Sally of the Sawdust
Starring:Carol Dempster, W.C. Fields, Alfred Lunt, Erville Alderson, Effie Shannon, Charles Hammond, Roy Applegate, Florence Fair, Marie Shotwell, Glenn Anders, Tammany Young, William 'Shorty' Blanche, Harrison Ford (II), James Kirkwood
Director: D.W. Griffith
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Although D.W. Griffith was best known for directing serious epics with a social conscience, the master of silent cinema was no slouch when it came to heartwarming comedies. Griffith's 1925 feature Sally of the Sawdust is further distinguished by its starring role for comedian W.C. Fields, reprising a role he originated on stage in Dorothy Donnelly's play Poppy. Fields had been firmly established in vaudeville as a gifted comedian and juggler, and those skills are readily apparent in this sweet-natured story about a young circus waif named Sally (latter-day Griffith ingenue Carol Dempster). Sally's mother was rejected by her wealthy father for marrying into show business, then died during childbirth, leaving Sally to be raised by lovable circus performer and con artist J. Eustace McGargle (Fields). Destiny eventually brings Sally back to the luxurious home of her grandparents, who remain unaware that she is family. Legal hassles erupt when McGargle is accused of fraud, and matters are further complicated when a local socialite falls for Sally's considerable charms. Only the truth of Sally's lineage can save her and McGargle from jail, and Griffith milks this amusing melodrama for all it's worth. Propelled by a wonderful piano score adapted from the film's original 1925 cue sheets and performed by Philip Carli, this delightful silent has been faithfully preserved and remains highly entertaining. It's fascinating as W.C. Fields's first screen success (he later remade this film as Poppy in 1936), and the little-known Dempster proves to be a charming comedienne in her own right. The DVD transfer is remarkably pristine, retaining the tinting of the film's original release. --Jeff Shannon
Description
In a fascinating departure from the austere moral drama in which he specialized, D.W. Griffith demonstrates his talent for warm-hearted comedy with "Sally of the Sawdust." Fresh from the Ziegfeld Follies, W.C. Fields made his second screen appearance as Professor Eustace McGargle in a rare silent screen role showcasing the comic juggling and dry wit that would make him a legend.
Average customer rating:
- Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable
- Poppy is a must see!
- sally of sawdust
- A "must" for Fields fans
- Original Fields at his best in the role he was born to play!
|
Sally of the Sawdust
Starring: Carol Dempster , W.C. Fields , Alfred Lunt , Erville Alderson , and Effie Shannon
Director: D.W. Griffith
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
 General
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Mistaken Identity
| By Theme
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Showbiz
| By Theme
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Classic Comedies
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
General
| Romantic Comedies
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
General
| Drama
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Love & Romance
| Drama
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
| Crumbling Marriages
| Erotic
| Infidelity & Betrayal
| Love Story
| Love Triangle
| Marriage
| Romance
| Romantic Epic
| Star-Crossed Lovers
| Unrequited Love
| Young Love
Drama
| Kids & Family
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Comedy
| Kids & Family
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
General
| Classics
| Kids & Family
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Comedy
| Silent Films
| Classics
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Drama
| Silent Films
| Classics
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
General
| Silent Films
| Classics
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Fields, W.C.
| ( F )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Kirkwood, James
| ( K )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Lunt, Alfred
| ( L )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
( S )
| Titles
| Features
| DVD
| Video
Similar Items:
- W.C. Fields Comedy Collection, Vol. 2 (The Man on the Flying Trapeze / Never Give A Sucker An Even Break / You're Telling Me! / The Old Fashioned Way / Poppy)
- W.C. Fields Comedy Collection (The Bank Dick / My Little Chickadee / You Can't Cheat an Honest Man / It's a Gift / International House)
- W.C. Fields - Straight Up
- Way Down East
- The Great Man: W.C. Fields
ASIN: 6305211264
Release Date: 1999-01-12 |
Amazon.com
Although D.W. Griffith was best known for directing serious epics with a social conscience, the master of silent cinema was no slouch when it came to heartwarming comedies. Griffith's 1925 feature Sally of the Sawdust is further distinguished by its starring role for comedian W.C. Fields, reprising a role he originated on stage in Dorothy Donnelly's play Poppy. Fields had been firmly established in vaudeville as a gifted comedian and juggler, and those skills are readily apparent in this sweet-natured story about a young circus waif named Sally (latter-day Griffith ingenue Carol Dempster). Sally's mother was rejected by her wealthy father for marrying into show business, then died during childbirth, leaving Sally to be raised by lovable circus performer and con artist J. Eustace McGargle (Fields). Destiny eventually brings Sally back to the luxurious home of her grandparents, who remain unaware that she is family. Legal hassles erupt when McGargle is accused of fraud, and matters are further complicated when a local socialite falls for Sally's considerable charms. Only the truth of Sally's lineage can save her and McGargle from jail, and Griffith milks this amusing melodrama for all it's worth. Propelled by a wonderful piano score adapted from the film's original 1925 cue sheets and performed by Philip Carli, this delightful silent has been faithfully preserved and remains highly entertaining. It's fascinating as W.C. Fields's first screen success (he later remade this film as Poppy in 1936), and the little-known Dempster proves to be a charming comedienne in her own right. The DVD transfer is remarkably pristine, retaining the tinting of the film's original release. --Jeff Shannon
Description
In a fascinating departure from the austere moral drama in which he specialized, D.W. Griffith demonstrates his talent for warm-hearted comedy with "Sally of the Sawdust." Fresh from the Ziegfeld Follies, W.C. Fields made his second screen appearance as Professor Eustace McGargle in a rare silent screen role showcasing the comic juggling and dry wit that would make him a legend.
Customer Reviews:
Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable .......2007-04-24
Next to "Battle of the Sexes" this charming silent film surely rates as a superb example of legendary director D.W. Griffith's versatility and skill. While probably best remembered for his serious historic and moral epics of earlier years, Griffith kept up with the times and directed a variety of other films in the mid to late 1920s, of which "Sally of the Sawdust" stands out as one of the best. With outstanding stars such as W.C. Fields perfectly cast in the colourful character of Professor McGargle, and Carol Dempster as Sally, who replaced Griffith's earlier `stock' actresses such as Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish and Mae Marsh, this film shines and is entertaining and enjoyable every single minute. Carol Dempster, who only appeared in over a dozen films and mostly under Griffith's direction, plays the part of Sally wonderfully and brings the character and whole story to life as she leaps spritely from scene to scene as the circus orphan who is devoted to her guardian and her `Pop', Professor McGargle. But unknown to her, she has living grandparents who are also unaware of her existence, which makes for considerable emotional suspense and also sentimentality as the plot unwinds. This busy story was in fact a popular stage play called "Poppy" in which W.C. Fields played the same role of Professor McGargle, and whose screen appearance in this film led to further future successful screen roles. Griffith often demonstrated his skill in building suspense and action in his films, and "Sally of the Sawdust" is no exception as Sally waits for her Pop to evade a gang of thieves and finally arrive in court to tell the stern judge - who is in fact Sally's grandfather - who her mother was so that she wouldn't be sent to a home for wayward girls. There are delightful moments of comedy as well as action and drama, all without the intensity and heaviness often characteristic of Griffith's earlier dramatic sagas. Together with very good and clear picture quality and a perfectly suited piano score based on original cue sheets, this Kino Video production is high quality all-round, and shows Griffith and his stars at their best.
Poppy is a must see!.......2001-06-25
The 1936 version, entitled 'Poppy', as was the original play, is a must see, hilarious film! Got to agree with the other reviewer, it contains some classic Fields scenes... how about the croquet game, or the get-away on the mayor's horse... or the scene where Poppy announces that she is indeed the heiress... to which Fields replies, "Well my dear, I'm glad to see you've finally come around"!.. or the toothless guy who spends the entire movies chasing the $5 Fields has bilked him out of in the first 5 minutes!
Please, please, please WHOEVER put the 1936 Poppy on a DVD!
sally of sawdust.......2000-12-26
to bad for wc field fans .somebody has rated the remake of this movie named poppy is rated done badly.who ever did this must have no sense of humer.to name a few memerable scenes;the hot dog stand,the shower scene with queeny,the ping pong game.any ?call cjrebels99@aol.com
A "must" for Fields fans.......2000-02-13
A sentimental comedy with an inevitable happy ending but still good fun. Carol Dempster does a convincing job as a free spirited circus girl, Sally, brought up by McGargle (Fields, of course)after the death of her parents. The silent Fields shows his physical comedy skills, which are often forgotten due the later strength of his spoken comedy. The quality of the picture is excellent - again showing for me that B & W movies gain most from DVD if the manufacturers make an effort. A good movie for anyone to watch, it is a must for the Fields fans to see the earlier stages of the character that was to become so familiar in the later films.
Original Fields at his best in the role he was born to play!.......1999-10-30
Quality of the DVD; The picture quality was great, and was taken from an obviously well restored print. Sound was excellent as well, (although this is a silent movie). I have seen very good silent movies with terrible sound tracks of ill fitting music, but with this movie they used the original sheet music that was made for it, with delightful results. This is a silent movie, but if you are a Fields fan, you will not want to miss this one. The movie captures the essence of all of Fields' future movies, utilizing the formula of where he is the down trodden father with the loving and devoted daughter and they see it through with each other's help and find the golden lining of the grey clouds. You even get a peek at some of Fields' juggling. Best viewing wishes, Dave
Average customer rating:
- Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable
- Poppy is a must see!
- sally of sawdust
- A "must" for Fields fans
- Original Fields at his best in the role he was born to play!
|
Sally of the Sawdust
Starring: Carol Dempster , W.C. Fields , Alfred Lunt , Erville Alderson , and Effie Shannon
Director: D.W. Griffith
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Fields, W.C.
| ( F )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Kirkwood, James
| ( K )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Lunt, Alfred
| ( L )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Used DVDs
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
| Action & Adventure
| African American Cinema
| Animation
| Anime & Manga
| Art House & International
| Classics
| Comedy
| Cult Movies
| Documentary
| Drama
| Educational
| Fitness & Yoga
| Gay & Lesbian
| Horror
| Kids & Family
| Military & War
| Music Video & Concerts
| Musicals & Performing Arts
| Mystery & Suspense
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Special Interests
| Sports
| Television
| Westerns
( S )
| Titles
| Features
| DVD
| Video
Similar Items:
- W.C. Fields Comedy Collection, Vol. 2 (The Man on the Flying Trapeze / Never Give A Sucker An Even Break / You're Telling Me! / The Old Fashioned Way / Poppy)
- W.C. Fields Comedy Collection (The Bank Dick / My Little Chickadee / You Can't Cheat an Honest Man / It's a Gift / International House)
- W.C. Fields - Straight Up
- Way Down East
- The Great Man: W.C. Fields
ASIN: B00005UC4T |
Amazon.com
Although D.W. Griffith was best known for directing serious epics with a social conscience, the master of silent cinema was no slouch when it came to heartwarming comedies. Griffith's 1925 feature Sally of the Sawdust is further distinguished by its starring role for comedian W.C. Fields, reprising a role he originated on stage in Dorothy Donnelly's play Poppy. Fields had been firmly established in vaudeville as a gifted comedian and juggler, and those skills are readily apparent in this sweet-natured story about a young circus waif named Sally (latter-day Griffith ingenue Carol Dempster). Sally's mother was rejected by her wealthy father for marrying into show business, then died during childbirth, leaving Sally to be raised by lovable circus performer and con artist J. Eustace McGargle (Fields). Destiny eventually brings Sally back to the luxurious home of her grandparents, who remain unaware that she is family. Legal hassles erupt when McGargle is accused of fraud, and matters are further complicated when a local socialite falls for Sally's considerable charms. Only the truth of Sally's lineage can save her and McGargle from jail, and Griffith milks this amusing melodrama for all it's worth. Propelled by a wonderful piano score adapted from the film's original 1925 cue sheets and performed by Philip Carli, this delightful silent has been faithfully preserved and remains highly entertaining. It's fascinating as W.C. Fields's first screen success (he later remade this film as Poppy in 1936), and the little-known Dempster proves to be a charming comedienne in her own right. The DVD transfer is remarkably pristine, retaining the tinting of the film's original release. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable .......2007-04-24
Next to "Battle of the Sexes" this charming silent film surely rates as a superb example of legendary director D.W. Griffith's versatility and skill. While probably best remembered for his serious historic and moral epics of earlier years, Griffith kept up with the times and directed a variety of other films in the mid to late 1920s, of which "Sally of the Sawdust" stands out as one of the best. With outstanding stars such as W.C. Fields perfectly cast in the colourful character of Professor McGargle, and Carol Dempster as Sally, who replaced Griffith's earlier `stock' actresses such as Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish and Mae Marsh, this film shines and is entertaining and enjoyable every single minute. Carol Dempster, who only appeared in over a dozen films and mostly under Griffith's direction, plays the part of Sally wonderfully and brings the character and whole story to life as she leaps spritely from scene to scene as the circus orphan who is devoted to her guardian and her `Pop', Professor McGargle. But unknown to her, she has living grandparents who are also unaware of her existence, which makes for considerable emotional suspense and also sentimentality as the plot unwinds. This busy story was in fact a popular stage play called "Poppy" in which W.C. Fields played the same role of Professor McGargle, and whose screen appearance in this film led to further future successful screen roles. Griffith often demonstrated his skill in building suspense and action in his films, and "Sally of the Sawdust" is no exception as Sally waits for her Pop to evade a gang of thieves and finally arrive in court to tell the stern judge - who is in fact Sally's grandfather - who her mother was so that she wouldn't be sent to a home for wayward girls. There are delightful moments of comedy as well as action and drama, all without the intensity and heaviness often characteristic of Griffith's earlier dramatic sagas. Together with very good and clear picture quality and a perfectly suited piano score based on original cue sheets, this Kino Video production is high quality all-round, and shows Griffith and his stars at their best.
Poppy is a must see!.......2001-06-25
The 1936 version, entitled 'Poppy', as was the original play, is a must see, hilarious film! Got to agree with the other reviewer, it contains some classic Fields scenes... how about the croquet game, or the get-away on the mayor's horse... or the scene where Poppy announces that she is indeed the heiress... to which Fields replies, "Well my dear, I'm glad to see you've finally come around"!.. or the toothless guy who spends the entire movies chasing the $5 Fields has bilked him out of in the first 5 minutes!
Please, please, please WHOEVER put the 1936 Poppy on a DVD!
sally of sawdust.......2000-12-26
to bad for wc field fans .somebody has rated the remake of this movie named poppy is rated done badly.who ever did this must have no sense of humer.to name a few memerable scenes;the hot dog stand,the shower scene with queeny,the ping pong game.any ?call cjrebels99@aol.com
A "must" for Fields fans.......2000-02-13
A sentimental comedy with an inevitable happy ending but still good fun. Carol Dempster does a convincing job as a free spirited circus girl, Sally, brought up by McGargle (Fields, of course)after the death of her parents. The silent Fields shows his physical comedy skills, which are often forgotten due the later strength of his spoken comedy. The quality of the picture is excellent - again showing for me that B & W movies gain most from DVD if the manufacturers make an effort. A good movie for anyone to watch, it is a must for the Fields fans to see the earlier stages of the character that was to become so familiar in the later films.
Original Fields at his best in the role he was born to play!.......1999-10-30
Quality of the DVD; The picture quality was great, and was taken from an obviously well restored print. Sound was excellent as well, (although this is a silent movie). I have seen very good silent movies with terrible sound tracks of ill fitting music, but with this movie they used the original sheet music that was made for it, with delightful results. This is a silent movie, but if you are a Fields fan, you will not want to miss this one. The movie captures the essence of all of Fields' future movies, utilizing the formula of where he is the down trodden father with the loving and devoted daughter and they see it through with each other's help and find the golden lining of the grey clouds. You even get a peek at some of Fields' juggling. Best viewing wishes, Dave
DVD:
- The Suburbans
- Gods, Gangsters and Gamblers/Triad Affairs
- Libeled Lady
- At War with the Army
- Holy Man
- Slapstick Comedy 3-Pack (Caddyshack / Blazing Saddles / National Lampoon's Vacation)
- Ernest Goes to Jail
- Divorcing Jack
- Cosplay Complex
- Time Code
DVD
DVD
DVD
Paramedics 3
My Father and I
Clint Eastwood: Cop - Dirty Harry/Magnum Force/Tightrope [3
DVD: Terrified
Einführung in die Geschichte der theologischen Literatur der