Pretty Good

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

The setup for this romantic fantasy is kind of wonderful, but it immediately trips and falls face-first into the ground when Frederic March appears as Prince Sirki (the human disguise of Death himself). I really like Frederic March for the most part. I'd call his performance in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde one of my all-time favorites. This performance, or perhaps it's just the character as written, is a huge miscalculation. He's supposed to be so darkly romantic that he makes all the younger women he meets swoon, but he comes off more as a cross between Count Dracula and Cousin Balki. The accent is just goofy, and those weird expressions on his face make him look like he's got to take a dump. The movie surrounding him isn't that bad - the dialogue is a little overwritten, maybe. The cinematography is really nice and the lead actress, Evelyn Venable, is gorgeous. Remade as Meet Joe Black with Brad Pitt in 1998 (haven't seen it).

The story line is nothing like Meet Joe Black. The only thing the two movies have in common is that Death decides to take human form to find out why the living resist Death. The characters are typical of movies of this era - overacted, overly dramatic, too much makeup, almost comical. Death in 1934 forgets that he's trying to keep his identity secret, and he keeps letting slip little comments that reveal who he is. Death in 1998 has no such confusion; he is who he is, and it's for others to figure out why certain things amaze him so, such as peanut butter, tea cookies and the closeness of a woman. I thought the 1998 version was much richer, the premise was much more meaningful - taking human form so that he could learn from a man of good character why a life well lived had such great value. The 1934 Death seemed to just stumble upon this household of shallow elites who loved fast cars and parties. 1934 Death's focus seemed to be on women, and one melancholy woman in particular who welcomed Death into her life. His grand realization was that romantic love was the reason people resisted Death (huh?). The whole premise of the earlier movie just wasn't as deep as the later version. If you like the overly dramatic silliness of early movies, you'll probably enjoy this one. I was disappointed. In the category of early movies, this didn't come close to films like "It Happened One Night."

This movie made my top ten list. All of the actors gave very good performances. The selection of costumes, wardrobes and jewelry were excellent. The special effects (1934) weren't overwhelming or too far-out. The location setting was reasonable for such a low budget firm. The direction, lighting and audio were first rate. Its a shame that someone hasn't done a re-make of this classic film. With the right cast, director and resources this film could win an Oscar. Perhaps, I'll make an attempt with a short version on video. As far as I started to explain, I felt very please, entertained and taken by every line of this film. It would be a worthwhile purchase for someones personal movie library. If not available for sale. Please set your VCR for it the next time its listed on the Classic-Movie cable channels. You and your friends (if you like real-good movies) wouldn't be disappointed...enjoy, Kenny

His Highness DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY to discover the secret of love and why mortals cling so to life.This clever allegorical drama, with its literate script and excellent acting, is a delight and should satisfy discerning viewers looking for something a bit different. The fantastical elements are handled in a plausible manner, the plot is satisfyingly intelligent, and the overall effect is one which both entertains & informs.Fredric March stars as the troubled Phantom who literally descends upon an Italian houseparty in the guise of a mysterious prince in order to find the answers to the questions which have troubled him for millennia. March is excellent in what almost amounts to a dual role, that of the love-deprived Death and also of the eccentric Prince Sirki, who seems in complete command of his surroundings. Sir Guy Standing, whose own life would soon be cut short by tragedy, is first rate as the old duke who alone knows March's true identity.Death's presence has a distinct effect on three young women staying at the Villa Felicitá: lovely princess Evelyn Venable begins to reconsider her love match with handsome Kent Taylor, while American Gail Patrick & Italian noblewoman Katharine Alexander set their caps for the intriguing new arrival.Three old pros, Helen Westley as the hostess, and Henry Travers & Kathleen Howard as members of the houseparty, all add dignity to their supporting roles.Paramount gave the film lavish production values which entertain the eye throughout. Also, notice the clever way in which the credits identify most of the cast during the opening sequence set in the lively town market.