Stage Door
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Movie Reviews of Stage Door
Movie Review: Fun with stars before they were stars
Summary: 5 Stars
STAGE DOOR was a popular, successful play that became this popular, successful movie. It is filled to the brim with banter, cat-fights, and incredible insights into the highs and lows of life in the arts, and the variety of individuals drawn into the life.
The blessing of this film is that we get to see really great stars early in their careers. Ginger Rodgers, Kathryn Hepburn, Eve Arden, Lucille Ball, and Ann Miller. The dramatic standout is Andrea Leeds as a brilliant actress who can not handle the disappointments of the business. The irony here is that her role is the heart of this movie, she is brilliant, and she did not become a star of the magnitude of the others. We also see that Ginger Rodgers, although always dismissed as a "hoofer" despite here later oscar for KITTY FOYLE, is an infinitely better actress than the strident Hepburn, who usually tops lists of all time favorite actress. Personality supercedes talent. Rodgers has it all, and her variety and yes, subtlety are excellently showcased here. Her ability to make fun of herself as much as she makes fun of others is absolutely charming.
Yes, this movie is dated. A "young talent" version of THE WOMEN, is sits in its time period quite contentedly. The portions of the stage play (called "Enchanted April", but having nothing to do with the famous book and play of that name) give us tremendous insight into the style and manner of very mannered speech that was di-rigeur in that thea-tah at that time. It is a chic-flick, with clothes, accessories and a big bad wolf who is oddly likable. (Of course, with the codes, he never does much except dim the lights after dinner and lie about his wife.)
A five-star popcorn delight you can share with your parents and kids.
Movie Review: At last......
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a shame it took the passing of Katharine Hepburn to bring her great early work to DVD. There are at least three to look forward to come March 2005. The quintessential screwball, Bringing Up Baby, a re-release of The Philadelphia Story, and this astute, bittersweet drama.
Stage Door has one of the best female ensemble casts - Kate Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden, and Ann Miller - and they all bring distinctive presences to this work about ambition and dreams. The women are aspiring actresses living together in a boarding house, co-existing in a lively, supportive group. They are wholesome and hopeful, but reality is ever present in failed auditions, making rent, and trying to make their mark in art.
Although the characters we get to know are all charming, the show really belongs to the patrician, idealistic newcomer played by Hepburn and the street-tough, hardy pragmatist that Rogers plays. The dialogue is smart and sharp, with Rogers and Hepburn trading barbs smooth as silk. Although loath to rely on each other, they both learn the strength of sorority as they deal with dishonest producers and even with crafting their trade.
The movie is mostly comedic with great characters, original lines, and palpable energy. The problems the women face are not simply explained away or brushed off with laughs. Since this underlies the whole story, this isn't quite a comedy, but not really a drama either. I can watch this in any mood because the actors bring authenticity and weight to their roles while still being entertaining.
Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers make this one well worth treasuring. Now if only the studios would also put Holiday and Sylvia Scarlett on DVD...
Movie Review: Timeless Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
A wonderful story about the life and struggle to fame of a group of young actresses who all live in a boarding house. Check out a very young Lucille Ball who delivers a wonderful performance. As well as Ginger Rogers, Ann Miller and Eve Arden. But the crowning performance is from a fairly young Katherine Hepburn as Terry Randall who just lights up the screen.
This classic is the most delightfully delivered ensemble piece I have ever seen. Each of the main characters, the girls in the boarding house, are well developed and laid out with such mastry that you feel you know each one and wish that you could help them through their pains and laugh right along with them when they have their triumphs. While the story is centrally about the Society girl who wants to be an actress, played by Hepburn, who moves into this boarding house and gets caught up in the lives of the other girls. When she lands the roll of the lead in a play she struggles with the line "The Calla Lillies are in bloom again...". She just can't get it right. Then something happens to give her the meaning, the true feeling of that line and the stage performance she ends up delivering is truly one to remember.
This movie is full of wonderful zingers, many delivered by the sharp witted Ginger Rogers. It also has sweet sorrows and incredible performances delivered by all. Watch for Ann Miller who's character is the most feeling and wonderfully delivered character of all. She will steal your heart.
A definite 10 out of 10.
Movie Review: A classic example of '30s heartache and humour
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the classics of the late '30s, and is long overdue for DVD release. When this movie was released, it redeemed Katherine Hepburn's slumping career and ensured that we had decades of later hits to enjoy. This was also the movie debut of the legendary Ann Miller (she was 14 when the movie came out and had to forge a birth certificate to show that she was 18). The film is based on the Edna Ferber/George Kaufman play, but Gregory La Cava, in a stroke of genius, wrote down some of the quips traded between the likes of Eve Arden and Lucille Ball and incorporated them into the script. Eve Arden's cat was not in the original screenplay, either, but was found by the actress during filming and became a fixture of the film.
This is not an example of slap-stick, but relies upon witty dialogue and one-liners to leaven the melodrama which was the norm of the late 1930s. The screenplay deals tastefully with the heartache of the Depression, and poignently depicts the lengths to which actors (in this case, actresses) will go to 'make it'. Adolphe Menjou is delightful as the philandering villain.
If you are looking for a movie with a great ensemble cast delivering caustic quips and clever one-liners mixed in with a little melodrama and a few tears, this is the movie for you.
Movie Review: GAIL PATRICK IS THE BEST ACTRESS EVER!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been watching classic American films for well over 10 years and all I have to say is the star that I'm most impressed with is Ms. Gail Patrick. I don't know but there is something about her acting, her style and persona that is so different from other Hollywood film stars. When she gets in front of that camera, she becomes the character completely and she convinces you in a way that makes you believe that she and only she can play that role. I don't know and I'm not good with words but you just have to watch all her films to see what a great actress she truly was and still is. Her movies remain timeless for me and it's the greatest joy to watch her perform. Ms. Gail Patrick, you are the very best.:-)
I apologize for shying away from the topic which should be reviewing STAGE DOOR. My favorite performances from that film comes from Gail Patrick, Ginger Rogers and Andrea Leeds. Andrea Leeds is amazing as Kay Hamilton. Her dramatic role in her was very touching. You won't be disappointed if you rent or purchase this great classic film.:-)