The Whole Town's Talking (1935) - John Ford, Edward G. Robinson - March 19, 2019

[oildude]

As first announced on The Home Theater Forum, John Ford's The Whole Town's Talking (1935) will arrive on Blu-ray on March 19, 2019, from Twilight Time. This will be a limited edition of 3000 copies.

From IMDb.... A meek milquetoast of a clerk is mistaken for Public Enemy #1, and the notorious killer takes advantage of the situation.

Good article about the film on TCM: http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/95733.../articles.html


Directed by the legendary John Ford, whose career spanned nearly 60 years and included such classics as Stagecoach, The Grapes of Wrath, How Green Was My Valley, They Were Expendable, My Darling Clementine, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, The Quiet Man, Mister Roberts, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and The Searchers.

Starring:

Edward G. Robinson, a screen icon, whose over 100 films included Little Caesar, Kid Galahad (1937), The Sea Wolf, Double Indemnity, The Woman in the Window, The Red House, Key Largo, Hell on Frisco Bay, Cheyenne Autumn, and Soylent Green.

Jean Arthur, one of the greatest actresses to ever grace the screen, whose films include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Shane, The Devil and Miss Jones, Only Angels Have Wings, You Can't Take it With You, The More the Merrier, and The Talk of the Town.

[Alfredlynch]

I really like Edward G. Robinson and am curious about this one.

[latehong]

Only seen once on a big screen a long time ago. I vaguely remember it felt more like a Frank Capra movie rather than a John Ford movie.

[Rich Pure Doom]

For those on the fence and haven't seen it, this one is WAY underrated and a great time. Wrote something on letterboxd a while back:



Man, this film deserves a much better reputation than it has. The identity switching alone seems way ahead of it's time and paved the way for films like The Prestige and Dead Ringers. Robert Riskin wrote the screenplay, and while he would go on to make more famous films with Frank Capra, I think Ford shows Capra how it's done, letting the actors drive the sentiment and comedy rather this own heavy hand.

I normally hate gimmicky plot concepts like the one we have here, but the execution by Ford and performance from Eddie G. Robinson save it from being a film ONLY about the device. The film succeeds because it knows what it's strengths are and never strays from it. The twists and turns based on the constant switching of Jones and Mannion only get better as the film goes on, and Eddie Robinson shows both sides of his acting repertoire at their peak. He is equally in command of the timid mannerisms of Jones as he is the controlled power of Mannion. Ford's direction is workmanlike, and I suspect this was mostly a job for him, as there is very little about this film I would describe as Fordian. The effects and doubles work is seamless and completely convincing, even today. I enjoyed the hell out of this, and lament how underseen it is. Move this one up the list, folks!

[Starchild]

Yes! I’ve been long waiting this. I hope it includes the radio adaptation, although that’s more in Criterion’s wheelhouse than Twilight Times.

[RICKBONDOO7]

I Love E.G.R ! Great movie ! Great actor ! Can't wait to add it to my collection.

[glennstl]

I've never seen this, but am curious to hear more when it comes out. Any 1930s movies on Blu was always welcome, esp. John Ford.

[HuggyBear73]

It's a great film!

[John_Drake]

Originally Posted by glennstl

Any 1930s movies on Blu was always welcome, esp. John Ford.

Originally Posted by HuggyBear73

It's a great film!

Ditto both of theses statements--looking forward to this title.

[movieben1138]

This is an exciting release! We definitely need to encourage the release of more 1930's films on blu.

[Gerby]

Great film, I have a Spanish dvd of it. With it being a Columbia film, I hope Indicator release it in the UK.

[Majin Blu]

I really enjoyed this movie. Robinson and Jean Arthur were hilarious. One of my favorite parts is when

[Show spoiler]they are interrogating Miss Clark and she keeps saying "Mannion" over and over. lol. Just the way that scene was edited, going between her and Jones' interrogation was great.

I won't be able to get it on release day, but I'll definitely pick it up by the end of the year.

[gates70]

Love Ed G

[bashfulstool]

Apparently it was co-directed with Woody Allen
http://www1.screenarchives.com/title...-TALKING-1935/

edit: aw, they corrected it.

[Alfredlynch]

Got this yesterday and watched it last night - very well done and quite enjoyable. It's hard to believe it's from 1935! It's a minor classic imo.

[Majin Blu]

Originally Posted by Alfredlynch

Got this yesterday and watched it last night - very well done and quite enjoyable. It's hard to believe it's from 1935! It's a minor classic imo.

How does the picture quality look to you?

[ravenus]

Nice! Hope Eureka or Arrow or pH/Indicator pick it up for the UK territory.

[latehong]

Originally Posted by ravenus

Nice! Hope Eureka or Arrow or pH/Indicator pick it up for the UK territory.

Indicator said they're trying to get this along with other John Ford films made at Columbia.

[Majin Blu]

Originally Posted by latehong

Indicator said they're trying to get this along with other John Ford films made at Columbia.

Oh, I may wait for that.