Customer Reviews

The John Wayne Film Collection (Without Reservations / Allegheny Uprising / Tycoon / Reunion in France / Big Jim McLain / Trouble Along the Way)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a good collection of perhaps lesser known films starring John Wayne that show a wide range of roles for the actor. This is not one of Warner Bros. "Signature Collections", so don't expect extras other than a vintage short and cartoon for each movie.

"Allegheny Uprising"(1939) was made before Wayne's break-through role in "Stagecoach", but released afterwards, thus Claire Trevor is billed ahead of Wayne. Wayne actually didn't look back very fondly on this film or his role in it, but it has its good points. It's basically a western set east of the Mississippi concerning Pennsylvania settlers in pre-Revolutionary times who are angry that they are being attacked by Indians supplied by white traders. The settlers prevail upon the British to outlaw trading with the Indians, and the British oblige. The businessmen and the settlers go back and forth over this issue both inside and outside the law. The businessmen's sentiment - "What's the government for if not to protect business? Certainly not to interfere with it!" - is one that is still timely.

"Reunion in France" (1942) again has Wayne being second billed to the other lead, Joan Crawford. This is a film that was obviously targeting a wartime audience with the objective of building patriotism and morale, so you have to look at the miscasting in the context of the times. Joan Crawford plays a French woman who seems to be plumbing the depths of shallowness in her high-rolling lifestyle until the Germans invade. She returns to Paris to find her fancy home confiscated, her boyfriend helping the Germans, and her inner patriotism aroused. She runs across an RAF pilot (Wayne) who has been shot down, and she must play up to her boyfriend and his German friends in order to help Wayne evade capture. Forget the fact that the actors playing Frenchmen don't sound French, that Wayne doesn't sound British, and that the Germans are portrayed as not being smart enough to find Berlin on a map, and just have fun with it.

"Without Reservations" (1946) is a romantic comedy that is much like "It Happened One Night" with a twist - with Claudette Colbert even costarring. In this version, however, Colbert is playing an analog of Gable's old role - she's an author - and Wayne is first the object of her professional attention and then her romantic attention. This doesn't sound like it could work on paper, but in the end Colbert and Wayne have amazing chemistry.

"Tycoon" (1947) was actually RKO's biggest failure of the year. This movie has Wayne playing an engineer who is building a railroad bridge across a gorge. He and his financier partner in this effort dislike each other intensely with spats that range from the inadequate financing of the project to the shotgun wedding of Wayne's character to the tycoon's daughter. This is where The Duke completely breaks from the hero he normally plays and acts like a spoiled child who believes that he who dies with the most toys wins. He and the tycoon's spat escalate to the point that sabotage is occuring and lives are being lost. There's some beautiful cinematography in this one, and although the plot just didn't work for me, Wayne's acting did. Most people don't like this film at least in part because Wayne convincingly plays someone completely unlikeable - and that's the point. He's given a role completely out of step with what he usually plays and does a good job.

"Big Jim McLain" (1952) has Wayne back playing the heroic patriotic persona that most of his fans will recognize. However, this is clearly a propaganda film that will have most people rolling their eyes in light of what has been revealed to be the truth about this episode in history. Thus, this is another Wayne film you must look at in the context of the times in which it was made. John Wayne plays the title role of Jim McLain, a federal agent working for the U.S. House Un-American Activities Committee in search of a pesky ring of Communists believed to be operating in Hawaii. I resist the urge to call this movie good campy fun mainly because of all of the lives and careers that were ruined in the actual investigations. However, history aside, it is an entertaining film perhaps for all the wrong reasons. Notice that the people hunting the Communists are all good-looking, athletic, and well-liked while the Communists, on the other hand, look like they spent to much time indoors as children and are unlikeable introverted types. And Alan Napier, the beloved Alfred of the 60's Batman TV series, as the murderous Sturak? Holy (retrospective) strange casting decision Batman!

"Trouble Along the Way" (1953) shows the sentimental side of Wayne as he plays a former professional football coach recruited to put together a winning football team for a Catholic college that is short on funds. The head of the college, played by Charles Coburn, thinks that a winning football team is the thing to open the checkbooks of the alumni, and believes that Steve Williams (Wayne) is the man for the job. I was surprised to find that the old football quote "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" actually was first said by Wayne's character in this movie. The other plot in this film is that of Wayne trying to keep custody of his little daughter. Williams has to be employed to keep his ex-wife from winning her case, and Wayne's scenes with Sherry Jackson in the role of Williams' daughter are quite touching. To me, this film was the best of the six. It had many opportunities to turn into an melodramatic potboiler, and yet it didn't.

This collection, purely on the merit of being six random films, would rate about four stars. On the merit of displaying the range of John Wayne's acting abilities in a wide variety of roles I would give it 4.5 stars. I round up to give it my five star rating.

This is a welcome release from WB, 6 very different films. The quality overall is good, although I do not think any of the films have been fully restored they are all reasonable prints. All discs have a period related extra and some have trailers. I would have liked to have seen the colorized version of Allegheny Uprising included as a bonus. The box set discs are identical to the individual releases at a good saving in price.

This collection of John Wayne movies comes out right in time for the 100 year anniversary of his birth. He stars with Claire Trevor in Allegheny Uprising, his costar in Stagecoach. This was made in 1939 as he was beginning his rise to super-stardom. Reunion in France was made in 1942 and costarred Joan Crawford. Without Reservations was made in 1946 with Claudette Colbert. Tycoon came out in 1947 with Laraine Day as his costar. Big Jim McLain released in 1952 saw Wayne fighting a Communist espionage ring in Hawaii with James Arness as his partner, who Wayne would later recommend for the part of Matt Dillon on TV's Gunsmoke. Trouble Along the Way teamed Wayne with Donna Reed and had Wayne as a win at any cost football coach who reforms in the end to keep from losing his daughter. Three decades of movies that demonstrate the range of an actor that still ranks as one of the top three actors of all time. And he did not play the cowboy in a single one. A must have collection for anyone who has ever seen the great man's movies.

5 Great classic Duke films not readily available on video. I recommend all 5. They are well worth the time it takes yo watch them, if you are a John Wayne fan. Maybe not the action type films that made him so popular but, a chance to see Johns acting skills none the less.

I always loved John Wayne in action type, western or "war" films. I never knew how good or professional of an actor he was until I researched the man. I have NEVER seen a bad comment about John from other actors or directors he has worked with. All seem to admire the man for his professionalism, work ethic and eagerness to help. He would make any film he was working on better.

Ron Howard, who worked with him in "The Shootist" and has directed some pretty good films himself, said "he taught him more about acting" than ANYbody he has worked with, on either side of the camera". Now think about that. How many movies and TV programs has Ronny(Ron) Howard acted or directed on/in? That statement is HUGE!

Ron stated "John, as most good actors, had a lot of "tools". What made him great was knowing what appropriate tool to use and when to use it". He also stated "John would walk through his scenes by himself, practicing how he would do the scene and practicing his (lines)dialog pertaining to the scene. I have seen him walk through a short 10 second scene 10 times, until he finally 'hit it'(got it just right), He was eager to help, especially with younger actors. He was never boastful or would push anything on you but, if he thought he could make the scene or, film for that matter better, he would put him arm around you and pull you over to the side. He would say, why don't you do this or, why don't you do that, why don't you try saying it this way. He would NEVER say anything directed at an actor that others could hear. Even if it would make the scene better, he didn't want to embarrass anyone. He would often pull the director over to the side or catch him by himself and, ask him to 'try it this way, etc'".

"After all, he had made 150+ movies by the time I was fortunate enough to work with him. He know a lot about making films and the right way to make them. He was always trying to help, even when he didn't say anything. You could tell by his looks what he wanted and he was always right, never wrong. He owned is own production company, he knew the film business inside and out. He was probably the smartest overall actor I have ever worked with and, I have worked with some of the greats. Betty Davis, Lauren Bacall, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart(also in "the Shootist"). Jimmy was a lot like John as far as acting, just plain smart. But, John knew this business on both sides of the camera, from searching for a location all the way through the process up to the distribution. Like I said, he knew more about making a GOOD film than anyone I have ever worked with, acting or directing". He was a legend in Hollywood and he deserved every bit of the praise and every award he ever received. What more can I say...HE was JOHN WAYNE".

I have a 38 minute interview of Ron talking about John. If anyone would like, I can post more of it.

I purchased this set for my husband who is an avid fan of The Duke. He was surprised that he had not seen any of these. Great movies.

This is a lot of Duke variety. No cowboys, yay! The movies are great for the Duke fan, but this has no commentary or much in the way of extras, except for contemporary cartoons and movie shorts.

The John Wayne Film Collection (Without Reservations / Allegheny Uprising / Tycoon / Reunion in France / Big Jim McLain / Trouble Along the Way)This is just another great collection of John Wayne movies. This was mostly the "in between years" of old B westerns and top rated westerns. He is strickly himself in all these moveis. I will highly reccomend to every Wayne fan to purchase this item.

Allegheny Uprising
Here we have the duke as a young American who is captured by Native Americans then freed only to be subject to the tyranny of the British. He plays a riveting role as a rebel bent on setting the wrong right with a strong cast of supports who pull you into this awesome story.

The video
Here we have black and white Full frame its one of the better transfers simply because it was already restored once and colorized. It runs smoothly without grain or degradation of the picture.

The Audio
Here is a disappointment its only 1.0 mono where a 5.1 surround sound update would have really made this and epic

The Extras
The Bill of rights
A nice piece on the revolution it wasn't cleaned though and is a damaged print. It is in color and moves a long quite nicely. Shot in august of 1939 it runs 21 minutes and I didn't notice the time as it went.

The Land of the Midnight Fun
A story of Alaska a cartoon of course which I surprising me personally I had never seen. It starts in New York on a cruise ship and ends in New York on a cruise ship.

Summary
Of John Wayne's films this is a must have. It is and epic on par with gone with the wind. It moves at a pace that is solid its story is well written it is superbly acted and one I have watched many times before owning this DVD. The only thing I wonder why is missing on this DVD is the colorized print. Not a necessity but would have been a nice extra just to see the difference between the two.

Trouble Along The Way

The Movie
A story about saint andrews church. From the very begining its clear the plot is that st andrews church needs money and teh duke is the man they think can provide. He plays Steve a former football coach who was thrown out for being dishonest. He also has a daughter who he is raising.Along comes Donna Reed as a social worker and the plot thickens.

The Video
it doesn't have the DisneyTreatment but is watchable on my 42 inch plasma. It has mments of grain and goes out of focus in some frames but its brief and barely a distraction.it is presented in. It is in Black & White and is full frame.

The Audio
It is mono 1,0 nothing that is going to rattle the walls but it works for this movie.

The Extras
So You Think You Can't Think Sleep.
A charming story of a man who can't sleep its runs about 15 minutes and is very looney tunes. I enjoyed it not sure i watch it again but was entertaining once.

Muscle Tusle
A Merrie melodies cartoon with daffy duck
Its the one wher a muscle bound duck keeps stealing daffy's gall and he tries to beef up to compete. Most viewers have seen this one many times

Theatrilce Trailer
Like most older trainlers it doesn't really tell you what the movie is about. It is not restored it looks very bad with the white blips but it is a piece of the duke

My Opinion
It turns out to be one of the more enjoyable non cowboy pictures of the duke. I bought this in the six disc set. For those who have seen it is worth a new viewing for those who havn't its a worth while effort.

Reunion in France
The Movie
Basically it's the occupation of France with John Wayne in it. It on par with his B pictures it's not very well paced nor is it very interesting to watch. I personally think this may have been and attempt to squash the dukes guilt at not being able to serve in WWII. He is the only bright spot on this horrible movie.

The Video
In need of a restoration, it has some grain issues and focus problems. It is in black and white full frame and shows its age.

The Audio
1.0 mono no extra treatment here

The Extras
We Do It Because
A look at the customs of manners and there origins they came from. This feature is actually better than the movie.

War Dogs
Here a cartoon about dogs in boot camp and there training just a propaganda film for our side I had not seen this one before but did enjoy it.

Without Reservations
The Movie
This movie has obviously been influenced by Singing in the Rain, which isn't a bad thing. It takes the formula without of course the musical and runs with it 2 guys one gal the main guy falls for the girl she falls for him and yes it even rains on them go figure......lol. It's a story of a writer Christopher Madden who rights a book the book is bought to be made a movie. She boards a train and bam there the duke. From there the fun begins. This movie shows the lighter side of the duke which is always fun to watch.

The Video:
Made in 1944 it is black and white full frame. It's nothing spectacular. It could use a cleaning, but it watch able.

The Audio
Presented in 1.0 mono so it's and old movie that's not been updated.

The Extras
I Love My Husband But
A very Looney tunes episode like story about the different types of husbands and the wife who deal with them. I have no real idea why this is here. It was made in 1947 and Without Reservations was made in 1946 so I am not sure why it is here. It is silly and something to watch once.

Holiday for Shoestrings
This is the shoemaker and the elves story from Merrie Melodies that ran before this movie aired it is a charming cartoon. One that I am sure many of us have seen many many times a very nice addition to the collection.

Summary:
All in all a good picture nothing to go crazy over but as for a duke picture it's a nice ride for a couple of hours. The DVD is well done with nice menus and a couple of extras that make it a night at the movies.

Tycoon
The Movie
Here we have the Duke as a railroad man blasting tunnels thru a mountain. He falls for a weird rich mans daughter. Then all the drama begins. It takes a long time to get to it too. It is slow paced not edited well and not one of the dukes best films. That's not to say its bad it just doesn't move along and doesn't pull you into the story

The Video
The video is bright lots of color in full frame. It has some damage here and there but all in all a watch able print.

The Audio
Mono 1.0 no update which is a shame with all the dynamite it been nice to have a 5.1 mix too rattle the windows.

The Extras
Hollywood Wonderland
Sixteen minutes of a musical about Hollywood made in 1947. I am not sure what this has to do with the movie but its here it's a Disney like parade of music and dance with some cameos interesting once but like most extras never watched twice.

Red Hot Rangers
A Tex Avery cartoon with two bears trying to put out a forrest fire. Most of us have seen this one before but due to the smoking in the first scene it is not shown on regular tv anymore.

Summary
As for my collection of duke movies it is a most. For the casual fan it's a rent if u can find it. For six bucks though it is priced right.

Big Jim McClain
The Movie
Here we have John Wayne in a propaganda film about why you should hate communists. He plays and agent of homeland security bent on breaking the communist groups of America. It comes off as a hate film to be honest and as a fan of the Duke I don't like this side of him at all. It is easy to see why they took so long to release this film to DVD. Its one not a very good movie and two full of stereo types that in its day I guess was necessary.

The Video
It's presented in Full Frame Black and white. It has a lot of blips and a little flicker in the picture they did not put anything into correcting the films need for restorations. It is a very poor transfer.

The Audio
1.0 mono which is just as well cause it's not that great to listen to anyhow.

The Extras
So You Want To Enjoy Life
This is a Story of a guy who wants to die because he only has 30 days to live. Well it's on the DVD why I have no clue its really not that funny. It's like one long joke that runs about 15 minutes...lol it's actually better than the movie though.

The Super Snooper
A classic Daffy Duck as a private eye we have all seen a million times good one to have.

Theatrical Trailer
Just what the movie is about shows they weren't as good as today. For the life of me I don't understand why they include um if they aren't going to clean them up.

Great collection of little seen John Wayne movie. Check out Without Reservations! Also Trouble Along thr Way is great - showing Wayne's humourous side while still selling the Duke majic of being a mans man.

It got here in a timely manner and was a great gift for my dad!