The Blackboard Jungle

The Blackboard Jungle

Director: Richard Brooks Cast: Glenn Ford
Glenn Ford
, Anne Francis
Anne Francis
, Louis Calhern
Louis Calhern
, Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier
Richard Brooks
The Blackboard Jungle

The Blackboard Jungle

Director: Richard Brooks Cast: Glenn Ford
Glenn Ford
, Anne Francis
Anne Francis
, Louis Calhern
Louis Calhern
, Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier
Richard Brooks

DVD (Wide Screen)

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Overview

"Richard Brooks' Blackboard Jungle (1955) never had a distinguished history on laserdisc (it wasn't even letterboxed, if this reviewer recalls correctly), but it's been given first-class treatment on DVD from Warner Home Video. In addition to a sparkling letterboxed (1.85:1) transfer, the producers have included a delightful and informative commentary track featuring Jamie Farr (who made his screen debut in this movie), Paul Mazursky (also in the movie), star Glenn Ford's son Peter Ford, and assistant director Joel Freeman, who engage in a dazzling, funny, touching, and perceptive talk across the length of the movie. Each participant makes an equal contribution, and their talk tells us a lot about a period in the business that isn't much discussed, in which filmmakers like Brooks (directing his first movie here) were looking to New York actors and reshaping the image of established leading men like Glenn Ford (who had his hair cut short here and never grew it back) in order to give viewers something new. (Even this reviewer wasn't aware of the full measure of controversy surrounding the film, which -- among other concessions -- had to have a scene added depicting a well-behaved suburban school, shot on the last day of production.) That bonus feature is worth the price of the disc by itself, and one only wishes that this could have been done ten years ago or thereabouts, so that Glenn Ford himself -- who turned 88 in May of 2005 -- could have participated. The 28 chapters are more than adequate to break down this plot, and the audio has been mastered good and loud. Along with the original trailer and the commentary track, the bonus features include the MGM ""Droopy"" cartoon Blackboard Jumble (which is in color and Cinemascope). There's also an optional French audio track and English, Spanish, and French subtitles. The disc opens on a simple and practical dual-layer menu, with the special features easily accessible."

Product Details

Release Date: 05/10/2005
UPC: 0012569690325
Original Release: 1955
Rating: NR
Source: STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code: 1
Presentation: [B&W]
Sound: [Dolby Digital Mono]
Language: English
Time: 1:40:00
Sales rank: 40,077

Special Features

Closed Caption;Commentary by co-stars Paul Mazursky and Jamie Farr, Glenn Ford's son Peter Ford, and assistant director Joel Freeman; Droopy cartoon "Blackboard Jumble"; Theatrical trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Glenn Ford Richard Dadier
Anne Francis Anne Dadier
Louis Calhern Jim Murdock
Sidney Poitier Miller
Margaret Hayes Lois Judby Hammond
John Hoyt Mr. Warneke
Richard Kiley Joshua Y. Edwards
Emile Meyer Mr. Halloran
Warner Anderson Dr. Bradley
Basil Ruysdael Prof. A.R. Kraal
Vic Morrow Artie West
Dan Terranova Belazi
Rafael Campos Pete V. Morales,Actor
Paul Mazursky Emmanuel Stoker
Horace MacMahon Detective
Jameel Farah Santini
Danny Dennis DeLiea
Richard Deacon Actor
Dorothy Neumann Miss Panucci
Virginia Pherrin Actor
Chris G. Randall Actor
Henny Backus Actor
David Alpert Lou Savoldi
Peter Miller Actor
Yoski Tomita Actor
Maggie Hayes Lois Judby Hammond
Emile G. Meyer Mr. Halloran
Horace McMahon Detective
Robert Foulk Mr. Katz
Paul Hoffman Mr. Lefkowitz
Tom McKee Manners
Manuel París Proprietor
Jamie Farr Santini
Teddy Infuhr Actor
Warren Hamilton Actor
Charles Wolcott Composer

Technical Credits
Richard Brooks Director,Screenwriter
Pandro S. Berman Producer
Evan Hunter Screenwriter
Wesley C. Miller Sound Effects
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