Garv’s Pick of the Week: My Little Chickadee (Kino Lorber)
For the release week of June 29th:
Garv’s Pick of the Week: My Little Chickadee [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: This year, June 29th is Mae West Day, thanks to Kino Lorber Studio Classics. The label is releasing individual Blu-rays of the nine films Ms. West wrote and starred in from 1932-1940. While My Little Chickadee isn’t the best showcase for Ms. West, it’s my top pick, because it co-stars my favorite film comedian, W.C. Fields. It should also be noted that the film has been restored by Universal Pictures in collaboration with The Film Foundation, using a 4K scan from a 35mm nitrate composite fine grain and a 35mm dupe negative. It looks absolutely pristine. You can find my full review HERE.
Additional Titles of Interest —
Night After Night [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: Mae West made her film debut in a supporting role in this 1932 film. Although she was fourth in the cast list, she received the lion’s share of the critical raves.
She Done Him Wrong [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: This 1933 Pre-Code was the first ‘real’ Mae West flick. She adapted her play for the screen and showcased a pre-stardom Cary Grant as one of her love interests.
I’m No Angel [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: Cary Grant re-teamed with Ms. West for the last of her Pre-Code films. Many consider this one her best.
Belle of the Nineties, Goin’ to Town, Klondike Annie, Go West Young Man, and Every Day’s a Holiday [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: With the introduction of the Production Code, Ms. West found it increasingly difficult to present her style of comedy on film without her best jokes being trimmed by the censors. That said, all of her Paramount titles have moments to recommend them.
Pickup on South Street [Blu-ray / Criterion]: Sam Fuller’s best noir gets the Criterion treatment.
Major Dundee [Blu-ray / Arrow Video]: Arrow Video, “the Criterion of Cult,” gives this Western that fell between masterpieces in Sam Peckinpah’s filmography a prestige release.
In Harm’s Way [Blu-ray / Paramount]: John Wayne and Kirk Douglas star in this Otto Preminger-directed WWII flick, which includes a weird rape subplot.
Le Mans [Blu-ray / Paramount]: I’m not a big fan of auto racing, but at least in this Steve McQueen film they aren’t just driving around in a circle.
Madame Curie [Blu-ray / Warner Archive]: I haven’t seen this one, but I have a bit of a crush on Greer Garson.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory [4K UHD / Warner Brothers]: With the increase in resolution, the cheapness of some of the sets will be even more evident. Still, the score is magical, as are many of the performances.
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