Jungle Boys, City Slicks, and Mr. Evictus DVDs

Classic movie fans will be excited to order New Releases of Jungle Boys, City Slicks, and Mr. Evictus and Pre-Codes, Primetime & Re-Prints that are Manufactured on Demand (MOD) from the Warner archive Collection. To order visit (www.WarnerArchive.com or www.wbshop.com) 

THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS (1944) Jean Negulesco began his remarkable run of classic noirs by knocking it out of the park with this winning adaptation of a novel by nightmaster Eric Ambler. Also making his debut is Zachary Taylor as the titular criminal Dimitrios. But it's Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet, here in the middle of their remarkable pairings (The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, Background to Danger, Passage to Marseilles, The Conspirators, Three Strangers, and The Verdict) who send this Citizen Kane of criminal portraits into the cinematic stratosphere. Lorre, in one of his rare turns as lead, clearly delights in the role, revealing his penchant for mordant comedy and dry delivery. And Greenstreet gives added depth to his traditional malignant mastermind character as this film's heavy's heart proves stronger than his head. Faye Emerson, as the gal done wrong, proves an apt match. This long awaited DVD release is Newly Remastered.

Classic movie fans will be excited to order New Releases of Laughs, Lost and Found DVDs that are Manufactured on Demand (MOD) from the Warner archive Collection. To order visit (www.WarnerArchive.com or www.wbshop.com) This release include: Hey, Good Lookin', I Will, I Will...For Now, Whiffs, Second-Hand Hearts, First Family, Die Laughing, Alice: The Complete Third Season, Daktari: The Complete Second Season, The Girl.

Before watching it, I had no clue that 1950's The Miniver Story existed. It doesn't surprise me that MGM would make a sequel to its Best Picture-winning wartime classic, but that it flew so much under even my obscurity-seeking radar was unexpected. Right off the bat, The Miniver Story pledges allegiance to its predecessor, bringing back stars Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon in a story that opens the next chapter of their characters' lives. But respectfully crafted in the original's tear-jerking spirit though it may be, this movie's dramatic punch is noticeably weaker, providing much to be sad about and little reason for it.

Music For Millions (1944) is a surprisingly entertaining film! Usually we shudder when a moppet is the lead actress in a film. One conjures up all sorts of spoiled-brat behavior. Stage Mothers loom behind every curtain, and psychologists run screaming from the little dear. No need to fear seven-year-old Margaret O'Brien, because she is not only a wonderful actress, but she is charming and endearing and not a brat. June Allyson, Jimmy Durante, Marsha Hunt, Jose Iturbi, Marie Wilson, Hugh Herbert, Larry Adler and  Connie Gilchrist fill out the cast.