Hollywood on Parade

In the early 1930's when a lucky moviegoer went to see a show they would see more than just a feature film. In those days people were given a variety of films to enjoy. This was before television so Newsreels presented the events of the day in moving pictures. There was usually a cartoon and other short films. These shorts are now becoming available at last. One such series of shorts that was made in the era of Hollywood's Golden Age was Hollywood on Parade.This disc gathers several episodes that showcase established stars and aspiring actors. Here they can be seen in cameos or performing. Some great material can be found here like Ginger Rogers scat singing and Tallulah Bankhead trying to sing. These films reflect their times so one of my favorites features a champion flagpole sitter.The films used to make this compilation are not restored but as a rule good enough and better than might be expected. My only gripes are the facts that there is no way to access individual films! This disc was made without a menu! In that way it's no better than a VHS tape. There is really no excuse for such a slapdash production. Also, it contains one episode twice!If you love old Hollywood and the rare ephemeral shorts that were made to brighten peoples lives in the heart of the great Depression, by all means buy this disc. It could have been produced more professionally but the films are at least now available and great fun to watch.

This is a collection of nine of the "Hollywood on Parade" shorts, all complete, but not at all restored. The numbers of the shorts contained are A-1, A-3, A-4, A-5, two numbered A-6, A-12, B-1 and B-5. I'm not sure why there are two numbered A-6. The first A-6 has Richard Arlen performing as a magician and has (among others) Frances Dee, Clark Gable and Buster Keaton. The second A-6 has Shipwreck Kelly flagpole sitting with various young women who look through a telescope and sight stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Harold Lloyd, Charles Farrell, Johnny Weissmuller, Mary Pickford and others. Bing Crosby and Harry Langdon have actual parts in the short. Although some of these shorts are easy to find elsewhere, a few are more rare and it is an entertaining little collection.

A Fairly decent DVD of vintage material. Could be a whole lot better for quality and it being not on DVD-R. The highlight for me on this video was seeing some Jean Harlow footage I had not seen before.

Fun to see some old stars when they were young like Maurice Chevalier but generally this is a compilation of studio type newsreel bits to promote their stars.

Bought this disc for the Ginger Rogers short, but it isn't as clear as I expected. Yes I know it is eighty years old plus, but I have another two of her shorts and they are wonderfully remastered copies. It is still alright, but a little disappointing in quality.

Only a few skits are of interest.

IMAGES NOT CLEAR AND SOUND NOT IN SYNC

Weird collection. No real charm.