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Reviewed by Chris McEneany, 7th April 2009
An interesting movie that is nothing if not ambitious, The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine is of historical importance with its early adoption of Technicolor and the advances that both W. Howard Greene and Robert C. Bruce brought. I would really like to see this again on Blu-ray one day, what with that luscious Disney-style palette and all that terrific, primary-boosted three-dimensionality.
The film, itself, is witty, violent, moving and delightful in equal measure. Its old-fashioned style adds heaps of charm to what is actually quite vigorous storytelling, and the quaint, passionate view of the wilderness and those who reside there is sublime and enticing. Fonda's icy detachment works well for his character and MacMurray is typically excellent as the human catalyst for the duelling clans' inevitable change. Romance is never far away and even if it feels somewhat clumsily developed, it is only because the situation, itself, is so awkward. Hathaway explores the possibilities of what a motion picture can do, and it is high time that somebody took a fresh look at his glowing achievement.
Although it is a shame that the disc carries no extra features, this is another winner from Eureka, folks. Lovers of vintage movies should certainly seek this out.
Read the full review...
An interesting movie that is nothing if not ambitious, The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine is of historical importance with its early adoption of Technicolor and the advances that both W. Howard Greene and Robert C. Bruce brought. I would really like to see this again on Blu-ray one day, what with that luscious Disney-style palette and all that terrific, primary-boosted three-dimensionality.
The film, itself, is witty, violent, moving and delightful in equal measure. Its old-fashioned style adds heaps of charm to what is actually quite vigorous storytelling, and the quaint, passionate view of the wilderness and those who reside there is sublime and enticing. Fonda's icy detachment works well for his character and MacMurray is typically excellent as the human catalyst for the duelling clans' inevitable change. Romance is never far away and even if it feels somewhat clumsily developed, it is only because the situation, itself, is so awkward. Hathaway explores the possibilities of what a motion picture can do, and it is high time that somebody took a fresh look at his glowing achievement.
Although it is a shame that the disc carries no extra features, this is another winner from Eureka, folks. Lovers of vintage movies should certainly seek this out.
Read the full review...