Editorial Review

The short life and passionate music of romantic composer Frédéric Chopin provide the foundations for this 1945 drama, which proved influential in its gaudy, undeniably watchable formula of historical exaggeration and shrewdly simplified motives for its principals.In an Oscar-nominated performance, Cornel Wilde presents the Polish native as a passionate nationalist driven by his love of his native country and his hatred of its czarist regime, a thematic focus that can be forgiven in light of the political backdrop at the time of the production.Already a prodigy in his native land, where he's mentored by a shamelessly scenery-chewing Paul Muni as Professor Elsner, Chopin flees to Paris where his flashing eyes, dark nimbus of curls, and florid technique earn him stardom, while his involvement with the writer George Sand (a beautiful Merle Oberon, even when draped in then-provocatively masculine garb) introduces a romantic crescendo.Still, the tortured pianist-composer pines for his homeland, frets about its political fate, and begins to wither under the rigors of his new career as ur-superstar; in a typically over-the-top but riveting image, we see drops of blood spatter across the keyboard as he thunders through a recital, gallantly ignoring his failing health to spread his music and, by extension, awareness of Poland's fate.Numerous subsequent musical dramas (including two more Read more

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Reviews (11)

Several Moments to remember.
This is the earliest movie rendering of the Chopin/Sand affair I have seen to date. However, in this, Sand is more of an impediment to what Chopin must do--raise funds for his Polish rebel friends.This is something that has been neglected to a degree, in the other two movies I have seen on this subject (Impromptu, Desire for Love). Both acknowledge his Polish-ness and one does even show his rushed departure from his beloved homeland.
A SONG THAT I'LL CERTAINLY ALWAYS REMEMBER
A few days ago, thanks to Amazon and a kind gentleman named Ernest who had one to sell, I FINALLY became the proud owner of A Song to Remember on VHS - a little more than 56 years after I saw the actual movie. They say if something's good enough to want, it's good enough to wait for, and this is certainly true where this sublime movie and most treasured memory of my childhood is concerned.In 1946, at the age of 9, my well meaning parents (back home in Wales, U.K.) took me to see this movie, without telling me that their main reason was 'the hope that it would encourage me to put more effort in to my piano lessons'.To their dismay, they soon discovered that, in that respect, they had failed miserably because - after seeing this movie and being introduced to the life and beautiful music of Frederic Chopin, through the incredible combination of Cornel Wilde's good looks (and excellent acting) and the superb performance of the music itself by Jose Iturbi, I promptly came to the conclusion that if I couldn't play that well, then I didn't want to play at all. Not long afterwards, my long suffering piano teacher was relieved (in every sense of the word) of her duties.But from the moment I sat enraptured through that movie, I fell in love with Chopin and his music and made the vow that 'when I grow up, I'm going to go to Poland and listen to a Chopin recital in the country where it all began'.More than forty years later (and having moved to Canada in the meantime) I achieved that ambition and what a joy it was to hear this wonderful music played by a leading exponent of Chopin's music from the Warsaw Conservatory.My other ambition was to somehow 'acquire' this memorable movie for myself.But I found that to be easier said than done, as all my enquiries came up with an 'out of print' response. Then just over a week ago, I saw that Amazon did indeed have one for sale - 'used'. I knew it was a risk to fork out money for a product that I couldn't even be sure was in great condition.But I wanted this movie so much, that I 'boughtit' immediately, before anyone else could pounce on it.My movie arrived a few days later, just in time for it to be 'a special birthday gift to myself'.Today was my birthday and one of the biggest treats of my day was to curl up in comfort and watch A Song to Remember in my own home at long last.Oh what memories watching it brought back, and what joy is gave me to finally have this wonderful movie in my possession to play and watch for ever more. I am also happy to say that this 'used' tape turned out to be in superb condition, with its picture and sound as good as new.This is one happy movie owner and my thanks to Amazon and Ernest for finally making it possible for me to fulfil a lifelong dream. It means more to me than you would ever imagine!A Song to Remember made it a Birthday to Remember too!!

Magnificent music and drama
Saw this film when I was a young gal. My friends and I gathered around the popcorn this past week and watched it-enthralled by the amazing finger placement by Cornell Wilde. So believable! Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (19)

Grace Kelly in a charming performance
Grace Kelly is a radiant presence in this beautiful adaptation of Ferenc Molnar's play THE SWAN.This film was made to capatalise on Miss Kelly's engagment to Prince Rainier of Monaco, and was one of the biggest box office attractions of 1956.
The princess and the commoner
Wonderful Movie
A bittersweet romance with a pinch of humor.I love it!The acting is amazing.The story is classic and believable.Grace Kelly shines in her role.I entirely recommend this movie! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

All film noirs need deceit, betrayal, dialogue hard as diamonds--and dames even harder than that. But Read more

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Reviews (55)

"Hate is a very exciting emotion!"
Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford star in Gilda, a noir thriller set in Buenos Aires.Ford plays Johnny, a down on his luck gambler who is picked up by a casino owner.Johnny quickly becomes the casino owner's right-hand man--with a pact that women and gambling don't mix.Then Johnny's boss comes back from a trip with a new wife, Gilda,played incandescently by Rita Hayworth.Gilda is a typical noir femme fatale.She acts fast and loose but is actually just trying to get her guy jealous.Of course, her guy isn't her husband--its Johnny.
Film Noir's Best
This is a Film Noir starring Rita Hayworth.She's absolutely gorgeous, breathtakingly beautiful, and she can act.The tension between her and Glenn Ford is sizzling. The romance of love and hate is summed up by Gilda (perhaps not a diret quote but goes something like this) "Johnny I hate you so much I think I'll die from it" ..it has a superb cast and directed by Charles Vidor.It's a wonderful Film Noir!

Wow
I'm 37 years old and far from an old time movie buff.I like noir movies though and have started collecting them for a while now.I also managed to get this movie for $9.99 at Tower Records because somebody goofed and put the wrong price on it, it was supposed to be $19.99.BONUS!!!
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (7)

An Uneven Movie But Worth Watching
I saw this film years ago and was curious to see if it is still worth seeing after 50 years. The movie is beautifully filmed; the panoramic views are spectacular. The evacuation of the Italian Army is extremely well done. Rock Hudson as Lt. Frederick Henry, an American ambulance driver in World War I, proves that he can act in addition to being extremely handsome. He is by far the best thing about the movie. Jennifer Jones does not fair as well. One suspects that she may have gotten the part of Catherine Barkley, an English nurse, because she was married to the producer David O. Selznick of GONE WITH THE WIND fame. She says "darling" way, way too many times. Then there are the 50's censors to deal with. Catherine would never say she was "pregnant," but rather is going to have a baby. Had she not informed us of that, we couldn't have been sure that she and Henry actually went to bed together as she's always buttoned up to her neck in her nurse's uniform although Mr. Hudson does take his shirt off from time to time.
Lavish and entertaining but unmoving remake
The 1957 version of A Farewell to Arms is a mixture of the best and worst of David O. Selznick. On the plus side is the no expense spared lavishness of the whole production, with great Italian locations, great production design, a good supporting cast (including an excellent Vittorio de Sica, Alberto Sordi and Elaine Stritch) and a cast of thousands. On the debit side, there's some hokey love scenes and the miscasting of Selznick's private leading lady Jennifer Jones, lisping her way through an awkward British accent while seemingly impersonating a rather large bunny rabbit that somehow got a job as a nurse.
Simple love story gets over-cooked
There is no question that David O. Selznick was one of Hollywood's greatest producers - anyone can look at his list credits and see that he was responsible for some of the most memorable films to come out of Hollywood.Following his magnum opus, "Gone With The Wind" in 1939, however, Selznick kept trying to out-do himself, striving to create yet another great film on an epic scale. He did make some wonderful movies following "GWTW" ("Rebecca," "Since You Went Away," "Portrait of Jennie") but many of them (like "Since You Went Away" and "Duel In The Sun") were hurt by his attempts at over producing.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama   

Editorial Review

Of all the Danny Kaye movies, this musical biography of the legendary vagabond storyteller is definitely the most poignant, extending the performer's range far beyond his usual comic shtick. It may not be as funny as Read more

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Reviews (36)

Hans Christian Andersen -Denmark
The DVD received can not be played on the Danish systems - guess that standards are different. But as it was meant as a present for our American relatives we hope it will work over there. Otherwise - well, we just lost our money, and so what?

Anderson a blast
I grew on Danny Kaye and other mogals of that age and i think i can safely say that Hans Christian Andersen is one of the best movies he's been in.It's a heartwarming story about the life of writer Hans Christian Andersen, told through song and dance as well as great acting.It's not one of Danny's more comical pieces, being a bit more serious, but it holds his classic trademarks in film.
Hans Christian Andersen - the movie
Have been looking for this for years, and so glad to have found it again.Particularly good for kids, as it tells many of his favorite stories, along with a lot of great songs. You will love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Fifteen years after directing the florid and commercially successful Chopin bio-pic, the 1945 Read more

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Reviews (9)

Transfer to Video and DVD quite imperfect
I was really impressed with all the reports I have read on Song Without End. I notice it is not being offered on DVD at present. But I did buy it on Video originally and when I saw I could get it on DVD; a while back I thought it might have improved in quality of sound.
If only the song WOULD end...
Get this straight before coming any closer: this is NOT a documentary on Franz Liszt. The Hollywood goons must have been flipping through a book of musicians' biographies (ooh! tormented, soul-searching MUSICIANS!), incidentally stumbling onto Liszt's particularly marketable name. Knowing professionals respect the name, aware that the revolutionary pianist-composer's profound contributions to 19th century music are to be taken seriously. The aforementioned goons, however, took their cue from some funny sentences about Marie D'Agoult, Carolyne Wittgenstein, George Sand, and a few other candidates for good close-ups. (What's this? Liszt had affairs with... oh, mhm... I'll write that down, and we can just...)
A Perfect Time Killer
I have gone through this film twice and still find this interesting. Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (28)

More like 10 STARS
Ms. Day should have received an Oscar for this.Miss Girl Next Door really showed what she was made of.If you like suspense, glamor and real singing and acting, this is the movie for you.The restoration is wonderful and the sound terriffic.One of my favorite movies of all times. Cagney is at the top of his game and he and Day work GREAT together. This movie was produced when all the big musicals were coming to an end. SHE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN AN OSCAR, I'M TELLING YOU.

Why are some films so memorable even if we don't identify with their main characters?
Why do certain movies stay in the mind even though they do not have characters the viewer particularly identifies with?
Doris Days Greatest Triumph
One of the most talented performers to come out of the big band era a wonderful singer, and pretty good dramatic actress,
Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Of all the Danny Kaye movies, this musical biography of the legendary vagabond storyteller is definitely the most poignant, extending the performer's range far beyond his usual comic shtick. It may not be as funny as Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Original recording reissued
• NTSC

Reviews (36)

Hans Christian Andersen -Denmark
The DVD received can not be played on the Danish systems - guess that standards are different. But as it was meant as a present for our American relatives we hope it will work over there. Otherwise - well, we just lost our money, and so what?

Anderson a blast
I grew on Danny Kaye and other mogals of that age and i think i can safely say that Hans Christian Andersen is one of the best movies he's been in.It's a heartwarming story about the life of writer Hans Christian Andersen, told through song and dance as well as great acting.It's not one of Danny's more comical pieces, being a bit more serious, but it holds his classic trademarks in film.
Hans Christian Andersen - the movie
Have been looking for this for years, and so glad to have found it again.Particularly good for kids, as it tells many of his favorite stories, along with a lot of great songs. You will love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Movie    3. Musicals   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (17)

long ago & far away makes this one worth your time
rita hayworth shines but gene kelly is drab in this typical 40s musical, with a fine score by jerome kern & ira gershwin, and great supporting work from phil silvers and eve arden, both on the brink of stardom.
TRULY A GODDESS
This is arguably Hayworth's best-remembered musical, and it has such great dancing in it!!
Cover Girl1944
Rita Heyworth (1918-1987) , Gene Kelly (1912-1996) , Phil Silvers (1911-1985) , and Eve Arden (1909-1990) stars in in this lavishly produced musical about a nighclub dancer from Brooklyn who leaves her sweatheart after winning a Cover Girl Contest -only to learn that fame and fortune are no substitute for true love . COVER GIRL proved to be a turning pointin the history of the Hollywood musical . For the first time , the songs were not merely strung together , but were themself vital elements , serving to move the story forward . COVER GIRL wasalso a major turning point in the career of Gene Kelly , as it established himas virtouso Choreographer as well as a major dancing talent , The techically revolutionary "after ego" dancein which Kelly dances with himself , provided the inspiration of his later "Singing in the rain1952) numer and was , according to Kelly , the most difficult film sequence sheever done . COVER GIRL also cemented Hayworths reputation as Hollywood most talented female dancer . Betty Grable (1916-1973) herself admitted that Heyworth dances rings around here .
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Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals   

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Reviews (28)

More like 10 STARS
Ms. Day should have received an Oscar for this.Miss Girl Next Door really showed what she was made of.If you like suspense, glamor and real singing and acting, this is the movie for you.The restoration is wonderful and the sound terriffic.One of my favorite movies of all times. Cagney is at the top of his game and he and Day work GREAT together. This movie was produced when all the big musicals were coming to an end. SHE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN AN OSCAR, I'M TELLING YOU.

Why are some films so memorable even if we don't identify with their main characters?
Why do certain movies stay in the mind even though they do not have characters the viewer particularly identifies with?
Doris Days Greatest Triumph
One of the most talented performers to come out of the big band era a wonderful singer, and pretty good dramatic actress,
Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Musicals    4. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

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Reviews (10)

Great Pre-Code.
This film is short (68 minutes) and superbly entertaining. It tells the story of a Chinese evil scientist/warlord (Boris Karloff) who wants to seize the golden mask and sword which belonged to Genghis Khan, to dominate the world and impose the supremacy of Eastern Cultures over the "Western World".
KARLOFF AND LOY AT THEIR FIENDISH BEST
After having completed Frankenstein and The Mummy, Boris Karloff turned his considerable acting talents to playing Sax Rohmer's firendish Yellow Menace, Fu Manchu. Karloff in this picture is a sadistic monster. Even by the standards of the period, The Mask of Fu Manchu is VERY racist, but it is an exciting movie which has all the benefits of an MGM production, with cinematography by Tony Gaudio, and sets by Cedric Gibbons. Especially notable is the beautifully photographed and staged sequence of the opening of Genghis Khan's Tomb.
Fiendish fun
The Mask of Fu Manchu easily could have served as inspiration for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Archaeologists dash to retrieve a relic to save Western Civilization from the diabolic Dr. Fu Manchu. There's feats of derring-do. Scenes of despicable torture and heroic bravery.Read more

Subjects:  1. Horror    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Movie    4. Mystery / Suspense   

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Reviews (2)

Please Put On DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please put this wonderful classic on DVD at a modest price so that humble people such as myself can afford it.Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unabsorbing tale of father's devotion to cad of a son
Brian Aherne gives his son all he never had and turns the son into a spoiled, lying cad.Louis Hayward plays the cad.This goes on forever andis not at all interesting.Oscar nom for Art Direction.Conversionof son at end is totally unbelievable and Aherne has been such a blind fool all along that audience has no sympathy for him. ... Read more

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Reviews (5)

The Loves of Carmen 1948
Rita Heyworth (1918-1987) & Glenn Ford (1916- ) a superb pair in a marvelous story . The movie are full of temprament and passion , nobody could it play better than Rita , this marverlouse women . They are vibrant and volatile as impassioned lovers in this Romantic drama of Desire and revenge . Set in 18th-century Spain , this beautiful gypsy girl and respectable dragoon soldier ignite the screen with a love affair you?ll never forget ! . Do you need a better recommendation ! . Transfer in High resulution with superb shar and clear pictures . Truly Recommended ! Pure Hollywood nostalgic movie

She Was A Gypsy Woman
Based on Bizet's tragic Spanish opera, this was Rita Hayworth's first film made by her production company, Beckworth (derived from her screen surname and from the name of her daughter, Rebecca). She decided on her close friend and favorite leading man, Glenn Ford, as Don Jose to her Carmen. The results are far better than some reviews would have you believe.
RITA HAYWORTH GAVE GOOD FACE!!!
I recently decided to purchase this film on vhs instead of dvd, because I figured there were probably no extras. Needless to say I was extremely delighted at the superb quality of this movie on a used vhs tape!!! Rita was simply magnificent as the wild gypsy Carmen!!! She came alive as the red-haired vixen like no other. The dance scenes alone are worth seeing this passionate film. I agree with another reviewer who felt that Glenn Ford was miscast as the don who falls for the electrifying Carmen, but it's of very little importance because Rita Hayworth completely carries the film. When you have a film starring Rita Hayworth it doesn't matter who her co-star is!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (11)

Romance is alive and well!
I watched this film on a bad day and by the end of the movie i was feeling much better, it was lovely watching Elizabeth Taylor's character realise the mistakes she made and the music was fabulous, the film was one that Elizabeth Taylor herself said it should never have gone before a camera, but I'm so glad it did because it left a lasting impression and I would buy it in a second if it was on DVD....Acting was good, Music was good, Story Line was good, it will work for you if you are a true romantic.

Beautiful Movie all around!!!
This movie demonstrates the results of a big ego and of looking out only for your own wants and needs... then the second half shows how being a selfless person can not only make others benefit, but also gets you what you want when you're genuinely selfless and giving.There is also excellent music and Elizabeth Taylors great beauty at its best to set the scene.I'ts a pity this is not on DVD.The ending is REALLY great!!!

Liz Taylor's Rhapsody
I love this movie. Why? The music was fantastic. Victorio Gasman and John Ericson were gorgeous. I love that they play the instruments as if they know how to play them. And Liz's beauty was unreal. Anyway I am crazy for Liz's movies from the 40's and 50's except Cat on the Hot Thin Roof and Butterfield 8 which I could not stand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie    4. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

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Reviews (4)

Worth watching but not great...
Maybe the other reviewers are right about the historical significance of "The Desperadoes," but I'm in it for the entertainment and this film was only three-stars-worth.Except it was fun seeing Glenn Ford so VERY young and I could watch Randolph Scott jumping off his horse at the well over and over and not get at all bored.When men were men and all that jazz...

Not a "B" Western
"The Desperadoes" (1943) is a genuine classic, not for its story (which is fairly routine), but for its technical production elements. This was a landmark western, the biggest ever at the time of its release and all the more unique because it was a Columbia production-a lightweight studio with a bottom feeding reputation. Only Fox's "Jessie James" (also starring Randolph Scott) from a few years earlier gave anywhere near this lavish a treatment to the genre. Although it would be eclipsed in a few years by "The Searchers" and "High Noon", "The Desperadoes" was a ground breaking effort and a historical treasure.
A Pleasant, But Not Great Western
This is one of those early films where they just seemed to throw in a little bit of everything in hopes that they would draw large audiences.
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Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Westerns   

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Reviews (2)

Engaging Little Film
A charming, cute movie, the first to pair Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford, directed by Charles Vidor. Brian Aherne is funny and touching as Andre Morestan, the family man who finds himself a jury member on the case of young Natalie Roguin (Hayworth) accused of murdering her lover. After she is acquitted, Andre takes pity on the poor girl and gives her a job in his bicycle shop, as well as providing room and board, but concealing her true identity from his family. His son, Pierre (Ford), however, knows who she is as he stole into the courthouse one day during the trial. His obvious attraction to her is sweetly presented, with his clattering case of butterfingers. Only when he begins to suspect that she is having an affair with his father, does he reveal that he knows her true identity. After the misunderstanding is cleared up, the young duo fall in love, but Andre's opposition, as well as Natalie's fear of her true identity being revealed, puts a strain on the situation. Things change for the worse when the ne'er do well fianc?e, Robert (Edward Norris) of Pierre's sister Francoise (Evelyn Keyes, best remembered as Scarlett's whiny sister Suellen in GWTW), makes advances toward Natalie when he discovers the truth. Then Natalie's innocence comes into question in Andre's mind, until he learns that there is new evidence that Natalie indeed acted in self-defense. A happy little ending wraps up about an hour and a half of this interesting little gem. Irene Rich is great as Michele Morestan, wife and mother, who provides warmth and wisdom.
Domestic comedy
This Hayworth�s movie is a domestic comedy, but a vey charming one. The performance of Brian Aherne is excelent and Rita looks like a future movie star. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Of all the Danny Kaye movies, this musical biography of the legendary vagabond storyteller is definitely the most poignant, extending the performer's range far beyond his usual comic shtick. It may not be as funny as Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (36)

Hans Christian Andersen -Denmark
The DVD received can not be played on the Danish systems - guess that standards are different. But as it was meant as a present for our American relatives we hope it will work over there. Otherwise - well, we just lost our money, and so what?

Anderson a blast
I grew on Danny Kaye and other mogals of that age and i think i can safely say that Hans Christian Andersen is one of the best movies he's been in.It's a heartwarming story about the life of writer Hans Christian Andersen, told through song and dance as well as great acting.It's not one of Danny's more comical pieces, being a bit more serious, but it holds his classic trademarks in film.
Hans Christian Andersen - the movie
Have been looking for this for years, and so glad to have found it again.Particularly good for kids, as it tells many of his favorite stories, along with a lot of great songs. You will love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Of all the Danny Kaye movies, this musical biography of the legendary vagabond storyteller is definitely the most poignant, extending the performer's range far beyond his usual comic shtick. It may not be as funny as Read more

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Reviews (36)

Hans Christian Andersen -Denmark
The DVD received can not be played on the Danish systems - guess that standards are different. But as it was meant as