A Few Words About A few words about...™ The President's Lady - in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

Henry Levin's 1953 production of The President's Lady, based upon the historical novel by Irving Stone, has a special place in cinema history.

When I saw it for the first time, probably back in the early '60s, on television, it was in black & white (which as far as I knew at the time, might have originally been as a color film), and fit my TV screen nicely.

What I didn't understand at the time, was that it represented the end of a long era, going back some sixty years, of film, always in the same basic shape.

Released by Fox, just a few short months before The Robe, it would very nearly be the last of its kind, for many years.

It was the end of the 1.37 era.

But, as photographed by Leo Tover, it was a great way to go out.

The new Blu-ray from Twilight Time is a lovely affair, presumably derived from a fine grain, and with only the rarest of minus density of damage. A few hours of cleanup could have made it pristine.

As a film, with Susan Hayward and Charlton Heston (about to break out as a star), in the leads, and with fine supporting performances, it's a film that beautifully stands the test of time.

For those who have never had the experience, now is a wonderful time to do so.

I don't recall it ever being on DVD.

Image – 4.75

Audio – 5

Pass / Fail – Pass

Recommended

RAH

 

[lark144]

But, as photographed by the great, it was a great way to go out.

I believe you intended on including Leo Tover's name, the cinematographer of THE PRESIDENT'S LADY, but it was probably inadvertently deleted. In any case, we're very fortunate, as a number of Mr. Tover's best black & white productions, of which he was a master, have recently been released on Blu-Ray, among them HOLD BACK THE DAWN, I WALK ALONE, THE SNAKE PIT and THE HEIRESS.

 

[Robert Harris]

I believe you intended on including Leo Tover's name, the cinematographer of THE PRESIDENT'S LADY, but it was probably inadvertently deleted. In any case, we're very fortunate, as a number of Mr. Tover's best black & white productions, of which he was a master, have recently been released on Blu-Ray, among them HOLD BACK THE DAWN, I WALK ALONE, THE SNAKE PIT and THE HEIRESS.

You're hired!

 

[Ed Lachmann]

This and Prince of Players were at the top of my most wanted list. Thanks to you Mr. Harris for the great review and to Twilight Time for releasing this wonderful film.

 

[lionel59]

This is a must get for the terrific Newman score alone.
I second the votre for PRINCE OF PLAYERS, which had been broadcast on TCM in 2.55:1 in HD, so a restored master must be readily available. Hoping for the soundtrack with the superb Herrmann score in surround. A better Dunne film than 10 NORTH FREDERICK ; and what about the award winning (Best Supporting Actress- National Board of Review) THE VIEW FROM POMPEY'S HEAD with the fine early Bernstein score, also by Philip Dunne?

 

[filmnoirguy]

Actually, Heston had broken out as a star the year before as Brad in the Oscar winning The Greatest Show on Earth...but, why quibble? He would play "Old Hickory" again 5 years later in The Buccaneer.