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Bert Greene · 08-01-2006, 11:06 PM

Considering that just about all "Fox Films" (pre-20th Century merger) tend not to have great source material, I was really quite pleased with the quality of this set. I was familiar with all four films, and can't deny I might have preferred the addition of a Rogers title I had 'not' seen, like "County Chairman" or "Handy Andy." Especially instead of "Doubting Thomas," which although pretty funny at times, is a bit static (owing undoubtedly to its stage origins).

I'm suprised "State Fair" (1933) wasn't a part of the set. That would have fit in marvelously with the Americana theme, and is one of Rogers' best. It's quite a gem. Although, come to think of it, it is perhaps viewed more as an all-star item, as opposed to strictly being a Rogers vehicle. It would make a fine stand-alone title (that is, if Fox is still doing that 'classic' line of theirs). Whatever the case, I'm actually glad the set wasn't overloaded with the two other John Ford titles ("Judge Priest" is nice, but its p.d. status has made it so maddeningly common that I'm glad it wasn't an initial volume entry, and "Doctor Bull" I'm afraid I always found to be a bit dreary).

My grandfather was a big Will Rogers fan, and I heard him mentioned constantly when growing up. But, I never got to see any of his films until I was older. I hope the set sells well, but I just don't know how many fans are out there anymore. Maybe it will do well in Oklahoma, where Rogers remains something of an icon. I'm still sometimes amazed how often I've encountered portraits of him, when driving through the state.

08-01-2006, 11:06 PM	#2 of 4
Bert Greene Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Local Time: 06:36 AM Local Date: 01-09-2009 Posts: 365	Re: HTF REVIEW: Cinema Classics - The Will Rogers Collection, Volume 1 Considering that just about all "Fox Films" (pre-20th Century merger) tend not to have great source material, I was really quite pleased with the quality of this set. I was familiar with all four films, and can't deny I might have preferred the addition of a Rogers title I had 'not' seen, like "County Chairman" or "Handy Andy." Especially instead of "Doubting Thomas," which although pretty funny at times, is a bit static (owing undoubtedly to its stage origins). I'm suprised "State Fair" (1933) wasn't a part of the set. That would have fit in marvelously with the Americana theme, and is one of Rogers' best. It's quite a gem. Although, come to think of it, it is perhaps viewed more as an all-star item, as opposed to strictly being a Rogers vehicle. It would make a fine stand-alone title (that is, if Fox is still doing that 'classic' line of theirs). Whatever the case, I'm actually glad the set wasn't overloaded with the two other John Ford titles ("Judge Priest" is nice, but its p.d. status has made it so maddeningly common that I'm glad it wasn't an initial volume entry, and "Doctor Bull" I'm afraid I always found to be a bit dreary). My grandfather was a big Will Rogers fan, and I heard him mentioned constantly when growing up. But, I never got to see any of his films until I was older. I hope the set sells well, but I just don't know how many fans are out there anymore. Maybe it will do well in Oklahoma, where Rogers remains something of an icon. I'm still sometimes amazed how often I've encountered portraits of him, when driving through the state.