Stage Door
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Movie Reviews of Stage Door
Movie Review: Familiar Territory Gets Coverage In An Unfamiliar Way
Summary: 3 Stars
"Stage Door" (1937) treads the familiar backstage yarn of heartache and dismissal with unfamiliar panache and a killer cast. Wealthy socialite, Terry Randall (Katharine Hepburn) wants desperately to break into Broadway theater only she wants to do it on her own. So Terry decides to go slumming, secretly checking into a theatrical boarding house populated by sharp shooter, Judy Canfield (Lucille Ball), wise girl, Jean Maitland (Ginger Rogers), and Eve (Eve Arden) and Annie (Ann Miller), a couple of stage struck kids...almost. What Terry discovers is that life upon the wicked stage might be the nearest thing to heaven, if only she could manage to get closer to the stage itself. Very quickly, however, Terry learns that her fate, and that of the other hopefuls is plagued by ever-present disappointments. A big break of sorts comes by way of Jean's new affiliation with a powerful producer, Anthony Powell (Adolphe Menjou), only he wants Jean for more than just a role. Enter Terry's father, set to help his daughter's career but in a production in which she is almost surely to fail. Director Gregory La Cava's astute perceptions about stage folk and their ragged existence beyond the footlights provides deeper insight and juicier vignettes than one might expect. There's an intense immediacy to the drama and a biting edge to the comedy that is generally uncharacteristic of comedies from this vintage. Hence, "Stage Door" comes across as a unique Hollywood classic - frought with exciting performances, wonderful cameos and the opportunity to see budding new talent at the very beginning of their careers. Great good fun and hearty entertainment besides.
Warner's DVD treatment is just a tad above middle of the road. The black and white image has been mastered from reasonably clean film elements. Contrast levels are adequate, though at times weak. There's a hint of edge enhancement and some fine detail shimmering, but nothing that will distract. Fine details are sometimes nicely realized. Film grain is kept to a bare minimum. Age related artifacts are present throughout. An audio only radio broadcast is the only extra included.
Movie Review: Slightly dated but still very much enjoyable 30's Piece
Summary: 3 Stars
I recently purchased the Warner Bros. Classic Comedy Collection. I find Gregory La Cava's "Stage Door" to be the weakest of the bunch. Don't get me wrong--it's still thorougly enjoyable but for a few weak spots script-wise. The film hasn't dated as well as other films in the collection and the proceedings are decidedly more than a bit pat. However, that said, it's great to see Hepburn, Rogers, et al (not to mention a young, brash Lucille Ball) sparring in vintage 30's wisecrack speak.
For a better, tighter and all-together funnier look at the golden age of Broadway ala Hollywood, try "Twentieth Century" starring the always brilliant John Barrymore and the equally wonderful Carole Lombard. This film is also directed by La Cava and deserves five stars!
Movie Review: For Stars Only - Sarcastic and Poor Plot
Summary: 2 Stars
I totally disagree that "Stage Door" is the best of releases. Just because it has a team of stars (sarcastic and poorly represented), does not make it a best. I feel the casting was just for the names - little thought of content. "Stage Door Canteen" is, by far, the better choice. It is filled with stars, entertainment and plot, as well as music and politics of the time. Whether you agree with the politics and war alliances, there could be no better representation of the age. I thoroughly enjoy revisiting that film. I immediately sold "Stage Door" after watching it ...Movie Review: Waiting for something to happen
Summary: 1 Stars
I patiently watched this film for about an hour waiting for a plot to develop. No such Luck. I expected to be dazzled by the array of stars in the film. Wrong again. The ending of the film is ridiculous. This is one boring film from front to back. I'll take Bringing Up Baby any day.