Lilacs In The Spring [DVD]

Bought as a follow on as I purchased the Anna Neagle Collection which I thoroughly enjoy, especially Derby Day, I am becoming an Anna Neagle fan so seeing this bought it without hesitating. I really enjoyed the story. The only disappointment was the quality of the print used to copy as it had suffered some damage as there was an occasional jump in the movement which having worked in a cinema usually indicated a few frames missing. However I have onl rated the purchase on my enjoyment of the film.

I am American, and a film buff, but had not ever seen an Anna Neagle film until this was released on VHS here in the US in the early 1990's. I bought it on the basis of Errol Flynn and some curiosity about Ms. Neagle whom I had heard and read about a bit. I enjoyed the film (called "Let's Make Up" in America) , but with no real background, I was unaware of just how much a vanity production for Ms. Neagle this film actually was! That said, I don't wish the statement to be as negative as it might be. It is a vanity production, and allows Ms. Neagle to do selected scenes from several of her earlier pictures as well as some new material, however, what is here is charming and a great deal of fun. Errol Flynn, David Farrar and Kathleen Harrison add nice supporting roles, (but those expecting swashbuckling and/or rousing adventure from Mr. Flynn will be very disappointed) and Stephen Boyd is briefly seen as one of Flynn's Hollywood poolside friends in a bit part. I have since managed to see a great deal of Ms. Neagle's film work and consider myself a fan. I love her Nell Gwyn, Spring in Park Lane and Elizabeth of Ladymead, and her Victoria films among others. My American print has washed out color so I plan to order this in hopes it has been restored to full original color.

I will be returning it

Errol Flynn in a musical? You have to watch it, if only for curiosity's sake. He even dances a bit.

The DVD was very good

Fans of Errol should see this but beware there is a lot of Dame Anna Neagle dancing - and she's not too graceful in my opinion. But Errol is wonderful - though you have to wait a while for himn Best of all are the in jokes about Burma which appear near the end - "If you see Errol Flynn in Burma send him my love" says Kathleen Harrison (Mrs Thursday as some while recall). Some call the film "silly froth" - well yes it is - but still brought a tear to my eye. There is a certain 'knowingness' about Errol's performance - a sadness inherent - which is moving. Interesting film if a bit mad and very ENGLISH - "I say, jolly good".

I love Errol Flynn films so collect them all to watch over and over again.

nice film and quite good recordig