MANDINGO, STUDENT BODIES, HOUDINI & More! 33 DVD's from Legend Films!

Leave it to the little guys to preserve the history of cinema!

By Ray DeRousse / June 24, 2011

Matt here... My sincere apologies to Legend Films for the lateness of this article. It should have been posted weeks ago but there was a mix up (completely my fault) on how to format this review and then it kinda got shuffled down the "to do" list. Apologizes also to the OWF reader who missed out on reading this sooner...

The other day I received a massive package from a little film restoration and colorization studio known as Legend Films. Upon opening it, I nearly passed out. They sent me 33 movies to review! I quickly called my secretary and told her to cancel all of my appointments for the next two years. I then realized I don't have a secretary ... On second thought, perhaps I should keep the psychiatric appointments. This generous gift, courtesy of their kind-hearted Vice President of Marketing Maria Mason, alerted me to the ongoing process of film preservation. Most filmgoers are unaware of the crumbling state of older titles, some of which have been lost to the ravages of time and carelessness. I think most of us expect that the studios would protect these cultural signposts, but the sad fact is that the major studios consider these films to be unworthy of the investment. Fortunately, smaller studios like Legend Films have taken up the challenge. Legend Films has purchased a massive array of films from various genres and transferred them to the DVD format, ensuring that they remain preserved for years to come. While most of the titles come unadorned with customary accoutrement's like splashy menus and behind-the-scenes documentaries, they present the film in its best possible state. Here is a list of the films sent to me, just a small fraction of their entire catalogue. As you can see, many of these films are largely-forgotten and in danger of being lost forever. Some might consider it a waste of time and money to save these films. I, on the other hand, think it's wonderful. Movies large and small, important and nondescript, form the sociological backbone of our society and culture. These films tell us about the generations and times from which they sprang. To lose them because they seem cheesy or unimportant is to lose a part of our collective history. To that end, I wholeheartedly thank Legend Films. Not only for the gift, but for the work behind it as well. Each image and film title takes you to the relevant Amazon page! Some great stuff here...

HITLER: THE LAST TEN DAYS

Classic starring Alec Guinness (in his favorite performance) as the deranged Nazi mastermind. The film cleverly intercuts the events inside the bunker with the conclusion of the war on the surface. A must-see.

MANDINGO

The film, which dealt frankly with race and sexual issues in the pre-Civil War south, is famous for the full-frontal nudity of black star PERRY KING. Of course, showing dick in a movie is still taboo today, but back then, it was revolutionary. This is the first time it's available on DVD.

JEKYLL AND HYDE: TOGETHER AGAIN

The 1982 sex comedy starring MARK BLANKFIELD and BESS ARMSTRONG.

SOME KIND OF HERO

Stars RICHARD PRYOR in one of his last performances before SUPERMAN 3 ruined him completely. Amazingly, it's the first time on DVD.

THE OPTIMISTS

PETER SELLERS stars in this sweet natured comedy-drama. First time ever on DVD!

VILLA RIDES!

Look at the testosterone on display here: YUL BRENNER, ROBERT MITCHUM, and CHARLES BRONSON star in this retelling of Pancho Villa. Smell the musk!!!

THE WHOOPEE BOYS

Stars PAUL RODRIGUEZ in a comedy. Not a fan. DENHOLM ELLIOTT (Brody from the Indy series) is also in this one.

RHUBARB THE MILLIONAIRE CAT

Comedy classic starring RAY MILLAND and JAN STERLING from 1951.

ZPG: ZERO POPULATION GROWTH

Many sci-fi fans will know of this forgotten classic, which imagines a world without natural birth. Might not be too far fetched soon.

THE POSSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY

Bizarre horror film from 1972 starring SHIRLEY MACLAINE as a woman whose brother has become possessed.

STUDENT BODIES

People in their forties will likely remember this 1981 horror/comedy, which prefigures the SCREAM phenomenon by over a decade. First time on DVD ... amazing.

THE SKULL

Stars PETER CUSHING and CHRISTOPHER LEE ... you know you need to see it now, don't you?

WON TON TON: THE DOG WHO SAVED HOLLYWOOD

This 1976 comedy stars MADELINE KAHN and ART CARNEY.

THE ONE AND ONLY

Stars HENRY WINKLER in a God-awful outfit as an actor portraying a professional wrestler. Nice hair, guys ... yeesh.

GIRL ON THE BRIDGE

This 2000 foreign stunner boasts amazing cinematography and a captivating love story.

FRENCH POSTCARDS

Stars DEBRA WINGER in an early role as a girl who learns about sex while in Paris.

DESPERATE CHARACTERS

Stars SHIRLEY MACLAINE in an acclaimed 1971 performance.

DANIEL

A young man played by TIMOTHY HUTTON learns about his past ties to Communism. Also stars ED ASNER and MANDY PATINKIN.

THE BUSY BODY

A comedy about the mob starring RICHARD PRYOR from 1967.

THOSE DARING YOUNG MEN IN THEIR JAUNTY JALOPIES

Awesome title! One of those famous sixties car race movies, the film stars TONY CURTIS and DUDLEY MOORE. First time on DVD.

MAN WOMAN AND CHILD

MARTIN SHEEN and BLYTHE DANNER in a personal drama from 1983.

KING OF THE GYPSIES

Impressive cast includes SHELLEY WINTERS, SUSAN SARANDON, JUDD HIRSCH, BROOKE SHIELDS, and the first performance of ERIC ROBERTS.

PAPA'S DELICATE CONDITION

This 1963 comedy is one of the earlier roles for JACKIE GLEASON.

PARTNERS

A bizarre comedy about a gay man and a cop, starring JOHN HURT and RYAN O'NEAL.

THE PIED PIPER

Live action re-telling of the children's favorite, starring JOHN HURT and DONALD PLEASANCE.

SERIAL

Romantic satire about a womanizer, with MARTIN MULL and TUESDAY WELD.

HOUDINI

Fascinating look at magician Harry Houdini, starring TONY CURTIS and JANET LEIGH.

ALMOST AN ANGEL

Stars a post-CROCODILE DUNDEE PAUL HOGAN as a thief who thinks he's an angel. Hmmm...

BABY IT'S YOU

Romance starring ROSANNA ARQUETTE, and directed by JOHN SAYLES.

BLUE CITY

Drama starring JUDD NELSON and ALLY SHEEDY. One of those quickies rushed out to capitalize on the then-red-hot fame of the BREAKFAST CLUB bunch.

HURRICANE

Disaster epic stars MIA FARROW, JASON ROBARDS, and MAX VON SYDOW.

MONEY FROM HOME

Amazingly, this has never been on DVD before. Comedy stars DEAN MARTIN and (ugh) JERRY LEWIS as indebted gamblers. As you can see, many of these films are worth checking out. Go to the Legend Films website and see all of their titles for yourself!! Thank you LEGEND FILMS ... keep up the great work!!