Guys and Dolls

Rating:
Summary: Sinatra Shines
Review: I watched this movie a few years back when I'd first become a huge Sinatra fan.I enjoyed it then and like it more and more with each repeated viewing.All the songs are good and the dialogue is different(no you're,always you are...etc.),yet feels right once you get used to it.Brando singing is one thing I could have done without,and "Luck Be A Lady" of all songs.His bad singing voice is cute in a way,but no one except Frankie can sing it right,in my opinion.This movie is definitely a keeper in my collection and I watch it often.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Broadway Classic
Review: This is a very good film,although it was lauded when it was first released.One of the many joys of the film is Jean Simmons' lovely portrayal of Sarah Browne.Her rendition of 'If I Were A Bell' is almost as good as Isabel Bigley's in the Broadway show,if not better. Vivian Blaine (Emily from 1945's State Fair) recreates her Broadway role of Adelaide with gusto and abandon.Her songs,including 'Adelaide's Lament',and the jazzy 'Take Back Your Mink',are great highlights in the show. The film chose to drop 2 songs from the stage production,namely 'Bushel And A Peck',and 'I've Never Been In Love Before' being relegated to background music. However,this is a great show,which perfectly proves why the Broadway show was a legend in it's own right.

Rating:
Summary: Guys and Dolls remastered to original glory
Review: This first issue on DVD, shows Guys and Dolls in its original glory - this is a beautiful remaster by MGM the original releasing studio. Whilst the MGM lion is missing from the credits, the stereo sound gives the film a whole new quality.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful DVD! Brando sings! (hit the mute button).
Review: I love this film! Sure, it's corny and not terribly PC but the singing ('cept Brando) and dance numbers are super. With a great transfer to DVD we get to see it in Cinemascope glory. The film looks a bit stagey, but now you get to see the whole damn stage. Colors are a bit muted, but picture is sharp and nearly artifact free. The 5.1 remix is handled well, so doesn't sound phony. Most of the sound is center channel anyway. But the music....! Great cast, from Sinatra to Stubby Kaye to the oh so smooth Brando (sings better than Shatner anyway). "I got the horse right here, his name is Paul Revere...."

Rating:
Summary: So Many Reviews!
Review: I have read the customer reviews, and as usual, they are all good and correct! I am fairly sure that Ms. Simmons did not do her own singing, so let us let her off the hook. Besides, with that face (and the figure we don't get to see in this film)plus her great acting ability, she's terrific. Marlon does a darn good job overall, and does a mean mambo! Frank is at his peak singing voice, especially in the Adelaide number. I saw a revival of the show on stage after having seen the movie a few times and missed "A Woman in Love", a song that was added for the film and gave a hit to Frankie Lane. At the same time, when I view the film, I miss "I've Never Been in Love Before" and "A Bushel and a Peck". But most importantly, I wonder if I have a bad copy. The 5.1 sound, although bass-heavy, is decent for such an old movie, but the picture takes constant re-adjusting for flesh tones, and still it is not good. Pretty bad all over picture-wise, hence my 3 stars. I'm sure film buffs know this was filmed on a sound stage, but I still can't help being annoyed by that same blue-and-white 1955 Mercury that keeps driving around Times Square! If anyone out there has a DVD copy that is an example of DVD-quality picture, let me know and I will get a new copy for myself. thanks, jt

Rating:
Summary: It's good, old & reliable.
Review: Like it or not, it's up there with the classic film musicals of all time. Who would want to miss a singing Brando? He does a good job as Sky Masterson but one wonders how it would have been if Sinatra had played Sky & Brando, Nathan Detroit. Apparently in reality, Sinatra wanted the part of Sky but he lucked-out to Marlon. Brando said later that when they recorded his voice, it was so bad that he literally had to sing it line by line. I personaly think he does a fine job, as does Old Blue Eyes. One of those great looking hollywood movies. Like candy for the eyes. How lucky we are to be able to see it in it's cinematic DVD glory in our own lounge rooms. Need popcorn in your lap for this one.

Rating:
Summary: As excellent as the VHS version (almost)
Review: While the picture was better than on the VHS version, as is normal of DVD movies, the movie seemed slower than the VHS. The opening musical sequence where the camera follows people around the city, for example, seemed to take longer than on the DVD and the scene in Cuba was not as upbeat. Other than that, though, it was the same in every respect. Brando and Simmons had a palpable chemistry that some people can only wish to experience. Sinatra and Blaine lit up the screen with their musical and comical portrayals of Nathan and Adelaide. A definate classic that musical lovers should see. As a musical lover myself, it is my favorite!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent DVD transfer!
Review: Here's a classic musical restored to its original glory. The print is flawless and the colors are rich and vibrant. Thanks to the widescreen format Oliver Smith and Joseph Wright's surrealist vision of Broadway can once again be fully appreciated. The digitally restored soundtrack leaves no doubt that Marlon Brando's a lousy singer (I used to think the TV prints were warped) but since he's not the least bit embarrassed by his vocal limitations you can't help liking his characterization. Similarly Jean Simmons' singing would be perfectly acceptable in a high-school production of "Guys and Dolls" but it's a little jarring to hear it in conjunction with Jay Blackton's celestial orchestral accompaniment. Still she wins the viewer over with her charm and sincerity. The DVD also includes the original theatrical trailer hosted by Ed Sullivan, which provides an enjoyable blast-from-the-past. I do have one quibble with the DVD, admittedly a minor one but one that could cause some confusion for people who aren't die-hard old-movie fans like me: On the DVD itself and on the packaging the year of the movie's release is given as 1938. Since Brando was only 14 years old in 1938 I think somebody goofed!

Rating:
Summary: This is wonderful!
Review: Our spring musical at my school this year is Guys and Dolls. During Speech class, my drama teacher let us watch the video. I completely fell in love with it. So, when she asked me to be stage manager for our production, I was nothing short of thrilled. I have really enjoyed getting to work with a script that I love so much. Marlon Brando is fabulous as Sky; Frank Sinatra's performance as Nathan Detroit is beyond compare; and Jean Simmons plays a perfect "Mission Doll". However, I think we may have a better Miss Adelaide than Vivian Blaine. Achoo!

Rating:
Summary: Guys and Dolls
Review: I think this film production of a classical theater play is stupendous. Every single one of the charactres comes to life in such a way words can not describe. With catchy New York phrases and not-to-be-matched dialogue this film is truly one for the books. I believe that the movie is great for all ages young and old. With good-to-the-soul comedy the whole family will have laughs. And with the singing and dancing talents that apply to every character the movie is truly on of the best of all time.