Editorial Review

Decades before the Hollywood film industry became famous for megabudget disaster and science fiction spectaculars, the studios of Southern California (and particularly Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) were renowned for a uniquely American (and nearly extinct) kind of picture known as The Musical. Indeed, when the prestigious British film magazine Read more

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• Original recording reissued
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Reviews (273)

Fun to Sing Along With!
Yes, I am one of those obnoxious friends who likes to sing along with the movie.And not only that, I've seen this one so many times, I can talk along with the dialogue, too!Yes, ladies and germs, this is Singin in the Rain!The fabulous movie that has brought you such unforgettable lines as:
Singing in the Rain -most excelent
This movie entertains over and over again.The quality of the film on the dvd is great.The extra's on the dvd are well worth it.If you love Gene Kelly this is one you will really treasure.

Amazing movie, even more amazing extras!
This film, I think, can be considered to be the greatest musical of all time. I just LOOOVED it! Gene Kelly's magic feet dance to catchy Jazz-Age tunes, there are colorful musical numers, and superb comedy. What more could you ask for? And I'm glad it's finally out on a 2-disc special edition, with great special features. I loved the documentaries on disc 2, but what I REALLY LIKED about the extras were the musical clips from the movies where the songs originated! I didn't know about Freed/Brown songs then, I was suprised to find out that the movie was based on all of those songs from the early talkies. Those clips just changed my life. I bought most of the movies they were excerpted from. Now I know who Eleanor Powell is, I know who Robert Taylor is, and I'm totally hooked on their films! I've seen practically all of Eleanor Powell's movies! I mostly love about the extras is the "I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'" clip. The first time I saw it, I was just dazed, and I was wondering who the heck Robert Taylor and June Knight were. I thought that musical number was the most beautiful and most escapist and most romantic number I'd ever seen in my life. Taylor and Knight make a LOVELY looking couple. Oh, and I've also seen 2 of June Knight's few films. So I bought Broadway Melody of 1936. Now, it's my favorite movie. If you don't see that you're missin' out big time. This movie, Singin' in the Rain started movie collecting which consists of over a 100 DVDs and rare VHSs. So I just want to say that Singin' in the Rain is one of my favorite movies of all time, and thank God for it, or else I'd never have liked musicals and old movies in the first place. P.S. The song "I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin' really should've been a big production musical number in Singin' in the Rain. Bet it would've turned out wonderful, because that's such a great song, maybe even better than the title tune! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musical Features    3. Musicals    4. Musicals & Cast Recordings    5. Musicals (Theatrical)   

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Reviews (10)

Linda Darnell was a beauty
and a good actress.I saw this movie years ago on a Sunday afternoon when I was a kid and loved it.Ms. Darnell was so stunning, and the story wasen't too corny.She played a simple farm girl who had big ambitions.If you can look past the men swaggering, calling each other out and the laughable "Come here wench!" dialogue, it's really kind of a modern woman wanting more for herself than what men think she should have and be happy with.George Sanders is at his sarcastic, snippy and sleazy best, as the king.Wish this was on DVD.Enjoy!

MAKE SURE YOU READ THE BOOK!
I recently finished the 1944 book, giving it a 5-star rating.I was intrigued when I discovered the movie.It is roughly edited and the plot is very choppy.I was glad that I had read the book prior to its viewing. There are too many characters with little to no background explanation or development(and they all look alike).The storyline is abbreviated (leaving out major segments of the book and its plot development), but you do get some idea of the culture of King Charles II's court and times, and Amber's "Me 1st attitude" and total self-absorption. Not worth the buy, but rental an option for a rainy day.

great movie
If you like the older movies you will love this one. Good acting, good story line & great actors. scenes are beautiful ... Read more

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

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Reviews (32)

Calling Criterion...
This is a great film.It grabs the attention from the opening credits and never lets up.I've seen it several times over the years on TV (in a no doubt "cleaned up for TV version"), but now it's time for a DVD, dammit!
Run for Your Life: Exciting Realism
An all time great film with Cornel Wilde starring and producing the film. This adventure film offers a respectful portrayal of African life with a guide (Wilde) on his last hunting safari with an arrogant group of white hunters. Insult turns toultimate and dramatic revenge as the insulted tribe acts to even the score in a barbaric and frightening fashion. You pity the ignorant whites as they suffer cruel and horrible death along with their African aides. In respect to Wilde, the tribe allows him a brave's death allowing him to run for his life with a head start with nothing but his bare skin. Wilde is followed by single tribesman staggered in pursuit but his initial success against his adversaries result in pursuit by a well armed platoon of tribesman led by an angry and possessed leader that will not stop. Filmed on location in Africa, Wilde plays the part realistically, almost in documentary style, virtually living the role as he eats what he can in this marathon pursuit. Portraying the harshness of African life in the mid 20th century, you can relate to the cruelty of Darfur today with a scene of Arabs raiding a peaceful village brutally making them slaves for sale. The film features non-stop excitement with a race to the death that reaches its climax, with all characters gasping for air, only at the very end of the film. You won't catch your own breath until the credits pass.

fantastic film. lease the rights! release a DVD!!!!
This is one of the great films; unfortunately somewhat unknown.
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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

This quiet, sentimental 1968 drama based on the Carson McCullers novel is considered a classic contemporary coming-of-age film about alienation and love. Alan Arkin (Read more

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Reviews (19)

American Pastoral: captures the spirit of McCullers' poetic study of loneliness
No, it's not the novel, which is a multi-plotted study of four characters whose lives are symmetrically developed and eventually tied together like the themes in a sonata, all of them linked by their attraction to a deaf-mute as an alternative to a profound sense of futility, despair and, above all, loneliness felt by each of the four.The ultimate irony is that the only character who affords the others a solace from their alienation is himself the most isolated and miserable character in the story, denied even an illusory companionship when his only friend dies.
A Message To All Of Us
This is, as promoted, simply a nice story about a really good guy: a deaf mute who helps some people and, in the end, desperately needed someone to help him.
A movie you will probally want to see agian.

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

Editorial Review

When Samuel (Lukas Haas), a young Amish boy traveling with his mother Rachel (Kelly McGillis), witnesses the murder of a police officer in a public restroom, he and his mother become the temporary wards of John Book (Harrison Ford), a detective who's been assigned to solve the crime. After suspect lineups and mug-shot books yield nothing, Samuel, in the most memorable scene of the film, recognizes the murderer as a narcotics agent whose picture he sees in the precinct. Once Book realizes that the police chief is in on it, too, he whisks Samuel and Rachel back home to Amish country, where he himself goes into hiding as a plain Amish man. The juxtaposition between the life of the Amish and the violence of inner-city police corruption work surprisingly well for the story, and Kelly McGillis as the falling in love widow gives an almost perfect performance. Directed by Peter Weir, the film is extremely successful in drawing the viewer into its world and, accordingly, is immensely entertaining. The only thing that mars its polish is the one-dimensional, almost cartoonish handling of the upper-echelon police corruption--a subtler, more realistic treatment of this aspect of the story would have rendered the film near perfect. Read more

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Reviews (95)

Yes, A great movie, but...
Yes, this is a classic movie, but get the newer, "Special Collector's Edition". You can find it on by searching Amazon for (ASIN):
Fast delivery, great quality!!!
The DVD arrived in perfect condition, and exactly when I was told it would arrive.Great transaction experience!

Witness (Special Collector's Edition)
I have always loved this film!However, the uncut version has some completely unnecessary nudity that doesn't enhance the movie, but does restrict who can watch it.It's a shame. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie    4. Mystery / Suspense   

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Reviews (6)

Ghosts, Soldiers, and Little Girls
In England, there is a castle that belonged to the Canterville family, a family known for their cowardice. During the 1600s, one such member Sir Simon of Canterville (Charles Laughton) fled from a duel to defend his brother's honor. His father was so ashamed with his son, that he walled him up to die in the castle. Since then, he was cursed to roam about a night until a member of the family performed a brave act in his honor.
Frank Y.WWII Era Movie Fan
A great film, and a great slice of the spirit of WWII!
Delightful ghost story based on a classic tale
Based on a short story by non other than the legendary Oscar Wilde this version of the "The Canterville Ghost" makes really delightful viewing boasting top notch production values, a superb cast in fine form,and a terrific look that gives the film an appealing and enjoyable appearance.Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedy    2. Comedy Video    3. Drama    4. Feature Film-comedy    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Clifton Webb brings the imperious fussiness that made him a prissy film noir icon in such films as Read more

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Reviews (14)

DVD please
I would buy at least one copy if Sitting Pretty were available on DVD.
SITTING PRETTY

Lynn Belvedere Makes Sitting Pretty an Absolute HOOT & HOLLER! Laugh Fest!

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Subjects:  1. Comedy Video    2. Drama    3. Feature Film-comedy   

Editorial Review

Based upon T.H. White's beloved novel, this Disney-fied version chronicles the tutoring of the Once and Future King, Arthur, as handled by the magician Merlin. Read more

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Reviews (68)

MERLIN TAKES THE FUTURE KING ARTHUR AND US ALL ON THE ULTIMATE THRILL RIDE
IN A NUTSHELL: GREAT HIGH FANTASY UTILIZING CREATIVE ANIMATION
The Sword in the Stone
I bought the video for my son.My package arrived quickly and in perfect condition.Brand new in sealed wrap.

Excellent movie, excellent music
This is a quiet little movie, with some real delights within. My guys love the gaunty music, the ideas of turning into animals, and the bright colors. Its a great little classic, perfect for those rainy days when you can't go to the park! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

A tale about a fatherless boy finding dramatically different father figures throughout a remarkable adventure, Read more

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Reviews (55)

Johny Depp eat your heart out
This is a great pirate film. Based on a great novel. Though it lacks a love interest it is none the less a fine story. Superbly acted. Heston really did a great job. Superbly costumed. Excellent sets. Beutiful scenery.

Give Ted Turner the BLACK SPOT if he doesn't put this on DVD!
Okay....CLEARLY, there are many of us who have vehemently and emphatically stated how badly we want this movie to be RELEASED ON DVD!So, Mr. Turner....what's the deal?My wife and I saw this movie when it was first aired on TV, and INSTANTLY fell in love with it.It is, as others have mentioned, THE BEST PIRATE MOVIE EVER!As we all know, the TV and movie industries are all about $$$, and the bar silver surely awaits Turner Home Video should they release this AMAZING MASTERPIECE on DVD!We turned various family members on to this movie when it first aired, and we all agree that Charlton Heston IS LONG JOHN SILVER.
f--k tnt
i am seriously boycotting everything tnt does until they release this on dvd the lazy b------s. f--k muppet treasure island, all the little animals, etc. and f--k tnt and ted turner especially. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

John Huston was eager for a lightweight lark, and Read more

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Reviews (21)

Looking for a DVD (and might I suggest a Re-make?)
First of all, I have no idea why this film is not available on DVD yet. You might be looking at my rating right now and thinking "He only gave it 3 stars? Who cares if it comes out on DVD!" Let me explain.
DVD, PLEASE!!
When, when, when is this terrific movie going to come out on DVD?The mystery is great, the acting terrific and I defy anyone who sees it for the first time to figure it out!

Huston In A Minor Key
While not necessarily one of the shining stars of director John Huston's career, "The List of Adrian Messenger" is a fairly engrossing mystery. George C. Scott stars as a retired MI-5 inspector who is given a list of 11 men by his good friend Adrian Messenger (John Merivale). When the men on the list--and Messenger himself--all end up dead, Scott must discover what links them together, and who is eliminating them one by one. The excellent supporting cast includes Herbert Marshall, Jacques Roux, and Dana Wynter, but the central gimmick of the film is spotting the cameo appearances by Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, and Robert Mitchum. It's not hard to spot the heavy makeup; it's tougher figuring out who is behind it. Huston himself also makes a cameo toward the end, but without makeup.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Mystery / Suspense   

Editorial Review

The late French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse made this classic, 1956 short work about a lonely little Parisian boy (Pascal Lamorisse) befriended by a large red balloon, which seems to have a will of its own. As with his preceding short, 1952's Read more

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• Color
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Reviews (77)

Memorable
I first saw this film when I was in junior high, growing up in Compton, CA. I'm 53 yrs. old and still have pleasant memories of this film.
A Beautiful Film
My mother was a big foreign film buff, and made me go with her to see every last one of them that came through town. I don't think I've ever been as touched as I was when I saw this one.
AN AWESOME, MEMORABLE, FLICK!
Hi! I read the review from "Paulo Leite" & when they mentioned all the "Scratches & Marks" on this film, I am afraid to purchase it.
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Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Drama    3. Feature Film-drama    4. International    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Looking for a way to make the American Revolution come alive for yourchild? Based on Esther Forbes'sbook of the same name, Read more

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• Live
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Reviews (44)

Not the best Introduction to the American Revolution
Had very high hopes for this movie of introducing the American Revolution in an entertaining way. The movie is an adaptation of the Newbery Award winning historical novel Johnny Tremain which is set during the American Revolution. The movie is okay but not at the exceptional level one generally thinks of for a Disney movie. The highlight of the DVD is Walt Disney talking about human freedom in the Special Feature The Making of Johnny Tremain and Introduction to the movie. As a possible alternative around Independence day would recommend the PBS documentary American Experience John and Abigail Adams which also covers this period.

Johnny Tremain - DVD
This DVD covered a lot of the material mentioned in our school's Socical Studies curriculum.I used it as a supplement my curriculum because it provides a great visual of this time of history.I felt the themes of the importance of religion in peoples' lives, apprenticeship, rise of patriotism, and the means the minute men used to fight the war were explained well.

FROM THE "BOSTON TEA PARTY" TO "PAUL REVERE'S RIDE" JOHNNY TREMAIN ENTERTAINS!
"Johnny Tremain" is among the most entertaining historical films ever produced.Disney's American Revolution films, such as "Dr. Syn Alias the Scarecrow," "The Swamp Fox" tv series, and "Johnny Tremain" are not only enjoyable feature films, they give the viewer a history lesson in the bargain.Young Hal Stalmaster plays Johnny, who is the son of a rich aristocratic woman who dies, leaving her son a sterling silver cup with the engraving LYTE on it.Johnny Lyte Tremain is secretly the heir to an English noble family of great wealth.As the story unfolds, he's caught up in the early stages of the coming American Revolution, with the Boston Tea Party and the Ride of Paul Revere to be played out with great performances by all.This movie was made for tv, however, plays as a theater release.The dvd transfer has some glitches and the color is not as vibrant as it should be.I taped this movie from the Disney channel and my vhs tape copy is more clear and the color has more depth.I highly recommend "Johnny Tremain" to fans of "Dr. Syn Alias the Scarecrow," "The Swamp Fox" tv series, and to all Disney dvd collectors."Johnny Tremain" is a definite essential to American history buffs and makes a great addition to any dvd library.
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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

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

Reviews (30)

Please vote for Blue Bird to be released on DVD!
I've never seen this film, but I've seen clips of it!
Lovely Adaptation of Maeterlinck's Classic Play
Curly Shirley Temple lends her dimpled, pouty-mouthed winsomeness to the tale of a young girl and her brother(Johnny Russell)who live in Austria/Bavaria during the Napoleanic Wars.
wonderful movie
I have enjoyed this movie for many years. Yes Shirley plays a spoiled kid, and she doesn't sing or dance, but that does not take away from the beauty of the story. I would highly recommend this movie for kids and adults alike, of course adults with a child like heart will enjoy more. War breaks out daddy is drafted
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Subjects:  1. Children    2. Comedies    3. Family    4. Movie    5. Musicals   

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Reviews (8)

Martin and Lewis are no "Ghost Breakers"
"Scared Stiff" is a remake of a 1940s Bob Hope comedy called "The Ghost Breakers" which was directed by George Marshall, who also happened to direct this version as well.
VERY GOOD COMEDY HORROR SPOOF
Martin and Lewis teamed again in 1953 for this fun comedy horror that is somewhat of a remake of Bob Hope's Ghostbreakers.martin plays nightclub singer Larry Todd and Lewis is busboy Myron Mertz who flee a murder charge to a mysterious caribbean island inherited by wealthy heiress Mary Carroll.There's some genuinely spooky set pieces and scenes in the film although the horror element fades quickly when Dean stars singing.It's just not a great mix i guess.Lewis does well treading on ground set forth by many earlier comedy stars including the Three Stooges and Abbott & Costello and is his usual, manic, slapstick self.One only wishes there were a bit more horror than song to the film but I guess Dean had to have his requisite numbers in the movie.
A Martin and Lewis essential...
The reason why I found this particular Martin and Lewis film 100% pleasing is because it not only incorporates classic M&L antics, jokes and over-the-top characterizations of both men, it also includes a steady storyline that is easy and entertaining to follow. Although the seldom dull storyline is due to the already established original film "Ghost Breakers" the film is quite worth viewing for any M&L fan, especially since most plots of M&L films are slightly less stable. Therefore, along with such M&L films as "The Stooge" and "My Friend Irma" (which the exception of M&L not being 'headliners' in their first film), "Scared Stiff" is a M&L essential. However, for less entusiastic fans of the comedy team, the original "Ghost Breakers" release may seem to deserve more credit; personally, having not seen the original film in addition to my neverending admiration for M&L, "Scared Stiff" is a wonderful addition to my M&L video collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

This lush, perfectly cast 1969 drama concerns both a doomed, royal loveaffair and a pivotal moment in British history. Based on Maxwell Anderson's 1948 play, Read more

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Reviews (66)

this movie is my all time fav and needs to be released on DVD
more of the same as other reviews have said......I am an anglophile of sorts and this film has been my favorite period historical drama since I was a teenager and saw it on tv years ago.
A great period drama!
I think what makes "Anne of the Thousand Days" stand out among the period films churned out by Hollywood is the outstanding screenplay by Maxwell Anderson. While a few historical liberties are taken for the sake of the flow of the story, Anderson captures the tumultuous rise and catastrophic fall of a young English aristocratic lady who once caught the glance of a king. Richard Burton totally projects Henry VIII's obsessive, all-consuming lust that is willing to destroy his wife, his daughter, his best friends, his church and thousands of his subjects in order to obtain his lady. Richard looks at Genevieve Bujold (Anne Boleyn) with such a mix of torment, passion and guilt that it is almost as if he were looking at Elizabeth Taylor,but such is the great actor's ability to become Henry VIII in this film. Bujold is magnificent as Anne, graceful, witty, winsome, and strong-willed. I was struck by the unhappiness of the couple when they were finally together, living in opulence from the confiscated monasteries. Henry's love of Anne seemed to die almost as soon as he finally sated his desire for her. Bujold's Anne goes to her death with brash dignity, while Henry moves on to another wife. An incredible tragedy in which many innocent people suffered is well-depicted with authentic costumes and stunning sets.

Grows on you
I used to really hate this one for all the inaccuracies it contained. Then, as the years went by, I mellowed out and also saw some truly terrible adaptations of this same material. Every time I see this one, I like it more. The story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn is inherently melodramatic, and so easy to get wrong. This film hits the mark far more often than it misses. It looks great, is cast superbly and tells an engaging, well-paced story. Yes, some license is taken (Katharine of Aragon is once again a dark, accented Spaniard, Thomas More isn't permitted to make his famous scaffold speech, Mary Boleyn is portrayed as "fallen" and abandoned, divorce was in fact common among 16th century nobility, etc.), and I still say that what 20th century writers invent often isn't as interesting as the real thing. Still, there's enough here to make it well worth the full purchase price, and it even tugs at the ol' heartstrings in a way few historical dramas do. Recommended! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

A Halloween treat. Elmo visits fellow Sesame Street Muppet the Count in the latter's castle--and gets scared for a moment. But only a moment, as more friends from the television program show up, and jokes, songs, and surprises abound. Among the clever tunes: "Transylvania 1-2-3-4-5," "We Are All Monsters," and "Frazzle." Read more

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• Animated
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• Live
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Reviews (24)

My three year old son thinks it is too scary
Well, this is cute.I like it.But my three year old son (who normally likes Elmo and who normally like Halloween) is scared to watch it.He doesn't want me to play it--he asks for Dora's Halloween instead.
Very cute Elmo video
Nothing like Best of Elmo but entertaining for a 2 yeard old.Wasn't dissapointed.

A favorite
Of all the Elmo movies my daughters own, this one (and wild wild west) are their favorites. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Children's Video    3. Childrens    4. Family    5. Movie    6. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

A little-known gem, Read more

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Reviews (13)

A great Nevil Shute novel made into a great movie
Another Nevil Shute novel made into a movie. Shute's main character here is Mr Honey a "boffin"! There is something magical about the way James Stewart brings a character to life and his Mr. Honey is a charming, lovable, believable boffin. The cast, including Jack Hawkins, Glynis Johns, Marlene Dietrich,Kenneth Moore, Wilfrid Hyde-White and too many other to name here have worked together bringing the novel "No Highway" beautifully to the screen. This movie was made a long time ago (1951) in wonderful black & white, but it is not, or ever will be old! The subject of the story is still one of the mai