Myrna Loy and William Powell Collection (Manhattan Melodrama / Evelyn Prentice / Double Wedding / I Love You Again / Love Crazy)

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The Thin Man was just the beginning. Myrna Loy and William Powell were one of Hollywood's best-matched screen teams, with the chemistry fairly bubbling in their scenes together, as this Warner treasure trove boxed set shows. Audiences in the '30s and '40s delighted in the fact that Loy's urbane sophisticate characters could match Powell's quip for quip, martini for martini.

Manhattan Melodrama (1934) showcases Powell and Clark Gable as longtime friends on opposite sides of the law, and is the first pairing of Loy and Powell (and the first of four films they would make in 1934 alone. The film is briskly directed and the crackling screenplay won an Oscar the next year. Evelyn Prentice (1934) is the troubled wife (Loy) of a preoccupied attorney (Powell) who appears oblivious. The story isn't one of the strongest in the collection, but the cast sparkles nonetheless. A witchy Rosalind Russell makes her memorable film debut as a femme fatale.

Double Wedding (1937) lets Loy and Powell flex their comedic chops. The plot is full of switchbacks and misunderstandings, but the key point is that their pal Waldo (John Beal) is that dreaded '30s male screen archetype, the milquetoast. Much of the film's fun is watching Powell's character coach poor Waldo to grow a backbone: "Women don't like noble, self-sacrificing men. Women are not civilized like we are. They like bloodshed!"

I Love You Again (1940) is one of the top screwball comedies of all time. George (Powell) is bonked on the head and realizes he's had amnesia for the past several years, has been terribly boring and has been, yes, a milquetoast--who's about to be divorced by his fed-up wife, Kay (Loy). The crazy plot is lofted by the brilliant screenplay and the delivery of the two leads, who spar like expert fencers: George: "You be careful, madam, or you'll turn my pretty head with your flattery!" Kay: "I often wished I could turn your head--on a spit, over a slow fire." Divine! Love Crazy (1941) is another classic farce, featuring Powell in drag, Powell faking insanity, Powell conniving to win back Loy's love--all in a witty, urbane way, of course.

The set is also chockfull of great extras, with each feature paired with a classic comedy or musical short, plus cartoon or audio radio interviews. The icing on the cake: The fabulous packaging, including an image from the original movie posters on the discs themselves. Film lovers won't want to miss this splendid collection. --A.T. Hurley

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Best!.......2007-09-12

Though this is the first time Williams Powells name has probably been used second to Myrna's it probably wouldn't upset him.
Thsi is a great DEAL right down to ths good packaging job done on these five DVD's. Their are many pictures used in this flip-out style case.
And not only are all five of these movies of much better quality than I've seen on TV. They are also a few of the best Powell / Loy, or Loy / Powell movies made! As well as some of the best movies of there time!

Well worth the price!
Richard

Myrna Loy and William Powell Collection.......2007-09-07

5 Stars = Best, 1 Star = Bad
Manhattan Melodrama = 4 stars
Evelyn Prentice = 3 stars
Double Wedding = 5 stars
I Love You Again = 3 stars
Love Crazy = 4 Stars

popular pair for a reason.......2007-09-07

William Powell and Myrna Loy were paired together for eleven films: the six Thin Man movies (available in their own collection)and these five. They had good rapport, and people enjoyed them in a variety of settings. Admittedly, Myrna Loy frequently played 'straight man' to Powell's mischieviosity. In the commentary to the Thin Man series, it says that by the last film she was eager to do more serious 'topical' roles. And certainly her Nora doesn't get to play to her (Loy's) potential.

In this group of five films, stories unrelated to each other, we frequently see her in a more serious character, whether in melodrama or comedy. The mobster's-moll-turned-reformer's-wife in "Manhattan Melodrama" is serious, but not one of her better performances. Or perhaps the intervening sixty-five plus years have changed sensibilities enough that it is hard for us today to consider 'melodrama' well done! While Loy may have wanted to take on serious issues, her performances shine in comedy. And she may have realized that 'issues' can be addressed through a palatable comedy without the heavy-handed approach of melodrama.

Each disk also contains extras -- a bit different variety on each disk: a radio broadcast version of the film (of least interest to me), period cartoons, and shorts or 'public information' films. It is hard to tell from today's perspective if the short accompanying 'Manhattan Melodrama' on the evils and social degradation of slot machines is meant to be tongue in cheek humor or serious morality tale. I suspect the latter, but today it seems outrageous. Quite a contrast is the short 'Dancing on the Ceiling' in which a man follows a woman into a dentist's office, only to find the entire staff is made up of women who use laughing gas on their patients and engage in strange fantasies with them while under the influence.

Of the five films represented "I Love you Again" is my favorite, though that may be due to greater familiarity. It is the only one I had found to purchase (on VHS) before this set was released. But it still seems to have a story line and banter that has the best timing and the fewest elements that take you out of the story to say 'boy, this was really made a long time ago!'.

Not every film is magic. But it is a good thing to have this set available so that -- despite their mixed qualities -- we can still enjoy the Powell-Loy pairing.

William Powell Myrna Loy Collection.......2007-09-06

What could be better than a set of great movies from two great stars!
This is a wonderful collection. I hope more sets like this are on the way
for those of us who love good movies.

Better Than the Thin Man.......2007-09-01

This is one of the most enjoyable movie sets I ever purchased. The comedies are terrific and the dramas a nice surprise. Worth the price!

Pride and Prejudice (10th Anniversary Collector's Set) (A&E, 1996)

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Pride and Prejudice-The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
Memorable...
Pride and Prejudice
good movie
wonderful miniseries

Pride and Prejudice (10th Anniversary Collector's Set) (A&E, 1996)
Starring: Colin Firth , Jennifer Ehle , David Bamber , Crispin Bonham-Carter , and Anna Chancellor
Director: Simon Langton
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000F0UUT6
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Product Description

From Jane Austen's classic novel about the morals and mores of the class system in Georgian England.

The intelligent and spirited Elizabeth Bennet is one of five daughters -- which, during that era, meant trouble: because women cannot inherit, upon her father's death her family's home will become the property of their nearest male relative. Only marriage, preferably to someone wealthy, can ensure her security. But the proud young lady instantly takes offense when Mr. Darcy, a promising newcomer in town, doesn't seem quite admiring enough, and she spurns his advances.

Slowly and painfully, Elizabeth realizes her error, but not before it seems she has lost Mr. Darcy forever.

System Requirements:

Running Time 300 Mins.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, Pride and Prejudice, still wins the hearts of countless schoolgirls with its romantic story of Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy. Now, the 1996 BBC miniseries is winning over adults, with its faithful adaptation, gorgeous scenery, and superb acting. The essence of the story is the antagonism between Mr. Darcy, a wealthy single man who believes Elizabeth to be beneath him, and Elizabeth, who upon being insulted at a dance by the aloof Darcy refuses to associate with him in any manner. Austen evokes incredible tension with the wit and flirtation of the two characters, and director Simon Langton (who also directed Upstairs Downstairs) successfully translates the repartee and conflict in this six-hour miniseries. Dialogue, for the most part, is painstakingly replicated, except when fleshing out and smoothing for modern sensibilities was necessary. Darcy, for instance, is drawn out, giving his personality significantly more depth. The acting sweeps you away to Regency England: Jennifer Ehle (of Wilde) is convincing as the obstinate Elizabeth, who, despite her mother's attempts to marry her off, spurs the attentions of Darcy. And Colin Firth (of The English Patient) will have women everywhere longing for a Mr. Darcy of their own.

For those who enjoy excellent Austen adaptations such as Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion--this miniseries will round out the ultimate Austen library. For those new to these romantic period pieces, this version of Pride and Prejudice will have you hooked and longing for more. One caveat, however: plan to watch it in an entire day, because very few have the self-control to not watch all six hours in a single sitting. --Jenny Brown

On the DVD
There's a lot to love (and a lot lacking) on the 10th anniversary limited edition. It comes in a tall, embossed green case that's out of place on a DVD shelf but blends right into a library of volumes. The three discs fit snugly in a sleeve, accompanied by a 120-page deluxe companion book. The main attraction, a retrospective documentary, features interviews with key cast members with the sad exceptions of Jennifer Ehle (who played Elizabeth) and Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy), which is bound to disappoint fans. Nonetheless, there are some amusing anecdotes from Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (played by Benjamin Withrow and Alison Steadman), Mary Bennet (Lucy Briers), Mr. Collins (David Bamber), Mr. Bingley (Crispin Bonham-Carter) and Mr. Wickham (Adrian Lukis), who all look drastically different--and younger--without their period costumes and hairstyles. One producer recalls that casting Colin Firth in the role with which his name is now synonymous was not an easy feat: he auditioned having gained weight and dyed his hair blond for another role, looking like "an unmade bed." Even Firth's own brother doubted his ability to pull off the dashing Darcy: "Isn't he supposed to be sexy?"

The special features also include a walking tour of the shooting locations with Lukis and Briers and an A&E Biography episode on Jane Austen that focuses largely on the onslaught of mid-1990s film adaptations of her novels. If it's your first time purchasing Pride & Prejudice, this collector's edition is a nice one to own. But if you already own the movie, you're not missing out on anything here. --Ellen A. Kim

Beyond Pride and Prejudice

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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Pride and Prejudice-The Special Edition (A&E, 1996).......2007-08-31

WOW! This is a great movie! Colin Firth does a dynamite job of playing Mr. Darcy. I also like how "Kitty" avoids "Mr. Collins" in the later part of the movie. "Mrs. Bennent" does a beautiful job of being melodramatic. This is an excellent movie to watch!

Memorable..........2007-08-30

What can I say but 'simply adorable and memorable'? :) I've always wanted to buy this production on DVD format since I first saw it being broadcasted on a cable TV channel in Brazil called 'People and Arts'. It was love at first sight, that's for sure. That was also the precise occasion when I had the inestimable privilege to know such remarkable actors: Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. And it all happened back in 1997/8, and now I've finally got this extremely well-made movie at home to watch and share with friends, relatives and students whenever I feel like.
Thank you BBC for having produced such a masterpiece, and thank you Amazon for proving me with the possibility of buying this product.

Pride and Prejudice.......2007-08-28

THE STORY WAS SO GOOD== THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW GREAT IT IS....

good movie.......2007-08-25

I was pleased with the timely manner I recieved the movie and the price I recieved. I got this on the bonus buy. I enjoyed the movie and it is of good quality. No complaints. Thanks.

wonderful miniseries.......2007-08-24

As others have noted, this is superb. I have watched it many times and it never grows old. I find this far superior to the newer, cinematic version.

Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 2 (The Pirate / Words and Music / That's Dancing / The Belle of New York & Royal Wedding / That Midnight Kiss & The Toast of New Orleans)

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MGM MUSICALS
At long last, Judy and Gene in THE PIRATE
the good and the not so good
Pleasent Dreams
Good stuff from MGM's heyday

Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 2 (The Pirate / Words and Music / That's Dancing / The Belle of New York & Royal Wedding / That Midnight Kiss & The Toast of New Orleans)
Starring: Judy Garland , Gene Kelly , Fred Astaire , Jane Powell , and Kathryn Grayson
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000PAAK5K
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Studio description

Includes: The Pirate (1948), Words and Music (1948), That's Dancing! (1985), The Belle of New York (1952), Royal Wedding (1951), That Midnight Kiss (1949), The Toast of New Orleans (1950).

Customer Reviews:

MGM MUSICALS.......2007-09-15

The Pirate turns out to be the best of the bunch. I can't understand why it failed at the box office. Garland and kelly are both delightfully entertaining; not only that their song and dance numbers are great fun to watch their acting skills are first rate too! Gene Kelly's swashbuckling character is superbly agile; if he's not a better dancer than Fred Astaire, more athletic aside, he definitely is more colorful. Judy Garland's song number under spell reminds me of her in the Fiegfeld Follies where she is also under a different kind of spell, someone drunk by or in her own legendary status, which she was so good in it, if I'm not wrong, she was even nominated for an oscar, am I right? No? And last but not least the the sight and sound are fantastic, especially, the picture clean and clear, brilliant!

I was anxiously expecting to see and hear Kathryn Grayson's opera arias outing but rather disappointed, expecially, in 'That Midnight Kiss'; because, every time she sings she is hampered by some emotional conflict restricted by the plot. Fortunately, I get to hear at least three arias unimpeded by the meddlesome story line in 'The Toast of new Orleans', talking about story line, there isn't much in both films. The three arias from 'Linda di Chamounix', 'Mignon', and 'La Traviata' if somewhat truncated are beautifully sung, but I'm surprised that she didn't end the first two arias in high C's, maybe higher than C's, anyway, thay always call a high not a high C. I always thought Kathryn Grayson is a very high coloratura, this is rather odd that she didn't hit the hell out of it, I mean the high C's. Mario Lanza? What can I say, everyone says he is a legend, one of the great. I have to admit that besides opera, he sings other kinds of music very well too, that is quite unusual. The only other opera singer that is also very good in pop tunes is soprano Eileen Farrell who is widely recognized as a great American soprano, but I have not yet heard her in popular music. Well, between 'That Midnight Kiss' and 'The Toast of New Orleans', I like the latter better. Not only there are more opera arias, the story is more colorful and interesting too. However, one complaint have to be made, the duet from 'Madama Butterfly' is again dictated by the plot that the fisherman finally realizes that he has been overdoing the high society etiquette that causes reverse effect, so that he decides to make amend in this duet by throwing the cigartte defiedly and grabs the arms of Butterfly and tries to kiss her and Butterfly is alarm and tries to resist him. This is totally opposed to the plot of the opera, whereas Butterfly would melt into the arms of Pinkerton. Otherwise, it would have been a wonderful performance from both of them and again it is only the last half of the duet that is performed, well, what do you expect from musicals. I can tell that the MGM had been trying very hard to make popular the high art of opera. It's not an easy task I suppose.

'Words and Music', I can only say, mediocre. 'That's Dancing' is Okay, as for 'Royal Wedding' and 'The Belle of New York' both are disappointing.

Now I'm waiting for my interest income to be deposited in my bank account the end of this month to buy the the first volume of Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory. See you.

At long last, Judy and Gene in THE PIRATE.......2007-09-14

If for no other reason, THE PIRATE is reason enough to buy this classic set of musicals. Nothing else in the collection measures up to the brilliance of this Cole Porter gem. The direction by Vincent Minnelli is witty. Both Judy Garland and Gene Kelly are at their most sophisticated and charming. Judy was never better on sceen than when she co-starred with Gene, and this magical film is proof of that. When it was released it wasn't the hit it should have been, but now contemporary audiences can enjoy the film in all its brilliance.
The other movies in the collection aren't up to THE PIRATE, but they all have moments of great MGM magic. Anyone who loves musicals from the Golden Age should get this collection. THAT'S DANCING is a nice bonus to highlight the importance of dance in MGM musicals.

the good and the not so good.......2007-09-06

Another fine product from Warners, this time including material considered excellent examples of MGM at its peak and some not so excellent. Although Words and Music may not be a true representation of Rodgers and Hart's life, the musical numbers are top notch and the movie is entertaining. The Pirate, with its stigma for being a failure upon initial release, is a pleasure to watch and to hear as well. The stars are excellent, although Judy Garland looks a bit nervous in several scenes. Royal Wedding is very entertaining and while not a great film is an example of movie-making that makes you feel good. The Belle of New York is difficult to watch. It has to be the worst of the Fred Astaire films, and the problems include the story, the musical numbers, and,unfortunately, his co-star. I had never seen That's Dancing and was surprised at how few clips from musical films were used and how dated the movie itself was. The That's Entertainment films hold up much better and seem to be more professionaly produced. All said, the packaging and the extras are nice, as with most of the wonderful products from Warners. Actually it's difficult to be negative about the level of craftsmanship from MGM and its stars back in the day, but some musicals are just better than others.

Pleasent Dreams.......2007-08-15

Setting aside That's Dancing this is once again a superb set from the golden age of MGM. All films are of the high standard we have come to expect of these remastered greats from a period in cinemaa history when entertainment was exactly that. You don't need to sit and think,just sit and enjoy. The extras as usual are quite good and the short subjects/cartoons as enjoyable as ever. Whilst That's Dancing is not strictly from the golden age it does contain many items that are and therefore can rightly be included.I was just a little suprised that Two Lanza films were included as surely this geat star deserves a set all of his own. I only hope that they will continue with this series format and give us even more even some of the old black and white movies with stars such as Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy or Jane Powell and how about rounding out the Broadway Melody series with a set containing B'Way Melody of 1936 & 1938. Warner/TCM might also like to consider a Biog set with The Helen Morgan Story/I'll Cry Tomorrow/Deep In My Heart/Rhapsody In Blue/Shine On Harvest Moon/Look For The Silver Lining/The Eddie Cantor Story/So This Is Love to name but a few. As long as they prodeuce them on DVD I will certainly keep on buying them. They are Hollywood History at it's entertaining best.

Good stuff from MGM's heyday.......2007-07-16

Latest roundup of Technicolor features from MGM's heyday of musicals...most on DVD for the first time. PIRATE has Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in a fun romp set to Cole Porter tunes, directed by visual master Minnelli, who was Garland's husband at the time. WORDS AND MUSIC is a mostly-fictional biography of master tunesmiths Richard Rodgers (Tom Drake) and Lorenz "Larry" Hart (Mickey Rooney). Worth a look for the great songs (better served, though, in Columbia's version of Pal Joey from about 10 years later). KISS and ORLEANS feature singing stars Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson on one double-feature disc. Includes the 2005 BBC documentary Mario Lanza: Singing to the Gods - a reminder that the man who was the greatest American operatic tenor of the mid-20th century (his records outsold Sinatra's) really didn't have an opera career at all (and died at age 38). Another double feature is WEDDING and BELLE, both with Fred Astaire. The first features Fred's famous dancing-on-the-ceiling number (still impressive), which helps you forget that Jane Powell, 30 years his junior, is playing his sister; and BELLE is a pretty hokey effort (almost worth sitting through the first hour for Vera-Ellen's Extreme Makeover from Salvation-Army-type good girl to vamp in a black evening gown even Beyonce might find too much). DANCING is another clips-compilation followup to the THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! hits of the mid-70s, concentrating on dance numbers from the silent era through Michael Jackson videos. There's even a section on ballet hosted by Mikhail Baryshnikov. Don't look for MGM's most famous dance clips, though ("Singin' in the Rain," etc.) - they were already used in That's Entertainment. Still, very enjoyable.

Eclipse Series 6 - Carlos Saura's Flamenco Trilogy (Blood Wedding / Carmen / El Amor Brujo) (Criterion Collection)

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Eclipse Series 6 - Carlos Saura's Flamenco Trilogy (Blood Wedding / Carmen / El Amor Brujo) (Criterion Collection)
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Eclipse from Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000TXNDVG
Release Date: 2007-10-16

Description

One of Spanish cinema's great auteurs, Carlos Saura brought international audiences closer to the art of his country's dance than any other filmmaker, before or since. In his Flamenco Trilogy—Blood Wedding, Carmen, and El amor brujo—Saura merged his passion for music with his ongoing exploration of Spanish national identity. All starring and choreographed by legendary dancer Antonio Gades, the films feature thrilling physicality and electrifying cinematography and editing—colorful paeans to bodies in motion as well as to the cinema that so eloquently, and artfully, captured them.

Robert Altman Collection (M*A*S*H / A Perfect Couple / Quintet / A Wedding)

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One bonafide gem, three others for consideration.
A Perfect Couple Makes this a Necessity
ROBERT ALTMAN (FEBRUARY 20, 1925 - NOVEMBER 20, 2006)
Of Interest to the Altman Completists Only
Looking for A Wedding by Itself?

Robert Altman Collection (M*A*S*H / A Perfect Couple / Quintet / A Wedding)
Starring: Paul Newman , Vittorio Gassman , Fernando Rey , Bibi Andersson , and Brigitte Fossey
Director: Robert Altman
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B000E6ESFS
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Description

Episode Description: Disc 1 "MASH (single disc)": Rating: R Audio: English: Stereo & Mono / French: Mono Subtitled: English & Spanish Special Features: Commentary with Robert Altman, AMC Backstory Featurette, Still Gallery and Theatrical Trailer

Disc 2 "A Perfect Couple": Rating: PG Audio: English: Stereo / Spanish: Mono Subtitled: English & Spanish Special Features: Perspective on Altman's Perfect Couple, Theatrical Trailer, Fox Flix: A Wedding, Quintet, & MASH

Disc 3 "Quintet": Rating: R Audio: English: Mono & Stereo / French: Mono / Spanish: Mono Subtitled: English & Spanish Special Features: Developing the World of Quintet, Theatrical Trailer, Fox Flix: A Wedding, A Perfect Couple, & MASH

Disc 4 "A Wedding": Rating: PG Audio: English: Stereo / French: Mono / Spanish: Mono Subtitles: English & Spanish Special Features: A Wedding Altman Style, Theatrical Trailer, & Fox Flix: Quintet, A Perfect Couple, & MASH

Customer Reviews:

One bonafide gem, three others for consideration........2007-01-27

There's not a whole lot more one can say about MASH, except that it showed that the late Robert Altman was a potent if erratic filmmaker to be reckoned with. "Erratic" is a key word, because while it's true that there are a lot of great films in the Altman canon, there are also a lot of misfires or, at the very least, films that work well in some places and fall apart completely in others. There are a lot of divergent opinions about A WEDDING, QUINTET and A PERFECT COUPLE and, in the end, it probably comes down to one's own patience with Altman's filmmaking methods in each. For my part, QUINTET suceeds the best; it's a dystopian fantasy about the remnants of humanity slowly freezing to death in a snow-covered world, when they're not killing each other off playing a bizarre game called Quintet. Paul Newman plays a traveler who gets caught up in the game and winds up with more than he bargained for from the other players. While a downer, it's an interesting and muted story that explores what life is worth when the world around you is dysfunctional, and it's held my interest each time I've seen it. I'm less fond of A WEDDING and A PERFECT COUPLE. The former just seems to go on and on about how two families with numerous skeletons in their closets fare on the wedding day that joins them together as in-laws. It has all the disparate storyline elements that made films like NASHVILLE and GOSFORD PARK such sucesses, but it feels hectoring, beating you over the head to show you how icky all of these people are. A PERFECT COUPLE is sweet but slight, a tale about a May-December romance that isn't very engaging. At the end I had a hard time figuring out what the two romantic leads saw in each other to stick it out together after their initial encounter through a dating service.

But that's me. Other people I know who mostly love Altman can't stand QUINTET but think A WEDDING was as good as NASHVILLE, if not better, so there you are (I haven't run into any admirers of A PERFECT COUPLE yet, but I don't doubt they're out there). I'm just glad that some of Altman's questionable movies are available in the US, and you might well like all of them. Now if only an NTSC version of THIEVES LIKE US was available....

A Perfect Couple Makes this a Necessity.......2007-01-10

A Perfect Couple - hadn't even heard of this endearing film until Alman's death and this is the only way to get it. It is worth the cost of the collection - of course the other titles don't hurt.

ROBERT ALTMAN (FEBRUARY 20, 1925 - NOVEMBER 20, 2006).......2006-11-22

Bob's Mini-Bio from Amazon's own IMDB:

Robert Altman was born on February 20th, 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri, to B.C. (an insurance salesman) and Helen Altman. He entered St. Peters Catholic school at the age six, and spent a short time at a Catholic high school.

From there, he went to Rockhurst High School. It was then that he started exploring the art of exploring sound with the cheap tape recorders available at the time. He was then sent to Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri where he attended through Junior College.

In 1945, he enlisted in the Air Force and became a copilot of a B-24. After his discharge from the military, he became fascinated by movies and he and his first wife LaVonne moved to Hollywood, where Altman tried acting (appearing in the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947)), songwriting (he wrote a musical intended for Broadway, "The Rumors are Flying"), and screenwriting (he co-wrote the screenplay for the film Bodyguard (1948) and wrote the story (uncredited) for Christmas Eve (1947)), but he could not get a foot hold in Tinseltown.

After a brief fling as publicity director with a company in the business of tattooing dogs, Altman finally gave up and returned to his hometown of Kansas City, where he decided he wanted to do some serious work in filmmaking. An old friend of his recommended him to a film production company in Kansas City, the Calvin Co., who hired him in 1950.

After a few months of work in writing scripts and editing films, Altman began directing films at Calvin. It was here (while working on documentaries, employee training films, industrial and educational films and advertisements) that he learned much about film making. All in all, Altman pieced together sixty to sixty-five short films for Calvin on every subject imaginable, from football to car crashes, but he kept grasping for more challenging projects.

He wrote the screenplay for the Kansas City-produced feature film Corn's-A-Poppin' (1951), he produced and directed several television commercials including one with the Eileen Ford Agency, he co-created and directed the TV series _The Pulse of the City (1953)_ which ran for one season on the independent Dumont network, and he even had a formative crack at directing local community theater.

His big-screen directorial debut came while still at Calvin with The Delinquents (1957) and, by 1956, he left the Calvin Co., and went to Hollywood to direct Alfred Hitchcock's TV show. From here, he went on to direct a large number of television shows, until he was offered the script for MASH (1970) in 1969. He was hardly the producer's first choice - more than fifteen other directors had already turned it down. This wasn't his first movie, but it was his first success.

After that he had his share of hits and misses, but The Player (1992) and more recently Gosford Park (2001) were particularly well-received.

--

RIP Bob. You will be sorely missed.

Of Interest to the Altman Completists Only.......2006-07-31

This collection includes the four films Altman made for MGM. M*A*S*H is a certified classic and needs no further commentary so I'll just offer my thoughts on the other three films that are included.

A WEDDING: This is Altman's most exciting ensemble project since NASHVILLE. Thats a good thing. But where NASHVILLE is an elaborately structured and multi-layered narrative with large public and private themes A WEDDING is a much less structured and much more spurious affair. Its also much more uneven. I would describe this film as a three ringed vaudevillian circus with no ringmaster and an open bar because it is Altman's loosest project since BREWSTER MCCLOUD or at least it seems that way. Altman may have firm control over everything that happens on screen but it feels like the controlling purpose or thesis of the film is not to have one. But thats the reason the film is so exciting to watch. It seems like anything can happen from one moment to the next and that keeps you interested. Altman has assembled a fun cast but with no obvious stars and so this absence of a hierarchy of talent allows you to spread your interest evenly from Lauren Hutton to Carol Burnett to Pat McCormak to Pam Dawber etc.... Its a fun film that you will watch and enjoy many times.

QUINTET: This is a difficult film to like because its so austere. Certainly including this film in a package that includes M*A*S*H and A WEDDING makes an excellent case for Altman's willingness to experiment with alternative narratives and styles. I would say its austerity turns me off less than the fact that the characters just don't seem to interest Altman as much as the ideas. In other words this film feels like Altman at his most introspective and least sociable and it just feels like the characters are getting in the way of ideas. This film is not poorly made but its a difficult film to get attached to or have much enthusiasm for giving it more than one view to satisfy your curiousity. Paul Newman stars along with others but they're all icy performances. In the featurette interview Altman sits beneath a large poster of Newman which is a pretty cool shot of the star and more interesting to look at than the film itself. In the feaurette Altman claims to be equally proud of each of his films but I don't think anyone would ever call this one their favorite Altman film.

A PERFECT COUPLE: This film follows two distinct narratives. One is the narrative of a large Greek family and the other of a late seventies rock band called Keeping 'em off the Streets. This is billed as a romantic comedy and it has all of the charms of that genre but with all of the added bonuses of Altman's parodic sensibility. The Greek family is very traditional and the seventies rock band is very liberal-minded and the two groups are contrasted when a member of the Greek family (Paul Dooley) begins dating a member of the rock band (Marta Heflin). We get to see the rock group through the eyes of Paul Dooley and then we get to see the Greek family through the eyes of Marta Heflin. In the featurettes Altman claims that this film is as good as anything he has ever done. But its also evident that he knows that most people will find that comment a little surprising since the film itself is so slight. What we see is entertaining enough but the characters and their respective living situations are never really explored in depth and we never really get beyond a kind of surface view and we are just asked to enjoy it as a light satire. If Altman ever made a sit-com for network television in the late seventies this is what it would have looked like. It would have been good solid innovative tv but it doesn't make for the most riveting feature.

So this four film collection is mainly for Altman collectors (M*A*S*H is the only one that has been previously available on DVD)and completists. The price makes it an attractive package even if only two of these films are really classics.

Looking for A Wedding by Itself?.......2006-05-20

Like one of the other reviewers, I also have M*A*S*H and wanted just A Wedding by itself. Every once in a blue moon, either the Fox Movie Channel or Turner Movie Classics will play A Wedding. If your cable or satellite provider includes these channels, keep your eyes peeled for A Wedding. Then record it with a VCR or DVD recorder. That's what I did. Or we will get lucky and A Wedding will be released separately.

The Martha Stewart Wedding Collection - Martha's Complete Weddings

Average customer rating:

Great Product
its nice but not what i thought it was.
Great
A homerun for wedding planners
I'm so happy I bought this

The Martha Stewart Wedding Collection - Martha's Complete Weddings

Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000CNESTO
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Description

With help from Martha Stewart, planning your perfect wedding is easy. Martha's Complete Weddings is a must-have four-disc DVD collection for any bride-to-be. Everything a bride needs to know ... from bouquets to cakes, from wedding gowns to honeymoon destinations ... is here in a comprehensive set. Let Martha's renowned elegance, imagination, and attention to detail inspire you to make your special day the perfect day.

DVD Features:
DVD ROM Features:Seasonal Flowers Guest Boutonnieres Bouquet Basics Choosing Your Bouquet Three Perfect Bows
DVD ROM Features
DVD ROM Features
DVD ROM Features:Favors Place Cards Ceremony Tosses 50 Ways to Trim Your Budget Planning Your Honeymoon Wedding Workbook

Customer Reviews:

Great Product.......2007-07-06

Each DVD has great ideas for any type of wedding. If you have a creative mind and can find a way to make Martha's ideas work for you, then it's a great buy.

its nice but not what i thought it was........2007-05-07

the set consists of 4 dvds exploring different topics as desribed in the product desription. if you're looking for dull endless segments showing you how to make your own bouquets, etc. then you found the dvd for you. i thought it was like a group of segments showing finished products in different categories like romantic looks, bohemian lookes, day/night looks for cakes, flowers, decor, table settings. i was wrong. it was a tutorial on how to make these things. its basicaly a collection of all her martha stewart living episodes on weddings.

Great.......2007-05-07

These DVDs have lots of information. I've already watched them few times. I enjoyed seeing new ideas.

A homerun for wedding planners.......2007-04-18

This 4 disc set is full of wonderful and interesting material for anyone planning a wedding or even a lavish party. Basically a compendium of all the best things from years past it is endlessly watchable. The cake section is full of inspirational ideas to get everyone out of that "boring and stale white wedding cake zone." Though I can not imagine someone even beginning to try these projects in the average home kitchen, better leave it to the professionals.

The only criticism is that some of the segments are too basic. The basic silhouettes of gowns explained three times....but these dull segments are far and few between and easy enough to fast forward through.

These great dvd's can be watched by anyone interested in Martha Stewart.

I'm so happy I bought this.......2007-03-17

I love this product. So many ideas, so many pictures, such great film quality. If you're planning an wedding, know someone who is or you just plain love weddings buy this.

Cary Grant: Screen Legend Collection (Big Brown Eyes / Kiss and Make Up / Thirty Day Princess / Wedding Present / Wings in the Dark)

Average customer rating:

UNKNOWN?! WHAT'S WITH THAT?
Go For the Unknowns
Great Underrated and Thoroughly Enjoyable
Please, Not so hard on Universal, They do a great job for the price
not great movies but excellent dvd quality

Cary Grant: Screen Legend Collection (Big Brown Eyes / Kiss and Make Up / Thirty Day Princess / Wedding Present / Wings in the Dark)
Starring: Joan Bennett , Cary Grant , George Bancroft , Conrad Nagel , and Gene Lockhart
Director: Richard Wallace , James Flood , and Raoul Walsh
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000HA4WS4
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Amazon.com

Cary Grant was on the cusp of stardom when he made the five Paramount films included in this nicely priced Screen Legend Collection. You won't find any classics here, but this entertaining collection makes it clear that Grant's beloved screen persona was developing quickly. Paramount executive B.P. Schulberg had signed 28-year-old Grant to a five-year contract in 1932, and the British-born actor had already appeared in 15 films by the time he appeared in 1934's Thirty Day Princess, the first and arguably best feature in this three-disc set. Cowritten by Preston Sturges and bearing familiar trademarks of Sturges's later screwball classics, the plot finds newspaper publisher Grant falling for a visiting princess (Sylvia Sidney), only to discover that his affections are wrapped up in a breezy case of mistaken identity. Sidney plays two roles with seamless elegance (including impressive split-screen scenes in which she appears with herself), and Grant's suave demeanor is employed to good effect. The little-known gem Kiss and Make-Up was released barely two months later in 1934, with Grant in Paris as a Max Factor-like cosmetics mogul who marries a glamorous former client (Genevieve Tobin) but finds true love with his faithful secretary (Helen Mack) when he comes to his senses. The great character actor Edward Everett Horton costars as Mack's would-be suitor, giving this overlooked comedy an additional boost of amusement.

1935's Wings in the Dark will interest film historians because it was cowritten by pioneering female writer-director Nell Shipman, whose Howard Hawks-ian sense of adventure is on full display in an otherwise creaky melodrama in which inventor and aviator Grant is blinded by a gas explosion, and emerges from self-pity to stage a daring air rescue of his aviatrix wife (Myrna Loy). After being loaned out to RKO for his breakthrough role in 1935's Sylvia Scarlett opposite Katharine Hepburn, Grant returned to Paramount for Big Brown Eyes (released in April 1936), playing a crime-beat reporter paired with Joan Bennett in a lightweight mystery that benefits greatly from director Raoul Walsh's facility with streetwise plots and gritty handling of a baby-killer subplot involving jewel thieves Walter Pigeon and Lloyd Nolan. Wedding Present followed six months later (October '36), reuniting Grant and Bennett as competitive reporters whose relationship is strained when Grant is promoted to editor. Like all five films in this Screen Legend Collection, it's a light and thoroughly enjoyable vehicle for Paramount players including William Demarest, who went on to character-role stardom in the comedies of Preston Sturges. Cary Grant is in fine form here, and his music-hall experience is put to good use in several lightweight musical numbers. All in all, you can't go wrong with a five-film set for this price, especially since Grant was already showing a canny awareness of his own soon-to-be-iconic image. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

UNKNOWN?! WHAT'S WITH THAT?.......2007-08-03

If I were to characterize the movies in one word it would probably be "cute". But there are some real winners! Plus it's only $20! You have to pay that for A bore, or better known as the "movie of the year". So, it is a great buy as well as entertaining. Though, on the other hand, Cary Grant doesn't actually have the lead role in every film. So, if you are strictly purchasing this collection to sit and stare at grant, you might be disappointed, but I doubt it.

Go For the Unknowns.......2007-06-21

Cary Grant's filmography features all sorts of goodies ranging from his start as a romantic lead, his transition to comedies, and later with Hitchcock. The films in this set fall during his stint as a romantic leading man, but his flair for comedy shines through.

Thirty Day Princess is an excellent little movie about a foreign princess who comes to America to advertise her poor country and winds up with the measles. Her backer decides to find a look-alike to stand in for the princess while she recooperates. A struggling actress (Sylvia Sydney) is chosen. Part of her duties is to embarass a well-known newspaper man (Grant), but she finds herself falling in love with him instead. The swift pace and glamour of the film makes it great fun to watch.

Kiss and Make Up is the weakest of the five films. It features some definitely pre-code elements like a woman stripping down to her underwear early in the film. Once a scientist, Dr. Lamar (Grant) decides to change course and enter the beauty field. He works to make women beautiful and in the process falls in love. The plot drifts around, but it is fun to see Grant so young and fresh, and to hear him sing, even if his voice isn't perfect.

Wings in the Dark is a great melodrama about a pilot and inventor (Grant) who goes blind in an accident. His wife (Myrna Loy) is also a pilot who decides to risk herself in order to protect her husband's work. There are many twists and turns to keep the audience at the edge of their seat throughout the film, and it works. It is hard not to get into this one despite some of it being a bit predictable. Grant is wonderful as a blind man and Loy is great too.

Big Brown Eyes is an exciting detective movie about a gumshoe (Grant) who enlists the help of his manicurist girlfriend (Joan Bennett) to solve a murder. There is evidence everywhere, but no one can seem to solve the case. Just another run of the mill murder mystery, this movie won't stick out in your mind, but you'll have loads of fun watching and re-watching it.

Wedding Present also stars Bennett as Grant's fiancee. The two newspaper reporters bicker constantly and find themselves separated from each other for various reasons, but it is obvious that they're meant for each other the whole time. Another fun film.

These are my kind of movies. They aren't important historically and most people don't know of their existence. But they're good. They're fun to watch and feature great casts. Besides that, the price is right. How could you refuse?

Great Underrated and Thoroughly Enjoyable.......2007-02-15

The Cd collection contains 5 lesser known films of the wonderful Gary Grant. "Wedding Present" will not disappoint fans of "His Girl Friday."
Definately worth the price and the quality is near excellent. Hopefully someone will release all of his other films not available soon. We are waiting patiently.

Please, Not so hard on Universal, They do a great job for the price.......2007-02-14

In answer to Cesare Petrillo's comments when he says shame on universal for releasing these films, I look at it this way, I bless Universal for releasing any of the old movies on DVD, they may not always be great films, but these are personel to each person who watches them as we all have differant tates, many times have I loved a film that many so called critics hate. but I know one thing, I am glad to have the oportunity to at least see these films in good quality at a resonable price, instead of the alternative which is for these films to gather dust in vast vaults never to see the light of day, so please be kinder to Universal as I think they do a good job. and we all know have the chance to see if we like them or not, remember also, good or bad, these films are all part of our film history and give us the opportunity to see a great star like Cary Grant develope his screen pasona.

not great movies but excellent dvd quality.......2007-01-10

As a huge Cary Grant fan I bought this collection as soon as it came out and I am very happy about it. The 5 movies are not the best films Grant ever made but the dvd quality is very surprising. The movies are in great condition and you could never tell that you're watching films from the early 30's!
There is a very good one in the collection though: Wedding Present is a funny and clever comedy, which reminds me of the great masterpieces of the period. If you are a Cary Grant fan or if you love the period my advice is to buy this dvd collection, considering also the low price and the great quality of the dvd transfer.

Stanley Kramer Film Collection (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner / Ship of Fools / The Member of the Wedding / The Wild One / The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T)

Average customer rating:

member of the wedding

Stanley Kramer Film Collection (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner / Ship of Fools / The Member of the Wedding / The Wild One / The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T)
Starring: Spencer Tracy , Sidney Poitier , Katharine Hepburn , Katharine Houghton , and Cecil Kellaway
Director: Stanley Kramer , and Fred Zinnemann
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000TXP56M
Release Date: 2007-10-09

Customer Reviews:

member of the wedding.......2007-08-15

The only film in this collection that I'm interested in enough to buy is "The Member of the Wedding". I have been waiting years for a dvd release of this great film. Directed by Fred Zinnemann and containing three of the greatest performances you are ever going to see. It stars Julie Harris(who may be America's greatest actress imho), the magnificent Ethel Waters and Brandon DeWilde. So far there has been no announcement of a stand alone release and I'm certainly not buying the entire box for one film. If anyone is paying attention please give this film a release outside of the box set.

Bing Crosby: Screen Legend Collection (Double or Nothing / East Side of Heaven / Here Come the Waves / If I Had My Way / Waikiki Wedding)

Average customer rating:

A Mixed Bag
poor bing
Focus on the music
From a collector.
Bing's the Best

Bing Crosby: Screen Legend Collection (Double or Nothing / East Side of Heaven / Here Come the Waves / If I Had My Way / Waikiki Wedding)
Starring: Bing Crosby , Martha Raye , Andy Devine , Mary Carlisle , and William Frawley
Director: Theodore Reed , Frank Tuttle , and David Butler
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000HA4WRU
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Amazon.com

You may think you're a Bing Crosby fan, but if all you know is Holiday Inn, The Bells of St. Mary's, or the On the Road movies, brother, you only know half the story. Crosby had a rich, long film career, and this collection features some of the best of Der Bingle's lesser-known films: Waikiki Wedding, Double or Nothing , East Side of Heaven, If I Had My Way, and Here Come the Waves. All showcase Crosby's easygoing persona and, of course, plenty of crooning. Waikiki Wedding, for instance, costars Martha Raye, Anthony Quinn, and Shirley Ross, and features the Oscar-winning song "Sweet Leilani" and "Blue Hawaii." The premise of Double or Nothing could be a modern-day reality competition, with four people, including Raye again, feverishly trying to double their inheritance within a 30-day window. East Side of Heaven costars the always appealing Joan Blondell and showcases Crosby at his bemused best as a cabbie with an abandoned baby on his hands, trying desperately (and with a few showtunes) to find the infant's parents. In If I Had My Way, Crosby's a blue-collar worker who helps an orphan girl (Gloria Jean) find her long-lost uncle, and delivers a show-stopping version of the title song. And Here Come the Waves has Crosby as a popular songster enlisting and creating havoc in the Navy, falling for twins (played by Betty Hutton) and singing classics like "That Old Black Magic" and "Ac-cent-u-ate the Positive" (the latter, unfortunately, in blackface). The collection is a great cross-section of Crosby's career and shouldn't be missed by fans of him or of American film in the '40s. --A.T. Hurley

Customer Reviews:

A Mixed Bag.......2007-08-01

Bing Crosby has starred in some of my favorite, and least favorite, movies. Appearing in over 100 motion pictures, he was one of the most popular performers of his time. This collection showcases five of his lesser known efforts. While none of them are as excellent as his classics "White Christmas" and "Going My Way", most of them can be enjoyed for what they are - lively low budget musicals. The best in the set are both included on the second disc. Also featuring child star Gloria Jean, "If I Had My Way" has godfather Crosby attempting to provide for the orphaned girl of his best friend. My personal favorite of the set, "East Side of Heaven" is a hilarious comedy about two bachelors who get stuck with a baby when the mother skips town during a custody battle for the child. I found that the others, while pleasant, were fairly forgettable. Of course Crosby's easy going persona and rich baritone are winning in every film he appears in. Unfortunately, there are no special features. All in all, I'd say that this is set of early Bing Crosby movies that never became classics.

poor bing.......2007-05-24

Bing Crosby is undoubtedly one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century and I am definitely a fan. I had seen most of his better known films from Going My Way to High Society, even Rhythm on the River and Birth of the Blues, but was not prepared for this box! These are not great films, not really interesting films, and not films I want to watch again. You would have to be a true-blue lover of the crooner before feeling justified in buying this set. Sorry Bing.

Focus on the music.......2007-03-27

It is obvious that any purchaser of this DVD set must like Bing Crosby and his voice. If not, watch at your peril. The set consists of 2 early programmers from Paramount, 2 from Universal and one big budget wartime musical. The early Paramounts are the best because Bing's easy going charm seems genuine without any sign of the mechanical manipulation of the later Bing.

- "Double or Nothing" and "Waikiki Wedding" benefit from excellent scores, good supporting casts and witty screenplays with a degree of satire. Martha Raye steals scenes in both and the latter benefits from Shirley Ross who had one of the best voices of any screen vocalist of the thirties. There is a charming scene in the cockpit of a yacht when Bing and Shirley improvise the song "Blue Hawaii" and their warmth and rapport is a delight. The prints of both films are in good condition and have that pleasant "old film" patina.
- "East Side of Heaven" and "If I had My Way" move away from satire to the cornball sentimentality of the later Bing. Each has a hokey song which became a trademark for Bing but they leave me cold. The former is superior and Joan Blondell is a sprightly leading lady. The latter is unbelievably corny and boring. This is the sort of film where the cast are laughing at their jokes while the audience stares in stony disbelief. Poor Gloria Jean is directed to grin all the time whatever the circumstances so you want to strangle her. Her voice is a light falsetto and hardly melds with Bing. The prints of both films are excellent and considerably brighter than the early Paramounts.
- "Here Come the Waves" is wartime propaganda. Betty Hutton plays twins and is surprisingly convincing. There are some excellent songs but the film is too long.

The DVD has no extras, except one trailer, which is reflected in the relatively low price. None of the films are classics, though "Double or Nothing" is a forgotten treasure. If you like Crosby's voice, you'll be happy.

From a collector........2007-03-08

Some ghastly films, but if you're a collector of Bing Crosby's films you have to take the good with the bad. "East Side of Heaven" is probably the best of the bunch.
I'm grateful that they are available, and the singing is great. It's the plots which don't really wear well.

Bing's the Best.......2007-01-10

Whilst not being near the best of Crosby's films, this welcome selection of rarities is great to see on DVD. Quality of transfer is high - Good light entertainment with a great selection of songs. Let's hope MCA/Universal release more of Bing's lesser known films.

Average customer rating:

He sent forth a raven
Jewel Thieves and Bellringers
Great British mystery but buyer beware
The Best of The Wimsey Mysteries
The Bell Tolls for Lord Peter

Lord Peter Wimsey - The Nine Tailors
Starring: Ian Carmichael , Glyn Houston , Keith Drinkel , Elizabeth Proud , and Anne Blake
Director: Raymond Menmuir
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005NFYL
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Amazon.com

Devotees of Dorothy L. Sayers's impeccable sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey, will want to pour themselves "two large whiskeys" to toast the release of this 1974 miniseries based on one of Sayers's most popular novels. Ian Carmichael stars in his signature role as the future aristocratic detective, who, as a young soldier en route to the battlefield, becomes embroiled in "a very distressing story." Someone has stolen "a king's ransom" in uninsured emeralds from the estate of Sir Charles (Desmond Llewelyn, better known to James Bond fans as "Q") on the night of his son's wedding. No mystery here: In this case, the butler really did do it. But that's only the beginning in a puzzler that will span 20 years, when Wimsey inadvertently returns to the scene of the crime and steps into some "damn bad business" involving a recently discovered mutilated body. He discovers at the bottom of a well and in a church tower baffling clues that harken back to that fateful robbery and the still-missing jewels. The nine tailors, by the way, refers to nine church bells and the arcane tradition of change ringing. This entry in the Wimsey series offers the usual pleasures of splendid acting, colorful characters, and intriguing story. We also get to see how Bunter became Wimsey's faithful manservant. Suffice to say, The Nine Tailors will really ring your bell. --Donald Liebenson

Description

Ian Carmichael stars as Dorothy L. Sayers' aristocratic detective in the most requested title in this phenomenally popular mystery series. Fans call The Nine Tailors not just Sayers' best novel but "one of the great novels of the century." Lord Peter finds himself caught up in a case involving a mutilated corpse, a 20-year-old jewel robbery, an outbreak of Spanish influenza and a set of nine church bells.

Customer Reviews:

He sent forth a raven.......2006-04-08

A young Lord Peter (Ian Carmichael) in uniform on his way to the war. He is standing in for his brother The Duke of Denver at a wedding. Mischief is afoot and an emerald necklace was pinched. Where it was stored for save keeping I can not say. It looks like the perpetrator was winged by a well placed shot. We get the inside story and know the truth.

All in the first chapter we see the crime and the fait of the perpetrators. We also get a first hand view of the meeting and growing relationship and Wimsey and Bunter (Glyn Houston.) As fait would have it Lord Peter finds him self once again in Fenchurch St. Pauli again. This time as providence would have it just in time to replace a sick bell ringer on New Year's Eve.

Three months later a body is found in and Lord Peter is invited to the inquest.

This film is based on a Dorothy L. Sayers novel of the same name with the screen adaptation by Anthony Steven.

At first you are not sure that this is the same peter Wimsey when you see the blond hair and mustache. However if you look close they made little attempt to cover the wrinkled face.

If you have an opportunity to view this film before reading the book you will not be distracted by the deviations and omit ions form the written story.

Jewel Thieves and Bellringers.......2003-02-09

This is one of my favorite Wimsey mysteries. I thought this was excellent-the country and village setting is very well done. Plenty of suspense and an interesting plot, that focuses on a long ago theft that devastates a family. Bunter was very enjoyable. However, I thought Wimsey seemed much too middle aged in the 1917 scenes-he was supposedly a young soldier but he acts and looks like he is 50! I think the age issue needs to be straightened out. Otherwise, the drama was full of old fashioned charm. I watched this a few months ago but this is worth seeing twice.

Great British mystery but buyer beware.......2002-11-15

I love this series a lot and enjoyed the first half of this particular mystery however there was a problem with the disc. This is a two disc set and while the second disc is correctly marked, it is actually a duplicate of the first disc! This is obviously a mistake in the factory but it is highly frustrating since it happened not once, but twice. It's quite frustrating to be left on a cliff hanger and then have the second half of the mystery be unavailable. By all means, buy this wonderful mystery but note that there are some defective sets floating around. I have ordered my third set and hope to finally see the ending. All I can say is, Buyer Beware, check both discs right away so you can return it promptly if you need to.

The Best of The Wimsey Mysteries.......2002-09-24

The Nine Tailors is my favorite Wimsey mystery,and not surprisingly, it is my favorite of the Ian Carmichael series which were produced in the 1970s. Here we see Lord Peter's early life as he attends a wedding where an expensive emerald necklace goes missing. World War I interrupts before an investigation can begin, and Wimsey goes off to fight. We see him meet Bunter, later his faithful valet/assistant, and eventually wind up back in the vicinity of the spot where the necklace went missing. His interest piqued, Wimsey resumes the investiga