UnowPriceless hyped garbage

Onlinewsma Absolutely Brilliant!

BelSports This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Josephina Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

mark.waltz Forget about the green mist of "The Ten Commandments" skipping doors with blood painted on them, or the cloaked skeleton pointing his dinner at a bunch of people who ate the Salmon Moose in "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life", or even the comical figure on "Family Guy". This view of the angel of death is profound, almost romantic, with sincerity and integrity. "Has it ever occurred to you that death may be more simpler than life?", Death (Fredric March) asks. I certainly hope so!Appearing to Sir Guy Standing as an unfaced dark mist, he tells him (in March's voice) that he will be soon joining them in the guise of the Russian nobleman scheduled to visit them that "won't be there himself". All but Standing believe him to be this member of the Russian aristocracy, and as his dark presence creates discord, life is saved for aging flowers, accident victims (seen in presumed newsreel footage) and the aging certain to die as soon as he returns to his duties. Death searches for love during his brief visit with life, finding only fear in the souls of two of the beautiful women (Gail Patrick and Katherine Alexander) in attendance. Only one, the sweet Evelyn Venable, whose purity touches him, does not fear him, and this creates fear in the family as well as their visitors as they comprehend the truth.Almost operatic in its tragedy, this actually did become a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical drama. The film version of the stage play is solemn, yet not depressing or morbid. It certainly constitutes discussion, and "Death", itself, makes observations about the selfishness of the living in not accepting the act of death as part of life, and not letting the dead rest in peace.Venable's demeanor of the gentile noblewoman is almost saintly, as she seems to welcome Death's presence in her life without even an ounce of fear while her parents (Katherine Howard and Henry Travers) obviously have the earthly view of "She's too young to be taken" and "What will we do without her?". The beloved Helen Westley is sweetly noble as Standing's wife, while her matriarchal character in the musical became a maturing beauty played by the striking Rebecca Luker. While the title indicates that this could be either a comedy or a horror movie, it is in fact, a love story of two worlds forbidden from meeting, let alone falling in love. Of course, the cinematography is at times almost like the early sound horror movies, and it is indeed haunting. Director Mitchell Leisen prevents it from ever becoming sappy or mellow, and at the end, you might feel that the two forbidden lovers are triumphant.

sshshoret This is one of the films that everyone should see in their lifetime.For me, my first viewing was a very personal event. The next day I went to the hospital to see my great-aunt for the last time. Her questions to me were, "What did you do last night?" "I watched an old movie on TV." Then she asked, "What was the movie?" I'll I could say was, "I don't remember." Funny how these little lies just happen and haunt you forever.The old Hollywood knew how to take a play and make it into a real movie. The staging and the effects made Death believable unlike Mr. Black. Though it is obvious in Death that it is a stage play taken to the screen, Mr. Black does an excellent job of using the current technology to make a visually stunning film. Too bad that was not the point.Enjoy them both for what they are, live each day like it might be your last and don't visit your favorite aunt on her death bed after you have seen the original.Peace...

Ron Oliver His Highness DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY to discover the secret of love and why mortals cling so to life.This clever allegorical drama, with its literate script and excellent acting, is a delight and should satisfy discerning viewers looking for something a bit different. The fantastical elements are handled in a plausible manner, the plot is satisfyingly intelligent, and the overall effect is one which both entertains & informs.Fredric March stars as the troubled Phantom who literally descends upon an Italian houseparty in the guise of a mysterious prince in order to find the answers to the questions which have troubled him for millennia. March is excellent in what almost amounts to a dual role, that of the love-deprived Death and also of the eccentric Prince Sirki, who seems in complete command of his surroundings. Sir Guy Standing, whose own life would soon be cut short by tragedy, is first rate as the old duke who alone knows March's true identity.Death's presence has a distinct effect on three young women staying at the Villa Felicitá: lovely princess Evelyn Venable begins to reconsider her love match with handsome Kent Taylor, while American Gail Patrick & Italian noblewoman Katharine Alexander set their caps for the intriguing new arrival.Three old pros, Helen Westley as the hostess, and Henry Travers & Kathleen Howard as members of the houseparty, all add dignity to their supporting roles.Paramount gave the film lavish production values which entertain the eye throughout. Also, notice the clever way in which the credits identify most of the cast during the opening sequence set in the lively town market.

JoeKarlosi Effective fantasy where the fearsome visage of the Grim Reaper is transformed into the human form of Prince Sirki, played by a handsome Fredric March in his prime. As Death, March decides to take a three day vacation from his usual duties and mingle among people to try to learn why they fear dying so much, and to ultimately discover the complexities of falling in love.Nice touches of humor, mixed with the glow of mystery and the unknown. As an added bonus, the movie also has something to say regarding death which may cause you to think differently about that unavoidable day when the Grim Reaper comes knocking on your door. *** out of ****