Clambake

Amazon.com

Elvis's outfits are impressive in 1967's Clambake, especially a groovy, belted sport coat and a cream-colored suit covered with cowhide-style stitching. The costumes are more creative than the soundtrack, which is heavy with the mindlessness of late-period Elvis movies. As he sings "Confidence" (an obvious rip-off of the Oscar-winning "High Hopes"), you can almost see Elvis batting out "Just shoot me" in Morse code with his eyelids. The only decent tune has the star crooning a nice, lonesome version of the standard "You Don't Know Me." This one's set in Florida, but with none of the scenic fun of his Hawaii pictures. He plays a rich oilman's son pretending to be a water-skiing instructor, with Shelley Fabares (a three-time Presley costar) as the girl. The camp highlight is an ensemble number with go-go girls helping Elvis fix a speedboat, which is just about as far from Sun Studios as you can get. --Robert Horton

Description

Elvis Presley sizzles as a lovelorn million-heir in this riveting and romantic rock 'n' roll romp. Vying for the attentions of the lovely Shelley Fabares ("Coach"), Elvis finds himself caught up in arivalry with playboy Bill Bixby ("The Incredible Hulk") "against a tuneful background of comedy, romance and speedboat racing" (Film Daily)! Clambake is "pleasing escape entertainment" (Boxoffice) and the wildest party to hit the beach since they invented the beach ball! It's a hip version of The Prince and the Pauper as Elvis relinquishes his oil-baron father's fortune and trades identities with a penniless water ski instructor (Will Hutchins) to learn about life from the bottom up. Suddenly short on money but long on determination, he repairs a radicallydesigned powerboat in order to win the regatta and the affection of a girl who's determined to marry rich!

Customer Reviews:

One of His Better Films.......2007-08-22

Although it has the worst title of any Elvis movie, "Clambake" (1967) is actually one of his better films. Which is surprising as it is one of his last and generally speaking each film seemed a bit worse than its predecessor. "Clambake's" salvation is certainly not in the soundtrack which is at best very ordinary, only the title song has any energy. Although there is an actual clambake scene on the beach about midway into the film, it seems thrown in just to justify the title, more impressive is a cameo of "Flipper" who had his own television show at that time.

I'm inclined to credit Shelley Fabares for the good vibe I got from this film. She plays "golddigger with a heart of gold" Dianne Carter, Elvis' ultimate love interest. I never cared for her uptight Mary Stone character on reruns of "The Donna Reed Show", and therefore paid almost no attention to her until recently. But since seeing her in "Ride the Wild Surf" and "Clambake" I've had a major attitude adjustment. "Clambake" was the third time she was tapped for the love interest role in an Elvis film so obviously she and the King had grown comfortable working together.

Their romance is a little different than the Elvis standard. In "Clambake" she does not start out hating or ignoring him. Instead they quickly become friends and she is obviously attracted, but she puts the brakes on any romance because she is hunting for a rich husband and has tycoon J.J. Jamison (Bill Bixby) squarely in her sights. She comes around in the end and their chemistry actually feels real, much like it did with Ann Margret in "Viva Las Vegas".

The comfort factor is also apparent between Elvis and Will Hutchins, his real-life buddy. Oil tycoon Scott (Elvis) pulls a "Prince and the Pauper" and swaps places with drifter Tom Wilson (Hutchins). He wants to find someone who loves him for himself. Hutchins is supposed to provide the film's main comic relief as he enjoys the life of the rich and famous, driving Scott's "Munsters" inspired convertible and surrounding himself with gorgeous women who can't dance very well. Although the director had Hutchins overplay the part it is so poorly written that they can't squeeze many laughs out of the premise. But having most of his scenes with Fabares and Hutchins seems to have relaxed Elvis considerably, which makes both he and his film more likable.

Contrary to most, I enjoyed the corny playground scene with the little girl who was afraid of the slide. The "Confidence" song is not a rip off of "High Hopes", the whole scene is a variation on the "Bounce Right Back" number Danny Kaye did in "Anything Goes". While "Confidence" is not much of a song, this surreal scene is priceless. I wonder what long-time fans thought as they watched Elvis and Hutchins do something so totally "Guffman"? Most entertainers only do embarrassing stuff like this when they are first breaking into the business.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Good, Clean Fun.......2007-06-03

Anyone who is a fan of Elvis Presley's or of comedies should know this is one good clean fun type of movie. It is not meant to be taken seriously, unlike other Elvis movies like Wild In The Country, King Creole, Flaming Star, Change Of Habit, The Trouble With Girls (and how to get in to it) all of which show a different Elvis then one may be accustomed to seeing. Like in Blue Hawaii or Viva Las Vegas. This is a good fun movie for everyone.

not a serious film . . . duh.......2004-10-19

If you are a romantic at heart and don't take it too seriously (why would you? It's an Elvis movie . . .) you may love this one. Some of the songs may not be chart toppers, but the lyrics add to and help define the story.

They say Elvis wasn't very enthusiastic about doing this one - maybe that explains why he seems more real in this one and not overdone.

This is a story about love, believing in yourself and being true to your beliefs. I first saw it when I was a kid and took these values to heart.

Lighten up and enjoy!

Can I give this 6 stars?.......2004-07-31

"Clambake" is by far the greatest piece of cinema seen this side of Memphis. I love Elvis! While the costumes are a tad sketchy in this film (this includes Elvis' suit that looks like a baseball and the transparent cover-up on the silver bikini girl), the songs (music *and* lyrics), are stellar. Scintillating, if you will. I wish I could find a cd-soundtrack! I have seen this film at least a dozen times. In fact, the first time I saw it, I watched it 3 days in a row, showing it to all my friends, who have since fallen in love with the cinematic genius that is "Clambake."

Shelley Fabares turns in an Oscar-worthy performance. Katharine Hepburn stole the award that rightly belongs to Ms. Fabares.

Will this movie be loved by you? I have "C-O-N-F-I-D-ence" that it will be!

Floridians beware.......2004-06-18

I've enjoyed some of Elvis' movies like Viva Las Vegas, Blue Hawaii, and Fun in Acapulco. I received Clambake as a gift to add to my collection, and I thought I'd like it especially because it took place in Miami, where I'm from.

Sadly, this was not a very good movie. The late-60s styles were comical, and the young days of "Christine" from "Coach" and Bill Bixby from "The Hulk" were amusing. However, the obvious closed sets, corny acting and oddball music interludes kept me asking why was this movie even produced.

The final insult to injury... Elvis and his girl drive into the Florida sunset... with mountains in the background!?? The only mountains in Miami are trash dumps so this was obviously shot in California and poorly passed off as Miami Beach.

Amazon.com

Even people habitually hostile to John Wayne movies tend to cast an indulgent eye on this rumbustious comedy-Western--partly because the Alaska gold rush setting seems more exotic than, say, Texas or Arizona, and because there are no Indians to discriminate against and no macho gunplay to fret about. As for John Wayne as all-purpose icon of male chauvinism, Big Sam McCord (the Duke) spends much of North to Alaska in a state of growing discombobulation because he has fallen in love with, and is thoroughly flummoxed by, "Angel" (Capucine), the woman he's brought back from Seattle to marry his heartsick partner George (Stewart Granger). Henry Hathaway directs in a broader vein than usual, but he hits pay dirt. Even Fabian, the latest pop music idol to be dragooned into supporting the elder roughnecks, is fun, and Ernie Kovacs is droll casting as chief "villain." --Richard T. Jameson

Description

John Wayne and Stewart Granger strike it rich in this sprawling, brawling comedy-adventure set in the rowdy heydey of the Alaskan gold rush. When prospectors Sam McCord (Wayne) and George Pratt (Granger) finally hit the mother lode, George asks Sam to go to Seattle and fetch his sweetheart, Jennie, but she's already married someone else. Heartbroken for his buddy's sake, Sam visits a saloon, meets dancer (Capucine) and invites her back to Nome as Jennie's replacement - the plan goes perfectly until Sam falls in love with her too!

Customer Reviews:

North to Alaska.......2007-07-17

Received it quickly and in good condition. A delight to watch again after so many years.

North To Alaska.......2007-07-05

Great Movie. Hard to get in australia.

Prices are good and the service is great.

Having a new region free DVD player
means that I can get movies from anywhere in the world

My favorite John Wayne movie.......2007-05-13

This has always been my favorite John Wayne movie, and being able to have it on DVD now has furthered my enjoyment of the film as I can watch it anytime I want.

John Wayne at his Best.......2007-05-09

I really enjoyed all the actors in this film, eventhough Fabian was a bit understudied. The backdrop of Alaska's '49 Gold Rush was excellent, and overall the film provided the entertainment I thought it might.

Makes me laugh..........2007-03-26

This was a great movie. While not my favorite John Wayne movie, it is still a good one! I always laugh at the scenes where his character is getting jealous about his friend being with Angel. Nobody does it like John Wayne. Love the song too!

Average customer rating:

Masquerade
never ordered this product
An Early Talent
Reminiscent of Hitchcock's Suspision
Masquerade

Masquerade
Starring: Rob Lowe , Meg Tilly , Kim Cattrall , Doug Savant , and John Glover
Director: Bob Swaim
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001VTPUY
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Description

Magnetic Rob Lowe ('the West Wing ), Oscar(r) nominee* Meg Tilly (The Big Chill) and sultry Kim Cattrall ('sex in the City ) star in this sexually charged mystery about a wealthy woman who falls for the wrong man.Olivia (Tilly) seems to have it all: good looks, good breedingand a two-hundred- million dollar fortune. But behind the serene façade of her Easthampton seaside estate, something is missing: passion. Enter Tim (Lowe), the sexy sailing instructor and playboy who's not ashamed of sleeping with his boss insatiable wife (Cattrall) or social climbing for sport. And when he sets his sights on Olivia, she falls under the seductive spell of this handsome stranger,unaware that he has his eye on more than just her beautyand his mind on something unimaginable!*1985: Supporting Actress, Agnes of God

Customer Reviews:

Masquerade.......2007-09-03

Rob Lowe portrays Tim Whalen who is trying to get all the money in this movie. Dated back tot he 80's but good movie.

Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows.

never ordered this product.......2007-05-30

If you have me as o0rdering this product please send me a confirmation

An Early Talent.......2006-07-03

This is probably Lowe's best early career movie. I miss not not seeing him in more today, so it's a treat to watch some of his early stuff. Recommend rent or purchase on this one.

Reminiscent of Hitchcock's Suspision.......2006-01-28

As in the earlier movie, a beautiful woman marries a mysterious man who may or may not want to murder her for her money. This is a diifferent story than Suspision but it does seem the Hitchcock film at least inspired this movie.
Giving away plotlines will take away from enjoyment of the film so that will be avoided. Rob Lowe is no Cary Grant in this movie (or any other for that matter) but he does manage to handle his part. Meg Tilly is excellent and her performance carries the movie. In the Hitchcock film, Joan Fontaine won a best actress Oscar in the newleywed part and Tilly's work here is of that caliber.

Masquerade.......2004-03-31

A handsome gigolo, Tim Whalen (Rob Lowe), meets a wealthy heiress, Olivia Lawrence (Meg Tilley), and her selfish and domineering stepfather is far from happy with their relationship. The local cop (Doug Savant) also expresses an interest in the Lawrence girl.

A subsequent string of murders puts each of the characters under suspicion and the wealthy Lawrence girl is suddenly caught up in a murderous plot that will see both her inheritance and her life put at risk.

'Masquerade' is a tense thriller containing a multitude of twists and turns that keep the viewer guessing to the end. It is in the same vein as 'Bad Influence', 'Sleeping with the Enemy', and 'Dead Calm'. I first watched this film when it was released on VHS in 1988 ... it is still as exciting today.

Watch it with someone you can trust.

Also stars Kim Cattrall and John Glover.

Description

Betty Grable in the role that she made famous throughout World War II. A classic musical romance with Martha Raye and Joe E. Brown.

Customer Reviews:

Art imitates life as Grable plays "The Pin Up Girl".......2007-03-28

Betty Grable may have been seven months pregnant when this picture wrapped; but she puts in a fine performance with this musical. She sings well and dances, too. Fox does a marvelous job of hiding the fact that she's pregnant. The plot is razor thin as it was with many musicals of its time; but again the singing and dancing are why people go to see musicals--and you won't be disappointed there.

Grable plays Lorry Jones, a carefree gal who promises her heart to a mere 500 men to make them happy since she figures she'll never bump into them again when World War II is over. Lorry goes to New York for a weekend romp with her friend Kay, played by Dorothea Kent, before the two have to report for their new jobs as stenographers at the Naval Department in Washington. Naturally, the moment the ladies hit New York things begin to happen--and fast. They see the famous war hero Tommy Dooley played by John Harvey at Grand Central Station and there's competition for him right from the start in nightclub singer Molly McKay who is played by Martha Raye. Eventually they all wind up in a nightclub as the romantic sparks begin to fly between Lorry Jones and Tommy Dooley. Several musical numbers later, along with some incredible dancing both on foot and on roller skates, Lorry and Tommy may actually have the chance at a longer term relationship--provided, that is, that Molly, a Marine and the other 499 men Lorry casually said she was engaged to don't get in their way.

As one reviewer notes, I couldn't help but compare this to the great MGM musicals of the day. The two numbers in which the two men tap dance are wonderful; and I also thoroughly enjoyed the colorful number where the beautiful dancing girls wear huge feathers of red, white and blue. However, Grable fans will be the ones who will be the happiest with this movie as it really doesn't quite measure up to other musicals--even the other musicals in which Grable starred while she was at Fox!

The cinematography reflects good judgment and forethought; the characters are well framed within the picture which gives this mid 1940s war time musical a rather "pure" and "conservative, going with the mainstream" quality. The choreography shines with each and every dance number; I believe that a great deal of work went into figuring out how to stage those musical numbers.

The DVD has a few extras worth noting: you get a deleted scene of Grable singing a song that was cut from the final production; and there is a commentary by Richard Schickel. There are trailers for this movie and three other Fox musicals, too.

After all is said and done, however, this is Betty Grable's movie; and Grable's fans will enjoy Pin-Up Girl the most. The plot is rather thin and the acting by John Harvey is nothing special; but Grable gives a solid performance. Fox takes great advantage of the fact that Grable WAS a "pin-up girl" in real life. If you like musicals you'll probably enjoy this one but rate it about a B+. However, true blue Grable fans will love every minute of this movie.

"We should have used our imaginations".......2006-07-11

Skewering her real life role of a pin up girl, this 1944 movie stars Betty Grable as Lorry Jones a pretty and feisty young girl who works for the USO and is heading for Washington DC. Aboard the train, a conversation with friend Kay (Dorothea Kent) reveals that the pair isn't headed for the USO, but will instead take jobs as stenographers.

On the way, the pair decides to visit New York, where they see Molly McKay (Martha Raye) flirting with Guadalcanal hero Tommy Dooley (John Harvey). Later, Lorry claims to know the hero to gain admittance to the packed Club Chanteuse. The Club itself is a grand affair; a huge swing band plays on a giant stage that stretches from floor to ceiling, whilst the actual show consists of singers, dancers and even roller-skating routine featuring the Skating Vanities!

When Tommy eventually turns up at the club, he is immediately besotted with the cute Lorry. But Molly - the real star of the Club Chanteuse - is secretly seething; she knows that Molly is a fake so she asks her sing a song from the show. Lorry gets back at Molly when she belts out the tune as if she sang it every night on stage, even with back up singers!

Lorry and Kay continue on their journey to Washington DC and eventually bump into Tommy who coincidentally is looking for a stenographer - of course he picks Lorry. Of course Tommy can't tell who Lorry is because she's wearing glasses and has her hair in a bun, and every time he looks at her, she's looking back at him with crossed-eyes!

The story is silly and trite and almost non-existent, and it's all merely an excuse for framing the elaborate musical numbers, which are centered on the three-tiered bandstands where Charlie Spivak and his Orchestra sit. Indeed most of the action takes place in the nightclubs where Lorry and Tommy mostly hang out.

Obviously made for all the GI's, the film has an innocent quality combined with a sort of fierce patriotism and you really get the sense that the film is pushing the merits of the allied war effort. There's no doubt that Grable is sparkling and bubbly and she does a good job with the singing and dancing, even though the role is a bit of a caricature. But you can easily see how much she contributed to the war effort.

It's interesting to watch films such as this - not just for the flashy musical numbers, which sometimes border in the gaudy, but also for the social relevance, and for the forties nostalgia.

Although Pin-Up Girl may not be the best example of a War musical - the film is slight and is basically restricted to the pattern of boy-meets-girl and they live happily ever after - it's still a welcome and harmless diversion - just like Betty Grable, with her long silken legs, was a distraction for lonely soldiers of World War II. Mike Leonard July 06.

Finally, Grable on DVD!.......2006-04-23

It's a shame that all the Fox musicals haven't been released on DVD, especially the gorgeous Technicolor titles featuring Alice Faye, Betty Grable and Carmen Miranda.
Most agree that this wasn't Betty's best film ... the ending is especially weak, although the all-girl marching routine is impressive. The commentary by noted film historian/critic Richard Shickel is not especially helpful and uninspired. His comments on Martha Raye and Joe E. Brown are good but he incorrectly states that this was their only film together ... wrong. They co-starred in "$1000 A Touchdown" for Paramount in 1939. And this was Raye's third film with Grable, which Shickel doesn't mention. He also passes up the fact that Raye was married to one of the dancing Condos Brothers in the movie. The notes in the colorful and well-designed DVD liner by film historian Sylvia Stoddard are much more fun and accurate.
The film transfer itself seems a bit on the dark side, but it's still gorgeous.
Thanks, Fox! As a Grable and Raye fan, I've waited for this for a long time!

Comment on commentary..........2006-04-01

Listening to Richard Schickel's slow delivery will probaby put you to sleep although he does provide some interesting background information on some of the stars in the film. He states, correctly, that Joe E. Brown will probably be best remembered for his role in "Some Like It Hot." However, he mistakenly states that Tony Curtis was the "girl" for the Joe E Brown character when it was actually Jack Lemmon.

Must also agree with the other reviewers that this is a rather forgettable musical with equally forgettable songs.

WHERE ARE MICKEY AND JUDY WHEN YOU NEED 'EM?.......2006-03-13

In the Golden Age of Hollywood, each studio usually took a stab all various genres, but excelled in only one. Warner Brothers cornered gangster films, with forays into musicals (Busby Berkeley) and noir (Bogart). Universal dabbled in lots of B-films, but succeeded big-time with horror. MGM, of course, produced the best musicals. Fox did melodramas --- especially noir --- with an occasional romp on MGM's musical turf. And usually those romps hit some really bad notes. Witness the first three flicks in their Marquee Musicals series. Daddy Long Legs has Astaire and Caron, Pin-Up Girl has Betty Grable, Week-End in Havana has Alice Faye and Carmen Miranda, The memory of these films, for the most part, is a lot better than the films themselves. The pleasant but fairly pedestrian scores, thin plots and busy character actors scurrying around propping up the story make for rough going. And make one yearn for Mickey and Judy.

Average customer rating:

Plenty of fun, but ...
Good, pre-"Chrysler Theater" Bob Hope!
What a fun movie!
Typical Bob Hope, but very funny
Casanovas Big Night 1954

Casanova's Big Night
Starring: Bob Hope , Joan Fontaine , Audrey Dalton , Basil Rathbone , and Hugh Marlowe
Director: Norman Z. McLeod
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009W5J6E
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Amazon.com

Bob "Orson Welles" Hope is at the top of his game in this 1954 Technicolor laugh-fest co-starring Joan Fontaine and Basil Rathbone. Hope plays Pippo Popolino, Casanova's tailor, who finds himself standing in for the great lover after the real Casanova (played by Vincent Price) leaves town to avoid paying his debts. Enlisted by an overzealous mother-in-law to test the true love of her daughter-in-law-to-be, Hope must capture the prized petticoat and help avert a civil war to boot. Years before he wore out his welcome in countless TV specials, Hope is a marvel here, perfecting his neurotic and vain coward persona while enganging in some pretty inspired slapstick. It's easy to forget that in 1954 this was pretty edgy stuff. It's no wonder a young Woody Allen idolized him. --Kristian St. Clair

Description

Set in 18th century Italy, CASANOVA'S BIG NIGHT tells the story of a tailor, played by Bob Hope, who impersonates the swashbuckling lover Casanova in order to win the affection of an attractive widow.

Customer Reviews:

Plenty of fun, but ..........2007-04-28

This movie is LOTS of fun. The pace is great, the lines are delivered well (and some of them are very funny and others are subtlely risque), the gags are wonderful (I love it when Hope dances with the Doge). There's also a wonderful motif having fun with Hope's role - the use of cloth, especially whenever Hope is around, shows up over and over. When Francesca is fighting with the sword, Hope waves a red cape.

My only objection is the ending. There is no ending. Actually, the movie gives two options with respect to Hope's fate - but we never find anything out about Dona Elena, or the creditors back in Parma, or even learn what happened to the real Casanova. Perhaps this is more realistic - I mean, in a romp like this, does the ending really matter? - and yet it does.

For those who wonder, the "real" Casanova was played by Vincent Price (you may recognize the voice but there are a lot of clothes and make up) but he was not credited, as this was the era of McCarthyism.

Good, pre-"Chrysler Theater" Bob Hope!.......2007-02-21

This was a movie Bob did while he was still hungry, using his reliable wise-cracking coward character as Pipo Popolino, a tailor's assistant in 18th century Venice. Enamored of a baker played by Joan Fontaine, Pipo masquerades as the legendary Casanova to steal a kiss, when it turns out that Casanova is being pursued by creditors and has skipped Venice completely to escape them. To appease the creditors, everybody Casanova owes money to, Fontaine included, force Pipo to continue his masquerade as the storied rake to get enough money to pay the creditors through marriage. What follows is a crazy quilt of dumb luck and one liners as Pipo actually manages to win a few sword fights and woo a duchess in the bargain.

This is primo, late-period Bob Hope, with an uncredited Vincent Price playing Casanova, Basil Rathbone playing his relunctant valet, Hugh Marlowe doing his usual Mephistophelian thing as the Doge of Venice amd Audrey Dalton looking just like Linda Darnell in her part as the new object of Pipo-Casanova's affections.

The reception scenes where Pipo challenges a rival for the duchess' affections are sidesplitting, especially when he and Fontaine both have to cross-dress to get in there to begin with. The usual anachronistic Hope oneliners are spewed like apple pits all through the movie and Hope once again proves why Paramount held onto him for something like 25 years! Also why Universal paid Paramount to market some of his movies with a double studio imprint...

The man was a legend!! "Farfle, farfle...pipick!"

What a fun movie!.......2007-02-12

I loved this movie! Just so much fun. Swashbuckling goodness in a comedy is always a good thing. It was fun to watch Joan Fontaine with a sword. Sets & costumes were excellent, the acting was very good. Loved Bob's humor, always do. I also recommend these other Bob Hope movies:

The Princess & The Pirate
Monsieur Beaucaire
The Road to Rio

Typical Bob Hope, but very funny.......2006-11-18

This was never going to win any Oscars as a high minded production or awards for historical accuracy. But if you like Bob Hope style comedy it's certainly good for a laugh. Don't expect it to be too naughty - most of the humour is either innocent or indirect even by 1950's standards.

I was reminded of this old Bob Hope farce when I watched the version of "Casanova" which came out in 2005 with Heath Ledger and Jeremy Irons.

If you enjoyed the modern version you will almost certainly enjoy the surprisingly similar comedy which Bob Hope and his team had put together more than fifty years previously.

Both stories are set in Venice, and both are based around the same basic joke. This is that Casanova's mere reputation as a great lover is enough to have every woman in Venice throw herself at him, including those who appear to be extremely respectable and virtuous, with precisely one exception - the woman he wants.

Bob Hope plays Pippo Popolino, Casanova's tailor, who is tricked into impersonating the infamous rake (Vincent Price) who is hiding from his creditors. When Pippo Popolino as Casanova arrives in Venice in a gondola, strumming a mandolin as if it were a guitar and singing a love song, it immediately results in hundreds of beautiful women in elegant costume jumping into the canal to try to swim out to his boat.

The fake Casanova has been hired by a rich and elderly dowager to test the fidelity of her son's fiance by seeing whether he can seduce her. An indication of the humour in the film is the dowager's acerbic aside to her son as they leave the meeting,

"To think that I met him - fifty years too late !"

Her son replies in horror "Mother!"

But the son's fiance is the only woman in the story who could meet Casanova and not fall into his arms the instant he expresses an interest. Of course, having accepted the job because he needs the money, at this moment the girl becomes interesting to him in her own right ...

Also shares with the later film some brilliant period costumes, though they don't look as magificent with the cinematic technology of 1954, and an action packed fighting escape from the scaffold after "Casanova" is sentenced to death.

This ridiculous romp was never intended to be taken seriously and has no pretensions to be more than a light-hearted series of jokes. But if you enjoyed either other Bob Hope films, or the 2005 film, or both, this is quite likely to amuse you.

Casanovas Big Night 1954.......2006-04-19

Its bedlam in the boudoir when Bob Hope (1903-2003) sets his comedic sights on 18-th century Italy . Hope plays Pippo Popolino , a lowly tailor who is suddenly drafted to tempororarily impersonate the great and passionate lover Casanova (an unbilled Vincent Prince 1911-1993) .Pippo thinks he has the masquerade all sewn up -totally unaware that , due to the real Casanovas shaky financial situation , he is now locked into the role by the Romancers scheming , greedy creditors ! . Along the way , our great lover manages to woo some lovely ladies ( Joan Fontaine 1917 - ) and Audrey Dalton (1934- ) -when hes not dodging spontaneous swordsplay or bumling his way through the finer points of royal etiquette . Basil Rathbone (1892-1967) Hugh Marlowe (1911-1982) , Arnold Moss (1910-1989) and John Carradine (1906-1988) are among the stellar cast in this lavishly costumed comedy romp . Laughts guarantee ! Superb transfer in H-D Quality

Average customer rating:

Gilber & Sullivan - The Mikado
Bought it twice.
A Real How-de-do
Martyn Greene
Victor Schertzinger's The Mikado

Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado
Starring: Kenny Baker (II) , Martyn Green , Sydney Granville , Gregory Stroud , and Jean Colin
Director: Victor Schertzinger
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 6305186596
Release Date: 1998-12-22

Amazon.com

Changes must be expected when a classic book or stage show becomes a movie. In this 1939 Mikado, efforts were made to respect the original. Stars of the D'Oyly Carte Company were hired for key roles and performed them in their traditional style, with the D'Oyly Carte Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, and a director (Victor Schertzinger) who was also a conductor and knew the music.

An introductory scene was added to clarify the plot, and other small adjustments were made. Several songs were left out or abbreviated, and one song, "The sun, whose rays," was sung twice, by Nanki-Poo and by Yum-Yum, for whom it was written. A popular tenor of the time, Kenny Baker, sang Nanki-Poo with good, light tone, but in his own non-traditional style. These departures from tradition may infuriate hard-core Gilbert and Sullivan fans, but others will hardly notice. The visuals are gorgeous, the sound not up to present standards but clear and accurate. This is not a definitive Mikado, but an interesting one and timeless in style. --Joe McLellan

Description

As an operetta, "The Mikado" was the culmination of Gilbert & Sullivan's work--the tale of Japanese prince Nanki-Poo, who is on the run from an arranged marriage, masquerading as a balladeer. He falls in love with Yum-Yum, a woman betrothed to the Lord High Executioner, who has problems of his own--his job (and life) depends upon at least one execution taking place each month, but he's without a current prospect for the ax. Nanki-Poo agrees to be executed if he is allowed to marry Yum-Yum so that he will have a month of romantic bliss, and a comedy of errors ensues, all sparked by classic songs such as "A Wandering Minstrel I" and "Three Little Maids from School."

Customer Reviews:

Gilber & Sullivan - The Mikado.......2007-08-01

Martyn Green's performance as Koko is superb; this alone suffices to give this movie the highest rating. Unfortunately the movie puts too much emphasis on Kenny Baker's role as Nanki-Poo, does not follow exactly the sequence of events in the G&S score, and omits some very good songs -- for example, Koko's "I've Got a Little List" and the Koko-Katasha duet "There Is Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast". But for anyone who wants to see vintage Martyn Green (the master of "Koko business"), this movie is a must-see and may perhaps be the only movie which shows Martyn Green in action as Koko.

Bought it twice........2007-04-09

I got this version a couple of weeks ago for 99 cents!
It was on a CD with something else. But bought a second copy for twenty bucks for a friend who is an opera singer. [The Colony sells it for $40!]
Even though the film quality sucks and the sound quality is mediocre, the enunciation, and the ACTING and the HUMOR from seeing the PRINCIPALS make up for the film's shortcomings. It has a lot of laughs. These are seasoned professionals and they know what they are doing.
We thoroughly enjoyed it, and even though the new one
was even more enjoyable [PBS - Clive Revill one], it's worth buying.

A Real How-de-do.......2007-02-17

I love the D'Oyly Carte. I grew up on their recordings. In many ways, Martyn green was the definative Koko of his Age. But why is that nobody has ever produced a truly satisfactory movie of this classic story?

This one certainly got the full treatment by the standards of pre-war films. It is in color, it had big-name G&S stars, and seemed a lavish fairy tale production. So why, then, did they mess with it so much? Far too many musical numbers were edited out, dialog was chopped, several major characters were horribly watered down into mere shadows of themselves, yet plenty of room was found for irrelevant encores that may have worked on stage, but in a film looked silly.

One big personal irritation for me was the overall look of the film. Gilbert wanted his operetta to look "meticulously Japanese" on the surface, but this mess looks more like it was taken from a bad Kung Fu flick, and no one could possibly mistake it for Japanese. I was also nonplussed by the pantomimed prologue which attempts to explain the rather complicated story which takes place before the curtain ever rises. It just doesn't work, and contributes only one thing: a Titipu Night Festival, which has been popularly viewed in Japan as the Night festival of Chichibu, Japan.

For all of its many faults, it is still a valuable archive as itr preserves several stellar performances of great G&S performers from the 1930's and 40's. It is certainly worth seeing, but there are nevertheless some reservations to be held.

Martyn Greene.......2006-01-18

An opportunity ( likely the only one) to see and hear one of the finest performers (Martyn Greene )of the Gilbert & Sullivan operas. This film is as close as you will ever come to a stage performance in London during the great days of the Savoy Theatre. Priceless! A side note, the name "Katisha" is probably a play on the Gaelic expression "Cad e seo" ( the "se" has a "sh" sound ) and it simply means "what is this?"

Victor Schertzinger's The Mikado.......2005-09-19

A production that is beautifully sung and acted and has lavish costumes and sets. The work is allowed to speak for itself; no extra, modern comic touches or actor's antics gunk it up. It is a production I was amazed at when I saw it as a child, and I still love it.

Average customer rating:

Simply great
A cute movie
Amazon Reviewer Reveals Entire Movie in Review- No Need to See
I fell in love with a possibility
Romantic Comedy with Flavor

Masquerade
Starring: Simbi Khali , Cress Williams , Kellita Smith , Paul Taylor (VII) , and Taimak
Director: Roy Campanella II
Manufacturer: Urban Works
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00008G91T
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Customer Reviews:

Simply great.......2007-05-30

I watch the movie on BET like everyone else. I was in middle school then and missed the end. Strangely I always was curious about the end so I rented it 5 years later. I loved it; it no Color Purple or Ray but it has it charm. Simbi Khali is quite charming. I think him and that lead actress who played Joi got married in real life. So maybe there were more chemistry between the two then what the viewer pick up on.
I gave the movie 5 stars because it not meant to be jaw dropping like many movie attempt in their plot but it still carry a special charm. It a simple and relatable love story. Something that likely to happen to someone one knows or themselves. It a nice story.

A cute movie.......2006-02-22

this is my second favorite BET movie after Fire & Ice. The storyline is cute and it kept my interest.

Amazon Reviewer Reveals Entire Movie in Review- No Need to See.......2005-09-24

I remember watching this movie on BET and after that I think they haven't shown it again. The movie was okay, but it wasn't all that. Anyway, don't waste your money on it. S. M. Anderson from (Lithia Springs, GA)just wrote in her review every darn thing that happened in the movie. So much for a 'masquerade"!

I fell in love with a possibility.......2005-07-15

Masquerade is my second favorite BET movie after Fire and Ice. I watch this one at least once a month also!!! Joi quits her job when she is passed over for a promotion. She arrives home early to find her boyfriend in bed with another man. "A man who left in an incubator would have been a woman." Joie packs her bags and moved to California to start life over. She moves in with her friend Monica. While job hunting on the internet she decides to go into a Black chat room, and has a nice discussion with a man who likes jazz just like she does. She thinks they will never meet and she decides to say she looks like Monica. Monica is beautiful, but she is materialistic. Monica wants to be with a man that has some serious money. Joi goes to her mothers company and gets a job. Joi says her mother is the queen of bougie black America. When Joi let's her mother know she and her boyfriend break up, mom comments "I always thought he was gay." The expression on Joi's face is priceless.

Joie meets her new boss, not knowing it's her cyberman, and they are not getting off on the right foot. Joie finds herself doing research for a moody boss. Joi is supposed to finally meet Miles, but she has to work late. Monica meets Miles instead, and this is where the confusion begins. Miles assumes this is the woman he is supposed to meet, and he is smitten with her beauty. She hates jazz, and knows nothing about art. She knows her sports though. "You're like Bob Costas with a nice set of ummm, teeth", Miles says to Monica after she rattles off some sports statistics.

When Miles, Joi, and Monica end up at an event at the same time Joi wishes the floor would open up and swallow her. Otis a friend of theirs comments "I think the bomb just blew up in your face girl." Joi can't believe her boss and Miles are the same man. Monica and Miles get close, and it drives Joi insane. Despite his attitude as her boss, she really likes him, but can't do anything about it. Marcus (Miles) offers to take Joi out to lunch so he can get the 411 on Monica. Joie reveals her dream to start a black fitness magazine to Marcus, and he think he can help her with her plan.

Monica reveals that the only reason she is with Marcus is because of his money. To complicate things further, an old beau decides to show up, and now she is two timing. She is dating Marcus and Chris at the same time.

There is a hilarious scene where Monica is making love to Marcus, and Joi hearing everything is tossing and turning trying to get some sleep. Joi hates how Monica is treating Marcus and they end up having a major argument. Joi moves in with Otis.

Eventually Marcus finds out about Monica's two timing and he seeks comfort by going to visit Joi. Marcus sees in Joi in a different light, and they finally hook up. Things are going along just nicely until he finds all the emails he thought were from Monica on Joi's computer. He is upset he got played and gets his revenge. He sets the women up leaving them with the dinner tab. Joi's is not successful at apologizing and decides to leave for NY to start her magazine.

Marcus stops her just in the nick of time and tells her he can't live without her. This movie will make you laugh and really touch your heart. I liked how Cress Williams (Marcus/Miles) showed his vulnerability when he would think about his late father.

At the time this movie was made Cress Williams(Living Single) and Simbi Khali(Third Rock from the Sun) were a real couple. Not sure if they are still married. If you enjoy good romantic comedies, then you will enjoy this movie over and over again. This film has a wonderful cast which also includes the beautiful Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show, Kings Ransom) as Monica, and Leonard Roberts (Love Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Drumline) as Otis. Anna Maria Horsford round out the cast as Joi's mother.

I would watch this movie everytime it came on BET, and bought my own copy when it became available for purchase. This is a movie you have to own. You won't regret the purchase.

Romantic Comedy with Flavor.......2004-10-19

This movie has a stellar cast and the story is engaging. Frankly it is one of the best BET "book to movie" films. And to be honest, it is a lot better than a lot of the Black films that have come out in the theaters as of late. I love romantic comedies as a genre of film. And I seldolm get to see black storylines in the movies. The premis of the film could easily be billed as a black You've Got Mail. However, the film really has its own twists and plots. The secret e-mail buddies plot is the one thing that Masquerade share with the Hanks and Ryan film, the rest is fresh, new, and not to mention funny and sexy as hell. The chemistry between the two leading stars of Masquerade is wonderful and leaps off the screen. Buy this film and see for yourself.

Average customer rating:

My Scene: Masquerade Madness
Starring: My Scene girls , Chelsea , Nolee , Barbie , and Delancey
Manufacturer: Mattel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000M9ARGG

Product Description

A DVD from the Barbie: My Scene series.

Average customer rating:

Must see

Kaleido Star - Masquerade (Vol. 5)
Starring: Kaleido Star
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0002VKZQG
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Description

Now that Kaleido Stage has a new owner and the cast has been scattered to the winds, Sora, Mia, and Anna find themselves homeless and unemployed. Can they find a way to perform on stage again? Or will they fall victims to the evil plot of a rival?

Customer Reviews:

Must see.......2004-11-21

This is the most inspiring series...In this volume, Sora and her friends pick up the pieces and through their will to do what they love, they end up as a main attraction again. Kaleido Stage's new owner is watching them and trying to destroy them, but they're so determined. Sora's enthusiasm is so contagious. I can't wait for Volume 6 and to see how this series plays out!

DVD:

DVD

DVD