A classic that should not be lost!

mebaker

I have never forgotten having seen this movie when others like The Red Shoes, Tales of Hoffman, the Alec Guiness and Peter Sellers comedies, Olivier performances in Hamlet and Henry V, were being received and cherished. The "Story of Gilbert and Sullivan" cast, script, and production values were as good, if not better than, the above mentioned. I have never understood how it didn't seem to get much attention for reproduction and reshowing in view of the fact that G&S productions are still being done in today's live performance theaters! Is it really too late to salvage and restore it for revival? Since it's action is largely in closeup, it's mono sound needs only to be upgraded to today's sound projection technology ... it will still be brilliant. I'll never forget the scene with Gilbert (the great Morely) riding in his horse cab during his customary opening night anxiety attack with the picture (and sound of the horse's hoof beats) superimposed over Martin Green (peerless Grossman) singing the Nightmare song ...matchless!! Please ... somebody ... rescue this film!!!

score /10

mebaker 28 January 2007

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1584720/