Cluzet, star of the international art-house hits The Intouchables and Tell No One, and Denicourt find the proper measure of gentle tension in their characters’ relationship, with many of the best scenes simply focusing on their various conversations.
Jean-Pierre imparts his wisdom on Nathalie, who, of course, has a lot to learn but who also proves to be a quick study and in some instances even improves upon her mentor’s bedside manner. But after Jean-Pierre learns he has cancer, he’s forced to groom a potential replacement in Nathalie Delezia (Marianne Denicourt), a less seasoned doctor who hails from the city. The Country Doctor (its moniker on the festival circuit and, now, on DVD from Icarus Films Home Video) and Irreplaceable (its name on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes) both fit this low-key effort about Jean-Pierre Werner (François Cluzet), a provincial doctor who provides that personal touch when treating all of his patients. In its theatrical run, the French release Médecin de Campagne made the English-language rounds under two different titles, although, truth be told, either works equally well. The gags involving such stars as Humphrey Bogart, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin are priceless.Īside from cross-promotional excerpts from all the Hope films being offered by Kino, the only Blu-ray extra is audio commentary by film historians Michael Schlesinger and Mark Evanier on Road to Bali.įrançois Cluzet and Marianne Denicourt in The Country Doctor (Photo: Icarus Films) There, they woo a princess (Lamour) and run afoul of villagers searching for sunken treasure. Road to Bali (1952), the penultimate picture in the "Road" series, offers enough nyuks to maintain interest, with Hope and Crosby as entertainers who end up on a lush island paradise. But will his conscience ultimately get the better of him? Trivia note: The Yuletide standard "Silver Bells" was introduced in this film. After an ill-advised swindle leaves him owing a ruthless mobster (Fred Clark) a substantial amount of dough, Sidney concocts a scheme that will help him pay off his debt by employing unsuspecting elderly women. Marilyn Maxwell and Bob Hope in The Lemon Drop Kid (Photo: Kino)Ī Damon Runyon story is the basis for The Lemon Drop Kid (1951), with Hope in fine form as racetrack gambler Sidney Melbourne. The grade-A comedy quotient more than makes up for the routine musical numbers (although the score did earn an Oscar nomination). The fifth of seven "Road" movies, Road to Rio (1947) is one of the better entries in the Hope-Bing Crosby franchise, with the duo playing musicians who both have their eyes on a young woman (Lamour) under the control of her scheming aunt (Gale Sondergaard). One of Bob's best, My Favorite Brunette never slows down, offering plenty of choice one-liners, inspired set pieces, and a pair of ace cameo appearances. Before long, the bumbling would-be snoop finds himself mixing it up with a menacing henchman (a wonderful Peter Lorre), trying to outsmart a dim-witted orderly (Lon Chaney Jr.), and facing execution after a wrongful murder charge. These four titles, available individually from the Kino label, ably showcase his cinematic prowess.Īn in-name-only follow-up to 1942's My Favorite Blonde, My Favorite Brunette (1947) finds the comedian cast as a baby photographer who's mistaken for a private eye by a mysterious beauty (Dorothy Lamour) as well as by the various crooks trying to keep her from blowing the lid off their nefarious scheme.
Regarded in many camps as the greatest all-around entertainer of the 20th century (and he has the record-setting number of awards to back that claim), Bob Hope found success in virtually every field, including radio, television and, of course, motion pictures. Bob Hope and Peter Lorre in My Favorite Brunette (Photo: Kino)īOB HOPE COMEDIES (1947-1952).
0 kommentar(er)
