Movie Musicals On DVD

[Maurice Leakey]

Just bought via Amazon a DVD of "Private Buckaroo". a Universal musical from 1942 with Harry James and his Musicmakers, also The Andrews Sisters. It was shrink wrapped and on the back of the case were the words "Distributed by De Agostini UK. Not to be sold separately from the companion magazine."

Inside were: - Movie Musicals. The greatest song and dance films on DVD. Subscribe now, don't miss an issue. No commitment. Free delivery straight to your door (UK only). Send no money now. Cancel at any time. Plus exclusive free gifts. See inside the magazine for more details or visit www.deagostini.co.uk.

Other films "for your collection" The Inspector General, Down Argentine Way, Funny Lady, Stage Door Canteen, Star!, Road To Bali, The Pied Piper of Hamelin. This film is numbered 54 so it appears there must have been many films listed.

Now, here's the problem. The website advertised appears to only sell model cars and suchlike, all on subscription. Does anyone have any more details of the "Movie Musicals"? The box also states that the video was issued under licence from IMC Vision. Here is a link to their website which does seem to help somewhat.

International Catalogue | IMC Vision Ltd

[Ed Gordon]

It looks like you bought a used DVD from Amazon that was originally part of a subscription program that has long since expired. That may have been 15 years ago...

[Gary Sayers]

Maurice,

There were 81 DVDs released in this series by DeAgostini.

If you go on ebay and do a search for 'Movie Musicals Deagostini', you will see many (if not all of them) for sale.

Also, if you see something on Amazon that you want to purchase (from a private seller), it's always worth checking on eBay, as many sell on both platforms and are often cheaper on ebay due to the smaller fees compared to Amazon.

[Maurice Leakey]

Ed
The DVD was advertised as new and was still shrink wrapped.

Gary
Many thanks for the information.
movie musicals deagostini: Search Result | eBay

[Ed Gordon]

Since Deagostini no longer sells them, I am assuming what you bought is 'new' (never played), but was manufactured for Deagostini in the past and is part of inventory that was sold to other re-sellers. They only ramification is that what you find for sale today is what is left of the original 'subscription' program that has ended. Does that make sense?

[Maurice Leakey]

Yes, indeed, Ed
The DVD looks new, and I am pleased to say has played all OK.
Here is the film for anybody interested.
Private Buckaroo (1942) Comedy, Romance, Musical - YouTube

[Ed Gordon]

Maurice, your link is to the whole movie, in 720p (DVD quality)! I see Shemp Howard of Three Stooges fame is in it, and I noticed as very young unaccredited Donald O'Conner (Singin' in the Rain) in one of the scenes.

IMDB rates it a 5.8 and quotes this synopsis:

A Universal Army enlistment promotion, produced as a musical showcase for Harry James, the Andrews Sisters, Joe E. Lewis, and Donald O'Connor & Peggy Ryan. The film's thin plot has James drafted, and joining him is the band's lead vocalist Lon Prentice (Dick Foran), who doesn't believe that Army training and regulations are necessary for anyone of his skill and fame. Shemp Howard steals the film whenever James and the Andrewses aren't performing. As Sgt. Snavely, he's effectively teamed with Mary Wickes as his shrewish fiancée, trying desperately to keep her away from the attentions of nightclub comic and USO performer Lancelot Pringle McBiff (Joe E. Lewis). Shemp also has the opportunity to clown onstage with the Andrews Sisters during a musical finale, as they perform Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree. Arguably, Shemp's best solo feature film credit.

—ThreeStooges.net

And here is a user review:

Jivin' Gem

What this Universal production lacks in production values, it more than makes up for with sheer pizazz. Those Jivin' Jacks and Jills left me gasping for breath. There's enough sheer energy in their acrobatics to light up a city for a week. And don't forget the Andrews Sisters who do some pretty fancy steppin' themselves. In fact, this is a showcase for the threesome, topped off by a signature version of "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree". Plus trumpeter James gets a lot of time with his band and even makes fun of himself with an army trumpet, (was that really Huntz Hall of the Bowery Boys holding James's sheet music and playing it straight for maybe the only time in his clownish career).

Speaking of comedy acts, short homely Shemp Howard gets a featured role along with long tall Mary Wickes. Their little routines together are gems, especially the nightclub table between swinging doors. Add Joe E. Brown as Howard's rival and there's more mugging than you can count. Hard to believe that director Cline puts all these lively elements together in a single, smooth 68-minute package.

Also, you can tell this was early in the war since the patriotic touches are in abundance, and everyone is eager to do his or her part, even slacker Dick Foran who finally comes around. A snappy dynamo like this musical should have been sent to the Axis in Tokyo and Berlin. Then they would have known there was no hope of winning a war against the sheer pep and energy of the American homefront. Anyhow, count this one as a genuine sleeper amongst low- budget, hep-cat musicals.

[Maurice Leakey]

Following on from the above reviews, I read that The Andrews Sisters sold 80 million records.
Here is one of their best sellers.
The Andrews Sisters - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy From Company B - YouTube