Customer Reviews

I've Always Loved You [VHS]

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

 

 

Okay, that rating may be a bit indulgent. But this is truly an enjoyable and emotionally involving love story. It is set in the world of classical music and makes excellent use of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, performed on the soundtrack by no less than Artur Rubenstein ("The world's greatest pianist," as the credits tell us!).

The story is about Myra (played by Cathrine McLeod), a young, starry-eyed piano student who falls under the spell of an imperious pianist/conductor (Philip Dorn). Myra becomes his protegee and steadily grows in her talent--and her love for him--until she becomes a bit TOO good for his masculine ego. And there is also a third point to this romantic triangle--Myra's childhood sweetheart (William Carter)--waiting in the wings. . .

Frank Borzage was a director who specialized in romantic pathos. His films convey a compassionate, spiritually transcendent belief in the power of love. By the time he made I've Always Loved You, he was entering his third decade as a director. This film was the first of three he made at Republic--ordinarily, NOT a prestigious studio. Yet I've Always Loved You was made on a budget of $2 million--a VERY generous amount for 1946--and contains spectacular sets and costumes and stunning use of Technicolor. The film was not well-received upon its release (and many contemporary critics continue to dismiss it), but it remains a high-water mark in Borzage's career.

I heartily recommend the film to anyone who enjoys a classic Hollywood love story (and if you want to see it, purchase the video--I don't think the film has been shown on TV for decades!). Sit back, relax, and let Borzage and company give your emotions a good workout--all to the tune of some lushly beautiful music.

Okay, that rating may be a little indulgent. But this is truly one of my favorite films. It's a lavish ($2 million budget--quite an amount for 1946!), colorful romance set against the world of classical music. Catherine McLeod plays a young student who becomes the protegee of Philip Dorn, an imperious pianist/conductor. McLeod steadily grows in her performing ability--and her love for Dorn--until she becomes a little bit TOO good for his masculine ego. And there is also a third point of this romantic triangle--McLeod's childhood sweetheart, William Carter--waiting in the wings. . . It may be too easy today to make fun of classic Hollywood romantic contrivances. But I've Always Loved You contains some true narrative surprises, along with the sense of compassionate, transcendent love that always marked director Frank Borzage's work. This was the first of three films Borzage made under contract to Republic; I've seen only two of the three (this one and Moonrise), and both are among the best films of his long career. His leading lady here, McLeod, was playing her first leading role (which is evident from her uneven performance, which improves as the film goes along). Sadly, she never became a major Hollywood "name." If you enjoy classic Hollywood romances/"women's films," give I've Always Loved You a try. You won't be disappointed!

I was born in 1946....the year of this film and first saw it in those early days of television when they started showing films on networks late at night. I always loved classical music....the piano, in specific and to this day Rubenstein remains the greatest ever. Philip Dorn is perfect in his role and Catherine a vision. I loved this movie at about the age of ten and I have searched and searched for it....FINALLY I have a copy ( per Amazon) and can watch it over and over to my delight. No one shows it anymore ....not even TCM! It is so romantic..so musically gratifying and beautiful to look at. I wish it would find it's way to DVD but alas I am doubtful. Give this movie a look and the least you can expect is to be entertained!

IF YOU LIKE CLASSICAL MUSIC AND ROMANTIC MOVIES. BEAUTIFUL ALL AROUND!
BRAVO FOR THE HOLLYWOOD OF YEARS BACK.

Film quality was very good. Video arrived in excellent shape and very quickly. Very enjoyable evening!