Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader | Action of the Tiger (1957) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review @DamnFoolIdealisticCrusader | Uploaded October 2023 | Updated October 2024, 1 day ago.
#actionofthetiger #warnerarchive #blurayreview #jamesbond
I review the Warner Archive's Blu-ray release and 2K scan of the incredible proto-James Bond film ACTION OF THE TIGER. This MGM UK coproduction was directed by Terence Young who injects his style throughout. This really hammers home just how much of his creative input made up the James Bond formula. It also features Sean Connery in a small role making the Bond connections all the more obvious.
While the film is a bit dated and very 1950's in its origin it is young's touch that really makes it work. There is an energy here especially personified by Herbert Lom's incredibly vivid performance. There is also Young's trademark dry humor and especially raw sensuality on display and a real connection felt between the leads. The sexual and sensual quality to the lead pairing is really felt here-much more than you'd expect in a 50's film. Additionally the WAC disc includes a continental scene of partial nudity which was a real surprise to see. The leads are Van Johnson and Martine Carol who have a nice chemistry onscreen and fulfill their parts admirably.
This is easily one of the most important proto-Bond films that any James Bond fan could see. The echoes of Bond are all over, with From Russia With Love being the most obvious.
00:00 Film Discussion
19:18 Picture Quality
22:53 Audio Quality
24:34 Trailer
25:54 Packaging and Artwork
26:33 Final Summary
#actionofthetiger #warnerarchive #blurayreview #jamesbond
I review the Warner Archive's Blu-ray release and 2K scan of the incredible proto-James Bond film ACTION OF THE TIGER. This MGM UK coproduction was directed by Terence Young who injects his style throughout. This really hammers home just how much of his creative input made up the James Bond formula. It also features Sean Connery in a small role making the Bond connections all the more obvious.
While the film is a bit dated and very 1950's in its origin it is young's touch that really makes it work. There is an energy here especially personified by Herbert Lom's incredibly vivid performance. There is also Young's trademark dry humor and especially raw sensuality on display and a real connection felt between the leads. The sexual and sensual quality to the lead pairing is really felt here-much more than you'd expect in a 50's film. Additionally the WAC disc includes a continental scene of partial nudity which was a real surprise to see. The leads are Van Johnson and Martine Carol who have a nice chemistry onscreen and fulfill their parts admirably.
This is easily one of the most important proto-Bond films that any James Bond fan could see. The echoes of Bond are all over, with From Russia With Love being the most obvious.
00:00 Film Discussion
19:18 Picture Quality
22:53 Audio Quality
24:34 Trailer
25:54 Packaging and Artwork
26:33 Final Summary
