Carroll's DVD Review #13

I thought I would try something different this week. I wanted to give my thoughts on a couple of Hollywood classics. Gone With The Wind and Casablanca. I watched these last weekend with Jennifer, who shocked me with the knowledge that she had never seen these two films. Lucky for her, I own them. So, first we tried GWTW. I mean, come on, we’re talking Clark Gable here, and Vivien Leigh. Based on the novel by one of my influences, Margaret Mitchell. Wouldn’t you know it, Jennifer fell asleep midway through. She claims it wasn’t because of the movie. Poor girl, she works hard for the money. She promised to watch it with me at a later date. The next night, Saturday, we did get to squeeze in Casablanca. That black and white era takes some getting used to I suppose. But on a good note, she did seem to like it. Anyhow, here is my review of these classic films.

GONE WITH THE WIND

For its time, 1939, it was one of the most amazing movies. If not THE most amazing. Filmed originally in color, it blew away all the other films. It won 8 Oscars and 10 academy awards. I love the old Hollywood before CGI. Actors had to really act to sell the story. Now, just blow everything up and fire off some lasers and you got a box office smash. Still, it’s a piece of American history in my opinion. And while many first believed it was based on a true story or actual events, it wasn’t. It was just a creative piece of art by a creative writer. By now, we all know what the story is about and the famous line, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Spoken by Clark Gable as his character, Rhett Butler, walks away from Scarlett in the movies final scene. A man among men, Clark was a breed all unto himself. One of the best actors to ever grace the big screen.

My rating? … Hey, it’s a classic film based on a classic novel. Let’s give it what it deserves. 10 Stars!

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CASABLANCA

Talk about the one liners, this film is filled with them. The most famous one probably being, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” - But again, for 1942, they don’t get any better. The movie is about an American expatriate owner of an upscale club and gambling den in the Moroccan city of Casablanca who meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications during the early days of World War II.

It stars another Hollywood legend, Humphrey Bogart. Not to take anything away from Ingrid Bergman, a legend in her own right.

I bought both of these movies right around the same time, seven years ago, and have watched GWTW four times and Casablanca five times. They’re just those type of films that you want to watch again and again. Especially with a “better half”.

I give this film … 10 stars! And you knew that I was going to, didn’t you?

Seriously though, if you're one of those who haven't yet seen any of these two classics, you really, really need to watch them. Go back into time when Hollywood was really Hollywood. I'll see you all next time, meanwhile, "This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."