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jkucharik
Reviews
Belles on Their Toes (1952)
Fun
I love this movie. First, the music is so great. Full orchestration of many old tunes from the 1920s, particularly "You Wore a Tulip" and "Linger Awhile". One disappointment is that the sound did not come out so well on DVD - kind of scratchy and distorted at times....yet NOT this way in the VHS format. How can anyone dislike this crazy and loving family? Next, there are the many great vintage cars in various scenes that an historic automobile enthusiast would appreciate. Of course, there are some really, really attractive people in this movie too. Feast your eyes on the likes of Jeffrey Hunter and Jeanne Crain. Anway......want to see a fun family picture? Well, this is it. I should mention that you should see the the original 1950-version of "Cheaper by the Dozen" first (an equally great picture)....so that you have some background on the Gilbreth family. The final scene is a killer - watch as Myrna Loy closes her eyes and remembers the past......and grab a tissue for that one. Good Sappy Flick!!
For Richer or Poorer (1997)
Lots of Fun & Beautiful Scenery
This movie is great and I can't understand why it didn't do better at the box office. It's a fun film with lots of laughs - also heartwarming how this totally foreign and initially irritating environment at the Yoder farm leads the Sexton's from chaos in their lives to stability in their marriage. Yes, some of it is far-fetched and highly unrealistic, but folks, it's a FILM! Why must everything be reality these days?! Reality can really suck sometimes and an escape with a movie like this is just the ticket to two hours worth of wishing life could really be like this. I thought the actors portraying the Yoder family performed extremely well and were immediately likable. I am a Pennsylvanian and have been to the "Amish Country" countless times. I know this film was shot on location in Maryland, but it really does closely resemble the Amish Farmlands in Lancaster County, PA. Who cares what the critics thought in 1997. This film is a favorite!
With a Song in My Heart (1952)
Like Good Movie Music from the 40s & 50s? This Flick's for You!
The story of Jane Froman, a remarkable woman and radio personality of the 1930s & 40s, who faced much tragedy in her own life, but selflessly dedicated herself to making others happy through her music, particularly the wounded troops fighting in World War II. An excellent and moving story, but the music is the key success to this film. The real Jane Froman sings the many familiar songs for the entire soundtrack, though the lead is played by Miss Susan Hayward. Susan does an outstanding job of matching Jane's voice to her own movements and closely resembles Miss Froman in physical appearance. It is difficult to realize it is not really Susan singing herself! The orchestration behind Miss Froman is outstanding! Lush strings and full rich background music accompany her unmistakable voice. After this movie was released, Capitol Records released a so-called "soundtrack" album (LP) in the 1950s - however it is a studio version of all the songs in the movie. I have in my collection, both the original 12" LP and the 78RPM box-set recordings. The keen ear will note important differences on the record from the film.....and while it is generally a nice recording - it lacks the "uumph" of the real film music and is disappointing. They have since re-released this collection on CD. With today's technology, I see no reason why the real-film music can't be extracted and recorded onto CD directly from the movie soundtrack...but what do I know?! Watch this movie if you want good solid G-rated entertainment that does not have any of today's garbage in it! You won't be sorry - and (like me) you may wish you had lived during those days of great music, when people had pride and respect for their country and others. Unfortunately, I'm 46 so I missed that era entirely.
How Green Was My Valley (1941)
A Superb Classic Film
I rented this movie yesterday on DVD. Although I had seen it many years ago, I have a new-found "favorite film". The story is excellent and believable and what really holds the piece together is the non-stop beautiful music backing up many to most of the scenes. It is a haunting melody that continues to repeat itself in my head today...and if any of you readers watch this film I forewarn you to have a box of tissues handy as the end of the picture nears. The final scene of Beth Morgan's close-up shot and brief dialogue - along with the often-repeated compelling melody throughout the film will absolutely tear your heart out. A guaranteed "good cry" if any of you need one! This classic is a "must see" for any emotional sappy suckers who love old movies as much as I do. If you're a guy - like me - be sure to watch this movie ALONE - to avoid your otherwise sure-to-be tear-stained embarrassment!
Pride of the Marines (1945)
Excellent Flick
Being from the Philadelphia suburbs and extremely interested in local history, this film provides an excellent vintage view of Philadelphia in the 1940s. There are scenes of downtown, a train station that no longer exists, 30th Street Station--which still does exist, as well as scenes from the Northeast part of the city. Good shots of the old row-homes as they appeared then. The movie gets a bit "chatty" at times - causing the viewer to briefly lose interest...but the overall storyline is solid and very moving. Anyone who enjoyed this movie should also try to see the film "Bright Victory", also with local footage of the Valley Forge Army Hospital in Phoenixville, PA - and scenes from downtown Phoenixville. The Army Hospital has since become a college campus. Neither of these films are out on any format and I can't imagine why. I have them both on VHS from home recording, as shown on TCM in recent years. I highly recommend them to any other history buffs out there from my area!