By June L. Nov 18, 2007, 23:18 GMT
Back in the day of movie STARS, not personalities whose every motion, breath, or muscle twitch is recorded and discussed endlessly in the media, but the real STARS whose lives were mysterious, glamorous, and somewhat removed from the general public, Barbara Stanwyck was making films.
She was an actress who could play anything from comedy to tough broads, and yes, she was even Annie Oakley. Barbara Stanwyck - The Signature Collection has put together six films that highlight the skill and versatility of this respected movie star.
First up is Executive Suite which is a story of power struggles to gain control of the Tredway Corporation. Fredric March and William Holden battle over the presidency of the company, but it is Barbara Stanwyck as the heiress who may actually be in charge.
Special features on this disc include a commentary by Oliver Stone, a vintage Pete Smith comedy short called “Out for Fun,” a cartoon “Billy Boy” and the theatrical trailer. The film is black and white and has a running time of 104 minutes..
Annie Oakley is a wild and wooly tale of the Old West traveling shows. Barbara as Annie Oakley is the darling of the show and the crowds who come to see her sharpshooting prowess.
Will she win the heart of her rival played by Preston Foster? Special features for this disc include a musical short called “Main Street Follies” and a cartoon “Into Your Dance.” The film is black and white, and has a running time of 90 minutes.
The role of Jessica the young widow who rediscovers love in My Reputation was one of Barbara Stanwyck’s personal favorites. George Brent plays an army officer that she meets while on a ski vacation, who tries to woo and win her love.
The special features for this disc include a musical short, and two radio (audio only) adaptations of this story. The film is in black and white, and the running time is 94 minutes.
With a cast that reads like a movie magazine of the time, East Side, West Side is described as a “mystery-melodrama.” Barbara Stanwyck, James Mason, Van Heflin, Ava Gardner, Cyd Charisse, Nancy Davis and Gale Sondergaard, portray the mistress, the wife, the philandering husband and others, all who are suspects in the murder.
Special features include the theatrical trailer, a short and a cartoon “Counterfit Cat.” Presented in black and white, the running time for the movie is 108 minutes.
The final disc contains two films, To Please a Lady where Clark Gable stars as a race car driver who will use all manner of tricks to win, and Barbara Stanwyck as the journalist bent on exposing his dare-devil disregard. Jeopardy is one of those films that you see once and never forget. In this psychological thriller, Barbara Stanwyck is at her toughest and most clever as she tries to save her endangered husband played by Barry Sullivan.
Special features on this disc include theatrical trailers and an audio radio show of Jeopardy.
This is a nice set for serious movie buffs and general public as well. It contains the type of films you can pop popcorn, gather round the television and enjoy the movie styles of the past while paying respect to a great star, Barbara Stanwyck.
Barbara Stanwyck - The Signature Collection is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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