Customer Reviews

Marjorie Morningstar [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Natalie Wood is stunning as the young woman who seeks to become a Broadway star and to marry the love of her life. Gene Kelly also gives a heartwarming performance as the older man who captures her heart with his flamboyant lifestyle and immense talent.

Unlike the book which was set in the 30's, the film is reset to the post-war 50's and avoids the political implications of Hilter's rise to power on the Jewish Marjorie. The movie does, however, maintain all the futility of her search for stardom and her tumultuous love affair with Noel Airman. My only criticism of the movie might have been that the ending was completely changed. However, after feeling so sad at the realistic ending of the novel, I finished watching the video smiling at its happier conclusion.

Gene Kelly is unquestionably an actor, but his one dance number and his beautiful singing of "A Very Precious Love" lit up the screen. Martin Milner shines as the friend besotted with love for Marjorie, Carolyn Jones is wonderful as her outspoken friend, and Ed Wynn is charming as the uncle, particularly in a campy scene dressed as a bullfighter. Watch also for 60's heartthrob Edd "Kookie" Byrnes as one of Marjorie's first boyfriends.

If you've never read the novel, you will still be enchanted with this classic love story. If you have read the novel, you will be mesmerized as Wouk's characters come to life.

Like the previous reviewer, I'm somewhat surprised at the less than appreciative reviews on Marjorie Morningstar. It is a truly remarkable movie. I'd like to rebuke the comment one reviewer made about Gene Kelly being bloated. Surely she/he must have been mistaken. Handsome Gene Kelly was absolutely believable as the dashing Noel Airman, even at 46yrs old. The acting from Natalie Wood was good enough, nothing brilliant though. However, the brilliance of the story more than makes up fot that.

Gene Kelly's performance was truly breathtaking. Many film critics have dismissed Gene Kelly's acting abilities, labeling him a song and dance man and incapable of fine acting. They have obviously not seen this film. Gene Kelly was magnificent as Noel Airman. His portrayal was not only sensitive, moving, but full of understanding of the character played.

The ending of Marjorie Morningstar is poignant, tinged with sadness. I recommend this film to all, especially if you are a Gene Kelly fan and want to see just how good he can act, minus the tap shoes.

"I was just a little in love with Natalie, since the first time we met. I never stopped loving her. I never will." So said Orson Welles, working with child star Natalie Wood on a Hollywood set in 1945. Daughter of Russian immigrants, the girl with dark eyes and the quaint curtsy melted Welles' heart. In 1957, having co-starred in "Rebel Without a Cause", Natalie Wood lobbied hard for the up-coming lead in Warner Bros' "Marjorie Morningstar". The studio had planned it for her all along. Herman Wouk's 565-page smash hit novel depicts 18-year-old Marjorie; a young girl seeking love and happiness, and relief from a string of amorous beaus. Her worldly friend Marsha(a stand-out performance by unheralded Carolyn Jones) urges her to join a New York upstate summer camp. She does, and once there, her eyes behold Noel Aikman, and well....1958's colorful, fast-moving "Marjorie Morningstar" is a delightful throw-back to the lilting romantic dramas of Hollywood past. Old-time director Irving Rapper argued with young Natalie on the set, but their clash produced a clear, charming, charasmatic portrait of effervescent youth and lustrous beauty. "Marjorie Morningstar" attempts unsuccessfully to condense the epic tome into a 2-hour movie. Early on, the film drags through Jewish family traditions and the slow-moving antics of Uncle Sampson(a lovable portayal by Hollywood icon Ed Wynn). The pace quickens as Morjorie is whisked into a failed relationship with an older, successful doctor. Many key scenes, however, sparkle with the innocent charm that created Natalie Wood. The movie bristles with veteran talents like Ed "Kookie" Byrnes, Gene Kelly, Martin Balsam, and Jesse White. It contains an exceptional music score by Max Steiner, who composed 1933's "King Kong". Natalie Wood's biographer paints an early life of unhappiness and insecurity for the widely talented former "Natasha". Her sorrows here are genuine. "Marjorie Morningstar"s shooting coincided with Wood's engagement and first marriage to Robert Wagner. She's excellent in her romantic scenes. They would marry twice. She had been dating Hollywood's best, including James Dean, Frank Sinatra, Warren Beatty, and Elvis. Sadly, this new Artesan Images DVD shows lots of flaws in the master. The DVD is unrestored. Colors are brilliant, but a nasty jump-cut occurs about 13 minutes ino the film. Several splice cuts emerge in the last reels, and the Warners' logo is sloppily hacked off the leader tail and the film finish. Robbed of life in a mysterious, still un-solved boating accident in 1981, the world lost Natalie Wood much too soon. She was 43. But thanks to the magic of cinema and the power of DVD, her powerful performance here can be seen today and tomorrow. And tomorrow and tomorrow.

Yes, I'm a man and yes, I like this movie. It is strictly out of the 50's, however, but that is when I grew up and for that reason the film brings a bit of nostalgia with it. Another reason to watch this film is to see Natalie Wood's big brown eyes just one more time. No, she was never a great actress, although I think that she came close in Love with the Proper Stranger and in Splendor in the Grass, my favorite of her films. This being said, a few notes of caution are in order. I don't yet own the DVD of this title for one BIG reason: the transfer sounds like it is identical to the horrible laserdisc version, which I do own. On that transfer, the color is weak and distorted and the focus is not quite sharp. There are a few splices and one ridiculous jump-cut, as another reviewer pointed out. And to top it off, the movie opens with a trailer which cuts directly to the film, completely lopping off the Warner Bros. logo and the first notes of the main title. I keep hoping for a decent, legitimate transfer of this movie which is the only reason I am at this website. One final word: if you like the movie, don't EVER read the book! It a wonderful book with many "slice of life" truths and contains many poignant moments which the movie misses altogether, the "kiss under the lilacs" being just one example. Once you read the book, you will either throw out the film, or spend a lifetime regretting what should have been done with it! But then, there are those big brown eyes.......

This is not a comment on the movie's storyline, acting, or direction. Though Gene Kelly is a joke of a casting choice for a 33 y.o, being 46 or older in real life at the time.

I bought this DVD brand-new, and there are not any scratches on the surface at all. All the picture problems are inherent in the master that was used to make the DVD.

The picture-quality of the DVD is weak, the worst from a major studio I've EVER seen on over 1000 DVDs I've viewed. As bad as the laser disc and VHS versions, which are bad. The DVD is clearly a copy of a weak, defective videotape. There's at least one major cut-off and then jump in the picture, and in quite a few other spots, picture and sound defects occur. The picture is soft-focus throughout, and grainy.

Obviously, ANY studio master reels, even copies sent to TV networks, are ALL gone. Or someone was too lazy to find them.

This DVD is viewable, certainly, but otherwise is not of DVD quality NOR EVEN solid VHS quality.

Bad job!

I remember going from girl to young woman, and 'falling in love' with that charming, sophisticated older man who mesmerized you. Marjorie meets Noel at summer camp. She wants to be an actress, and Noel's a not-so-successful playwright, who's yet to make it on Broadway, but is the main draw in the summer stock at this resort. They fall in love, and you know it will be "the forever kind", but Noel is unable to make it in the real world, and he exits stage left. Marjorie searches for Noel in Europe, only to find that he's returned to the summer resort, which seems to be the only place that he feels like he's someone special. I adore this movie, and "A Very Precious Love" is magical. It's one of those classics that grabs my heart.

Marjorie Morningstar is one of my all-time favorite books. I discovered it as a teenager in the 70's & I have reread it countless times since. Each time I read it I find some phrase or detail that I missed in previous readings. I love the way the book conveys the feeling of New York in the 30's. The book's ending has never failed to make me shed tears of regret because Marjorie gives up her dream of an acting career as well as the great love of her youth, Noel Airman. Even though I am much older & wiser than I was the first time I read the book, I am still moved by Noel's appearance at Marjorie's wedding & by the final visit that Wally pays to Marjorie in later years. Neither of these poignant moments is included in the movie. I am a Natalie Wood fan & even though she did not readily come to mind as "being" Marjorie when I read the book (I did not see the movie until years later), I still think she did an adequate job in the role given the fact that the movie adaptation was lacking in so many ways. However, the movie might have been salvaged if someone other than Gene Kelly were cast in the role of Noel Airman & if Martin Milner were not cast as Wally. Milner was much too handsome & mature for the role of Wally. Where is the homely,bespectacled,gawky teenaged Wally, that, even in a successful middle-age treasures the memory of Marjorie's kiss under the lilacs? While I think some of the other reviewers' comments regarding Gene Kelly's appearance are a bit harsh, he looks nothing like the lean, blonde Noel described in the book. Even so, his role might have been salvaged if it had been written to include some of Noel's intelligence, wit, & charm. Noel was a writer, singer, & wanna-be philosopher, a pre-James Dean rebel, he was not a dancer! I also found it dissappointing to see the story moved from the 1930's to the 1950's. In the context of the 1930's we can understand Marjorie's choices. The movie doesn't focus enough on Marjorie's career ambitions either. The movie does seem dated today, but seen in the context of 1930's pre-feminist,pre-sexual revolution society, if the movie had been more faithful to the entire story of Marjorie, it would be an interesting glimpse into another time. I've given the movie two stars, because if I had seen the movie without ever reading the book, that would be my rating. However, if I were comparing the movie & the book, my rating of this movie would be in the negative numbers.

I first saw this movie on late night t.v. in the 70's, when I was a pre-teen. This movie made me fall in love with dancing, singing, and Gene Kelly. The lush colors, beautiful locations and elegance of the time make this movie a treat for the eyes. The love story is sweet, but sexy; and you should definitely bring tissue! A great movie to relive the old fashioned days of romance and desire.

In my opinion one of the better movies of the period (1957). For anyone who remembers that period and in particular, the Catskill mountains of NY state during that period, this movie is a must have.

Gene Kelly was a fantastic dancer and actor and his leading lady, Natalie Wood played a very convincing part. Nostalgia at it's best.

My purchase was delivered on time as promised, in fact it arrived a couple of days early. I am very pleased with the service I received....as usual

Walter D. Pereira

I am surprised at the number of misguided reviewers who have given this movie a less than glowing report. It is sharp, tender and well-acted. One even suggests Natalie Wood lends credence to the ridiculous notion that she had more luck than talent. Anyone who suggests that doesn't know Natalie Wood. She gives a fantastic performance in this movie and the author of the book even said that at the time.

Everyone is great and I found the movie very sweet, entertaining and moving.