volume One and it loaded with pure fun and laughter. If you want to see 1940's & 1950's comedy at its best jump on board the Kettle DVD Series!!! Enjoy

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Tammy And The Bachelor / Tammy Tell Me True / Tammy And The Doctor (Triple Feature) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Tammy and the Bachelor" is the best of the "Tammy" series, with wonderful and very entertaining performances by its stellar cast, including the energetic Debbie Reynolds, who not only entertains the viewer with her role as the backwoods Tammy Tyree, but also actually becomes her! Debbie Reynolds also had notable success with the movie's theme song, "Tammy" (better known as "Tammy's in Love)." One of the most memorable scenes to me is of Tammy performing as a Southern lady tour guide and gives a wonderful and sentimental performance that you won't forget! Also notable is Fay Wray as Pete's mother, Mrs. Brent and Mildred Natwick as the eccentric Aunt Renie, artist and cat lover extrodinaire! "Tammy and the Bachelor" is followed by three sequels, with Sandra Dee taking on the part of Tammy Tyree in "Tammy, Tell Me True" and "Tammy and the Doctor," and then Debbie Watson as Tammy Tarleton in 1967's "Tammy and the Millionaire," which is sadly missing from this set. Though all three movies included her in this set are enjoyable and entertaining in their own way, "Tammy and the Bachelor" is a true classic movie gem and should not be missed! The three "Tammy" movies collected here are a welcome addition to any classic movie dvd library and will add a nice touch of '50's innocent whimsy to your classic romantic comedy dvd collection! It's great to finally see these wonderful titles getting the dvd treatment!
"Tammy and the Bachelor" (1957)
Sentimental and sugary late `50's comedy with wonderful performances throughout, "Tammy and the Bachelor" is one of those movies that you simply cannot help but enjoy watching again and again! The plot involves a handsome, young man who has just crashed his plane in some backwoods swamp. The man is then rescued by young and pretty Tammy Tyree (Debbie Reynolds, who gives a heartfelt performance) who lives with her lay-preacher-cum-moonshiner grandfather (wonderfully performed by Walter Brennan) in a houseboat next to the riverbank. The young man introduces himself as Peter Brent (Leslie Nielsen), and is charmed by the sweet spirited Tammy. Before Peter leaves, he tells Grandpa that if he ever needs any help, to come find him. It isn't long until Grandpa is sent to jail for his moonshining, so he sends Tammy to stay with Pete. Tammy discovers that Peter Brent is not only a handsome bachelor, but is also very wealthy! Pete, as well as his entire family, get caught up in Tammy's home cooking, enthusiasm and quaint sunshiny personality which brings about changes in Pete's family and in Pete himself!
"Tammy, Tell Me True" (1961)
Following the success "Tammy and the Bachelor," Sandra Dee takes on the part of the backwoods, riverboat gal, Tammy Tyree. In search of an education to better herself, Tammy is off to college and is soon caught up in the lives of the college staff, especially young and handsome college professor, Tom Freeman (John Gavin). A fun and energetic romantic comedy that is both entertaining in it's simple story telling and the comedic situations. Tammy tries her hand at babysitting some unruly kids whose parents refrain from disciplining them. And the outcome is hilarious! I also enjoyed the wonderful scenes with Tammy becoming a paid companion to a wealthy widower, Mrs. Annie Call (Beulah Bondi, who gives a great performance) and discovers a kindred spirit in the seemingly bitter old lady. "Tammy, Tell Me True" is entertaining in its storytelling and the cast gives spirited performances. Sandra Dee's take on the "Tammy" role is inspiring and she is (as always) sweet and lovable to watch. A fun and enjoyable addition to "Tammy and the Bachelor" that you'll enjoy watching again and again!
"Tammy and the Doctor" (1963)
Sandra Dee reprises her role as the down to earth Tammy Tyree in this third installment of the "Tammy" series. Though entertaining in its overall storytelling, "Tammy and the Doctor" seems more corny than sincere in the cast performances this time out. The plot consists of Tammy becoming a candy striper at an area hospital, where she meets young and handsome Dr Mark Cheswick (Peter Fonda). The nurses have a laugh at Tammy's backwoods philosophies and once again, Tammy has to set things straight in each of their lives. An enjoyable cast includes Macdonald Carey as Dr. Wayne Bentley and Beulah Bondi reprises her role as Mrs. Annie Call. Though not up to par as it's predecessors, "Tammy and the Doctor" is enjoyable enough for an occasional night of TV viewing.


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Item Name: Tammy And The Bachelor / Tammy Tell Me True / Tammy And The Doctor (Triple Feature); Studio:Universal Studios

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The Three Stooges: Lost Comedy Treasures (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I wouldn't have known what this DVD selection was just from reading the description available at Amazon, but being exceptionally curious, and being furthermore motivated by the inexpensive price, I went ahead and bought it to find out just what these "Lost Treasures" were. -They are an assortment of rare Three Stooges clips, shorts, and outtakes from The Three Stooges over the years, including some rare television appearances, the TV pilot that they were in ("Jerks of All Trades"), and a few skits when they appeared as guests in some variety television shows. Not a bad concept, compiling a handful of treasures directly from the vaults, with the result that the public manages to get a sample of certain shorts that hadn't seen the light of day for decades. Anyway, some of these selections were fairly entertaining in your typical Three Stooges sort of way. When the Three Stooges are shown on television, they interact with other guests that happened to be there with them. Some of the clips are unfortunately grainy, and grey or dark, but others are very sharp indeed. I guess you have to be a Three Stooges fan to really get into this DVD, but I still found it enjoyable anyway. I suppose I would have given it a higher mark if I were as obsessed with the Three Stooges as some fans are.

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Long Long Trailer (Ff) Review

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(More customer reviews)Directed by Vincent Minelli, this comedy, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, was filmed at the height of the popularity of their television show, "I Love Lucy". In this film, Lucy was never funnier, and Desi was never better as her comedic foil.
The plot is surprisingly simple. Tacy Collins (Lucille Ball) and Nicholas Carlos Collini (Desi Arnez) are about to be married. Tacy persuades him that having a trailer home would be ideal, since he has the type of job that takes him away so often. This way, she could always be there to take care of him no matter where he is working, as their home would always go with him, wherever he may be. Nicky buys into her logic, and the rest is history.
They purchase a top of the line trailer home, a new car to tow it, and get married. Tacy and Nicky then hit the road and have a number of very funny adventures. They will have you belly laughing, as the personas of their film characters do not differ greatly from that of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, the characters of their television show. If it ain't broke, why fix it?
Keenan Wynn has a small role as a traffic control cop whose path briefly crosses theirs. Don't blink, or you may miss him. Some of the footage is shot in gorgeous Yosemite National Park and the cinematography is a treat, with beautiful scenic vistas replete with mountain views.
Not only was this film a hit for MGM in 1954 and the best grossing comedy of the year, but it was also their best grossing comedy to date, beating MGM's previous record holder, "Father of the Bride". If you are a fan of Lucy and Desi, or if you simply want a film that would be fun for the whole family, you cannot go wrong in choosing this one.

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TCM Greatest Classic Legends Film Collection: Lucille Ball (The Long, Long Trailer / Forever Darling / Room Service / Du Barry Was a Lady) Review

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(More customer reviews)This will no doubt be one of the big sellers in TCM's "Greatest Classic Films Collection", a series designed to bring classic movies to the masses in budget-friendly double disc sets. However it's a bit of a shame that this Lucille Ball-themed collection doubles up on films already covered in the series.
THE LONG, LONG TRAILER is in the TCM Comedy set, and ROOM SERVICE can also be found in the Marx Brothers set. LONG, LONG TRAILER is undoubtedly Lucy's best film comedy, and operates almost like a feature-length "I Love Lucy" episode (it was filmed at the height of "Lucy" mania). ROOM SERVICE is a Marx Brothers film first and foremost, with young Lucy in one of her first major supporting roles.
Of the two remaining films, FOREVER DARLING is one of Lucy's most disappointing, downright dreary comedies (and her co-star James Mason always regarded it as one of his worst films). The story sees Lucy and Desi Arnaz playing a married couple on the verge of a messy divorce, until a Guardian Angel - played by James Mason - intervenes. DU BARRY WAS A LADY is a big splashy Technicolor musical, based on the hit Broadway show, in which Ball shares the screen with an up-and-coming Gene Kelly, and Red Skelton.
Why TCM has decided to recycle ROOM SERVICE is anybody's guess (though I can rationalise why LONG, LONG TRAILER is here once more). Instead of ROOM SERVICE, I would have preferred perhaps "The Big Street" (one of Lucy's best dramatic performances); or maybe even the delicious "Dance, Girl, Dance".

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The Lucy & Desi Collection (Too Many Girls / The Long Long Trailer / Forever, Darling) (1956) Review

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(More customer reviews)At last! Aside from the fact that I do, along with the rest of the world, love Lucy...to have these three films finally arrive on DVD is a dream come true.
THE LONG, LONG TRAILER is truly one of the great screen comedies of all time, and although Lucy & Desi play characters named "Tacy and Nicky", they run pretty close to the Ricardos in many ways. The film gives both beloved performers many chances for their signature slapstick, but being based on a best-selling book, there are also touching moments that remain poignant. Deftly directed by Vincente Minnelli, it's no wonder, TRAILER was a box office smash.
FOREVER DARLING is a delightful collection with a bit of a twist, and the added bonus of James Mason as Lucy & Desi's guardian angel.....Last, but certainly not least, we get something special. TOO MANY GIRLS is the movie where Lucy met Desi and the pair fell in love. They don't have many scenes together, but it's a superb screen version of the Rodgers & Hart Broadway show that made Desi Arnaz a star, and Lucy, Ann Miller, Eddie Bracken and the rest of the cast make this a must-have for fans of classic film.
Cheers to Warner Brothers for bringing out this great collection of the only 3 movies our Lucy & Desi made together, and at such a low price, you can't pass it up!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Lucy & Desi Collection (Too Many Girls / The Long Long Trailer / Forever, Darling) (1956)

LUCY AND DESI COLLECTION - DVD Movie

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