With the monstrous back catalogue of films its easy to forget that not all old classics are yet available in DVD format let alone Blu-ray. This week we’ve decided to profile some classic old films being releases in the future by distribution company Optimum releases. From well known stories like An Inspector Calls to unknown gems like Carry-on precursor Raising the Wind we take a look at a few of their upcoming releases.
An Inspector Calls
Directed by Goldfinger director Guy Hamilton this 1954 British Drama is currently playing in its stage version in London’s West End and is one of the most regularly adapted plays of all time, and a popular one to be studied at school. J.B. Priestley’s classic story revolves around the suspected murder of a young girl and the Inspector who arrives after her death to try and untangle what happened. This film version stars Alastair Sim, Bryan Worth, Bryan Forbes & Eileen Moore and is out on DVD on March 1st.
The Prince and the Pauper
The infamous Oliver Reed is the star of this Mark Twain adaptation. Set in Tudor Britian it tells the tale of young street pauper Tom who resembles the Prince Edward so much the two decide to swap roles with interesting consequences. Directed by Richard Fleisher the film has a star studded cast including Oliver Reed, Charlton Heston and Raquel Welch but was originally released in 1937 under the name Crossed Swords. The DVD is released on the 22nd February.
Raising The Wind
This is a relatively unknown film but is a precursor to the Carry on films so is a must see for any Carry on fan. Starring Kenneth Williams and Sid James and directed by Carry on director Gerald Thomas this classic release is out today. The plot follows a group of wacky music students who live together to cut costs and is full of the usual carry on jinks and pranks.
The Rainbow Jacket
The Rainbow Jacket is an Ealing comedy that time forgot. Written by the legendary T.E.B. Clarke and from Ealing stronghold director Basil Dearden the film follows a shamed jockey who is banned from racing after taking a bribe and stars Bill Owen , Robert Morley and Honor Blackman . Its out on 1st March.
Caught In The Draft
Starring Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour this film is out today and is a screwball comedy that shows Bob hope in his element. Directed by David Butler(Calamity Jane) the films plot follows Don Bolton, a womanising actor who will do anything to get out of being drafted into the army.
