This film is a rare gem. It deserves to be reissued and be made more readily available on DVD. The filming is beautifully done, with soft colourings and stylised settings that while never offending the purists, take nothing away from the familiar story. The casting seems almost ideal with the Cio Cio San, a diminutive and beautiful Japanese actress capably lip syncing to a pre-recorded soundtrack recorded in Italy. The rest of the cast also seem ideally cast and they quickly elicit all the emotions out of the well known story as if for the first time...no matter how many times you have seen the opera previously. Puccini's score has been somewhat cut and while this is a great pity, the film still stands as one of the most beautiful opera presentations ever presented on film. Like a previous commentator, it was this film that made an opera fan of me when I was only five years old. I would love to own a copy.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Tom Jones
(1963)
A totally British Masterpiece
20 March 2008
This movie is an excellent representation of the first English novel. While it may be termed "a classic bawdy tale" told during the sexual revolutionary sixties, it employs suggestion and humor, and even direct to camera commentary to capture the flavor of the times, in a totally engaging way. As such it is unique- and well worthy of the Academy Award it won.
Filmed during the London theater season's recess, it brought together some of Britain's finest character actors and actresses. Some may criticize it's pace when compared to movies of today- other's will savor it's unique brilliance as it otherwise remains the masterpiece it is.
Filmed during the London theater season's recess, it brought together some of Britain's finest character actors and actresses. Some may criticize it's pace when compared to movies of today- other's will savor it's unique brilliance as it otherwise remains the masterpiece it is.
Dead Ringer
(1963)
Excellent Movie
15 February 2008
This is movie of a type they don't make any more- regrettably. It goes way beyond melodrama and has a plot with twists and turns that is way beyond most movies nowadays. The script is clever as opposed to contrived and keeps the tension up right up till the end. Undeniably this movie is a star vehicle for Bette Davis who carries off the dual roles of two sisters with amazing ease and aplomb. The supporting actors - Karl Malden & Peter Lawford are similarly excellent. Made at a time when special effects were still pretty rudimentary- it is all the more "clever" for the seamless way in which some scenes are covered. Fans of other Davis's films of the 60's that reached into the bizarre, horror genres - this one stands with the best of them. I highly recommend it.
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