The Errol Flynn Signature Collection, Vol. 2 (The Charge of the Light Brigade / Gentleman Jim / The Adventures of Don Juan / The Dawn Patrol / Dive Bomber)

Amazon.com

The best-known of Errol Flynn's movies are already out there on DVD, so surely there can't be much left over to keep the second volume of the Errol Flynn Signature Collection from being an anticlimax. Except it's not. The new boxed set includes a splendid historical adventure, two aviation movies impressive in different ways, and a late swashbuckler that operates as a droll gloss on the star's persona. Plus (wait for it...) it also contains the best movie Errol Flynn ever made, and very likely his best performance as well.

Let's take that last one first. Raoul Walsh's Gentleman Jim (1942) is a great, boisterous gift box of a movie, a high-spirited biopic of late-19th-century prizefighter James J. Corbett. The setting is San Francisco in the Gay '90s, with Flynn/Corbett starting out as a brash, egotistical bank teller fast with his mouth and light on his feet. Given a chance to crash high society, he becomes a pugilist for the amusement of the nabobs, then sets out on a boxing career that will bring him glove-to-glove with the Great John L. ... Sullivan, that is, and portrayed with Walshian gusto by Ward Bond. Gentleman Jim is fragrant with period atmosphere, exhilarating in its feeling for space and back-slapping human contact, and so big-hearted and exuberant that it finally invites the audience right into the film. Alexis Smith--as a socialite who ribs Corbett mercilessly--and Flynn conduct a strikingly egalitarian mating duel. The supporting cast includes Jack Carson, Alan Hale, and the epically grumpy William Frawley, and the whirlwind montages are by future director Don Siegel. This is great fun--and a masterpiece to boot.

The adventure movie is The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), Flynn's second star vehicle in Hollywood. A step up in scale and gloss from Captain Blood, this Michael Curtiz picture is historical poppycock but thrilling spectacle, with exotic doings in India and Asia Minor building to the horrendous siege of Chukoti, then a lateral move to the Crimea for the big Tennyson finish every perennial schoolboy in the audience has been waiting for. The Flynn of this swashbuckler-one-step-removed isn't the buoyant and boyish fellow we expect; he even comes in second to fellow Bengal Lancer (and dull brother) Patric Knowles for the heart of Olivia De Havilland. But he wears nobility well, and there's genuine tenderness in his performance. The camerawork and editing of the Charge will lift your heart rate, and the large supporting cast includes Donald Crisp, Nigel Bruce, Spring Byington, C. Henry Gordon, and Flynn pal David Niven.

Niven and Flynn are together again in The Dawn Patrol (1938), a memorable WWI tale of British airmen flying perilous missions in flimsy planes, and the flight commanders who have to send them out to do it. Basil Rathbone (in a rare departure from villainy in a Flynn movie) plays the tortured commandant whom hotshot Flynn will be obliged to succeed. Although this is the Dawn Patrol most people know, it's actually the remake of a 1930 Howard Hawks classic. The original has a starker feel (inseparable from its early-talkie creakiness), as if its airbase were at the edge of the known world. The more up-to-date Flynn version, directed by Edmund Goulding, is smoother entertainment, with a stronger supporting cast--but all the flying footage is from Hawks's movie.

The other aviation drama is Dive Bomber (1941), a big hit just before America's entry into WWII. Flynn plays it more sober than usual (no pun intended) as a Navy flight surgeon helping to lick the challenge of high-altitude sickness. There's no good reason for the movie to last 132 minutes, and both the macho griping of aviator Fred MacMurray and the garish treatment of the peripheral females (including Alexis Smith in her first featured role) get tiresome. But these are worth enduring for the breathtaking flight scenes in vivid Technicolor--which looks every bit as great as it must have in 1941. Director Michael Curtiz, in what would be his last film with Flynn, even sets up the ground scenes to include low-altitude flyovers.

The Adventures of Don Juan (1948), made near the end of Flynn's Warner years, is a footnote to the star's swashbuckling legacy and a not-very-inside joke on his reputation as real-life Don Juan; the picture is at least as interested in eliciting chuckles as serving up thrills. Director Vincent Sherman lacked the brio of Curtiz and the gusto of Walsh, but he ably steers the actor past self-parody to a reasonably graceful performance. Again, the real excitement is the ultra-radiant Technicolor--a perhaps inadvertent result of veteran film noir cameraman Woody Bredell lighting the movie as though he were still working that black-and-white territory. Viveca Lindfors supplies urbane love interest as the Queen of Spain, and Robert Douglas stands in for Basil Rathbone as villain-in-chief.

Consistent with previous Warner practice, all but one of the features in Volume 2 come packaged with a "Warner Night at the Movies" set of shorts: cartoons, comedy shorts, trailers for contemporaneous WB movies, and sometimes newsreels. The disc of Gentleman Jim also includes an audio-only bonus, a radio reenactment featuring Flynn and costars Alexis Smith and Ward Bond. Probably because of its two-hour-plus running time, Dive Bomber is accompanied only by its trailer and a brief documentary, in which historian Rudy Behlmer shares a choice anecdote about Mike Curtiz attempting to direct airplanes. Unfortunately, of Flynn and his various directors, only Vincent Sherman was still available to do a commentary track (on Adventures of Don Juan, which also includes Behlmer commentary); Sherman passed away in 2006 at the age of 99. --Richard T. Jameson

Studio description

Includes The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), Gentleman Jim (1942), The Adventures of Don Juan (1948), The Dawn Patrol (1938), and Dive Bomber (1941).

Customer Reviews:

Almost as good as Volume 1.......2007-09-03

When I picked up the second volume of the Errol Flynn Signature Collection, I wasn't sure what I was going to get. After all, the first volume had most of his really big movies (including Captain Blood and The Sea Hawk) and his definitive movie, The Adventures of Robin Hood, was not in either set. Nevertheless, this second set does have some good movies, even if they are not quite the caliber of Volume 1.

The first movie (chronologically speaking) is The Charge of the Light Brigade, a depiction of the Crimean War with Flynn as a British lancer who will eventually lead the famous charge. This is a Warner Brothers classic, with many familiar names from other Flynn movies, including Olivia de Havilland (his most frequent leading lady, this time playing a woman in love with Flynn's brother), Donald Crisp, musical scorer Max Steiner and director Michael Curtiz. This also has David Niven and Nigel Bruce (later famous as Dr. Watson in the Sherlock Holmes movies).

Niven is also in The Dawn Patrol which has he and Flynn as pilots during World War I, an era when aerial combat was (pardon the pun) just getting off the ground. Both are cocky aces who survive while their less seasoned fellow pilots perish. Basil Rathbone plays their commander, forced to send his green recruits to almost certain death. For a late 1930's movie, this does a good job showing the plane-to-plane battles.

The weakest in the set is another air-related movie, Dive Bomber. Flynn plays a doctor researching ways that pilots can overcome loss of consciousness when dive bombing. Fred MacMurray plays the test pilot who distrusts Flynn. With little real adventure, this movie doesn't really exploit Flynn's talents, even with Curtiz directing again.

Gentleman Jim is a fictional biography of boxer Jim Corbett, who came to prominence just as boxing began to be a legitimate sport. Flynn plays the title character with his standard easy going charm. Of course, the movie has to culminate in a big title match, but the path to that match is a lot of fun.

Last in the bunch and the best is Adventures of Don Juan, which successfully recreates the swashbuckling Flynn and owes more than a little to Adventures of Robin Hood. In this film, Flynn plays the legendary wooer of woman who is called upon to save Queen and country (Spain) against a coup. This has it all: Flynn, a nasty villain played by Robert Douglas, a beautiful queen played by Viveca Lindfors, a wonderful sidekick with Alan Hale, the music of Steiner again and the direction of Vincent Sherman, all put together with plenty of wit and swordplay.

All of the movies come with the Warner Night at the Movies special feature except Dive Bomber (another reason this one is the weakest in the set). This special feature allows the viewer to see a movie preview, newsreel, short subject and cartoon from the year of the movie's release. There are other extras as well, including commentary on Adventures of Don Juan. In short, between the movies and the extras, this is a five-star set and once again showcases why Flynn was one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and 1940s.

Dawn Patrol.......2007-09-01

A very historically accurate depiction of the events of a fighter pilot in World War II

Great Set !! Looking Forward To Vol. 3.......2007-08-19

A great set and a must have for Flynn fans. Highlights for me are "The Dawn Patrol & Gentleman Jim." I am looking forward to Vol. 3.

Here are my picks for Vol.3:

Another Dawn

Desperate Journey

Edge Of Darkness

Northren Pursuit

Uncertain Glory

another must have.......2007-07-16

The Charge of the Light Brigade never fails to bring a tear to my good eye. The other films are certainly no slouchers. Lord Byron's "Don Juan" comes alive on the screen with great content to surprise the casual viewer. Gentleman Jim, Dawn Patrol, and Dive Bomber are greats as well. If you are starting a collection of old classics, this would be a fine start. Enjoy!

The entire collection.......2007-07-12

Erroll Flynn is the premier actor of this period, with all due respect to Bogart. His shear screen presence, especially in Light Brigade and Don Juan reinforce his position as one of the best of all time. Well worth the money for anyone's collection.

Average customer rating:

Flynn at his Best
Classic tale of romance, friendship, love, and sacrifice.
classic great movie
BEST HISTORICAL CAVALRY CHARGE EVER!
An action movie like no other

The Charge of the Light Brigade
Starring: Errol Flynn , Olivia de Havilland , Patric Knowles , Henry Stephenson , and Nigel Bruce
Director: Michael Curtiz , Lloyd French , and B. Reeves Eason
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000M2E30E
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Amazon.com essential video

Why is The Charge of the Light Brigade so rarely even mentioned among Errol Flynn's swashbucklers? It's a terrific movie, something like the peak of spectacular Hollywood action filmmaking and the bravura style of Michael Curtiz. The setting--till the Crimean War climax--is the Indian frontier (impersonated, as so often, by rocky Lone Pine, California), where the 27th Bengal Lancers run afoul of an Oxford-educated slime named Surat Khan (C. Henry Gordon). Flynn and Olivia de Havilland bring real tenderness to two-thirds of a romantic triangle (the other corner is the hero's brother, Patric Knowles). There's the fearsome siege of Chukoti, an unspeakable atrocity, and finally the foolhardy, inspired Charge at Balaklava. The camerawork and editing of that grand sequence never cease to astonish. History (and political correctness) is better served by the 1968 Tony Richardson movie, but for unabashed epic sweep and matchless thrills, this is the one you want. --Richard T. Jameson

Customer Reviews:

Flynn at his Best.......2007-08-24

A film I've waited a long time for on Dvd.I've always enjoyed Errol Flynn in his swashbuckling adventure films and this is typical of one of the best of them.As a child I had to learn the famous poem of "The Charge of The Light Brigade" at school and although film makers don't always follow history exactly this is still a good one to watch and have in your collection.A good story line and the charge at the end will get your pulse racing. Enjoy.

Classic tale of romance, friendship, love, and sacrifice........2007-08-22

I think "Charge of the Light Brigade," with Errol Flynn is among one of finest films, with one of the finest actors of all time. It does have every element. The story is strong and moving, with much heroism and true friendships in it. David Niven and Patrick Knowles are excellent in it as well as good and forever loyal friends to Major Vickers. The film has a lot of meaning and truth in it, excellent story and acting by all. Olivia de Havilland is a great actress too and very beautiful. She and Flynn are the perfect screen couple. No one can match Errol Flynn for swashbuckling , such grace, and really moving and meaningful acting. The romance between Olivia and Major Vickers, is very tender and heartfelt to watch throughout the film. You always wonder how the character she portrayed could have left such a noble and decent man like him for his brother.
I'd very highly recommend it. They dont make films like this anymore and that's ashame. It's a rare gem of a film.

classic great movie.......2007-07-30

A true gem of a movie, acting, casting, scenery, storyline. An excellent Errol Fynn movie.

BEST HISTORICAL CAVALRY CHARGE EVER!.......2007-06-21

I first saw this movie in 1977 when I was 7, and now I am 37, and I still think this is one of the best movies ever!!! This was made over 5 years BEFORE PEARL Harbor. For 1936, and this FAMOUS Charge, with Errol Flynn, and this MUSICAL SCORE is the greatest! This movie is timeless, and should be shown to your children, and then their children!! They DO NOT make movies like this anymore!

An action movie like no other.......2007-06-12

I am an avid Errol Flynn fan where his action movies are concerned.
The Charge of the Light Brigade is timeless and should be seen by the younger generation who were never exposed to this movie. I am from the baby boom days.

Average customer rating:

TorpanInternational
Worst War Movie Ever
Every Republican should see this Film
an embarrassing mess saved by one brilliant concept
Glory Examined

The Charge of the Light Brigade
Starring: Trevor Howard , Vanessa Redgrave , John Gielgud , Harry Andrews , and Jill Bennett
Director: Tony Richardson
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Action & Combat | Military & War | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Military & War | Genres | DVD | Video

War Epics | Military & War | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000062XEW
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Amazon.com

Tony Richardson's film about the colossal Crimean War blunder combines his sociopolitical anger with the splendors of a David Lean epic for a fascinating artifact of that boiling-point protest year, 1968. Like America's contemporaneous Vietnam War, Britain's mid-19th-century conflict with Russia in defense of Turkey made less sense the deeper they sank into it; John Gielgud's Lord Raglan keeps referring absentmindedly to the enemy as "the French"! Aside from a peripheral romantic triangle involving apparently the single sane officer in Her Majesty's army (David Hemmings), his friend (Mark Burns), and the friend's wife (Vanessa Redgrave--Mrs. Richardson), the film is really about the profoundly jingoistic Victorian imagination; transitional animation sequences by Richard Williams seem to plunge us directly into the British national psyche. Somewhat muddled as drama, but irresistibly persuasive in its historical detail and stunning camerawork (David Watkin, Chariots of Fire), The Charge of the Light Brigade is a prime candidate for rediscovery. --Richard T. Jameson

Description

From director Tony Richardson (Tom Jones) comes this brilliant retelling of tragic events during the Crimean War. Starring Trevor Howard, John Gielgud, David Hemmings and Vanessa Redgrave, this epic political satire is an "impressive achievement" (Boxoffice) that will forever be revered as movie making at its best. British Captain Nolan (Hemmings) is a devoted officer disgusted with his commander, Lord Cardigan (Howard). Lord Raglan (Gielgud) is a foolish officer with misguided war strategies and a fading memory. Together, they are sent to Turkey in response to a Russian invasion. Driven by arrogance and ineptitude, they send hundreds of cavalry to certain death in aclimax that is both "harrowing [and] magnificent" (Time).

Customer Reviews:

TorpanInternational.......2007-03-15

This film is a piece of historical record,but thats as far as it went.

Im sad that the screen writer want to concentrate on forification ,as much as did.More explaination of the object ---history would have brought it up to a higher standard.

Sorry it didnt go to 3 stars

Worst War Movie Ever.......2007-01-18

This was the worst war movie I've ever seen.
It was hard to sit through and the ending was even worse.
...and I like war movies.

Every Republican should see this Film.......2006-09-27

This is an interesting allegorical tale. David Hemmings, in one of his best roles, represents the instinctual nature of the ordinary man with no greater aspirations other than to enjoy the pleasures of life. As political and military figures "wave the flag" to the beat of their own political persuasions, loyalty unto death to those political persuasions is the only proof of loyalty to one's country. Men die in this film and it is not all for queen and country.

an embarrassing mess saved by one brilliant concept.......2006-07-04

this is a one star movie that im giving three stars. while it is unquestionably more factually accurate than the errol flynn classic (sadly not yet on dvd), it is nowhere near as entertaining -- tho i do like the performance of trevor howard as the insane lord raglan. no, what raises this movie up is the occasional all too brief animation sequences, based on contemporary drawings from the crimean war era. would that the director had the balls (or wherewithal) to film the entire movie in this style, we might have had a unique and exciting piece. instead its just a mish-mash interrupted by flashes of brilliance.

Glory Examined.......2006-03-22

As a boy, I thrilled to the 1939 film with Errol Flynn and I read Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade" in class. As an adult, I studied the history of the Crimean War (along with other history). I don't know how I missed this film until now.

More accurate by far than the 1939 film, this film examines the claim that glory can be extracted from a series of blunders, incompetences and personality conflicts in the field. Supported by a wonderful caste playing their roles imppecably, this 1968 remake is devoid of the romance or righteousness of the 1939 film. I still love the old one, but more for it's romance than accurracy. This remake does the exact opposite of the Flynn/de Haviland film. Romance is represented here by a desolate one night stand between Cardigan and one of his subbordinate officer's wives who plays the part of an empty headed beast, hungry for a thrill to the point of bloodthirstiness against Trevor Howard's parody of Cardigan as a ridiculous lover/cavalier.

The cartoons are interesting in their style and meaning and their use here causes me to wonder if Monty Python was inspired by their use in this film as it criticizes the ideas of empire and glory. This is a film that could have only emerged from the compost of the Viet-Nam era. I wonder how it was received in England since it criticizes all the old ideas of Empire, Queen, country and British chauvanism. I wonder how much it contributed to the growth of permanent anti-war culture in Britain? I'd love to read a review of this film from 1968.

Few films that claim to be historically based are actually very factual. There are only a few questionable incidents here. I am not sure if the note was written inacurrately, but according to this film, Raglan only ordered an andvance with support that he wasn't sure was there and only assumed Lucan would understand the intention to flank the guns not charge them. This film lays nearly the entire disaster on a Captain Norlan's head. Noland seems to have understood the intention to flank the guns but after goading his superior officers into a straight on charge, seems to have a change of heart once he sees the devastating reality of their course. He charges up and hysterically tries to force Cardigan to ride up the valley he seemed to know Raglan intended. One strength of this film is that it creates a question as to whether anyone attempted to prompt the orders on the field. Captain Noland was either a loose cannon or a scapgoat - we may never know. A good historic film should have this effect - to inspire the acquisition of more historical knowledge.

As for the charge itself, it is done as it should be, with no soundtract so that the viewer may experience the event without any other emotional support. My only complaint is that the retreat was also fired upon and the impression is given here that once the cannon lines were reached all firing by the Russians ceased. Russian calvary did charge in once the guns were breached, but the Brigade was fired upon as it withdrew and the Russians did not pursue. Cardigan is unscathed, but little account is given the viewer as to how that luck transpired. A small group that held to him did reach the guns and retreat out. He must have ultimately been protected by the press of his own men around him. I think the charge itself should have lasted longer since the this is the climax and the film's title. A lot more story could have been portrayed such as Cardigan's ride and the 670 horses and men filmed represented more fully. Think of the effect of a charge that goes on and on to the point that the audience feels that there is no escape.

Ultimately, this is an anti-war film and no surprise here. Perhaps it is a bit exaggerated in some of its scenes, but the point is well made. War is hell and not entertainment as the horrified spectators attending this expedition find. That scene, of the sobering of those who revile in the excitment of war, is well done. Still, the mystery of glory survives. The few men left on their feet volunteer to "go again" prompting Cardigan's gallant understated reply, "No,no, you've done enough today."

THE WARLORD with Charlton Heston (The War Lord) (O Senhor da Guerra) (High Quality Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)(Adventure)

Average customer rating:

A true and graphic depiction of the time

THE WARLORD with Charlton Heston (The War Lord) (O Senhor da Guerra) (High Quality Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)(Adventure)
Starring: Charlton Heston , Richard Boone , and Rosemary Forysth
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Manufacturer: Classicline
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

ASIN: B000I3LX2S

Product Description

Brand new, factory sealed, fully licensed DVD manufactured in Brazil. NTSC format. Playable on any North American DVD player. High quality widescreen color image. Original English dialog with optional subtitles in Portuguese. Portuguese subtitles do not appear unless turned on and they can be easily turned off. The following is a review which appears in Amazon for the VHS edition. "I think this is one of the best-ever medieval war films. Charlton Heston's role (Chrysagon Delacroix) is almost perfect: Rosemary Forsyth (Bronwyn) is mysterious and gorgeous. Bors (played by Richard Boone) is taciturn, rough and also unforgettable. Draco (Guy Stockwell, Heston's insanely jealous younger brother) is my favorite character. Other than a few visual (technical) gaffs - like arrows bouncing off the siege tower draw bridge, and using modern-looking recurve bows - the armor and weapons and fighting is very satisfying. The mixture of Christianity in the presence of the old unforgotten Celtic religion is a tense ingredient that adds depth to what is essentially a simple story of "boy meets girl" and keeps her, even when his world turns against him over it."

Customer Reviews:

A true and graphic depiction of the time.......2007-03-21

Over the years I have bought this movie several times as it really brings the life and times of its characters into full view. This has an exceptionally strong cast and will be watched and enjoyed by any history buff.

The History of Warfare: Balaclava 1854 - The Charge of the Light Brigade

Average customer rating:

The History of Warfare: Balaclava 1854 - The Charge of the Light Brigade
Starring: History of Warfare
Manufacturer: Cromwell Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000P2XMIK
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Description

The Battle of Balaclava, the most famous battle of the Crimean War (1854-1856), is also one of the most famous battles in military history. The battle was distinguished by three celebrated acts of exceptional heroism-the courage of the 93rd Highland Regiment, forever immortalized as "the Thin Red Line"; the dashing bravery the utter disaster that befell the Light Brigade when it made its infamous suicidal charge on the Russian artillery positions. Featuring special dramatized "eyewitness" accounts and reconstructions, period imagery, and computer generated 3-D maps of the battlefield, this DVD is a dramatic record of the battle. Narrated by Brian Blessed, this DVD also features expert commentary and analysis by Dr. David Chandler, one of the world's foremost military historians and former head of the Department of War Studies at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE with Errol Flynn (A Carga da Brigada Ligeira) (Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)(Adventure)

Average customer rating:

Good if great quality is not important

THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE with Errol Flynn (A Carga da Brigada Ligeira) (Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)(Adventure)

Manufacturer: Classicline
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000GKB22Y

Product Description

Brand new, factory sealed, fully licensed DVD manufactured in Brazil. NTSC format. Playable on any North American DVD player. Full screen black and white image. Original English dialog with optional subtitles in Portuguese. Portuguese subtitles do not appear unless turned on and they can be easily turned off. The following review appears in Amazon for the VHS edition: "Reviewer: Robert S. Clay Jr. From the standpoint of history, artistic license abounds in this classic adventure movie. In fairness, the filmmaker posts a disclaimer of the historical veracity of the film right at the beginning. Errol Flynn is at his flamboyant best as dashing English officer, Geofrrey Vickers. He vies with his brother (Patrick Knowles) for the love of Olivia DeHavilland. C. Henry Gordon is evilly conniving as Surat Khan, leader of the fictional Suristan faction. When England cuts off his money, Surat Khan wages war against the British interlopers. After Surat Khan massacres non-combatants at the garrison of Chokoti (sp.?), India is too hot to hold him. In typical Hollywood fashion, the action shifts to the Crimea at Sebastopol where the British face the Russians at Balaklava Heights. Vickers, still burning with anger over the massacre of innocents, discovers this and he forges orders for the Light Brigade to attack. Under the direction of Michael Curtiz, the slam-bang action sequences of this movie provide memorable thrills. As the lancers charge into the face of roaring cannon, to the right of them, to the left of them, in front of them, quotes from Tennyson's poem appear on screen. The shot of the fallen lancer still holding aloft the billowing Union Jack in his lifeless hand is great imagery. "When can their glory fade?" Filmed in glorious B&W, this classic action/adventure film is a good example of the quality product of the Warner Brothers film sutdio at its Depression Era height. Enjoy the old fashioned fun."

Customer Reviews:

Good if great quality is not important.......2006-08-15

This review is for the Brazilian edition only. Overall, this movie transfer is OK if you are not a stickler for very high quality transfers and need to have this DVD now. It does not seem that Warner Brothers is going to release any more Errol Flynn titles anytime soon. It is in English and you can turn the Portuguese subtitle off. It is not a high quality transfer and it skips a lot throughout.

All that being said, this is one of Errol Flynn's early and best action movies during the early part of his career. It is a fictionalized account of the famous charge of the British lancers and in my opinion a lot more interesting than the later version with Gielgould which although more accurate historically, the action is terrible. Flynn is at his best and the movie direction is excellent.

I give the movie 5 stars, the video transfer 2 to 3 stars. If you can wait for Warner Brothers to release it, I suggest that you wait. If not, it is not too bad. The seller I bought it from was excellent.

THE FLAME AND THE ARROW (Adventure) with Burt Lancaster (O Gaviao e a Flecha) (High Quality Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)

Average customer rating:

THE FLAME AND THE ARROW (Adventure) with Burt Lancaster (O Gaviao e a Flecha) (High Quality Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)

Manufacturer: Classicline
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

ASIN: B000GKVEU4

Product Description

Brand new, factory sealed, fully licensed DVD manufactured in Brazil. NTSC format. Playable on any North American DVD player. High quality full screen color image. Original English dialog with optional subtitles in Portuguese. Portuguese subtitles do not appear unless turned on and they can be easily turned off. The following review appears in Amazon for the VHS edition: " Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" "Though the plot is silly and derivative of "Robin Hood", this film makes a great vehicle for Burt Lancaster, as Dardo "The Arrow", a man who is adored by children, loved by women, and lives in a forest with his band of freedom fighters. It isn't the type of film one usually associates with Lancaster, as he won his awards and fame with serious drama; in his mid-thirties at the time, with chiseled bone structure, an incandescent smile, and an enormous amount of hair, he did his own stunts, some which are astonishing acrobatic feats. Dardo's sidekick is a mute named Piccolo, delightfully played by Nick Cravat, and the love interest is the lovely Virginia Mayo. It has a rousing Max Steiner score, lavish sets, and beautiful Technicolor cinematography in golden shades of red and brown by Ernest Haller. This was one of the first films I ever saw as a child, and it made an indelible impression on me; seeing it over 50 years later, it hasn't dimmed in its charm or exuberance."

The Charge of the Light Brigade [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

TorpanInternational
Worst War Movie Ever
Every Republican should see this Film
an embarrassing mess saved by one brilliant concept
Glory Examined

The Charge of the Light Brigade [Region 2]
Starring: Trevor Howard , Vanessa Redgrave , John Gielgud , Harry Andrews , and Jill Bennett
Director: Tony Richardson
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: B0002CH7WU

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

TorpanInternational.......2007-03-15

Worst War Movie Ever.......2007-01-18

This was the worst war movie I've ever seen.
It was hard to sit through and the ending was even worse.
...and I like war movies.

Every Republican should see this Film.......2006-09-27

an embarrassing mess saved by one brilliant concept.......2006-07-04

Glory Examined.......2006-03-22

DVD:

DVD

DVD