Customer Reviews

The Magic Box [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
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The haunting story of William Friese-Greene the inventor of the motion picture camera is described with a sense of pride and profound respect. Supported by a sharp and incisive script, the film deals with the hardships and disillusions through his life, the infinite patience of his wife and the epic sacrifice of his sons when decide to go to the Army to avoid him a heavy burden to maintain.

The towering performance still remains in our memory days and days after the lights are off. The notable contribution of so many heavy weight actors is an additive merit of this intimate chamber work. Magnificent direction of John Boulting.

Here, between you and me. I am still amazed to be the first reviewer to comment that hidden gem. Do not miss it.!

If you like digital photogrpahy or if you like making movies, or both, then you will like this movie. It shows the sheer enthusiasm and passion of a man with cameras.
I saw it on Encore on TV. Hope that soon it is available on a US DVD (NTSC type instead of PAL).

This Movie THE MAGIC BOX And Count Of Monte Cristo Are And Chips Are Truly The
best Of Robert Donat/Why They Don't Release This Magic Box On DVD In The USA
is Beyond Reason/For Those Who have Not Seen The Magic Box//Well You're In For A Treat/A Great Story A Wonderful Script Great Direction Just A Great Movie//So Please Put This Out On DVD//By The Way Please Put Edward G.Robinsons Great Movie
THE HATCHET MAN out On DVD Another Great Movie With One Of The Best Endings That I Have Ever Seen//If Not The Best////
Stanley Cooper Jupiter Florida
[...]

Very educational and moving story of William Freise-Greene, who invented moving pictures. He was an engineer with no business acumen and was abused and victimized for the lack of it for the rest of his life. A lot of cameos several years before AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. My Father lost an infant daughter and my Mother at age 39. He then had two patents stolen, one of them out of the patent office. This picture hurts me twice as much but it is an achievement and needs to be watched. Photographed by Jack Cardiff, the Dean of English light.

Robert Donat is one of my favorite actors, mostly because of the way he can deliver such a wide range of subtle feeling and emotion. I saw this film once on TV and was captivated by his performance and by the story. There's a scene near the end with him and a bobby--you'll never forget it.