The Desperate Hours
|
List Price: Our Price: $10.99 You Save: $3.99 (27%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $8.86 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Desperate Hours
Movie Review: Top-drawer thriller from Hollywood's 'golden age'
Summary: 4 Stars
THE DESPERATE HOURS
(USA - 1955 - black and white)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 (VistaVision)
Theatrical soundtrack: Mono
The patriarch of a middle-class suburban family (Fredric March) is forced to take action when they're held hostage in their own home by three escaped convicts, one of whom (Humphrey Bogart) is an experienced lifer with nothing to lose...
The first and only pairing of superstars Bogart and March is a tightly-wound thriller, written by Joseph Hayes (based on his novel and stageplay, inspired by actual events), and directed by Hollywood veteran William Wyler, distancing himself from the 'women's pictures' he had helped to popularize during the 1940's (THE LITTLE FOXES, MRS. MINIVER, THE HEIRESS etc.). Photographed in gleaming deep-focus VistaVision by Lee Garmes (SCARFACE, THE PARADINE CASE), the movie wrings incredible tension from the claustrophobic settings and frequent stand-offs between staunch family man March and embittered con Bogart. The movie's themes are fairly conservative and the outcome is never really in doubt, but this is a top-drawer thriller from Hollywood's 'golden age'. Also starring Arthur Kennedy, Martha Scott, Dewey Martin and Gig Young in crucial supporting roles. Unmissable.
NB. Though nowhere near as dreadful as most critics would have you believe, Michael Cimino's remake DESPERATE HOURS (1990) isn't a patch on the original.
Movie Review: "Clickety, clickety click..."
Summary: 4 Stars
This film is essentially about a home invasion by escaped convicts who hold a family hostage in their home and the psychological sparring between Humphrey Bogart and Fredric March that is the main undercurrent of the drama. Bogart is great as he plays a character against type as the bitter, vengeful leader, resentful of the cards life has dealt him and bent on getting even for his hard knocks and bad breaks. March is just as good as the husband and father, steady and protective of his family who match wits with their captors. Most of the picture takes place in the the family home which gives the film a stagelike quality but the fine cast of Martha Scott, Mary Murphy and Richard Eyer lend realism to a tense and satisfying movie. Arthur Kennedy has top billing here but appears on the periphery of the story that unfolds in the suburban home.Movie Review: Vintage Bogie
Summary: 4 Stars
Consistent with so many Bogie roles, Humphrey Bogart plays a prison escapee, who along with his brother and a strongarm (small brain) take a suburban family hostage in their home. While this may sound very similiar to many of Bogart's earlier roles, there is alot to say for this film. Bogart is surrounded by a very good cast and was handed an excellent script (although there are a few questions that pop in your head as you watch the movie). Bogart does well portraying a man whose over-confidence and absolute reluctance towards going back to prison muddles his descisions and clouds his judgement.The DVD is simple. Good quality picture and adequate sound. The extras are..well....not much extra at all. But the movie collector and Bogart fan must grab this DVD for your collection. Good quality DVD, great story, and a very reasonable price
Movie Review: SUPERB THRILLER
Summary: 4 Stars
William Wyler directs Humphrey Bogart in the super tense thriller THE DESPERATE HOURS. Three on the lam thugs invade a heartland American home and hold a family hostage. Everyone seeks survival and an ordinary dad (Frederick March) puts his life on the line for his family. Bogie at his very best as a snarling, deadly con. Heartstopping showdown. Unforgettable climax. You'll hold your breath and bite your nails. This is one to own. See what great filmmaking and storytelling is all about.Don't confuse this with the pallid 1990 remake starring Mickey Rourke, directed by Michael Cimino.
Movie Review: Great movie, great price, weak audio sound
Summary: 4 Stars
Overall, the movie is very enjoyable and has typical Bogie characteristics; picture is very sharp but audio could have been better. Audio was very clear provided you dramatically increase the volume on the TV. Recommended for all Bogart fans!