"SPARROWS"
The 1926 silent classic "Sparrows" features America's Sweetheart, Mary Pickford, at her best. She's sweet and innocent, but also strong and feisty. The movie had a huge social impact in its day and it still proves persuasive now, in its sparkling new VCI Entertainment Blu-ray edition. It's also available in DVD and digital formats.
"Sparrows" has been reconstructed by the Library of Congress, using the best available film material. The Mary Pickford Foundation scanned the preservation elements in 4K. That means the Blu-ray version showcases the movie's striking visual attributes.
Set in the Southern swamplands, "Sparrows" tackles what was a burning issue in the 20s -- the horrors of baby farms. Young women who were unable to care for their small children had to give them up. And they were often duped by devious villains who wanted babies to sell or to use as slave labour.
In the film, Pickford plays the oldest child at one such baby farm. She fiercely protects the other victims from starvation, quicksand, alligators and the evil couple who run the rundown, illegal orphanage. Offering a remarkably nuanced and moving performance, Pickford is riveting in the film. Though she was 34 at the time (give or take a year or two, depending on which of her birth dates you accept), the petite star is entirely believable as the pre-pubescent girl. This marked the last time Pickford portrayed a child and it's a memorable creation.
The entertaining film presents many gently humorous moments, which make the children's mistreatment a bit more bearable for viewers. "Sparrows" embraces its melodramatic tone, but ultimately achieves genuine poignancy. In one scene, as a distraught Pickford cradles a dying infant, director William Beaudine fashions an aura of spirituality. He builds suspense as Pickford and her little charges attempt a desperate, climactic escape.
A new orchestral score by the Graves Brothers, heightens the dramatic wallop of the film, shifting skillfully through its various moods. It was commissioned by The Mary Pickford Company.
In the 20s, "Sparrows" made such a searing impression, it resulted in a crackdown on baby farms and the introduction of child labour laws.
The new release comes with a 16-page souvenir booklet filled with essays and rare photos. On the disc, you'll find interesting outtakes of the film's "Angel" scene, as well as trailers of other Pickford movies.
"DANCING PIRATE"
I'm sure one of your main complaints about pirate movies is the fact that there just isn't enough dancing. Problem solved! "Dancing Pirate" stars Broadway musical star Charles Collins as a foppish Boston dance instructor who finds himself shanghaied by buccaneers. He escapes in Spanish-occupied California, but the locals want to hang him for piracy.
The delightfully quirky 1936 movie, filled with romance, adventure and comedy, has been released as a special edition Blu-ray and DVD from The Film Detective. The colors pop courtesy of a new restoration, a 4K scan from rare 35mm archival material. It was the third film, and first musical, ever shot in the three-strip Technicolor process.
Collins handles the musical numbers adeptly and makes an earnest hero. Hungarian performer Steffi Funa ("Anthony Adverse," "Waterloo Bridge"), displays dazzling dancing skills and makes a fetching love interest. Standing out in the supporting cast is the irrepressible Frank Morgan, who, as the mayor, exudes the same sort of fun, false bravado he immortalized playing the title role in "The Wizard of Oz."
Directed by Lloyd Corrigan, "Dancing Pirate" is a colorful curiosity that must be seen by all film buffs.
"THE CAPTURE" - SPECIAL EDITION
Though not well known, "The Capture" is a superb film, an unusual blend of noir and modern western. It's brilliantly acted, directed and scripted. You can now view the 1950 film, thanks to The Film Detective's new special edition Blu-ray and DVD release.
The film stars Lew Ayres as a man on the run, the victim of circumstances... and his own grievous mistakes. As the movie opens, injured and exhausted, finally cornered by Mexican federal police, he confides in a priest. His story is told in flashback.
Ayres had been working for an oil company. After a payroll robbery, prodded by his coldly pragmatic fiancé, he pursues the suspect. Due to a misunderstanding, Ayres shoots the man, who dies after a brutal interrogation by other company employees.
Wracked with doubt and guilt, Ayres hits the road. He is drawn to the dead man's widow (Teresa Wright). Thinking Ayres is looking for a job as a farm hand, she hires him. She later finds a newspaper clipping revealing that he had killed her husband. By that time, her young son (Jimmy Hunt) views him as a father figure. And Ayres and Wright share an undeniable romantic attraction. They are painfully conflicted.
Just when they seem to be heading for a happy ending, the still tormented Ayres realizes he must go back and prove that her husband was innocent. He wants to trap the man he believes must have really been responsible for the robbery. That leads to another killing and Ayres finds himself on the run, much like Wright's late husband had been.
"The Capture" might be a black-and-white film, but there's nothing black-and-white about its approach to its plot and characterizations. Director John Sturges and screenwriter Niven Busch ("The Postman Always Rings Twice," "The Westerner," "Duel in the Sun") find all of the shadings, which is what makes the movie so compelling.
Though Sturges is best known for his macho action epics ("Magnificent Seven," "The Great Escape"), he had a remarkably diverse career. Here he beautifully handles the subtleties of the story, the complexities of the characters and the moral conundrum.
He gets outstanding performances by Ayres and Wright (who was married to Niven Busch). Ayres' natural empathy and charm make us root for him, despite his missteps, throughout this ordeal. Wright is utterly convincing, portraying a woman struggling to reconcile her clashing emotions.
Victor Jory (the villainous overseer in "Gone With the Wind') gives a suitably and uncharacteristically subdued performance as the priest. Also watch for Duncan Renaldo, who pops up in role completely unlike his most famous persona, the Cisco Kid.
The Film Detective's special edition release of "The Capture" looks crystal clear, thanks to a 4K transfer from 35mm archival material from the Wade Williams Collection. Bonuses include new featurettes on John Sturges and Teresa Wright. There's also an audio commentary by author/screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner, which presents interesting facts about Sturges and Busch, as well as the actors.
"A WALK IN THE SUN"
Director Lewis Milestone made one of the greatest anti-war films of all time -- 1930's "All Quiet on the Western Front." He revisited the tragedy and madness of war several times, including 1945's "A Walk in the Sun." This engrossing film, deserving of more attention, has been released in a two-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray by Kit Parker Films and MVD Entertainment.
Set in World War II, the movie opens as American soldiers hit the beach in Italy, ready for inevitable encounters with the enemy. The film is not packed with loud, violent action sequences. Its core is in the hearts and minds of the soldiers depicted. They wait. And wait. Tension overcomes some of them. Others shrug off the stress and impending danger. But they know, even though they might be leisurely enjoying a smoke one minute, the next could bring sudden death.
An excellent ensemble cast brings these men to life as fully formed personalities. Among the actors featured are Dana Andrews, Richard Conte, John Ireland, Lloyd Bridges, Sterling Holloway, George Tyne and Norman Lloyd.
Milestone carefully captures their moments of contemplation, fear, deflection and resolve. Though never calling attention to his direction, he uses deft touches to make even the most dialogue-packed scenes gripping. He creates a startling image, when placing the rigid hand of a dead soldier in the foreground, as the rest of the squad scurries behind him. For the climactic battle scene, as the Americans try to take a German-held, machine gun-infested house, Milestone builds suspenseful, dramatic, exciting action.
This restored version of the film looks great. The Blu-ray includes a very worthwhile audio commentary by author Alan K. Rode offers insights into the film's troubled path to production and the careers of its principals. He even digs into the blacklist difficulties several of them faced.
A second disc features "Zanuck Goes to War: The WWII Films of Fox," a top-notch documentary about Hollywood's handling of the war years. There's also an uncut version of John Huston's documentary, "The Battle of San Pietro," as well as an interview with actor Norman Lloyd about "A Walk in the Sun," as well as his work with Hitchcock and Orson Welles.
"A Walk in the Sun" lets the viewer experience the camaraderie, anxiety, uncertainty, humor and horror of men in war.
"THE FABULOUS DORSEYS" - SPECIAL EDITION
Get ready for a swinging good time! The Film Detective has released a special edition Blu-ray (or DVD) of 1947's "The Fabulous Dorseys." The film stars legendary bandleaders/musicians Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey as themselves. It also features Janet Blair, who displays an appealing singing voice.
Beginning with their childhood in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, the biopic shows how their father (Arthur Shields), a coal miner who became a teacher and marching band director, made music a priority for his boys. Tommy gravitated to the trombone. Jimmy settled on the saxophone. They rose to big band stardom together, but the brothers bickered and eventually broke up, going their own ways. As the film shows, they finally reconciled.
The movie cooks up a romance between band singer Blair and a piano player/composer, portrayed by William Lundigan. Jazzers will be elated by cameos by such renowned musical talents as Paul Whiteman, Charlie Barnet, Art Tatum and Helen O'Connell.
"The Fabulous Dorseys" proves to be an engaging musical comedy, serving up much of the brothers' most popular music. The brothers prove to be amiable on screen.
The Film Detective release sparkles, thanks to the 4k scan from archival film elements. Extras include audio commentary by author Jennifer Churchill and a new documentary, "The Fabulous Forties: Big Bands on Screen."
CDS
MARIANNE FAITHFULL - "VAGABOND WAYS"
Marianne Faithfull's style was continuing to mature and evolve when she released the brilliant "Vagabond Ways" in 1999. BMG has just reissued the album on 180 gram heavyweight black vinyl, as well as digital and CD formats. The vinyl gives you the full impact of her wonderfully weathered voice with its huskiness and raw edges. Faithfull had long since lost the innocence of her 1960s sweet, girlish vocal sound on songs like "As Tears Go By."
She eventually embraced the grittiness and worldliness that decades of hard living had earned her. Surviving had given her a defiant strength. 1979's "Broken English" brought her a new respect. Faithfull used her experiences, all the pain and disillusionment, to bring depth and emotion to songs that reflected her own life, whether written by her or others.
The "Vagabond Ways" album is a perfect example of that. Faithfull opens with the title track, the mournful, cautionary "Vagabond Ways." Its sad story proves enthralling. Another of the most memorable tracks is her co-write, "Wilder Shores of Love," which examines the dark descent that follows a destructive relationship. She sings, "I remember all the lies you told me... Shut my eyes and always you appear... I can't forget the way you used to haunt me... I can't forget the love that wasn't there."
Faithfull milks the menacing moodiness in Daniel Lanois' "After the Ceasefire" and Roger Waters' "Incarceration of a Flower Child." There's a dramatic power to Faithfull's songwriting collaboration with Lanois, "Great Expectations."
She's well suited to Leonard Cohen's poetic musical style and she serves up a convincing version of his "Tower of Song." There's a haunting beauty to Faithfull's rendition of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin song, "For Wanting You."
The new BMG CD release offers Faithfull fans some fabulous bonus material, including the previously unreleased, enthralling Faithfull/Lanois composition, "Drifting," as well as demos of several songs and her hard-to-resist interpretation of Bob Dylan's "Blood in My Eyes."
The "Vagabond Ways" album shows Marianne Faithfull to be an artist who has paid her dues and is willing to share profound lessons learned during her bleak years of struggle. Her singing and songwriting rivet the listener with their soul-searing, gut-wrenching honesty.
JOHN McLAUGHLIN - "THE MONTREUX YEARS"
From the 60s to today, John McLaughlin has been one of the world's best -- and most adventurous -- guitarists. The English musician/composer/bandleader has been hugely influential, an innovator in fusion. He has explored many avenues, incorporating elements of rock, Indian classical, blues, flamenco and many other styles, thus broadening the scope and appeal of jazz.
You can immerse yourself in his extraordinary musicianship by listening to "John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years." It's the latest in the Montreux Years series released by Montreux Jazz Festival and BMG. This outstanding album, curated and compiled by McLaughlin himself, features some of the artist's most memorable performances, spanning the years 1978 to 2016. It's available in multiple formats, but you can't top the double-LP, 180 gram vinyl. The sound is warm, full and immersive.
Featured are extraordinary moments provided by various McLaughlin bands. McLaughlin's expressive, evocative guitar work transports the listener throughout.
The album opens with an active, energetic "Radio Activity." Mahavishnu Orchestra tantalizes in this pleasing portal to McLaughlin's musical worlds. "Friendship" provides an amiable foray into funk and rock flavors. It's a rarity featuring McLaughlin's The One Truth Band.
An otherworldly sense of wonder permeates Mahavishnu Orchestra's "Nostalgia." His Heart of Things group backs him stirringly on "Acid Jazz," a terrifically trippy track. The loveliest number of the collection is "David," mesmerizing with lush, entwined acoustic guitars, as McLaughlin accomplishes a stringed mind meld with flamenco genius Paco de Lucia. The two share another delicious duet, "Florianapolis."
The one composition that's not a McLaughlin original, Carla Bley's "Sing Me Softly of the Blues," is a marvelously moody exploration that includes a sensuously surging Hammond organ segment. The Free Spirits join McLaughlin on this one. The album closes with McLaughlin's soaringly emotional tribute to his late friend, Paco de Lucia, "El Hombre Que Sabia." Teaming with McLaughlin on that track is 4th Dimension.
McLaughlin's fleet, fluid fingers dazzle as they fly across the fretboard. But he doesn't sacrifice melodic magic or rhythmic excitement as he displays his virtuosity. And, as always, the collaborative McLaughlin also gives his fellow musicians ample opportunity to shine. McLaughlin and friends deliver one thrilling musical trek after another during the "The Montreux Years."
BOOKS
HOLLYWOOD VICTORY: THE MOVIES, STARS, AND STORIES OF WWII
By Christian Blauvelt [Running Press/Turner Classic Movies]
When Pearl Harbor violently yanked the United States into World War II, the nation pulled together, everyone wanting to do their part to ensure that the allied forces prevailed in the epic battle of good versus evil. That involvement included the motion picture industry.
In this fascinating book, author Christian Blauvelt examines the many ways in which Hollywood contributed to the war effort. He offers background, detailing some of the many artists who had fled Germany in the years prior, among them, Billy Wilder, Hedy Lamarr and Fritz Lang. Blauvelt points out that Hollywood had reluctance -- some of it economically motivated -- to overtly condemn the Nazi's rise in the 30s. The author also mentions the fact that anti-semitism was growing in the U.S.
There were those who spoke out about the looming dangers. Paul Robeson and Anna May Wong warned of Japan's increasing aggression against China. In the late 30s,
German-born Marlene Dietrich, teaming with Wilder, created a fund to aid Jews and dissidents to escape their nightmarish homeland. But pre-40s films that dared to show the horrors happening in Germany, films like Warner Bros. "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," were rare and controversial.
Once Japan attacked however, Hollywood threw its full weight against the Axis powers. They made films that demonized the Germans and Japanese. Charlie Chaplin, The Three Stooges and even Donald Duck made the Nazis look ridiculous. Laughing at the enemy took a bit of the edge off of our fears.
Movies bolstered the morale of the military and the public, showcasing patriotism, heroism and the moral imperative. Those who had embraced isolationism now had to be had to be motivated to enthusiastically join the fight.
In addition to the dramas, action films and comedies spotlighting the courage and resolve of everyday Americans, at the front and at home, several top directors, including Frank Capra and John Ford, devoted themselves to shooting documentaries about the war
The Hollywood canteen was formed to allow military personnel to socialize with the stars. Bob Hope and others flew into combat zones to give the troops a taste of home and a momentary, glittery distraction. Many celebrities worked tirelessly to sell war bonds. Carole Lombard died in a plane crash while campaigning for funds.
Leslie Howard perished similarly, as he bravely immersed himself in the British war efforts. Luminaries like James Stewart, Tyrone Power and Clark Gable actually put themselves in uniform and in harm's way.
The country's perspectives were changing and that was reflected in Hollywood. Blauvelt delves into how the war altered the movie industry's depiction of African-American characters. He also touches on the different approach to the Oscars and the explosion of pinup girls.
In the book, Blauvelt covers a tremendous amount of ground. He keeps things informative and entertaining. "Hollywood Victory" also benefits from a wealth of fabulous photos. It illuminates a big, important chunk of Hollywood history.
