Humoresque

Starring:Joan Crawford, John Garfield, Oscar Levant, J. Carrol Naish, Joan Chandler, Tom D'Andrea, Peggy Knudsen, Ruth Nelson, Craig Stevens, Paul Cavanagh, Richard Gaines, John Abbott, Robert Blake, Tommy Cook, Don McGuire, Fritz Leiber, Peg La Centra, Nestor Paiva, Patricia Barry, Harlan Briggs
Director: Jean Negulesco
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video
The greatness of John Garfield was that he was a tough guy who wasn't afraid to wear his sensitivity on his sleeve. What makes this such a great film is that director Jean Negulesco and his two writers (including Clifford Oddets) construct a complex web of ambiguity around Garfield's own torment. He's a violin virtuoso from the slums of New York who rises to the top with the assistance of socialite Joan Crawford (who was never better). There's a sexual intensity to his art that she wants to possess, and there's a vulnerability behind her lacerating façade that he wants to expose. They play each other like a couple of virtuosos, stripping each other's spirit away. What helps transcend this depression-era class struggle is its cool sophistication. It's a sublime noir about loneliness. Everyone knows his dream has hit a dead end, except Garfield. He refuses to give up, even after his soul is long gone. --Bill Desowitz
Description
Glamorous socialite Helen Wright (Joan Crawford) takes what she wants clothes, alcohol, men uses them up and tosses them aside. Then she meets brilliant young violinist Paul Boray (John Garfield). But this is one toy she can?t break. Instead, her love for Paul brings Helen to the breaking point. In this acclaimed and profound exploration of desire, Crawford makes Helen a rich, layered character torn between selfless love and selfish impulses. Garfield matches her as the driven genius. Humoresque?s production values extend to the musical interludes, dubbed by Isaac Stern. Garfield?s dazzling technique is thanks to two real violinists hidden behind him one to do the fingering and one the bow work. Bravo!

DVD Features:Featurette:The Music of Humoresque - RT: 9:42Theatrical Trailer:

The Joan Crawford Collection (Humoresque / Possessed (1947) / The Damned Don't Cry / The Women / Mildred Pierce)

Average customer rating:

you don't need any wire hangers to enjoy this set!
WHERE'S THE SECOND BOX SET??????
Fabulous as always
Gothic Diversion
FInally Joan gets the treatment she deserves!!!

The Joan Crawford Collection (Humoresque / Possessed (1947) / The Damned Don't Cry / The Women / Mildred Pierce)
Starring: Joan Crawford , John Garfield , Oscar Levant , J. Carrol Naish , and Joan Chandler
Director: Jean Negulesco , Curtis Bernhardt , and Vincent Sherman
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0008ENID4
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Amazon.com

The Joan Crawford Collection brings together a potent group of films from Crawford's career renaissance: her Warner Bros. run of the late 1940s, beginning with Mildred Pierce. Four of the titles are from that heated, noirish streak, including Crawford's 1945 Oscar-winning turn in Mildred, a great Hollywood example of an actress's persona meeting the zeitgeist moment. In this adaptation of the James M. Cain novel, Crawford plays a sacrificing mother perfectly willing to claw her way to success for the sake of her ingrate daughter. Michael Curtiz directed, snapping Crawford out of a long career slide.

Humoresque (1946) was promptly given the top-drawer treatment, and it's a truly epic melodrama about a restless society woman who takes up the cause of a young violinist (John Garfield) from the slums. Possessed (1947) gave Crawford a thorough workout as a woman in complete obsessive breakdown from various romantic traumas. What Crawford lacks in subtlety she makes up for in sheer will, which suits the character well (and brought another best actress Oscar nomination). The Damned Don't Cry (1950) is a film noir smash-up, with Crawford as a low-rent dame who brazens her way into becoming a fur-lined mobster's moll (it was loosely inspired by the Bugsy Siegel-Virginia Hill story). It's overripe but entertaining.

1939's The Women, an MGM picture, doesn't fit the mood of the collection, although it has its fans. George Cukor directed this catty version of the Clare Booth Luce play, which has an all-female ensemble cast; Crawford is in very good form as a bad girl. The movie's reputation is somewhat beyond its actual witchy charm. (Packaging gaffe: the photo on the back cover is from Seven Women.) DVD extras tend toward smallish documentaries, save the absorbing 90-minute career profile The Ultimate Movie Star on the Mildred Pierce disc, an even-handed study that includes frank revelations from director-lover Vincent Sherman and the "wire hangers" story from adopted daughter Christina. Sherman contributes a commentary on The Damned Don't Cry. --Robert Horton

Description

The Joan Crawford Collection features classics from the star whose career spanned more than 40 years. "I never go out unless I look like Joan Crawford the movie star. If you want to see the girl next door, go next door." - Joan Crawford

Customer Reviews:

you don't need any wire hangers to enjoy this set!.......2007-06-29

Fans of the divine Joan Crawford are sure to enjoy this great-value DVD set from Warners which packages five of Crawford's best films.

From the outer box artwork to the extra features, a lot of care and attention has clearly been spent on this set, and we are certainly lucky in having it so beautifully presented. The emphasis is very much on Joan's years as a film noir femme fatale, with The Damned Don't Cry, Possessed and Humoresque all from Crawford's glory days at Warner Brothers. Mildred Pierce (Keepcase), her first Oscar-winning role; plus her catty turn in The Women (Keepcase) are also here. Each disc is housed in it's own sturdy plastic Amaray case.

THE DAMNED DON'T CRY - Joan Crawford plays a gangster's moll who climbs up from the gutter only to discover that life at the top can be twice as dangerous. Extra features include the new featurette "The Crawford Formula: Real and Reel", audio commentary with director Vincent Sherman, and the trailer.

POSSESSED - Love takes a deadly turn in this noir drama co-starring Van Heflin and Raymond Massey. Crawford plays Louise Howell, a woman driven to desperate measures when her boyfriend marries another woman. Extra features include audio commentary by Dr. Drew Casper, featurette "The Quintessential Film Noir", and the trailer.

HUMORESQUE - Crawford gives one of her most nuanced performances as jaded socialite Helen Wright, whose love affair with an up-and-coming violin virtuoso sends her to the brink of madness. Extra features include featurette "The Music of Humoresque", and the trailer.

MILDRED PIERCE - From James M. Cain's novel comes the legendary potboiler about a devoted mother (Crawford) and her ungrateful, hellion of a daughter (Ann Blyth). Extra features include the movie-length TCM documentary "The Ultimate Movie Star", and a trailer gallery.

THE WOMEN - In director George Cukor's screen version of the Claire Booth Luce comedy, Joan Crawford plays a hard-boiled mantrap who moves in on Norma Shearer's husband. Fabulous comic turns from Rosalind Russell, Mary Boland, and Paulette Goddard. Extra features include alternate B&W fashion show sequence, and trailers.

Even at it's full list-price, buying this box set is cheaper than getting each DVD individually. If you love Joan Crawford, this will be a mandatory addition to your movie collection.

WHERE'S THE SECOND BOX SET??????.......2007-06-27

They can release Trog and Reunion in France, but not A Woman's Face, Possessed (1931), Sadie McKee, Torch Song, Our Dancing Daughters and Flamingo Road? Come on, Warner Brothers! Release another box set of Joan!

Fabulous as always.......2007-01-11

Wonderful collection of some of Joan's movies. Hours of pleasure watching them. Highly recommended.

Gothic Diversion.......2007-01-03

Put this collection on during a stormy day, but keep at least one light on and lock the tranquilizers in the medicine cabinet. Joan's performances are riveting and her face was made for monochrome. Watch "Humoresque" first. The director used the pounding piano and searing violin to propel the film but employed Oscar Levant as the comic foil so the film doesn't collapse under its own weight. In "Possessed", you'll see Joan on the verge of campiness, although she apparently visited insane asylum inmates in order to verify her facial expressions. "The Women" is a fast, furious "Sex and the City"-like farce. Buy this.

FInally Joan gets the treatment she deserves!!!.......2006-12-11

I am SO glad Joan gets her own box set, although I am miffed that Bette has a second one while poor Joan still only has one!
I would Love to see a second box set and even a third. Joan made some fun, campy films, but she always rose above the material.
I'd love to see Johnny Guitar, Flamingo Road, Torch Song and A Woman's Face in a set. And another with Female on the Beach, Autumn Leaves, Susuan and God and When Ladies Meet.
This set has The Women, which is the campiest and most quoted film. The "clever" plot involves a story devoid of men, but it is ALL the women talk about. Norma Sheaer, who deserves her OWN box set, is WONDEFUL in this film. Joan has a supporting role and she chews every inch of scenery she is in! Humoresque is my least favorite role. Joan falls for John Garfield and throws her life away for him. So NOT our Joanie! Possessed is OK. The role was written for Bette Davis and it is interesting to see Joan do the role while imaginging how Bette would OVERPLAY it while Joan does it more subtley. Now, The Damned Don't Cry is PURE CRAWFORD!! Woman claws her way to the top and uses every trick in the book to stay there. This should have been in a box set iwth Torch Song, Female on the Beach and Johnny Guitar. TOUGH "Don't F with me fellas!!!" Crawford! PLEASE release the second box set in early 2007!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Humoresque
A True Classic
Fascinating '40s movie
Unexpected barbs of humor; great score; worth it
If you don't cry during this film, you're made of plastic

Humoresque
Starring: Joan Crawford , John Garfield , Oscar Levant , J. Carrol Naish , and Joan Chandler
Director: Jean Negulesco
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Possessed
The Damned Don't Cry
The Star
Mr. Skeffington
The Letter

ASIN: B0008ENI98
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Amazon.com essential video

The greatness of John Garfield was that he was a tough guy who wasn't afraid to wear his sensitivity on his sleeve. What makes this such a great film is that director Jean Negulesco and his two writers (including Clifford Oddets) construct a complex web of ambiguity around Garfield's own torment. He's a violin virtuoso from the slums of New York who rises to the top with the assistance of socialite Joan Crawford (who was never better). There's a sexual intensity to his art that she wants to possess, and there's a vulnerability behind her lacerating façade that he wants to expose. They play each other like a couple of virtuosos, stripping each other's spirit away. What helps transcend this depression-era class struggle is its cool sophistication. It's a sublime noir about loneliness. Everyone knows his dream has hit a dead end, except Garfield. He refuses to give up, even after his soul is long gone. --Bill Desowitz

Description

Glamorous socialite Helen Wright (Joan Crawford) takes what she wants clothes, alcohol, men uses them up and tosses them aside. Then she meets brilliant young violinist Paul Boray (John Garfield). But this is one toy she can?t break. Instead, her love for Paul brings Helen to the breaking point. In this acclaimed and profound exploration of desire, Crawford makes Helen a rich, layered character torn between selfless love and selfish impulses. Garfield matches her as the driven genius. Humoresque?s production values extend to the musical interludes, dubbed by Isaac Stern. Garfield?s dazzling technique is thanks to two real violinists hidden behind him one to do the fingering and one the bow work. Bravo!

DVD Features: Featurette:The Music of Humoresque - RT: 9:42 Theatrical Trailer:

Customer Reviews:

Humoresque.......2007-06-22

Warners was quick to capitalize on Crawford's Oscar-winning turn in "Mildred Pierce", promptly casting her opposite John Garfield in "Humoresque." Another intense performance from Joan is complemented by a steely turn from Garfield (with Isaac Stern doubling on violin). The inimitable Oscar Levant provides welcome comic relief as Paul's friend, Sid. "Humoresque" is a lavishly photographed, first-rate soap opera. Don't miss Joan's walk on the beach.

A True Classic.......2007-05-21

My other favorite Joan Crawford movie being (what else) but Mildred Pierce. My only complaint, actually two are: a bit long (could have edited out some of the youth scenes of John Garfield) and no music credits/list of the compositions played throughout the movie.

Fascinating '40s movie.......2007-01-18

Great old movie- very interesting to compare with modern movies. You forget how common smoking was in the movies of that vintage.

Unexpected barbs of humor; great score; worth it.......2007-01-02

I expected a hystrionic-filled movie, and was pleasantly surprised by wisecracker Oscar Levant. He makes the film. Of course, whenever you buy one of these Joan Crawford works, you're going to get her flashing, emotive persona, but the stiletto-sharp writing and the beautiful score keep you from cringing. It's a treat to be front row at one of the several Oscar Levant / James Garfield (really Isaac Stern) piano/violin duets. This film is worth the investment. You will want to revisit the musical performances.

If you don't cry during this film, you're made of plastic.......2006-06-30

Joan Crawford had it. Star quality. When I first saw her in 'Grand Hotel' I was surprised how much I was watching her character instead of the equally riveting character played by the great Greta Garbo. Both were STARS. But Crawford was able to project a different kind of sensuality than Garbo - a vulnerability, a plucky girl-next-door quality.

In Humoresque, an older Crawford was still able to achieve this level of performance paired off with the younger male star. Let's face it - women have a great advantage acting (perhaps women are always acting) - besides being better looking than men, they can emote more without going out of gender role. A distinct advantage vis-a-vis men who must restrict their emotional range or be accused of over acting.

It's a horrible thing to fall in love. And that is just what Crawford's character does. Falls in love with the worst of all possible choices: a musician. Musicians only love music. The music in the film is worth the price of admission alone. Who amongst you would throw the first stone at a fine violinist playing 'Zigeunerwisser' or any of the other fine war horses of the classical violin repertoire?

She falls in love with the young 'artist of the month' whom she offers to help jumpstart his career, renting a concert hall for his first recital. She is married to a wealthy but understanding man who loves her but lets her do what she wants - drinking, philandering ... Most men do what she wants and accept her ridicule. The character of the musician does not; he's a tough New Yorker who gives her as good as he gets - and she finds herself loving him despite herself.

Love is madness, and when he starts being successful with his concert tours but neglects to phone her for weeks, she falls apart emotionally. It is profoundly humiliating to realize someone else can hurt you badly simply by declining to keep in touch. Silence is the perfect expression of contempt, isn't it? She drinks, she mopes about her 'cottage' in the Hamptons, she is crazy in love with a man who doesn't seem to reciprocate her feelings.

In our time, she might see her doc and get a prescription for Zoloft to be rid of the lovesick blues and of obsessive thoughts of him. But this is before Thorazine, even, and she's just out of luck there. So she drinks. Drinking was the preferred way to deaden the unbearable pain of rejection in love in the days before designer drugs were available from your neighborhood spice man.

To complicate things, her musician had an old girlfriend from the conservatory where he studied music as a young man. Additionally, there was the dreaded 'american mom' in full armor. She just had to tell this grown son of hers, repeatedly, that the woman he finally fell in love with was no good. She even slaps him upside the head as he shows her around his ritzy new apartment with a view; it seems he has too many portraits of Crawford's character in view. That's the way, Mom. Make your boy marry a good girl, like you, maybe.

Meanwhile, and I just love a line the character played by Oscar Levant comes up with at her cottage in the Hamptons, "You're not the kind of woman who lets her husband get in the way of her marriage." A lot funnier said than written. Levant did a lot of great piano playing in the film, dropping dozens of one liners like that. He almost stole several acts. This is a very forties film. In black and white. Whatever happened to the colorization process? Oh, well.

Finally, Mom tells the rich girl to keep her hands off her son. And dutifully, Crawford's character retreats to her cottage in the Hamptons, gets drunk one last time, wades into the surf in a stunning, shimmering black cocktail dress and is never seen again. I told you love was dangerous!

Her lover, after cancelling one measly concert out of despair at her death, decides not to ruin a promising career and returns to the concert stage. Men! Emotional IQs of 30, at most. Well, that's all folks. If your eyes were still dry at the end of this film, you're safe - you'll never fall in love.

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