A few words about…™ The President’s Lady – in Blu-ray

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