Laughing at Life

Product Description

"It is commonly believed that director John Ford managed to get the best out of the tall and imposing British born actor Victor McLaglen, but the gifted McLaglen has given a memorable performance in this timelessly appealing adventure as well, despite the fact that it was directed by another talented director, Ford Beebe. Victor McLaglen, the son of a clergyman, had lived quite a colorful life before he entered the movies. His escapades as a World War I veteran, a farmhand in Canada, a performer in a circus and a prizefighter seem to have served him well his portrayal of Dennis P. McHale aka Captain Easter. His charismatic smile and impressive physique would have convinced any director to pick him for this role, which he plays with aplomb in this vintage classic from the A2ZCDS treasure chest. The intriguing plot has many twists and turns, which keep you constantly engrossed, while the locations selected for the filming are fabulous, providing the appropriate setting for the story. Despite the fact that they had only bit roles, Lois Wilson and Regis Toomy have put in marvelous and endearing performances as well. This is a fascinating tale of a man whose adventurous spirit leads him away from his family into a world that showed little mercy or gratitude. Experience the remarkable narrative in this classic old movie, which keeps you absorbed for the better part of an hour."

Customer Reviews:

A Wild Wild Ride.......2006-07-24

Man, is this film well titled. You cant' get more outrageous than the plot of this film which takes place over two continents while shenagins, robberies and a revolution go on. It's very slapstick but in a good way and I could never anticipate the twists and turns. I liked the fact that the sets are well done and the movie feels less 'scratchy" than a lot of prints from the 1930s. Overall, a very good value.

I'm completely charmed by what director Ford Beebe has done in this movie.......2006-05-03

"'Laughing at Life' is the ultimate `banana republic' film and is amazing in its scope and topography. The plot of this timeless movie is so delightfully intricate that I had no choice but to suspend disbelief till it was over. The human elements are real and cannot fail to strike responsive chords. I'm completely charmed by what director Ford Beebe has done in this movie."

Obscure John Ford Film.......2006-05-02

This is a interesting rare film from the great director John Ford, whose more famous films The Quiet Man and How The West Was Won have been available on DVD for quite some time.

I found it interesting to see a minor film by this screen giant. It doesn't have teh sweeping epic qualities of his blockbuster pictures, but it makes up for that with an offbeat sense of pacing and the way he frames the shots on what had to have been a smaller budget.

I'm glad to have this in my collection.

DVD:

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