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Good films but the prints are variable
rating: 4
All of the films in this collection are worthy of preservation but there are a few things to note for those who are not familiar with the titles:
- "Dinner at Eight" is a depression drama with a great cast of unpleasant and selfish characters, with the exception of Lionel Barrymore who hosts the dinner. The film is remembered as a comedy because of the indelible impact of Jean Harlow and Marie Dressler, who are hilarious, peaking when they meet for the memorable and justly famous ending.
- "Stage Door" is also heavy drama set in wisecrack heaven, a boarding house for aspiring actresses. While you can savour the endless one liners, be prepared for some pretty heavy melodramatics which climax the film.
- "To Be or Not to Be" is one of the funniest and maybe one of the most tasteless comedies of all time. Brilliant Ernst Lubistch dared to set a comedy among the Nazis and was justly criticised by a squirming public. Today we can sit back and enjoy Jack Benny and Carole Lombard without the repercussions.
- "The Philadelphia Story" is the film which really set Katharine Hepburn once and for all on the road to immortality and is a streamlined showcase for her. Remembered as a comedy, it has some very serious moments and a cynical view of the wealthy.
- only "Bringing up Baby" and "Libeled Lady" are outright screwball comedies. The former was not a great success in its day, the latter a smash but "Baby" has become a cult classic with its relentless Katharine Hepburn and a harrassed Cary Grant. The cast of "Libeled Lady" are outstanding.
The prints of the films are variable from the gloss of "The Philadelphia Story" to the really dirty print of "Libeled Lady". Both Hepburn films are Special Editions so there are excellent commentaries and biographical documentaries on Grant and Hepburn. There is also a moving documentary on Jean Harlow included in "Dinner at Eight". The trailers are usually included for each film and there are some cartoons along the way.
This would be a 5 star package if all the prints had been restored.
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Classic Comedies - Exceeds Expectations.
rating: 5
This is an excellent collection of classic comedies. In my opinion, with both the Dinner at Eight and The Philadelphia Story - Two Disc Special Edition DVDs included in this six movie assortment, their worth alone is more than offset by the cost. This collection really is great value for the money.
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Great set and great price!
rating: 5
I had seen this set at Barnes and Noble where they are selling it for $70.00 if I'm not mistaken. I went on Amazon and bought it for $44.99! What a great price for these wonderful movies! Definitely a must-have for the classic movie lover and collector!
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Great Collection
rating: 5
I love old movies. This is a great collection of comedies that you wouldn't be wasting money on. All of them are wonderful to watch, and who can't use a good chuckle. Amazon does a wonderful job in placing orders along with getting your item before the time indicated. Thanks Amazon.
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LAUGH OUT LOUD! FUNNY!!!!
rating: 5
Six of the all time great movies. Its a must for classic movie fans. You really get to see how good Jean Harlow was at comedy in "Dinner at Eight". Lets not forget Carole Lombard what a great comedian and actress she was in "To Be or Not To Be" her last film before she was killed in plane crash. Sometimes we forget how good they really were. They just don't make good movies like these anymore. I couldn't name you a good actor today with this much staying power. There will never be another Cary Grant, James Stewart, William Powell and Katherine Hepburn. You can watch these movies over and over. I know I will..
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