Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An under-rated Classic, October 27, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: These Three [VHS] (VHS Tape)
If you're thirty-something and enjoy the classics from the golden age of Hollywood, this is a film that will not disappoint you. It's basically about how a lie can destroy one's reputation and cause irreversible damage. Two young women (Oberon, Hopkins) just graduating from college, turn a run-down home into a school for young girls and enjoy success, only to have it all taken away by one vicious, terrible rumor (hmm, I wonder what that rumor could be??). Everything about this film is excellent, from the script to the actors, including three wonderful child actors (Marcia Mae Jones, Bonita Granville and Carmencita Johnson). Joel McCrea is the "hunk" whom both ladies are in love with; Margaret Hamilton, the wicked witch from "The Wizard of Oz" has a minor role. What a treat! This film should have swept the Academy Awards winning Best Film, Best Actress, etc., etc., but that's the way it goes. This film was later remade in the 1960s, but lacked the warmth and charm of the original. If this sounds like your type of movie, you won't be disappointed. Order the video pronto.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
When Children are Liars, October 12, 2002
This review is from: These Three [VHS] (VHS Tape)
That's the crux of the matter in "These Three", a story of three innocent adults whose reputations are ruined by a vindictive girl. Merle Oberon and Miriam Hopkins open a girls' school on Merle's grandma's old farm, which they handily renovate with the help of nearby neighbor, doctor Joel McCrea. Though they at first start out three comrades, it doesn't take long before Joel and Merle pair off, leaving Miriam to carry a torch--silently--for the handsome doctor. Everything remains aboveboard, though, as Miriam is a true friend to Merle. A wealthy society matron decides to patronize the new school by sending her wayward granddaughter to be a pupil there; around the same time, Miriam's selfish old aunt swoops down to be an elocution teacher. Another little girl is at the school, too; a nicer girl, but one who has the misfortune to be caught by the bad girl stealing a bracelet. This is the bad chemistry set. When Miriam tries to give the useless aunt the brush off and send her to Europe, the angered older woman makes loud nasty insinuations that are overheard by the malcontent child, who then invents a wild story suggesting impropriety, and blackmails the thieving nice girl into corroborating the story, which is totally believed by the grandmother, who broadcasts it far and wide, causing the school to fold. The three innocents are forced to fight to clear their names against the word of a respected grand dame and two supposedly "innocent" children. Plenty of drama unfolds. I was unimpressed when I first saw this years ago, but now having seen it again playing double feature at a revival hourse with another favorite movie of mine, I must alter my opinion. "These Three" is really quite a GOOD movie, with solid performances by all concerned. Merle and Miriam have each their strong points and Joel McCrea is a handsome hunk that anyone's best friend would pine for, too. The old grandmother brings an interesting dimension to the role, as she projects a woman truly believing herself to act for the good of children under the care of immoral persons. She's very effective. The real standouts, though, are the two little girls. Marcia Mae Jones is the little thief. This is the same girl who later appeared in the Shirley Temple movies, "Heidi" and "The Little Princess". The only other time I've seen her was in "Night Nurse", a pre-Code flick about Clark Gable's intention to murder the children of a hophead to gain control of her fortune (yeah, that's really the trashy plot of THAT one). She is the perfect foil to the evil girl, Bonita Granville. What an actress that kid is! I don't recall ever having seen her before or since, but that's everyone's loss. She brings more to her role than any of the adult stars--the venom she can display is truly frightening. After you take in "These Three", I bet you'll wonder yourself about some of the little girls you know, as to whether they could ever be capable of the malicious lies spread in this movie--and who knows? Maybe they could!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Telling Lies, October 13, 2001
This review is from: These Three [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Lilian Hellman's original story is watered down and made palatable to 1930's audiences in this tale of a mean little girl who ruins the lives of her teachers at the private school she attends. Merle Oberon and Miriam Hopkins are best friends and teachers at a school, and young Bonita Granville concludes that Hopkins has become involved with Oberon's boyfriend Joel McCrea. Granville has gotten herself into trouble, so she spreads the rumour to deflect her concerned grandmother's attention. Hopkins, Oberon, and McCrea are all fine, but it is Granville who takes the acting honours. She is vicious, mean, and completely believable and dislikeable as the young girl who needs a firm hand. Marcia Mae Jones as her weak accomplice, easily manipulated, is also convincing. The movie illustrates well how a lie can grow and damage the lives of those involved. The dialogue is terrific, and under director William Wyler's steady, dramatic hand, it moves along well.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
