Network have announce two more archive titles as part of their still ongoing 'The British Film' collection: Mimi, an adaptation of Puccini's opera La Boheme starring Gertrude Lawrence and Douglas Fairbanks Jnr.; and British Musicals of the 1930s Volume 6, a 4-film set that includes Sleepless Nights, The Student's Romance, I Give My Heart and A Star Fell From Heaven.
Mimi (1935)
Mimi, the mistress of a successful middle-aged actor who takes himself too seriously, leaves him to throw in her lot with Rodolphe, a young dramatist, and his equally gifted but equally graceless, procrastinating and penniless companions. She inspires them to produce the works of art which they were previously too lazy to create; but Rodolphe's triumph is the ultimate cause of her own destruction.
One of Britain's most versatile musical artists and a Broadway veteran by the end of the 1920s, in 1935 Gertrude Lawrence (Rembrandt) starred opposite Hollywood legend Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. (Little Caesar) in this film dramatisation of La Bohème, one of Puccini's best-loved operas.
Mimi will be released on UK DVD on 15th August 2016 at the RRP £9.99, courtesy of Network’s ‘The British Film’ collection. It is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.
Special features:
British Musicals of the 1930s Volume 6
From playful romantic comedies to variety extravaganzas, the pre-war British musical films offered audiences a source of much-needed escapism throughout the decade haunted by the Great Depression and the growing menace of war. Often adapting much-loved hits of the music hall as well as serving as vehicles for the era’s composers, performers and band leaders, they showcased home-grown talent alongside some of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
This ongoing, multi-volume collection makes available a wealth of rare gems from the very earliest days of the British talkies, many of which have remained unseen since their original release. Each film is presented uncut, in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.
Disc 1
Sleepless Nights (1932)
A zesty musical comedy starring Stanley Lupino as an irresponsible reporter who finds himself tangling with both crooks and millionaires.
The Student’s Romance (1935)
In 1820s Heidelberg, the marriage of a student to a princess is nearly compromised when the landlady pays his debts from the kindness of her heart.
Disc 2
I Give My Heart (1935)
The sensational rags-to-riches story of Jeanne Bécu, better known as Madame du Barry – the Parisian milliner who won the heart of a French king.
A Star Fell From Heaven (1936)
Joseph Schmidt stars in the tale of a musical film star who loses his voice, and the opportunity it affords an aspiring young student looking for his big break.
British Musicals Of The 1930s: Volume 6 will be released on UK DVD on 15th August 2016 at the RRP of £14.99, courtesy of Network’s ‘The British Film’ collection. |
