Customer Reviews

Kissing Bandit [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This one is by no means a great musical, but is an amiable, entertaing music-comedy from Hollywood's and MGM's Golden Era, produced by the Joe Pasternak Unit (not the more "artistic" Freed Unit), which usually produced the musicals which starred such performers as Kathryn Grayson, Jane Powell, Mario Lanza, Esther Williams, June Allyson, Van Johnson, etc.

I first saw this film as a small kiddie on a local TV channel and was highly amused by it, on one of those boring winter afternoons after school (I didn't do my homework, watched this movie instead and I haven't regretted it in over 21 years).

Sinatra stars as the highly-impressionable, shy, mild, bandit of the title, who's unwilling to inherit his father's credits as one of the most notorious rogues of California. Grayson looks very pretty as the Governor's daughter and gets to sing some nice songs. J. Carrol Naish more or less steals the show as Sinatra's mentor and sidekick and Mildred Natwick, as Grayson's aunt, is equally funny. Clinton Sundberg is also quite funny as the Governor's (Mikhail Rasumny) Colonel, who's continually being "demoted" by him.

Musical Highest point: The highly energetic dance-ensemble by the great Ann Miller & Cyd Charisse, who "confront" each other, over Ricardo Montalban's affections.

The reviews I had read about this film were not very good and it had put me of purchasing it, but I'm glad I did as I find it a very funny film that is everything a good musical should be. I think Frank Sinatra is good in the film even though it is said that this film destoyed his career, but then maybe my tastes are different from most.

It seems to me that the studios found themselves with an enormous talent on their hands named Frank Sinatra, but did not know what to do with him. So they stuck him in these silly films that would appeal to his bobby soxer fans (who'll see anything he's in good or bad) to make a fast buck. The studio was really doing him and his audience a disservice by not making better use of his talents with excellent scripts and songs. Wasted talent. Anyway, Frank sings nicely and looks adorable in his period costumes, but why must they keep casting him as the innocent lunkhead--very repititious casting. There is no reason a romantic comedy couldn't be better written. This is still a fun film to watch for Frank fans (and I guess Grayson fans and other minor character actors).

This is supposed to be a silly movie with songs, like Danny Kaye's "Inspector General". However, this film has none of the plausibility, charm, humor, and cleverness of the "Inspector General". You may find some enjoyment in: a few pleasant songs by two great singers; the beautiful, Kathryn Grayson in some pretty dresses, and an opening, on-location scene in the woods. However, Frank and Kathryn never sing any duets; a missed opportunity; and the songs are not so great; you like them only because the singers are exceptional.

I know what you are thinking: "A musical does not need a good script, because the songs are the appeal". This is true, but this is not only just not good; it is clear the writer did not care, wrote this in 10-minutes, and had a low IQ. The script says in 10-minutes what could be said in 2-minutes, and you notice. There is no pacing, because there is no plot to get to, and you notice. This movie will leave you frustrated and wondering how a producer could wreck a film with such great talent as Sinatra and Grayson. If money is no object, and you are patient; there are a couple glimpses of great singers.

Kathryn Grayson does some great singing in "Andy Hardy's Private Secretary", available only on VHS. Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy show how a musical should be made with some nice duets in "Maytime" and "Naughty Marietta".

What a shame that MGM mistreated a talent like Sinatra. This is another example of terrible miscasting, terrible plot, and even terrible costumes for him. I love musicals, so this is not a criticism of the genre. I just expect something more than this turkey. This seems like a poor (very poor) cousin to Yolanda and the Thief. At least that movie had a great director (Minnelli), wonderful and creative costumes and settings, and terrific photography. Even with all that, and Fred Astaire, the movie did poorly at the box office. I wonder why MGM tried to recycle a failure?

This was a very good copy of this movie. It was funny, it was a type of movie that the entire family can enjoy. We will be watching it over and over again.

Yes, I know. Frank Sinatra made fun of himself in this movie all of his life, but it's still great fun and very light hearted. The songs are terrific, the color is beautiful, and the feeling is very happy. Take this movie for what it was intended, and you can have a great time with it. It was a vehicle for all of what was the new and young talent at MGM. Kathryn Grayson is beautiful, Ann Miller and Cyd Charisse make a delightful trio with a "new" Ricardo Montalban, and their dance together is terrific. I really enjoy this sort of movie and believe me, they don't make them like this anymore. It's one of a kind for sure !

You cant really compare a movie with Frank Sinatra and Kathryn to a movie with Mario Lanza with Kathryn Grayson as they are both very much different. But as this title brought back memories of movies that ive seen as a kid...i was very pleased that i found it and it happens to be kind of funny, filled with adventure, songs and dances. Nice to see old Franky, refreshenly young and not being too serious. Kathryn and Frank songs are pleasant enough and so is this movie from beginning to end. And ive notice that kathryn grayson has some great close-ups of her face when she is falling in love with Frank.... Lots of color.... a Keeper.

Place all the gold under lock and key . All the beautiful senoritas , too . THE KISSING BANDIT rides again - if he can somehow manage to stay on the horseback ! . Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) plays the kissing (and singing !) title role . Kathryn Grayson ( 1922 - ) is lovely , coloratura-voiced Teresa - and who'd guess she would steal his heart before he could steal his first kiss ! Sinatra brings infectious charm to the role of timid Ricardo , haplessly continuing his father's bandito tradition . Ann Miller ( 1923 - 2004), Cyd Charisse ( 1921 - 2008 ) and Ricardo Montalban (1920 - 2009 ) sway . swirl amd clackety-clack through the vibrant , flamenco-style "Dance of The Fury" number choreographed by Stanley Donen ( 1924 - ) . And scene after scene unfurls with plashy medley of Tecnicolor lavenders , reds , yellow and Greens . Watch Out , this bandit might steal your heart . Super charming Movie . High Quality Transfer . Recommended

Oh my gosh, I'd forgotten how terribly cheesy this movie is - but I love it anyway! Despite it's totally outrageous premise, The Kissing Bandit from MGM is proof in my opinion of that studio's ability to irresistibly gloss and glam up a weak picture with talent, costumes, staging, and color! Supposedly Sinatra viewed this as the worst picture of his career - I think that's a little harsh. I'm still traumatized by The Pride and the Passion. :P Sinatra's character here perfectly played up the more innocent side of his persona from the 1940s - he's super sweet, slightly befuddled, and adorably sincere. Anyway, I think The Kissing Bandit would've worked better if the filmmakers had gone for smart parody - like Gene Kelly in The Pirate or Danny Kaye in The Inspector General. As it is, a lot of potential for parodying the likes of Zorro is lost - but it's still a fun, albeit cheesy and downright silly picture. Kathryn Grayson is lovely as usual, and the specialty dance by Cyd Charisse, Ricardo Montalban, and Ann Miller is marvelous! Though Bandit is far from Sinatra or Grayson's best work, I have a real soft spot in my heart for this film and I'm glad it's finally available on DVD. The DVD is barebones - not even chapter selections - but the picture and sound are great quality.