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starring: Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Olga James, Pearl Bailey, Joe Adams (IV)directed by: Otto Preminger
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 0024543028512
Format: Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
Label: 20th Century Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: January 22, 2002
Running Time: 105 minutes
Sales Rank: 20960
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release Date: October 28, 1954
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Editorial Review:
Description:
Powered by Georges Bizet's grand music and Oscar Hammerstein II's magnificent lyrics, this Americanized all-black version of the classic opera Carmen is 'a dynamic superb show' with a positively 'incandescent Carmen.' (Newsweek) Oscar® -nominee Dorothy Dandridge stars in the title role, a passionate, sexy creature who lures Joe (Harry Belafonte), a handsome soldier, away from his sweetheart (Olga James). Following a fatal brawl with his sergeant, Joe deserts his regiment with the sultry femme fatale. But Carmen soon tires of him and takes up with a heavyweight prize-fighter (Joe Adams). Triggering Joe's tragic revenge. Helping to set the screen on fire are Pearl Bailey and Diahann Carroll, part of the 'sensational troupe' that makes this jubilant musical film 'hard to beat.'
Amazon.com essential video:
Few actresses have captivated the camera as powerfully as Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones. Her polished beauty plays in irresistible contrast to her title character's leonine sexuality and fluid emotions; a man can't decide from moment to moment if he wants to save her from doom, build her a castle, or never let her out of bed. Of course, that's the problem with the boys in this semi-experimental adaptation of Bizet's opera, Carmen. Straight-arrow Joe (a strapping Harry Belafonte), an obedient corporal on a Southern military base during World War II, is all set to go to flight school and marry his hometown sweetie, Cindy Lou (Olga James), when his troublemaking sergeant orders him to accompany Carmen to a civilian court. In short order, Joe is swept up in Carmen's carnal anarchy and her craving for release from lousy options in life. An impulsive act of violence ensures that Joe's future is gone forever, putting Carmen in the difficult position of destroying their relationship to save him. Oscar Hammerstein II took Bizet's music in 1943 and rewrote the book and lyrics. The result is largely a smashing success with a few missteps (the bullfighter in Bizet's piece becomes a heavyweight boxer here, which breaks up a certain grace in the story) and a couple of perfect stretches (the long prelude to Carmen and Joe's first embrace, set on Carmen's hoodoo-ish home turf). Despite the fact that both Dandridge and Belafonte were singers, their vocal performances were dubbed by LeVern Hutcherson and Marilyn Horne. (Yes, it is a little disconcerting to hear another voice come out of the more familiar Belafonte's mouth.) Otto Preminger directed with his usual eye on economy of action and production, as the numerous musical numbers tend to be shot in lengthy, single, carefully choreographed takes. The result can be a little visually static at times, but the passion behind the singing pulls everything through. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A powerful display of Dandrige's appeal...
Dorothy Dandrige's roles went beyond that of sex symbol to being a parody of female sexuality... Carmen Jones is a powerful display of her appeal...
Based on Bizet's operatic masterpiece, Otto Preminger's film is the story of a GI about to go to flying school (Harry Belafonte), a noble young man who loves the cigarette-maker Carmen very dearly...
Filled with passionate songs and a first-rate supporting cast, the movie is filled with exciting musical numbers that are necessary ... Read More
Rating: - OTTO PREMINGER, OPUS 20
**** 1954. Produced and directed by Otto Preminger. Based on Georges Bizet's Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra and Prosper Mérimée's Carmen and Other Stories (Oxford World's Classics). Bronze Bear in Berlin and Golden Globe in the Best Film Musical/Comedy category. Joe the soldier is seduced by the free spirited Carmen. He chooses soon to desert and follows Carmen Jones to Chicago where she loses interest in him. After Diane Tremayne ... Read More
Rating:  - Classic
Classic Dorothy Dandridge, if you like her, a must see along with Porgy & Bess.
Rating: - "Ain't no use arguin' with the wind!"
I decided to purchase "Carmen Jones" for a number of reasons. Chief among these reasons is that this movie is historical for my race, African-American. Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for best actress. Secondly, I am a huge Dorothy Dandridge fan and decided to purchase one of her movies since I had never seen one in its entirety. Many have raved about the elegance she exudes on screen as well as her outstanding skill as an actress. I finally ... Read More
Rating: - Carmen is wonderful
I first saw this movie on A&E in the early 1980's. It was wonderful then and it's still wonderful! Recommended!
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