Customer Reviews

Magnificent Yankee [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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"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.

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.

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.

Outstanding performance by Louis Calhern and the plot is exellent. Anyone interested in American pastime should view this film. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this film.

Thank you again, I received my video just in time for my dads birthday. We both sat down and watched the film that we both have not seen in such a long time. The story of Oliver Willdon Homes is a amazing story and a piece of history that we would of missed out on if it weren't for this movie that was put together like a dream.

Louis Calhern simply evolved into Oliver Wendell Holmes, it was not acting it became real as the picture progressed. Also, the performance of Ann Harding as Fannie Holmes was as pure and AMERICAN as apple pie. The life story of Oliver Wendell Holmes and his wife of 57 years, you'll never forget this gem of the cinema.

A Beautiful movie about the Life of a wonderful man married to a wonderful wife and he had many secretaries men who followed him along his politician career. His wife at his end time excuses herself not to have given him sons, but he said he had plenty with all his secretaries who were young men and once in the movie, at the time of his retirement, they all gather all together to make an Anniversary party in his behalf.

We saw this movie on TV and ordered the DVD from Amazon. We liked it so much that we ordered a copy for our granddaughter who is an attorney.

Considering that "The Magnificent Yankee" concerns itself with one of American history's giants at the turn of the Twentieth Century it's a major disappointment. As biography it's paper thin and the film gives little indication of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes'(Louis Calhern) judicial philosophy or temperment. The film seems more concerned with the relationship between Holmes and his wife, Fanny (Ann Harding), which is admirable in a way but even that is treated perfunctorily. At an 89 minute running time the film seems long. The film can only be recommended by the delightful performance of Calhern who does his darndest to breathe life in this semi-inert material. Noteworthy are appearances by Herbert Anderson best known from TV's "Dennis the Menace" and Richard Anderson from "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "The Bionic Woman".