The Wild Billy Wilder
Claude Z. Lovecraft | San Jose, CA United States | 05/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The movies chosen to present this trio of Wilder films are all excellent in their own genre. Not only are Sunset Blvd., Stalag 17, and Sabrina "true classics",but the extra bonus features
take you inside the set and inside the mind of Billy Wilder. The well spoken narrative on all three films is not only intelligent but enlightening as well. You can really benefit by watching all three films "as they are", but then again
WITH the narrative because it is then that you learn how Wilder worked and got the best performances out of his splendid cast of actors. The astonishing performance of the 50ish Gloria Swanson in Sunset Blvd. is truly
amazing in itself. Of the three THAT one's my personal favorite.
William Holden fans will be delighted to know that he is in all three movies!! Was there any sweeter girl than Audrey Hepburn (Sabrina)? She wins your heart as does the character in that movie played by Humphrey Bogart whose subtle turn is quite noteworthy."
Three great films
Mathew A. Shember | Cupertino, CA United States | 01/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had the honor of listening to a talk by Billy Wilder and Jack Lemmon for the a presentation of Some Like it Hot. It was a fun night. Probably the most touching part was his reflection of Monroe. He got emotional and simply said "She should be here"
After that it only increase my liking of his film work. I was happy to find this set.
Of the three I would have to say Sabrina and Stalog-17 are my favorite.
Sabrina: Is a great film with a powerful cast. One of the great beauties of the area is Audrey Hepburn and this film and Roman Holiday made her one of my favorties. She pulls off a great performance especially when working beside Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. It is a sweet story of the Cinderella like story of a young girl who is in love with the son of her fathers employer. Her charm simply carries the film.
Stalog-17: The film that served the foundation for Hogan's heros. This is a classic as William Holden plays self serving loner of a POW camp during WWII. The rest are trying to escape but every attempt is foild and people die. Somebody is betraying them. Is it Holden who never seems to go without favors or special gifts? The support cast really make the film fly. Even when it ends you still want more!
Sunset Boulevard: Is a great story that paints a bad image of Hollywood. We have Norma Desmond once queen of the cinema now forgotten by Hollywood. Holden is hired to write her a script to bring her out of "retirement" Holden thinks it's a job but it turns out to be much more. This film led to many uses of the famous line "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr DeMille" It's rather scary! Too bad many people.
A sad thing that many people don't know these films.
I will finish with giving a tribute to Mr. Wilder.
Years ago I was in a theater that shows old films. I went with my wife to watch Sabrina. Two women sat behind us and my wife heard one say:
"I saw the new movie they just did. This film is way more funny then it!""
Before buying on Amazon...
broseph | 12/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found this same box set at Wal-Mart for $5 on the cheap movie rack. I would take a look there first before buying it here."