DVD Pennies from Heaven
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Review(s): DVD Pennies from Heaven | |
| Finally available on DVD! |  |
This is a movie Crosby fans have searched for in vain for decades. Not only was it rarely aired on commercial T.V., it was never offered in VHS format. Now, thankfully, the entire movie is available on DVD and the quality is incredible. Not only is the black and white cinematography looking as good as it did in 1936, the audio makes it seems as if Bing is sitting in your living room, singing his heart out to an audience of one. Crosby was always underrated as an actor and he is wonderful in the role of singing, swingin' troubadour. Child actress Edith Fellows is very effective and their screen chemistry is palpable. There's genuine humor throughout the movie, both intended and, one senses, unintended. Naturally Bing sings several songs, including the classic signature number, "Pennies From Heaven," which was number on of the hit parade for seven weeks. Crosby's voice is an instrument of beauty, depth and power. Close your eyes and listen to him croon: incredible! An added bonus is a brief appearance by the legendary Louis Armstrong, who was an early and integral influence on the young Crosby. Bing and Louis were friends off the set and knew each other long before filming this movie. Watch for the young Lionel Hampton in Armstrong's band. This is simply a treasure trove of Americana and a really endearing movie. I recommend it without reservation.
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| ONE TWO, BUTTON YOUR SHOE, with BING! | |
This movie was long overdue on just video, imagine the luck that it's out on DVD! The picture quality is great, and the sound quality excellent as well. Most films made before 1950 haven't survived the tears of time, but thankfully the ones that have, or the ones that could be restored are making their way on DVD, so to last forever through the digital medium; and "Pennies From Heaven" is a great addition to the list of ones that will be evergreens. Since much focus is made on Bing's 1940's movies, we forget that his earlier work in the 1930's merits re-examination. In this film Bing is a wandering troubadour who gets mixed up with this little girl and her troubles; along the way he sings, opens and closes a resturant, becomes a dare-devil in the circus, and manages to win romance too. Only Bing could do that and make it look easy, and charming. There is much humor with the child actress Edith Fellows, who is a loveable scamp long before movies like "Curly Sue"; and let us not forget Bing's great line in this film, when asked by Madge Evans if he's married; "No...I'm sane!" The songs are terrific and Bing is in great voice, with his younger baritone sound that he had in the 30's (different from his pipe-organ deep baritone of the 40's and so on). Here, you can listen to the first version of the pop standard "Pennies From Heaven" as beautifully sung by the man who introduced it to the world. Too, Bing bounces jazzily with "One Two, Button Your Shoe", lute in hand. Lets also not forget the brilliant Louis Armstrong, who does a great number called "The Skeleton in the Closet" with his band. (Armstrong's drummer was Lionel Hampton, who would become really famous as a swing-era vibes player a few years later) Just seeing Louis perform always brings a smile to the face of the most sour Humdrum. If you're a Crosby fan, an Armstrong fan, movie-buff, or someone in dire need of some sunshine, buy this DVD.
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