Product Details

• Actors: Louis Calhern, Ann Harding, Eduard Franz, Philip Ober, Ian Wolfe
• Format: Black & White, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Warner)
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Run Time: 80 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 630292295X
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,328 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Louis Calhern Was A Giant Of American Stage and Screen, January 24, 2004

By 

bix lang "pastafagiole" (Davenport, Iowa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magnificent Yankee [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"The Magnificent Yankee" is an acting tour-de-force by Louis Calhern, whose long, distinguished career began in 1921 as a matinee idol and culminated in his masterful character roles in the years before his untimely death in 1956. A Shakespearean actor whose work on the legitimate stage was lauded by fans and critics alike, Calhern portrays the estimable Holmes with a measured balance of wit, sensitivity, and intellectuality. Calhern's silky voice, debonair demeanor, and commanding presence are legendary, and were used to particlularly grand effect in this great film. Highly recommended---I hope it will be transferred to DVD. It's a shame so many young people nowadays have no clue about such master thespians as Louis Calhern. Since his films were devoid of blatant sex and vulgarity, and their plots required actual thought, I fear "The Magnificent Yankee" may never be transferred to DVD. There is probably not enough interest among the "deep" and "sophisticated" movie fans of contemporary popular "culture." However, for those of you who still appreciate great films and truly talented actors, purchase this classic film. You'll be glad you did.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Magnificent" Definition of Greatness, October 29, 2010

By 

Robert D. Forst "Robert" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Magnificent Yankee [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I guess I was 13 or 14 the one time I saw this marvelous biography of Mr. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, also known as the Supreme Court's Great Dissenter. Taken from the broadway play of the same name and played by two veterans of films and the stage, Louis Calhern and Ann Harding, this film is a study in great acting in the grand matter. Recreating his triumph on the Broadway stage, Louis Calhern gives a performance that is all but heart-stopping in its grandeur. Anne Harding gives a loving, moving performance as Holmes' ever great companion and wife, one who would be a superb model for young women looking for a role to play in the lives of their spouses. At age 75 I am viewing a film that is timeless.

The film is a painless way to learn something of American life in Washington in an earlier day when civility demanded that even political enemies conduct themselves with something more than condescension and hostility. Moreover, in a day when the thinking found on the current supreme court is unfamiliar to Americans who make demands upon their government, we see in this marvelous film how powerful and learned men interact debating ideas that serve the cause of the general good and not merely the selfish ends of narrow interests.

Our interest never flags because the film miraculously captures the great Supreme Court Justice caped in all his human majesty without a hint of noblesse oblige. He towers over his lessers who rightfully stand in awe of a kindness that is never obscured by his extraordinary intellect. We are allowed to know, for instance, that Holmes reads Plato in Greek for learning and pleasurable relaxation.

Though it is a character study of a man who indeed had an abudance of character, our treat as the audience is to watch the masterful Louis Calhern giving a viruoso performance that reminds us of another day in screen history, one too long gone.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Magnificent YankeeI, July 2, 2010

By 

kathi-o "film diva" (St. Louis, Mo United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Magnificent Yankee (DVD-R)

I saw this film many years ago and never forgot it. To a great many people, if you mention 'Oliver Wendell Holmes', these people will either say 'Who?' or 'Oh, yes.' without having a clue as to who the man really was. Well, if you watch THIS film, you'll know and you'll never have to say 'Who?' again.

Louis Calhern plays Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes superbly, in possibly his best role. His caring, compassion and "his fire in the belly" for law and justice are in truth, magnificent. And his love for his wife, Fanny Bowditch Holmes comes through in every fibre of his being.

If you want to see an American classic, either man or film, 'The Magnificent Yankee' is the film to watch.