jimmaclellan714 Reviews

Random Harvest (1942)

One of the finest films ever made

[10/10 · 26 July 2019]

Poignant and wonderful, this film gives a glimpse into the effects of World War I on two individuals who fall in love.

Love Me Forever (1935)

A Beautiful Film

[10/10 · 11 June 2019]

This film features charming performances and wonderful music. Some have said that the story is a bit "corny". However I disagree, as it is a beautiful and moving story filled with drama and enlivened with wit. It absolutely amazes me that it is virtually impossible to obtain a copy. As far as I know, none of Grace Moore's films have been restored. Here we have a superlative American cultural treasure in Grace Moore and her film performances and yet no institution recognizes it ! Is anyone awake at the Library of Congress or any of our pretentious motion picture academies and organizations ?

I'll Take Romance (1937)

A Wondrous Madama Butterfly

[10/10 · 21 August 2017]

I have only seen a couple of brief excerpts. The performance of the first act from Puccini's Madame Butterfly' was so amazing that I have been searching for the movie ever since. I imagine it is impossible to find. Over the years I have seen and heard many performances of "Butterfly" but there was something magical about this performance despite the grainy quality of the film.

Sleepless Nights (1932)

Amazing musical

[10/10 · 30 January 2016]

I believe that one of the greatest song and dance productions in British cinematic history was the number where Stanley Lupino performs "I Don't Want To Go To Bed" during this film. It is set during what appears to be a New Year's party at a very posh hotel. Stanley Lupino was a multi-talented personality. I am so pleased that more of his films have been released in the last couple of years. However, I believe that this number shines out as his finest dance performance with a particular "rubber legs" style. He moves with incredible speed and alacrity. The music reaches a kind of manic excitement which accentuates he overall mood. Sir John Mills noted these points in an anthology of "The Best of British Cinema" video that was released in around 1991. Therefore, I feel it is such a shame that this has not been released on DVD !