Michael's Movie Grade: A+
Review: High quality entertainment of the highest order possible.
This movie has it all fantastic musical numbers, great characters, good laughs and a compelling story. Each of these work absolutely perfectly here and there are definitely scenes you will never forget. Of course this film's most famous scene is the Old Man River song. There is no way to overpraise this scene. Paul Robeson's voice is amazing, John J. Mescall's cinematography is compelling, the song itself is really powerful, the brief fantasy like background are extremely well done and the juxtapositions with the cotton workers makes the scene work all the better. Personally I can't see how anyone could fail to be moved by this scene. The rest of this movie is really darn good too. Irene Dunne and Alan Jones have fantastic chemistry together and you completely believe their romance. Helen Morgan and Hattie McDaniel steal ever seen that they are in. James Whale's (best remembered for directing Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein) direction is of the highest quality. Other standout scenes besides Old Man River include the captain's summary of the scene that couldn't be performed in the stage play, Magnolia's performance in the night club on New Years Eve, Julie singing her favorite song for Magnolia, Queenie and Joe, and so much more. Most of all though this movie doesn't have a moment that doesn't work and when it is over you will be surprised it was near two hours because you were so entertained. If you have any interest what so ever in Hollywood films of the 1930's you need to see this movie. To say they don't make them like this anymore would be a vast understatement. This is just pure entertainment that could only come from the golden age of Hollywood.
By the way I saw this movie in the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, California. This place is an absolute must go for anyone like me who loves movies from the 1920's 30's and 40's and is one of my favorite places to see movies. If you are ever in the era don't miss it.
-Michael J. Ruhland.
No comments:
Post a Comment