This 1949 movie lavishly takes us on the journey of Jay Gatsby (Alan Ladd) who worked his way from poor fisherman to extravagant millionaire. Travel back in time to the roaring 20s, a time of flappers, bootlegging, art deco architecture, and jazz music, through this classic tale of love and betrayal, deception and mystery. This is the second film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel and was made before the book became considered an American classic.
J**N
Old Hollywood know how.
Yet another excellent example that old Hollywood had the know how. This 1949 Alan Ladd vehicle is a little black and white gem. Told via several flashbacks, the film is a cohesive whole. Screenwriter Richard Maibaum (yes he of Bond fame) based Jay Gatsby's pursuit of wealth to fulfill his dream against the backdrop of the material and immoral excesses of the Jazz Ago with the sobering words of Proverbs 14:12.Howard Da Silvia plays the avenging George Wilson who's steel rimmed glasses remind us of the gigantic eyes of the Dr. T. J. Eckleburg billboard that overlooks Wilson's garage - 'the all-seeing eyes of God'. Gatsby comes to realize his accumulation of wealth cannot bring the happiness he so desperately craves. But this realization comes to late to save him. Sure the writer plays fast and loss with the novel but it is entertaining. That cannot be said of Jack Clayton's 1974 ponderous effort starring Robert Redford or Baz Lumberman's terrible excesses with CGI and casting. Joel Edgerton's yobbish Tom Buchanan and Tobey Maguire as the morbidly alcoholic Nick Carraway both reflect the director's self indulgence. Give me the 1949 ending with Carraway moving back west and getting on with his life holding Gatsby's fate as a warning of want is and isn't possible. Good old Hollywood know how.
A**R
A different look at the Great American Novel transferred to screen
It tries to make The Great Gatsby into a sort of film noir - a different approach to what is a much more subtle story by Scott Fitzgerald that demolishes the "American Dream" of making it from rags to riches if you just apply yourself.The acting of Alan Ladd is rather wooden as usual, but the supporting cast compensate. Oddly enough this movie is the favorite one of Maureen Corrigan who has written a brilliant book about The Great Gatsby novel, which is how I first learned of this film.I suppose I like the the movie for its idiosyncrasy, but the best version is the 1974 one with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow which is much more faithful to the book..
C**Y
Great film
Arrived quickly and is of good quality
H**K
Probably the best "Gatsby" to date.
The best DVD release you are likely to find of this neglected Alan Ladd movie of the late 1940s. The source material for the transfer is excellent, considering the movie's age. Crisp picture and good sound.
G**M
Excellent film
Alan Ladd plays a major role very well. Swift delivery.
A**R
I am convinced that the 1949 version is the best by far
I am convinced that the 1949 version is the best by far, being the one which really "lives" the Twenties, while the more recent ones are just acting the Twenties. F M Messina
H**N
The Best Version
The best "Gatsby" film, tailored for the 1940's and Ladd and the cast are all excellent..Australian issue, good price and quality is pretty good.
G**L
Way out of date, doesn't follow the story!
To old, doesn't follow Fitzgerald! The narrator is over 30, so he can't be in a hell hole of a New York Plaza Hotel saying, "I just realized it's my 30th birthday." The actor looks 40! Dumb!
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