Warner
Brothers has just released the 5-Disc Literary
Classics Collection. In these fine examples of taking
a story from the written page and transforming them for the screen,
we develop a visual appreciation for the characters in these classic
works. There are many adventures on the high seas as well as many
issues of personal struggle scattered throughout the set! The films
in the set are as follows: The Three Musketeers (1948), Billy
Budd (1962), Madame Bovary (1949), Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951)
and The Prisoner of Zenda (1939 & 1952 versions).
The Three Musketeers (1948)
This
1948 adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel boasts an all-star
cast in Lana Turner, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, Van Heflin, Vincent
Price and Angela Lansbury. The Three Musketeers
placed its headliners in roles vastly different from their usual
portrayals. Gene Kelly is D'Artagnan, a swordsman who travels to
Paris in order to join the Musketeers. He quickly engages in numerous
sword fights, which unbeknownst to him, sharpen his duel skills.
He meets with the Musketeers, but it’s apparent they aren’t
forming an immediate camaraderie. However, he becomes friends with
Athos (Van Heflin), Aramis (Robert Coote) and
Porthos (Gig Young). Vincent Price plays Prime Minister
Richelieu, who, along with Lady de Winter (Lana Turner)
become the roadblocks in the Musketeers’ mission to save Queen
Anne (Angela Lansbury). Special features include:Vintage Fitzpatrick Traveltalk short Looking at London, Classic
MGM Tex Avery cartoon What Price Fleadom, Audio-only bonus: MGM
Radio Promo with Dick Simmons interviewing Lana Turner and the Theatrical
trailer.
Billy Budd (1962)
Herman
Melville’s classic novel comes alive in this 1962 adaptation
starring Robert Ryan, Peter Ustinov, Terence Stamp and Melvyn Douglas.
Billy Budd is played by Terence Stamp (his film debut). He is a
young British sailor during a 1797 war between England and France
who is well-liked and admired by his fellow crew mates. John Claggart,
the master-at-arms (played by Robert Ryan), is the only
one on board who despises Budd and accuses him of organizing a mutiny.
No one on board can really stand Claggart, he is a ruthless enforcer
who seems to take some unspoken pleasure in his rule. Not surprisingly,
Claggart is soon found murdered and Budd is accused of the crime.
The charge places Budd on trial, forcing him to fight for his life
and his innocence. Edwin Fairfax Vere, the Post Captain, is played
by Peter Ustinov. Ustinov had only ten randomly scattered roles
before Billy Budd, including an uncredited appearance
in the classic “Spartacus”. Interestingly enough, Ustinov
also directed Billy Budd, along with sharing some of the writing
credit. He was nominated for four Oscars, two of which he won for
Best Actor in a Supporting Role, one for Spartacus (1960) and one
for Topkapi (1964). Melvyn Douglas, who played The Dansker, was
a veteran actor who’d acted in over 70 films before his appearance
in Billy Budd. He would go on to make another 37
films before his death in 1981. There is no doubt, however, that
Terence Stamp is this film's centerpiece. Again, although this was
his film debut, his bonus commentary on this disc is a wonderful
glimpse into his acting methods and career. Special features
include:Commentary by Terence Stamp and filmmaker
Steven Soderbergh and the Theatrical trailer.
Madame Bovary (1949)
One
of the set's best assets is this 1949 classic directed by Vincente
Minelli. Based on the novel by Gustave Flaubert, which was somewhat
controversial when it was published, Madame Bovary
is the story of Emma Bovary (played by Jennifer Jones, a last
minute replacement for Lana Turner), a woman who, by current
standards, might be considered a gold digger. She strives to satisfy
all of her own needs without regard for who is hurt in the process.
The premise is vaguely similar to 1933's "Baby Face"
starring Barbara Stanwyck, in the respect that Emma marries for
personal gain. Her husband Charles (played by Van Heflin)
is the stereotypical hard-working doctor who is married more to
his profession than to his wife. Nevertheless, he is likely to receive
a more genuine reward from his work, as Emma is merely using him
as a rung on a ladder. Charles becomes the victim of debt in trying
to provide Emma with the life she demands. When she tires of him,
she moves on to the next man. The tragic conclusion of the film
can once again be compared to Baby Face, in that what goes
around usually comes around. The novel by Flaubert was a scandal
mainly because of how it painted society. In defense of his writing,
he went to trial. In this film adaptation, Flaubert is played by
James Mason. Jennifer Jones, although not initially considered for
the role of Emma, was still exceptional. Her co-stars were always
the cream of the crop, including John Garfield, with whom she starred
in "We Were Strangers" the same year as Madame
Bovary. That being said, she never seemed to reach superstar
status, but that is no reflection on her abilities as a terrific
actress. Van Heflin, who played Charles Bovary, is another actor
who could have easily been mentioned alongside some of Hollywood's
elite. Three years prior to Madame Bovary, he'd
starred with Kirk Douglas and Barbara Stanwyck in "The
Strange Love of Martha Ivers", which was Douglas' first
film. Special features include: Vintage Pete Smith
specialty short Those Good Old Days, Classic cartoon Out-Foxed
and the Theatrical trailer.
Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951)
Does
it really get any better than Gregory Peck and Virgina Mayo? Peck
playes the title role in this 1951 film version based on the C.S.
Forester novel. Set in the early 19th Century, Hornblower, a British
captain, is sent to deliver weapons to a power-obsessed vigilante
calling himself "El Supremo" (played by Alec Mango).
The purpose is to support El Supremo's crusade against Spain, which
is allied with France, an enemy of Britain. Unbeknownst to Hornblower,
Spain and France have disassociated themselves. Hornblower and his
crew, while aboard the HMS Lydia, come across another ship, the
Natividad, which they capture in a sneak attack. Complications arise,
and Hornblower must escort the Duke of Wellington's sister, Lady
Barbara Wellesley (played by Virginia Mayo) back to England.
Naturally, romance develops between the two of them while out to
sea, but Hornblower is already married, much to the disdain of Wellesley.
Unexpected battles, surprise twists and incredible action add to
this already classic film, which was made on a budget of $3,000,000.
Errol Flynn was originally slated to play the role of Captain Hornblower,
but all opinions suggest that Peck's portrayal is much better than
Flynn's would've been. Surprisingly, the beautiful Virginia Mayo
was cast by default after many of the UK's top actresses turned
down the role. She is of course most commonly known in the 1949
classic "White Heat" with James Cagney, where
she played Verna Jarrett. Another surprise from Captain
Horatio Hornblower was the Spanish captain, played by Christopher
Lee. Lee is best known for his string of horror films, most often
playing Count Dracula. Special features include:
Vintage Oscar-nominated short My Country 'Tis of Thee,
Classic cartoon Captain Hareblower, Audio-only bonus: Lux
Radio Theater adaptation with Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo and
the Theatrical trailer.
The Prisoner of Zenda (1937 &
1952 Versions)
Another
great addition to this set are the two versions of The Prisoner
of Zenda. Both versions are adapted from the novel by Anthony
Hope, although the 1937 version was made just four years after Hope's
death. The '37 version also boasts a greater number of stars in
Ronald Colman (playing Major Rudolf Rassendyll), David
Niven (playing Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim) Mary Astor
(playing Antoinette de Mauban, four years before she would star
in The Maltese Falcon) and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr (playing
Rupert of Hentzau). The 1952 version is not so much of a new
adaptation as it is a remake of the 1937 version. In yet another
swashbuckler tale, the film follows Rudolph Rassendyll, a distant
cousin of Rudolf V's, who also happens to be identical in appearance.
Rassendyll is asked to undertake a dangerous operation by impersonating
his cousin, the king, when he is kidnapped before his upcoming crowning
ceremony. Rudolf V must be present at the ceremony (vicariously
through Rassendyll) or he forfeits the crown to his brother. Rudolf's
wife, Princess Flavia (played by Madeleine Carroll), begins
to suspect something is amiss when her "husband" is not
acting as he usually does. The 1952 version received some negative
public reaction. The '37 version had been considered a classic,
and therefore needed no remake. When the '52 version debuted, it
failed to live up to its predecessor's grandeur. Nevertheless, it
is an adaptation of the same novel and Warner Brothers presents
both versions beautifully with fine audio and video transfers. Special
features include: Pete Smith specialty short Penny
Wisdom, Cartoon The Wayward Pups, Audio-only bonus:
Lux Radio Theater Adaptation with Ronald Colman, Fitzpatrick Traveltalk
short Land of the Taj Mahal, Oscar-winning cartoon Johann
Mouse and the 1952 theatrical trailer.
THE CONCLUSION
Everybody loves a good read.
But once in a while, we all enjoy a good film. The Literary
Classics Collection is the best of both worlds. For the
first time, these films are presented to us the way they were meant
to be seen - in all of their Classic Hollywood glory. This set has
it all - romance, action, adventure and a melting pot of stars that
bring it all together. This is a must for everybody! This set is
AVAILABLE
NOW!
Warner
Brothers has just released the 5-Disc Literary
Classics Collection. In these fine examples of taking
a story from the written page and transforming them for the screen,
we develop a visual appreciation for the characters in these classic
works. There are many adventures on the high seas as well as many
issues of personal struggle scattered throughout the set! The films
in the set are as follows: The Three Musketeers (1948), Billy
Budd (1962), Madame Bovary (1949), Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951)
and The Prisoner of Zenda (1939 & 1952 versions).
This
1948 adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel boasts an all-star
cast in Lana Turner, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, Van Heflin, Vincent
Price and Angela Lansbury. The Three Musketeers
placed its headliners in roles vastly different from their usual
portrayals. Gene Kelly is D'Artagnan, a swordsman who travels to
Paris in order to join the Musketeers. He quickly engages in numerous
sword fights, which unbeknownst to him, sharpen his duel skills.
He meets with the Musketeers, but it’s apparent they aren’t
forming an immediate camaraderie. However, he becomes friends with
Athos (Van Heflin), Aramis (Robert Coote) and
Porthos (Gig Young). Vincent Price plays Prime Minister
Richelieu, who, along with Lady de Winter (Lana Turner)
become the roadblocks in the Musketeers’ mission to save Queen
Anne (Angela Lansbury). Special features include:
Vintage Fitzpatrick Traveltalk short Looking at London, Classic
MGM Tex Avery cartoon What Price Fleadom, Audio-only bonus: MGM
Radio Promo with Dick Simmons interviewing Lana Turner and the Theatrical
trailer.
Herman
Melville’s classic novel comes alive in this 1962 adaptation
starring Robert Ryan, Peter Ustinov, Terence Stamp and Melvyn Douglas.
Billy Budd is played by Terence Stamp (his film debut). He is a
young British sailor during a 1797 war between England and France
who is well-liked and admired by his fellow crew mates. John Claggart,
the master-at-arms (played by Robert Ryan), is the only
one on board who despises Budd and accuses him of organizing a mutiny.
No one on board can really stand Claggart, he is a ruthless enforcer
who seems to take some unspoken pleasure in his rule. Not surprisingly,
Claggart is soon found murdered and Budd is accused of the crime.
The charge places Budd on trial, forcing him to fight for his life
and his innocence. Edwin Fairfax Vere, the Post Captain, is played
by Peter Ustinov. Ustinov had only ten randomly scattered roles
before Billy Budd, including an uncredited appearance
in the classic “Spartacus”. Interestingly enough, Ustinov
also directed Billy Budd, along with sharing some of the writing
credit. He was nominated for four Oscars, two of which he won for
Best Actor in a Supporting Role, one for Spartacus (1960) and one
for Topkapi (1964). Melvyn Douglas, who played The Dansker, was
a veteran actor who’d acted in over 70 films before his appearance
in Billy Budd. He would go on to make another 37
films before his death in 1981. There is no doubt, however, that
Terence Stamp is this film's centerpiece. Again, although this was
his film debut, his bonus commentary on this disc is a wonderful
glimpse into his acting methods and career. Special features
include: Commentary by Terence Stamp and filmmaker
Steven Soderbergh and the Theatrical trailer.
One
of the set's best assets is this 1949 classic directed by Vincente
Minelli. Based on the novel by Gustave Flaubert, which was somewhat
controversial when it was published, Madame Bovary
is the story of Emma Bovary (played by Jennifer Jones, a last
minute replacement for Lana Turner), a woman who, by current
standards, might be considered a gold digger. She strives to satisfy
all of her own needs without regard for who is hurt in the process.
The premise is vaguely similar to 1933's "Baby Face"
starring Barbara Stanwyck, in the respect that Emma marries for
personal gain. Her husband Charles (played by Van Heflin)
is the stereotypical hard-working doctor who is married more to
his profession than to his wife. Nevertheless, he is likely to receive
a more genuine reward from his work, as Emma is merely using him
as a rung on a ladder. Charles becomes the victim of debt in trying
to provide Emma with the life she demands. When she tires of him,
she moves on to the next man. The tragic conclusion of the film
can once again be compared to Baby Face, in that what goes
around usually comes around. The novel by Flaubert was a scandal
mainly because of how it painted society. In defense of his writing,
he went to trial. In this film adaptation, Flaubert is played by
James Mason. Jennifer Jones, although not initially considered for
the role of Emma, was still exceptional. Her co-stars were always
the cream of the crop, including John Garfield, with whom she starred
in "We Were Strangers" the same year as Madame
Bovary. That being said, she never seemed to reach superstar
status, but that is no reflection on her abilities as a terrific
actress. Van Heflin, who played Charles Bovary, is another actor
who could have easily been mentioned alongside some of Hollywood's
elite. Three years prior to Madame Bovary, he'd
starred with Kirk Douglas and Barbara Stanwyck in "The
Strange Love of Martha Ivers", which was Douglas' first
film. Special features include: Vintage Pete Smith
specialty short Those Good Old Days, Classic cartoon Out-Foxed
and the Theatrical trailer.
Does
it really get any better than Gregory Peck and Virgina Mayo? Peck
playes the title role in this 1951 film version based on the C.S.
Forester novel. Set in the early 19th Century, Hornblower, a British
captain, is sent to deliver weapons to a power-obsessed vigilante
calling himself "El Supremo" (played by Alec Mango).
The purpose is to support El Supremo's crusade against Spain, which
is allied with France, an enemy of Britain. Unbeknownst to Hornblower,
Spain and France have disassociated themselves. Hornblower and his
crew, while aboard the HMS Lydia, come across another ship, the
Natividad, which they capture in a sneak attack. Complications arise,
and Hornblower must escort the Duke of Wellington's sister, Lady
Barbara Wellesley (played by Virginia Mayo) back to England.
Naturally, romance develops between the two of them while out to
sea, but Hornblower is already married, much to the disdain of Wellesley.
Unexpected battles, surprise twists and incredible action add to
this already classic film, which was made on a budget of $3,000,000.
Errol Flynn was originally slated to play the role of Captain Hornblower,
but all opinions suggest that Peck's portrayal is much better than
Flynn's would've been. Surprisingly, the beautiful Virginia Mayo
was cast by default after many of the UK's top actresses turned
down the role. She is of course most commonly known in the 1949
classic "White Heat" with James Cagney, where
she played Verna Jarrett. Another surprise from Captain
Horatio Hornblower was the Spanish captain, played by Christopher
Lee. Lee is best known for his string of horror films, most often
playing Count Dracula. Special features include:
Vintage Oscar-nominated short My Country 'Tis of Thee,
Classic cartoon Captain Hareblower, Audio-only bonus: Lux
Radio Theater adaptation with Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo and
the Theatrical trailer.
Another
great addition to this set are the two versions of The Prisoner
of Zenda. Both versions are adapted from the novel by Anthony
Hope, although the 1937 version was made just four years after Hope's
death. The '37 version also boasts a greater number of stars in
Ronald Colman (playing Major Rudolf Rassendyll), David
Niven (playing Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim) Mary Astor
(playing Antoinette de Mauban, four years before she would star
in The Maltese Falcon) and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr (playing
Rupert of Hentzau). The 1952 version is not so much of a new
adaptation as it is a remake of the 1937 version. In yet another
swashbuckler tale, the film follows Rudolph Rassendyll, a distant
cousin of Rudolf V's, who also happens to be identical in appearance.
Rassendyll is asked to undertake a dangerous operation by impersonating
his cousin, the king, when he is kidnapped before his upcoming crowning
ceremony. Rudolf V must be present at the ceremony (vicariously
through Rassendyll) or he forfeits the crown to his brother. Rudolf's
wife, Princess Flavia (played by Madeleine Carroll), begins
to suspect something is amiss when her "husband" is not
acting as he usually does. The 1952 version received some negative
public reaction. The '37 version had been considered a classic,
and therefore needed no remake. When the '52 version debuted, it
failed to live up to its predecessor's grandeur. Nevertheless, it
is an adaptation of the same novel and Warner Brothers presents
both versions beautifully with fine audio and video transfers. Special
features include: Pete Smith specialty short Penny
Wisdom, Cartoon The Wayward Pups, Audio-only bonus:
Lux Radio Theater Adaptation with Ronald Colman, Fitzpatrick Traveltalk
short Land of the Taj Mahal, Oscar-winning cartoon Johann
Mouse and the 1952 theatrical trailer.