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Reviews (3)

Thank Heaven for Little Girls
This smash musical that won the Oscar for best dance direction was headlined by leggy Eleanor Powell abetted by a cast of superb dancers who danced, well.. spectacularly.
Strictly for Musical Fans!
So far this is my favorite Broadway Melody movie from the series. Anyway the movie stars Robert Taylor, Eleanor Powell, Jack Benny, Una Merkel and Buddy Ebsen.
Very Cliche, But Lots of mid-1930s Musical Charm
The plot of BROADWAY MELODY OF 1938 is a classic of its kind.Bob Gordon (popular matinee idol Robert Taylor) is producing a Broadway musical--but he runs afoul of actress and financial backer Lilly Brent (June Knight), who sees herself not only as the star of the show but Bob's ladylove as well.When their "romance" is played up by gossip columnist Bert Keeler (Jack Benny) fireworks ensue, and matters are further complicated by the arrival of Bob's old flame Irene Foster (Eleanor Powell) who has come to make her fortune as a dancer on the Great White Way.Read more

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Editorial Review

The hit Broadway musical from the 1940s gets a lavish if not always exciting workout in this 1955 film version directed by old lion Fred Zinnemann (Read more

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Reviews (109)

20th Century Ripoff!!!
I specifically waited to buy this on DVD hoping to get a Todd-AO version and not just the Cinemascope version.The freaking Laserdisc looks better than this!I, for one, will not be buying any more "special editions" without reading the reviews in Amazon or elsewhere when it comes to 20th Century ripoff.This release reminds me of all the 20Th Laserdiscs that were first released when laser was just starting out and how poorly the transfers were treated...now it seems we're right back to the good old bad transfer days of yore.Yuk, I recommend that no one buy ANY of their discs (especially the upcoming crappy versions of STAR WARS non-anamorphic, non-5.1 sound original movies).These people suck big time!
great
A true musical theater classic.Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Visual diappointment for a great format
Like several others, I agree that the Cinemascope version was well presented, but what a disappointment as far as the Todd-ao digital transfer! The original release I bought in 1999 gives a much clearer and brighter Todd-ao version that gives you a much better idea of what the original may have looked like. I enjoyed seeing "The Miracle of Todd-ao" again, but similarly the realism that was present in the original was lost, either due to poor quality of stock or inabilty to be able to digitally correct and sharpen the image. (I find it hard to imagine that Fox couldn't resore it better).There was an apology printed on our Region 4 version.
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Editorial Review

Having proven itself as a favorite film of children around the world, Read more

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Reviews (326)

Gene Wilder IS Willy Wonka
Wow this is one of the best family movies ever made.Though Johnny Depp was OK albeit more than a bit creepy in the 2005 movie, Gene Wilder will always be the only Willy Wonka for me.Sure the movie is a bit dated in regards to a 70's look and no modern special effects but does it really matter?This book is so true to Dahl's original children's book and the songs, characters and sets match up exactly to what I envision when I read it.I love Jack Albertson as Grandpa too.Even if you have seen the modern film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory you must treat yourself to watching this one.

Can't Beat Gene Wilder as Wonka
He will ever be the image of Willie Wonka. No one else will ever come close.
A Child's Paradise
"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is one of those rare films that bridges the child-adult film gap.Persons of all ages can watch, eyes wide, and revel in Willy Wonka's eccentricities and Charlie's inate goodness and splendid luck.The film, more than 30 years old, hardly feels its age.Made in a time before computerized special effects, the relative cheese quotient only serves to make the film that much more charming.
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Editorial Review

One of the finest American musicals, this 1944 film by Vincente Minnelli is an intentionally self-contained story set in 1903, in which a happy St. Louis family is shaken to their roots by the prospect of moving to New York, where the father has a better job pending. Judy Garland heads the cast in what amounts to a splendid, end-of-an-era story that nicely rhymes with the onset of the 20th century. The film is extraordinarily alive, the characters strong, and the musical numbers are so splendidly part of the storytelling that you don't feel the film has stopped for an interlude. Read more

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Reviews (141)

Meet me in St. Louis
Great Buy.Very happy with my purchase.Thanks

Judy Garland's Best Film Ever!
I first saw this movie when I was seven years old and it has been one of my all-time favorites ever since. The cinematography is gorgeous. The technicolor brings out the lush set designs and costumes. This is one those movies that you should watch if you're feeling sick or depressed. It never fails to make me feel better! The catchy tunes are beautifully sung by the talented Judy Garland. Among them are "The Boy Next Door" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". The uncomplicated problems of the Smith family are a great escape from the complex lives that modern people lead.

MEET ME IN ST.LOUIS!!!! A Charming Look Back At The Good Old Days
This has quickly become one of my favorite musicals. With breathtaking sets and Minnelli's beautiful eye for detail this movie has a powerful impact and is simply breathtaking. Often forgotten and overlooked by Broadway this movie is powerful with it's music and it's all-star cast. Judy Garland gives a performance that rivals her "Wizard Of Oz" one and in my opinon deserved an Oscar for her job as Esther.
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Editorial Review

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Reviews (143)

The Music Man
Terrific piece of Americana, enhanced by Preston's bravado and Wilson's witty script and score. Comic touches abound, and the film's resolution actually has a bit of zing! One of two films guaranteed to bring me to tears, time and time again. Who wouldn't want to be Harold Hill?

The Music Man
Robert Preston is the best Professor Hill. This is definitely a classic keeper you want in your collection

The Music Man 1961(Special Edition)
The Music Man , the joyfull film of the 1,375-performance Broadway smash , remains an irresistible skyburts of Americana . Robert Preston (1918-1987) recreates his Tony-winning Broadway triuph as con artirst Harold Hill , arriving in River City, Iowa to form a boys band , much to the dispproval...And later delight of town liberarian Marian Paroo ( Shirley Jones (1934- ) , Buddy Hackett (1924-2003) , Hermione Gingold (1897-1987) , Paul Ford (1901-1976) , and Ron Howard (1954) co-stars . Meredith Willson (1902-1984) sassy , brassy score , is orchestred to Oscar-winning effect by Ray Heindorf (1908-1980).Digitally mastered from restored elements , this NEW EDITION offers revitalized picture and vibrantly remixed Dolby Digital Surround Stereo . Recommended ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Family    3. Movie    4. Musicals    5. Musicals & Cast Recordings    6. Musicals (Theatrical)   

Editorial Review

Hollywood's legendary "woman's director," George Cukor (Read more

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Reviews (204)

My Fair Lady
All time classic musical/drama/love story.
A Wonderful Movie
I loved this movie.It is a very classic story set to wonderful music.The interactions between Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison make this a real gem worth seeing over and over.

fantastic!
My Fair Lady is wonderful. (A bit chauvanistic for our time though). Eliza is a spitfire. The music is wonderful.
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Editorial Review

This irresistible Oscar winner from writer-director Leo McCarey (Read more

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Reviews (14)

Crosby Classic
If you were raised Catholic in the 20th century, you know that among the clergy, you had your staid, old-school, well, OLD-COUNTRY types, who struck bemusement--if not out and out fear--in the hearts of children and adults in the parish. Then you had your spirited, fun-loving priests (and nuns), who weren't above playing a few innings of baseball or running a sack race.
Performances overcome schmaltz
"Going My Way" is a multiple Oscar winner from 1944, including best picture, actor, supporting actor, director, screenplay, original story, and song.It's also the kind of movie that's been lampooned multiple times over the years, for good reason; its naivete is matched only by its charm.The hokey story involves a young priest who must gently take over a parish from the old priest who built the church building 45 years earlier, and his struggles to quietly do things in a new, progressive way that makes the old fella uncomfortable.He also has to turn a street gang into a choir, guide a female 18-year-old runaway onto the straight and narrow, and cope with a mortgage that's about to swallow the parish whole.And naturally, all of this is accomplished without anyone ever coming dangerously close to losing their temper.
Bing Crosbyhelps aCatholic church and the older priest.
Paramount Pictures.Bing Crosby plays "Father O'Malley who has been sent to the Church of Saint Dominic to assist with the older priest Father Fitzgibbon (dearly played by 5 foot 3, born in Ireland, actor Barry Fitzgerald) who has been there for 45 years.Young Father O'Malley is in charge of straightening out Saint Dominic since it is in the worse way without hurting the feelings of the old priest.However, with the Bishop's understanding, Father Fitzgibbon is to stay there as the Pastor.Father Timothy O'Dowd (Frank McHugh) of the nearby Saint Frances, drops by to offer support to his St. Louis childhood friend.O'Malley is able to take care of the church mortgage, get the boys interested in baseball and begin a boys chior with Carl Switzer ("Alfalfa" of Little Rascals/Our Gang) and O'Malley plays golf too.Won Academy Award for Best Picture, Both Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald won their own Academy Award and the new song "Swinging On A Star" also was a winner."Silent Night" and "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo" are also sung.William Frawley has a good role (nearly eight years before he did the "I Love Lucy" tv series).April 27, 2004 marks the 60th Anniversary of this fine film.Followedthe next year by the sequel: THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S (1945). ... Read more

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I saw this when i was 10 years old.
....and it is still my favorite Rise Stevens and Nelson Eddy movie.Rise Stevens i thought was the most beautfiul women i've ever seen back then. She has the most facial expressions i have also ever seen in a movie to this date.Nelson Eddy in everything he did was just wonderful.This movie is a light hearted comedy about love and trust of a married couple but who's wife has a wondering eye for male members of the audience white she is singing. Her husband thinks that she is in love with someone else dresses up as a Russian Baran to try to catch her in the act of cheatingShe knows almost right away that this is her husband but he thinks that she is falling inlove with this stranger who is really her husband anyway.At the end during the final scene of one of there operas the truth is revealed for a most happy, funny and musical climatic moments true to the fasion of those great MGM musicals.This light operatta has one beautiful number after another with my favorite song "My hero".This is filmed in beautful black & white and the sound for it's time is still very strong and powerful.A great film that is in every sense a true romantic musical.

Rise Stevens is wonderful...
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Editorial Review

Robert Donat won an Oscar for his portrayal of the humble British don in the 1939 film Read more

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Reviews (44)

Getting there...slowly
So - the CD soundtrack to this wonderful movie has finally been released.Don't delay, FSM are only producing a few copies of it (and I have one of them!).FSM are to be congratulated on a beautifully produced set of three CDs.Pure magic!
Good Bye Mr Chips with Peter O'Toole and Petual Clark
One of the finest films ever produced with outstanding music.I have other editions of this story, but none reach the standards of this masterpiece.I look forward to a release of this DVD.

One of the finest musicals we possess
It has always been a mystery to me as to the reasons behind the fashionable distaste for the musical version of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips."I've never been able to solve the mystery, but it is merely fashionability.The score is one of the most beautiful ever written -- I've listened to it across the span of my entire life from the time it was released in 1969 and have yet to find it anything but extraordinary.The film is a moving depiction of what love is really about and never fails to move me.The performances by both Peter O'Toole (why has Hollywood thought it useful to cheat this great actor of his due with a "real" Oscar -- sheer jealousy?) and Petula Clark are extraordinary. Yet, a strange, and, to me, bizarre cult of disparagement has risen about this film. Don't be fooled by fools who wish to belittle real talent.This is one of the all-time great musicals. Don't miss it. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Well, bless my beautiful hide! Director Stanley Donen investsthis rollicking musical with a hearty exuberance. Howard Keel, with his big-as-all-outdoors baritone, stars as a bold "mountain man" living inthe Oregon woods who brings home a bride (plucky songbird soprano JanePowell) to his six slovenly brothers. Taming the rambunctious brood, Janeproceeds to make gentlemen of them so they can woo sweethearts of their own. Butold habits die hard: their flirting gives way to fighting in the film'scelebrated barn-raising scene, a lively acrobatic dance number exuberantly choreographed by Michael Kidd. Big brother chimes in with his own brandof advice--an old-fashioned kidnapping! Donen manages to get away withsuch a politically incorrect plot by investing the boys with a innocent sweetness, most notably the youngest brother played with genialearnestness by Rusty (Russ) Tamblyn (pre-Read more

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Reviews (129)

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - True Entertainment
This 1954 musical release is just too good/too fun to pass up. Adam (Howard Keel - oh my god, what a voice) needs a wife and zeros in on Milly (Jane Powell) to drag back to his Oregon Territory farm and six unruly brothers. The tiny beauty has a backbone and rises to the challenge. Milly makes believers out of them. The brothers decide they want wives of their own and kidnap more cuties from town. Whoops, they forgot to drag the preacher along too and the pass gets snowed-in for winter.
A Great Hollywood Musical
A huge backwoodsman comes into town one day, looking at all the unmarried women in town.The next thing you know he has found a woman who wants to marry him, they get hitched and they head for his home in the mountain.The man is Adam Pontipee, played by Howard Keel.The woman is Milly Pontipee, played by beautiful Jane Powell.Of course Adam's search for a bride is accompanied by a song and glares from many of the townspeople.
Bless those Sobbin' Women!
My sibling's and I loved this movie when we were young.Something about the movie made my sister and I bond, by fighting over which brother was the cutiest, and we could always con my brother into learning the dances with us!It truly is a movie that brought my family closer.I gave the DVD to both of them for Christmas a few years ago, and somehow, one of us always pulls out a copy when we are all together and we end up watching it.
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According to its opening voiceover, Read more

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Reviews (12)

Re-Mastered DVD a MUST !!!
This and "ALL" of the mgm musicals need to be re-mastered in Dolby Digital DVD right away so we can ENJOY the way it was meant to be seen...

Typical Esther Williams
Neptune's Daughter is a farcical story of an Olympic swimmer named Eve who becomes a swimsuit designer.As a result of her beauty and talent in the pool, a businessman proposes that Eve join his swimsuit firm as head designer and model.Ester Williams as Eve plays the part of the 'trained seal' who designs the swimsuits.Her other charge is her little sister Betty, an unhappily unmarried woman determined to do just about anything to rectify her man-less situation.As we can see, poor Eve has her hands full.Not only is she a competent career woman, she must also baby-sit Betty as she throws herself at the South American polo team (appropriately coming to town for the North-South American polo match that month).Of course, the handsome man comes along (Jos�, the captain of said polo team) and despite many silly mix-ups, all works out in the end: Eve and Betty both get married to their respective men and the world is set straight again. Very pleasing musical!
Great songs, and two love stories in one make Neptune's Daughter a movie to watch when you need a good pick-me-up.You'll be humming the songs for the rest of the day, and if you're like me you'll fall in love with the dress(you'll know which one!)! One of my favorite musicals. ... Read more

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Reviews (15)

A Movie That Told The Real Story
After seeing the movie, I did some research on the life of Eddy Duchin. The movie closely follows his real life, not a spectacular made up story for the audience.Tyrone Power plays Eddy Duchin powerfully. It is a story of a person who, without any formal paiano training but with a dream. comes to New York to make it through fortitude at the then Casino in Central Park and subsequently at the Waldorf Astoria. It is sad how his wife, played by Kim Novak, dies after child birth and he dies at the age of 31 of leukemia.It reveals the lack of medical knowledge during his time. The music is great. The conflicts between Eddy and his son Peter are brought out. The movie ends on a sad note when Eddy dies after finally obtaining the love of his son who felt abandoned by his father.

Beautiful
This movie tells the history of Eddy Duchin, a great pianist.
Clap at a movie screen?

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Reviews (37)

In the good old Summertime 1949
IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME -a tale of squabbling music shop clerk who dont know they are romantic pen pals -shares a celebrated movie lineage that includes many remakes . In betwheen those two Judy Garland (1922-1969) and Van Johnson (1916- ) , had mail plus gold old tunes evoking an era of strawboaters and silvery moons . Sparked by Garland?s comedic zest and musical appeal this confections is one of the sweetest , most unpretentious entertainment of 1949 . It?s also a nostalgic farawell and a sunny hallo . Buster Keaton (1895-1966) appears in his final film for the studios he first joined in 1928 and hi is enormoeus funny in this movie . Liza Minelli (1946-) , all of 18 months young makes her debut in the finale . A Superb M-G-M Musical from the biggest and best studio of that time , Transfer in Ultra-Resolution Quality . Recommended

good musical
lot of good songs--enjoyed it very much--can't beat Liza singing "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas"

Classic Delight
This is my favorite Judy Garland movie.The DVD is a faithful reproduction of the movie and has, as expected, a pictorial clarity unheard of in the movie era.The flawless reproduction is tarnished, however, in a scene near the end of the movie.In the scene, the lights are low and were corrected to present reality.They were rendered so dark that the stars, Van Johnson and Judy Garland, were nothing more than silhouettes on the screen.From the tape version of the movie, this scene was one of Judy's most hilarious scenes, attributed to the expressions she delivered in response to Mr. Johnson's advances, both of which were unseen in the black.The DVD is worth watching, but, for students of Judy Garland's talents, a tape version clarifies the omissions of the DVD. ... Read more

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Reviews (52)

All should see
First saw this movie as a child over twenty years ago--loved it then--love it now.A must see by all.The music of Curtis Mayfield combined with the timeless talents of Irene Cara, Lonette McKey, Dorian Haywood, Phillip Michael Thomas, etc. created a classic.

"Sparkle"
The movie Sparkle is simply the best of the best classic's beyond a shadow of a doubt.Sparkle has superb acting and simply beautiful music written by Curtis Mayfield and song by none other than the "Queen Aretha Franklin".
Sparkle Shines!
Sparkle is a classic. The acting, music and story never go out of style. If you haven't seen it, by all means do and if you have then see it again to relive the magic. I've been searching for this on DVD for a while now, I still can't believe a classic such as this hasn't been put to DVD yet. ... Read more

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Reviews (10)

More than 100 minutes of pure fun !
I must say I decided to review this film because it had so much negative reviews. I LOVE this film. It's pure fun and completely crazy and it's fine like that. If you want to watch an art film, don't watch an Elvis Presley film.
PleaseRelease This On DVD!!!!!!!!
Please release this wonderful Evis Classic"Stay Away Joe" on DVD.So spread the word.Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DANCES WITH WOLVES of 1968
Before people lose their minds about the title of my review, just think about this: I genuinely wonder how the Native American community viewed this film when it was released.Sure, the stereotypes we see in STAY AWAY, JOE are now considered highly offensive--that Native Americans are irresponsible and alcoholic and such--but were they thrilled to be shown in a movie where they weren't getting shot off a horse by John Wayne?
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Reviews (10)

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy with A Touch Of Spice
"Sweethearts", would have to be along with the classic "Maytime", my absolute favourite of all the MacDonald/Eddy Operetta teamings at MGM. Blessed with this unforgettable team at their absolute peak, a breathtaking technicolour production, and veteran director W.S. Van Dyke in fine form, "Sweethearts", make most memorable viewing for all lovers of this team's work. It had the added bonus of presenting this popular team in a slight variation on their usual screen persona's with the usual sweetness and light at times being joined by some amusing tart dialogue and situations that showed these two performers in a different and very agreeable manner. Both performers respond to this partial change of pace with delightfully fresh and energetic deliveries that where most welcome extensions on their previous work together. Beautiful romantic movie
Really enjoyed "Sweethearts". Mac and Eddy seemed to have a real romance going on in this particular movie. I loved seeing a movie of them in tech. color. Nelson didn't seem "wooden' in this movie at all, in fact thought he seemed to act very natural. They always seem to have a chemistry together that they didn't have in other films with other co-stars.

A VINTAGE VISUAL AND MUSICAL TREAT.
On the sixth anniversary of the enormously successful Broadway revival of Victor Herbert's operetta SWEETHEARTS, the show's stars Gwen Marlowe and Ernest Lane (Jeanette & Nelson, respectively) are still very much in love, but are tired of working constantly and yearn for a vacation away from the pressures of Broadway. Amusing complications follow. SWEETHEARTS was M-G-M's first three-strip Technicolor film, and the first colour film for either MacDonald or Eddy. Originally, when the filming began on 17 June 1938, it was partially shot in black & white. After two days, the footage was scrapped and the production was interrupted: filming began to commence in Technicolor. Why? There were huge production problems on NORTHWEST PASSAGE, which was to be the first full-length Technicolor feature for M-G-M. Originally Jose Iturbi was to make his acting debut in the film, however - for reasons unclear - he's not in the final released product. Iturbi made his film debut later, in 1944. Reviews of the day commended the use of colour in the film (Jeanette's beautiful golden-red hair was particularly praised) and Oliver Marsh & Allen Davey won a special AA for their Technicolor cinematography. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

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Reviews (4)

ONE WORD!
There is only one word need to sum the whole thing up. PRICELESS!!!

Nunsense/Nunsense2
excellent video.absolutely hilarious, especially if you are A Disappointing Knock-Off
Having watched and loved Nunsense, I was prepared to enjoy Nunsense 2. Although there is a ton of talent onstage, the total effect is lightweight. I kept waiting for this video to get to the good part, but that never happened. I wish it had. ... Read more

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