Garv’s Pick of the Week: The Great McGinty (Kino Lorber)
For the release week of January 14th :
Garv’s Pick of the Week: The Great McGinty [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: Preston Sturges was the wittiest screenwriter to ever come out of the Hollywood studio system, and he made the leap to writer/director with this classic comedy. The Great McGinty tells the story of a homeless man (Brian Donlevy) who goes to work for a crooked political Boss (Akim Tamiroff) and rises in the organization until he becomes Governor of the state. However, his success is threatened when he performs a single selfless act. The moral: “If you’re a crook. Be a crook.” Sturges was able to get away with very subversive material, because his films were so damned funny; and The Great McGinty is one of his best. This receives my highest recommendation. Look for my full review in the near future.
Additional Titles of Interest —
The Good Fairy [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: Before Preston Sturges earned the chance to direct his own material, he wrote many memorable comedies for other directors. This particular example was directed by William Wyler. I haven’t seen this one yet, but I plan to post a review after my first-time watch.
House by the River [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: Fritz Lang and Film Noir go together like whiskey and bitters.
Beverly Hills Cop 3-Movie Collection [Blu-ray / Paramount]: Hopefully, this remastered release of the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy won’t lead to a rash of bananas in tailpipes.
Brewster’s Millions [Blu-ray / Shout Select]: When you think comedy, you think Walter Hill.
Penelope [Blu-ray / Warner Archive]: This comedy, starring Natalie Wood has a bad reputation, but with co-stars including Peter Falk, Jonathan Winters, and Lou Jacobi, my curiosity is piqued.
The Mummy’s Shroud [Blu-ray / Scream Factory]: Old bandage drawers is at it again in this Hammer horror flick.
Demons of the Mind [Blu-ray / Scream Factory]: This Hammer film has something to do with a depraved baron, for all you depraved baron fans.
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