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thomreid
Reviews
With a Song in My Heart (1952)
Susan shines in a great biopic
Susan Hayward shines in one of the BEST musical biopics ever: Some may not know much (or anything) about the great singer Jane Froman, but, thanks to this beautifully realized film, we are treated to a very informative biography as well as a dynamo performance. Susan expertly lip syncs the actual Froman songs; intertwined with the tragedy of her own personal medical problems after a plane crash. GREAT support from the incomparable Thelma Ritter, as well as David Wayne, and, in a lesser role, Rory Calhoun.
The production is a gloriously colored extravaganza with some great costumes by Walter LeMaire, and an Oscar winning score by Alfred Newman, incorporating some tried and true song standards.
The climactic song medley in front of a bunch of GI's is a real highlight, as well as a bit part from a young Robert Wagner. This film is a winner all the way! Don't miss it!
Cimarron (1960)
Not bad but Glenn can't carry it
I haven't seen this all the way thru since 1965; but have seen bits and pieces of it on TCM (thank God for them). Maria Schell is fine as Sabra,and Glenn Ford sporadically shines and then falls flat as an epic hero.
I like the other epic qualities, as well as the excellent supporting cast that seems to carry the movie along.
I also noticed during the sequence with the train coming in supposedly carrying Yancey from the Spanish American War: the big bell tower in the background is from "Raintree County" (1957).
Good music score.
Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954)
Line cut from film
A worthy, though rushed, follow-up to "The Robe" has a fun cast, a tired looking Victor Mature (from all his work on the previous film, no doubt). Susan is a bit 50s looking for ancient Rome, with her bushy hairdos. Jay Robinson again goes way over the top as Caligula but really has some delicious mad scenes. One oddity: while watching the trailer on the DVD, scene 17 with Debra Paget on the trailer has her saying a line about "seeing Jesus". This line was NOT in the finished film. Wonder why. All in all, fun to watch, a good cast, and a fine score by Franz Waxman, who wisely gives credit to Newman for the themes used.
Deep Valley (1947)
Lupino shines
Once again, Ida Lupino shines in an understated, yet evocative role. She can do anything, from this to high glamor in "The Man I Love" or "The Hard Way." The story is interesting and showcases Dane Clark, who was a rising star then - holding his own with Ida here as he did with Bette Davis in "A Stolen Life". The rest of the supporting cast is also excellent, from the great Fay Bainter and Henry Hull to Wayne Morris.
I wonder what color would have done for this film, but it's good anyway. Again, thank God for TCM and now it's on WB archive video DVD, in a no frills package, but good enough. Jean Negulesco gives it a vibrant, professional treatment.
And, as always, Max Steiner's score puts the icing on the cake.
It Started with Eve (1941)
Deanna the invincible !
She was a great singer; and this film proves she was an engaging, charming actress as well. She more than holds her own with the incomparable Laughton (only 41 when he made this) and is paired very well with "Uncle" Bob Cummings (so well remembered for his 50s sitcom.)And there are some great supporting players on hand: Walter Catlett, Clara Blandick, Irving Bacon, etc.
This is a winning combination film, somewhat derivative of others in the past, but fresh in many ways. One reviewer mentioned the set design and one wonders what it would have been like in color. The costumes are also pretty special.
Deanna only made a handful of films, but this is one of the best. A real feel good time. Enjoy!