In Old Chicago
by Henry King
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Product details
Actor: Alice Brady, Alice Faye, Andy Devine, Don Ameche, Tyrone PowerDirector: Henry King
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, HiFi Sound, NTSC
Running Time: 96 minutes
Release Date: 1994-05-04
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Studio: 20th Century Fox
VHS Movie Reviews of In Old Chicago
Movie Review: Fox tries for a San Francisco of its own
Summary: 3 Stars
After years of being only available in a cut 94-minute version, this Fox Classics DVD includes both that and the original roadshow version - with interesting results. In its uncut 110-minute roadshow version, In Old Chicago plays like an even more obvious ripoff of San Francisco, merely substituting Tyrone Power, Don Ameche, Alice Faye and the Chicago fire for Clark Gable, Spencer Tracey, Jeanette MacDonald and the San Francisco earthquake and adding more twee Oirish antics than are healthy. The musical numbers are a step down too, particularly Faye's rendition of Carry Me Back to Old Virginny complete with `massa' lyrics, and the finale isn't as grand on screen as it is in your memory: the scenes of the crowds of refugees on the banks tend to be far more effective than the backlot chaos. Still, any film that features Rondo Hatton can't be all bad, but it's easy to see why Zanuck ordered the film trimmed.
The transfer is good, with a Biography Channel documentary on Don Ameche and 4 newsreel extracts the only extras.
Movie Review: Great Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
This was Eddie Collins major film debut and he almost stole the show. Many of his bits ended up on the floor as he was funnier than the main actors.Movie Review: Lots Of History & Plenty Of Intrigue!
Summary: 4 Stars
This story has skillfully woven into it lots of historical information, as well as romance, competition, intrigue, and action. As a fan of Tyrone Power, I am comfortable recommending this DVD to others who have an appreciation for classic movies...Movie Review: one of the all-time greats!
Summary: 4 Stars
With more than a passing nod to M-G-M's blockbuster smash of 1936 "San Francisco", IN OLD CHICAGO details the events leading up to the famous fire of 1871. Twentieth Century-Fox assembled three of their most bankable stars of 1939 (following their roles in "Alexander's Ragtime Band" the previous year) for this historical romp, and the production values were lavish (highlighted by the climactic and harrowing 20-minute sequence of the fire itself, which required it's very own film and production unit).
The O'Leary boys, Dion (Tyrone Power) and Jack (Don Ameche) make and break their fortunes in the bustling city of Chicago. Good boy Jack plays fair and settles for whatever he can get; while Dion fights, cajoles and charms his way to the top. Alice Faye plays Dion's beautiful wife, saloon singer Belle Fawcett. Alice Brady turns in an Oscar-winning performance as Mrs O'Leary, whose cow unwittingly sets the fire in motion.
Alice Faye dazzles in her sparkling costumes and gowns (designed by Royer), and sings a selection of period numbers. Tyrone Power is as handsome as always; and the supporting cast includes Phyllis Brooks, Brian Donlevy, Tom Brown, and Sidney Blackmer. Based on the novel "We the O'Learys'" by Niven Busch.
Movie Review: Now That's Entertainment!
Summary: 5 Stars
They really do not make movies like this wonderful classic anymore. Fine lead performances from handsome Tyrone Power, beautiful Alice Faye and debonair Don Ameche. Hearing the gorgeous Ms. Faye sing my state song "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" is well worth the price of this dvd alone. It was an old slave song which because of our politically correct era was revised (lyrics were eliminated since it was written & sung from a slave's viewpoint). The original lyrics are sung here. In her talented hands, this is still a patriotic & beautiful song showcasing the Old Dominion State. Only Ms. Faye could as a marvelous entertainer sing this song with original lyrics and I do not think anyone would be offended even today.
The print & sound quality of this dvd is excellent. The special effects showing the fire that swept through Chicago are visually outstanding. It's as fine as the fire that engulfed Atlanta in "Gone With The Wind". However, my favorite actress is the wonderful actress that portrays Mrs. O'Leary, a hardworking and honorable lady who exemplifies dignity regardless of the tragedies that befall her family. A terrific portrait of a loving & brawling Irish-American family. Good movie if you have children.
Summary of In Old Chicago
In Old Chicago was 20th Century Fox's grandest production of 1938, and it's still worthy of classic status. Along with MGM's 1936 earthquake drama San Fracisco, it ranks among the finest of the early disaster films, and the climactic depiction of the great Chicago fire of 1871 is still impressive, with some shots that are just as amazing as the digitally rendered disaster effects of present-day Hollywood. It's a highly fictionalized account of the O'Leary family, whose legendary milk-cow kicked over the lamp that set Chicago ablaze, and the teaming of Tyrone Power, Don Ameche, and Alice Faye (as O'Leary brothers Dion and Jack, and Jack's showgirl wife Belle) proved so popular that they were reunited, along with director Henry King, in Darryl F. Zanuck's follow-up production of Alexander's Ragtime Band. They lead a lively cast (including Andy Devine and Brian Donlevy) that delivers all the entertainment value that Zanuck could muster, focusing on the rivalry between Jack and Dion as they clash over their political ambitions and future plans for "The Patch," the beloved Chicago slum district in which they were raised. Their mother (played by Alice Brady in an Oscar?-winning performance) struggles to hold her brood together, and the sibling rivalry reaches a fever pitch just as the city's about to go up in flames. Along the way we're treated to Faye's silky-smooth performances of vintage show tunes (like the title song), and movie buffs will appreciate the early appearance of Rondo Hatton, a bit player who suffered from acromegaly, a deforming pituitary condition (similar to gigantism) that caused him to have one of the most unique faces in the history of movies. --Jeff ShannonUrban Life Video
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