Frank Sinatra MGM Movie Legends Collection (The Manchurian Candidate / Guys and Dolls / The Pride and the Passion / A Hole in the Head / Kings Go Forth)

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Five Sinatra movies are boxed in this set, culled from his biggest era as movie star. There are no Rat Pack movies here, nor the early croonings of the bobby-soxer's dreamboat, rather a look at how Sinatra chose to spend his most powerful years as a box-office draw. There's just one bona fide classic in the bunch, The Manchurian Candidate, although Guys and Dolls is an awfully fun picture. Not many extra features for this box, although Manchurian Candidate has the good supporting stuff from its regular disc.

1962's Manchurian Candidate, directed by John Frankenheimer from a crackerjack novel by Richard Condon, is simply one of the essential American films of the 1960s, and a gnawing cry of discontent that sounds more clearly with each passing year. Sinatra and Laurence Harvey are ex-Korean War POWs with a shared nightmare, but only Harvey has a purpose: he's a lethal political weapon. Frankenheimer's direction is brilliant, capturing the feel of the early TV age, and the film is blackly, weirdly funny. Sinatra gives maybe his greatest performance, but Angela Lansbury nearly steals the movie as Harvey's mother.

Guys and Dolls (1955) is adapted from one of the finest of Broadway musicals, so you can understand why director Joseph Mankiewicz (All About Eve) fell in love with the Damon Runyon characters and the stylized milieu of sharpies and dames. Sinatra makes perfect sense as Nathan Detroit, and Vivian Blaine repeats her show-stopping stage role as Adelaide, but Mankiewicz perversely cast two non-singers in the leads: Marlon Brando as high-roller Sky Masterson, and Jean Simmons as Salvation Army lass Sarah Brown. Neither is a belter, but they do bring something gentle to their roles. The whole thing is overdone, but the marvelous music holds up.

The Pride and the Passion (1957) puts Sinatra in one of his most embarrassing roles, a Spanish fighter in the age of Napoleon, shepherding a giant cannon with the help of a British military man (Cary Grant). The boys share a mistress, Sophia Loren. This madness was directed by Stanley Kramer, who somehow let Sinatra do a Spanish accent, complete with rolled "r"s. Amazingly, it was one of the ten biggest grossing films of its year.

An even odder curio is Delmer Daves's Kings Go Forth (1958), with Sinatra and Tony Curtis as WWII soldiers competing for the attention of Natalie Wood, who has a secret that will affect the way they see her. It comes from Hollywood's era of "topic" movies, but simply doesn't gain much traction--the only character not Representing Something is Sinatra's tender portrait of a soldier at loose ends.

Finally, Frank Capra's A Hole in the Head (1959) gives Sinatra the kind of lovable rogue part he could knock off without breaking a sweat. He's a Miami widower with a son and some big dreams… you might even call them "high hopes." Yes, that Oscar-winning song comes from this movie, with Frankie and child star Eddie Hodges providing the vocals. If the movie isn't quite a Capra classic (he'd been out of film for a few years before this, and would make only one more feature after it), it fits neatly into the "family film" format. There goes another rubber-tree plant…. --Robert Horton

Description

Disc 1: Guys and Dolls WS Disc 2: Hole In The Head WS Disc 3: Kings Go Forth P&S Disc 4: The Manchurian Candidate WS Disc 5: The Pride and Passion WS

Customer Reviews:

A Good Selection Though Disappointing.......2007-07-13

Sinatra has a vast body of filmed works. It is curious how these major stars boxsets are put together.
Manchurian Candidate and Guys & Dolls are great but had been available
in DVD for a long time.
Pride and Passion is not a good film, especially for Sinatra in an embarassing role as a Spaniard.
A Hole in the Head is a gem and joy to watch, by the great Frank Capra.
Kings Go Forth is a soapy war film.

This collection is silly ...........2007-07-07

As a huge Frank Sinatra fan, I disapointed; So many movies -especially the early musicals- have never been available on Dvd...I was hoping to see a box set one day....Now comes the box set but at my surprise this collection features dvds that we already had....Frank Sinatra was a singer and none of those movies is a musical...I can't believe they missed a great opportinity to release wonderful movies such HIGHER AND HIGHER/ IT HAPPENED IN BROOKLYN/ THE TENDER TRAP/ THE KISSING BANDIT etc.... Shame on those people who makes those Dvds and just don't care about the fans.

Average customer rating:

Great music as well.
The Pride and the Passion- Satisfies the Passion for Films
An adventure spectacle in praise of will over all obstacles!
Well Told Tale
A True Epic

The Pride and the Passion
Starring: Cary Grant , Frank Sinatra , Sophia Loren , Theodore Bikel , and John Wengraf
Director: Stanley Kramer
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000062XF1
Release Date: 2002-05-07

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During Napoleon's invasion of Spain, the fate of the Spanish partisans rests with an elaborate, magnificent, and extremely heavy cannon--which the French have lost. Despite the high-wattage star power on display, this gun is the true star of The Pride and the Passion, a massive Stanley Kramer production that employs vast swatches of the Spanish countryside (and a few thousand Spaniards). And the stars? Well, they're among the biggest of their day--the only problem is, they're miscast. Frank Sinatra plays the scruffy, illiterate partisan leader, Cary Grant the uptight British captain who covets the gun for his country, Sophia Loren the peasant woman shared by both men. It says something about these effortless stars that they all look extremely uncomfortable in this movie. Grant is robbed of his humor and thus awkward (although his marvelous athleticism is much on display), and Loren is badly made-up and stuck in nobility. Sinatra fares the worst, however, including a disastrous Spanish accent, complete with rolled "r"s. Physically, the movie's pretty impressive, with some eye-filling scenes of extras pushing the heavy cannon up hill and over dale; Franz Planer's cinematography is picturesque, except in some obvious studio inserts. One big draw: the mighty, Iberian-flavored music by George Antheil, one of the composer's best scores. But you'd better like the music and the cannon, because the rest of the film hovers between the tranquilizing and the cheesy. Amazingly, it was one of the top ten box-office films of its year. --Robert Horton

Description

Napoleon's forces are sweeping across Europe, and Spain is on the brink of falling to the mighty invasion. Standing alone against the onslaught is one brave fighter and his ragtag band of guerillas. Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren deliver outstanding performances in this "tense, absorbing [and] suspenseful" (The Hollywood Reporter) wartime classic. Seizing a gigantic cannon, Spanish fighter Miguel (Sinatra) plans to attack Napoleon's army by battering the walls of French-occupied Avila. But because he's untrained in complex weaponry, he must rely on the expertise ofCaptain Trumbell (Grant), a British naval officer. Allies on the battlefield, Trumbell and Miguel soon find themselves in a bitter struggle over Miguel's mistress (Loren), a sultry beauty drawn to the captain's refined ways even as they race toward the most harrowing battle of their lives.

Customer Reviews:

Great music as well........2007-07-23

I originally bought this title to listen to the musical score composed by George Antheil, the self-proclaimed "bad boy of music." His early works such as his Ballet Mechanique ruffled feathers with its airplane propellers on stage along with an army of pianos and percussionists. But his symphonies and film scores (a necessary task to keep food on the table for many American composers or the era) reflect none of the defiance in other works. A fabulous score. Listen also to the musical score he did for "The Plainsman," also available from Amazon. The plot of the story is well described above. The use of some many extras is impressive and the scenes of Spanish Holy Week are epic. Ignore the criticisms about "bad accents," etc. and just enjoy the movie -a great buy.

The Pride and the Passion- Satisfies the Passion for Films.......2007-03-24

What's not to like about a movie that has some good elements. Good Stars, (Stars from the past era, before everyone was a "Super Star"), Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra, A cast of Thousands,(really)and a monumental task for the heroes to do. I know a lot of people will say that it may not be the best plot, or in light of the current special effects the "coolest" CG., but it is very entertaining. I know movie critics of the time it was released did not care for it, but sometimes movie critics care more for you liking them and how they write then the movies they review. The story line is simple, War between Spain and France. Spain had a huge cannon that they made for the War and it is abandoned during a battle. France knows the cannon is somewhere and wants it, the British know there is a big cannon somewhere and they want it. The Spanish rebels know there is a big cannon, know where it is but don't care.
They don't care, until Cary Grant shows up wanting the cannon for the British. Well Frank (the head of the Rebels) Knows where it is. Frank has another plan for the cannon...ah the plot thickens. Well Cary know how to fire it, and Frank wants it for his purpose. Sophia? well she is the glue between the characters and convices them to work together. Can't think of a better motovator! She has a cause, she has leaders ear, she...well she has Cary's attention! She looks so sexy and lovely that it is hard for Cary and us to not have our attention. So a deal is struck. Cary helps them, then they help him get the cannon to where he wants later. Cary Grant always looks great. No exception to the rule here. Handsome as ever, dashing even in his British uniform, and as usual some humor thrown in. He is always the "Hollywood Star" quality. Does not have to say anything sometimes, just is. Frank as a Spanish speaker...hummm not perfect, but who cares he makes you like the charater...tough guy...but has the heroic "cause", and as always his own sex appeal and star quality that is unmistakeable. Sophia what's not to like. She looks good, she is dripping with sexuality, but has a strong female charater...she makes the guys do what she wants, and makes them want her, and respect her...what not to like about the charater. She is the spark and the glue that drive them on and settles the quarrels. And as you guessed it's a love triangle. Find another movies that has those elements. We want them to succeed. We want them to all be together. We marvel at the "huge" cannon...will they fail, will the big gun perform (Adults add their own side story line), and will the guys get the girl...humm which guy gets her... hummm? The last element is "how the He... did they drag that big prop around the country side without killing the extras!! The box claims that this is the largest group of extras used on a film in a foreign contry...I'm not sure if that is true but it certainly looks like it. Whew! Great Cinemaphotography, great sound, restored picture. Entertaining. (some may find long but it is an epic story) I got so hooked the first time I saw this on the little screen, now I enjoyed it more on my HD LCD 32" screen so much more...still hooked me...who cares it's a tad long....longer looks at the great stars!

An adventure spectacle in praise of will over all obstacles!.......2007-01-11

It is 1810... The French legions of Napoleon smash across Spain...

Captain Anthony Trumbull (Cary Grant) is ordered to retrieve a giant seven tons cannon, abandoned by the crushed and bleeding Spanish army in their retreat in one of the darkest page of nation's history...

The handsome officer wants to transport it to the British lines, but when he meets Miguel (Frank Sinatra), the Spanish peasant leader of the Guerilla forces, Trumbull is forced to amend his ideas...

Miguel has more direct plans... He sees in the huge gun a chance for victory... He enlists the aid of the Spanish people in raising the tremendous cannon from a deep ravine, and moves it over hill, dale, river, and mud to the walled city of Avila...

During the arduous odyssey, Stolid Trumbull falls in love with Miguel's fiery mistress Juana (Sophia Loren). The desperate men were sacrificing everything for their love of country... Blood, sweat, tears and toil as they pushed, pulled, dragged, and strained the big gun halfway across Spain... But with the remarkable gun, the only symbol of resistance left in Spain, going on before them, made them feel no longer a mere band of Spanish irregulars, but a besieging army... They can fight now for what they believe, and break the French in the field...

With a certain dislike to the Englishman's guts, Miguel sees himself forced to accept Trumbull's instructions, being the only man around who knows how to fire the cannon... Trumbull makes all the necessary repairs to the awesome weapon, and blows up the walls of the fortress city...

Kramer's movie echoes Sam Wood's 'For Whom the Bells Tolls.' Although the characters in the film, made from Ernest Hemingway modern classic, were better drawn and motivated... 'The Pride and the Passion' is far superior visually...

Blended to the passionate sound of the guitars, the voice of a singer, and the rhythmic hand claps of the patriots, Sophia provides with grace and posture a spontaneous flamenco dance...

Epic in scope, with a cast of thousands, and with ocean of tents, stacked rifles, regimental banners, batteries of cannon, rows of cavalry horses and artillery mules, massed troops, "The Pride and the Passion," is an adventure spectacle in praise of will over all obstacles...

The film opens with a spectacular sequence of the Spanish army retreating in defeat, battle torn and dissolute...

Well Told Tale.......2006-12-22

This is a handsome film that takes its time unfolding to a riveting climax. The production design is vividly and visually realistic adding a rare authenticity yet dramatic feel to the historical drama set in Spain during the Napoleonic Wars. This film had my full attention from beginning to end in part to the cohesiveness of the ensemble of actors (Cary Grant, Frank Sinata and Sophia Loren). The characters have much more depth than normally would have been expected in such a large production and this made the viewing of this film a delight to watch. Less intimate than other Stanley Kramer films up to this point in time it remaines a beautiful film set on a large cinematic canvas.

A True Epic.......2005-07-25

The Pride and the Passion is the way movie epics used to be made: on location with thousands of extras. Director Stanley Kramer spent two years in Spain and used 9,400 extras to put his story of Spanish resistance to Napoleon on the screen. The story and setting is unlikely. Waterloo and Russia come to mind but the English campaign against the French is rarely portrayed. Probably to best is the television series on Richard Sharpe, the Sergeant promoted to Lieutenant by Wellington that starred Sean Bean.

The Pride and Passion was based on a story by C. S. Forster and has the kind of action that makes a good epic, centering on an enormous cannon, abandoned by Spanish troops, that both the French and English want. As other reviewers have pointed out the cannon assumed a major role in the film and perhaps the most exciting scene is when it is fired toward the end. I though that Cary Grant was well cast in the role of Captain Anthony Trumbrull. The part needed someone dashing and handsome. Cary Grant may have been a little old for the role but he gave a good performance. Another good choice for the part would have been Stewart Grainger. Sophia Loren was an excellent choice for Juana and she does quite well with the role. However, as has often been said about her performances in English, she does not completely connect with her character as much as her Italian films. Loren and Grant were romantically involved during the production but their love scenes don't quite have the spark of say, Burton and Taylor a few years later. Frank Sinatra was a good choice for Miguel based on his looks alone but he gives a very wooden performance. It is almost that he feels a bit miffed because he is not going to get the girl. The movie has its share of bad lines, like "Your face is dirty" that Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra exchange.

I first saw this film on television and it was a movie that I remembered. The real reason for seeing The Pride and the Passion is the spectacle of moving the large cannon to be used to take the city of Avila from the French. The trials that have to be met hold your interest. The score by George Antheil is superb. Mr. Antheil has an affinity for Spanish music (as his ballet Capitol of the World proves) and the music for The Pride and the Passion helps make the film. In the end, I liked this movie for the story and less for the performances. So I am recommending this movie as an old Hollywood epic that is stunning to see and with a story entertaining if a times the actors do not fill your complete expectations.

Average customer rating:

Great music as well.
The Pride and the Passion- Satisfies the Passion for Films
An adventure spectacle in praise of will over all obstacles!
Well Told Tale
A True Epic

The Pride and the Passion [Region 2]
Starring: Cary Grant , Frank Sinatra , Sophia Loren , Theodore Bikel , and John Wengraf
Director: Stanley Kramer
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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

ASIN: B0001EYT4I

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Great music as well........2007-07-23

The Pride and the Passion- Satisfies the Passion for Films.......2007-03-24

An adventure spectacle in praise of will over all obstacles!.......2007-01-11

Well Told Tale.......2006-12-22

A True Epic.......2005-07-25

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