Down to Earth

Rating:
Summary: UP IN THE CLOUDS OVER DOWN TO EARTH
Review: "Down to Earth" is a bizarre musical sequel of sorts to a non-musical film called "Here Comes Mr. Jordan." It stars, then Columbia Pictures reigning love goddess, Rita Hayworth who is miscast (but amusingly so)as Terpsichore. But the Greek 'muse' is none 'amused' when she learns that she and her sisters are to become the kitsch and lampoon subjects of a Broadway musical. Assisted by the heavenly MC, Mr. Jordan (Roland Culver) and a messenger(Edward Everett Horton), Terpsichore - renamed Kitty Pendleton - comes "down to earth" to play herself in the Broadway show and set the record straight. This is one of those mindlessly engaging, good humor bits of business that Hollywood used to excel at during its heyday and it's ably aided by performances from James Gleason, George Macready (of "Gilda" fame) and William Frawley (Fred, from "I Love Lucy"). The songs aren't memorable, but they are splashy and exciting and the script ably covers all of the bases with panache and great fun.
THE TRANSFER: Gorgeous. Columbia's film elements are in top notch condition and the picture quality of this DVD will not disappoint. The image is crisp and vibrant, with bold colors, bright whites and rich, velvet blacks. Contrast levels are excellent. There is some slight shimmering of color in certain scenes, due to the vintage of the print, but nothing that terribly distracts from your visual enjoyment. Digital artifacts are not a problem. Age related artifacts are present but not glaringly so, for a generally smooth visual presentation. The audio is MONO but nicely balanced.
EXTRAS: Please, this is Columbia!
BOTTOM LINE: This isn't one you'll always remember but its certainly an enjoyable little romp through musical La-La land, and, with the lush and lovely Miss Hayworth at hand, its more than easy on the eyes. Add this one to your library.

Rating:
Summary: UP IN THE CLOUDS OVER DOWN TO EARTH
Review: "Down to Earth" is a bizarre musical sequel of sorts to a non-musical film called "Here Comes Mr. Jordan." It stars, then Columbia Pictures reigning love goddess, Rita Hayworth who is miscast (but amusingly so)as Terpsichore. But the Greek 'muse' is none 'amused' when she learns that she and her sisters are to become the kitsch and lampoon subjects of a Broadway musical. Assisted by the heavenly MC, Mr. Jordan (Roland Culver) and a messenger(Edward Everett Horton), Terpsichore - renamed Kitty Pendleton - comes "down to earth" to play herself in the Broadway show and set the record straight. This is one of those mindlessly engaging, good humor bits of business that Hollywood used to excel at during its heyday and it's ably aided by performances from James Gleason, George Macready (of "Gilda" fame) and William Frawley (Fred, from "I Love Lucy"). The songs aren't memorable, but they are splashy and exciting and the script ably covers all of the bases with panache and great fun.
THE TRANSFER: Gorgeous. Columbia's film elements are in top notch condition and the picture quality of this DVD will not disappoint. The image is crisp and vibrant, with bold colors, bright whites and rich, velvet blacks. Contrast levels are excellent. There is some slight shimmering of color in certain scenes, due to the vintage of the print, but nothing that terribly distracts from your visual enjoyment. Digital artifacts are not a problem. Age related artifacts are present but not glaringly so, for a generally smooth visual presentation. The audio is MONO but nicely balanced.
EXTRAS: Please, this is Columbia!
BOTTOM LINE: This isn't one you'll always remember but its certainly an enjoyable little romp through musical La-La land, and, with the lush and lovely Miss Hayworth at hand, its more than easy on the eyes. Add this one to your library.

Rating:
Summary: Rita is gorgeous, movie is crappy.
Review: Oh, to ponder what better vehicles Columbia Studios could have come up with for their reigning love goddess. Here we have a dazzling Rita thrown into a horribly written and directed musical. The dance numbers are poorly staged and the songs are bottom of the barrel swill. The final number "People Have More Fun Than Anyone" is possibly the worst song I've ever heard- both lyrically and musically. Sounds harsh but it's true. There's not one dance that really utilizes Hayworth's unique strengths as a dancer(a shame since her character is the Goddess of dance) There's hardly any opportunity for her to strut her natural stuff. Sure, there are moments, like in the beginning when she comes "Down to Earth" and dances her way into rehearsal wowing producer Parks and company. I just wish she wasn't wearing that ugly green dress. It would've been nice if she wore casual shorts and a form-fitting blouse like the other girls. The two men that accompany Rita look like hobbits. Who are these guys? How did they get passed casting? There is another scene later on where she's surrounded by gladiator-clad men and does a few "Gilda" type moves - sensually playing with her hair and looking ravishing. The Technicolor on this newest DVD release looks great. You'd never know this film was made 57 years ago. In a nutshell, I put on my headphones and listen to my favorite CD's(30's jazz), turn the volume off this movie and watch Rita dance in slow motion - in the process, elevating certain moments of the flickering Hayworth to high art. Without question, the most exciting bonus feature is the trailer for "You Were Never Lovlier". We actually get to witness several seconds of a dance to the title tune by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth that was cut from the film. Some moronic studio head said 'it held up the story'. It begs the question, does this number exist in it's entirety in some film vault waiting to be uncovered? I've been reading about it for years-but so little is known or ever mentioned. All I can say is...Wow! Fred and Rita sparkle in beautiful black & white and display a series of voluptuous turns and sensual dips. Cinematically classic. Also shown, a quick couple of seconds from the "Shorty George" number not seen in the movie. What an unexpected and delightful treat.

Rating:
Summary: Fair Musical - Fabulous Rita, boring Larry, poor Songs !
Review: This is for me the Rita Hayworth movie which had the great
opportunity of being her biggest hit after Gilda but the film
a) had no Astaire or Kelly to match Rita's A quality
but only Larry Parks ( so dull that it's a shame )
b) no songs from Kern, Gershwin or Porter but rather stupid songs
where not one song became a hit (...)
c) had no good dance numbers
Otherwise the story is a pleasant fairytale and Rita Hayworth is
as beautiful as she can be, that's why it is still worthwile to watch it.

Rating:
Summary: Fair Musical - Fabulous Rita, boring Larry, poor Songs !
Review: This is for me the Rita Hayworth movie which had the great
opportunity of being her biggest hit after Gilda but the film
a) had no Astaire or Kelly to match Rita's A quality
but only Larry Parks ( so dull that it's a shame )
b) no songs from Kern, Gershwin or Porter but rather stupid songs
where not one song became a hit (...)
c) had no good dance numbers
Otherwise the story is a pleasant fairytale and Rita Hayworth is
as beautiful as she can be, that's why it is still worthwile to watch it.

Rating:
Summary: Charming & Etherial - A Lost Genera
Review: This is one of my favorite Rita Hayworth movies. This musical represents a lost genera of the silver screen with its innocent, charming and etherial content and style. I especially loved the variations of "Swinging the Muses."

Rating:
Summary: Charming Rita Hayworth movie
Review: What can I say? I just love this movie! This is a charming musical featuring Rita Hayworth and Larry Parks. This is a beautifully choreographed movie that deserves a better fate than the mediocre ratings the critics gave out. Rita dances and looks more stunning in color. What more can you ask for? See for yourself.