Blu-ray Review: Double Crossbones (1951)

Donald O'Connor when you hear that name most may think of Singing in the Rain. Donald O'Connor was an extremely underrated dancer. Most think of dancers and think Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire, but Donald's name needs to be right there with them, he was that good. But he also had the ability to play comedy as well!

Donald O'Connor would star in one of my favorite family film series of Francis The Talking Mule. All 7 films were released on Blu-ray from KL Studio Classics. Now another Donald O'Connor film is getting a Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber this time it is 1951's adventure comedy Double Crossbones. 
 
When Davey Crandall  (Donald O’Connor) is a bumbling shopkeeper’s apprentice and his coworker, Tom Botts (Will Geer, Broken Arrow), are falsely accused of dealing in stolen treasure, they try to find refuge onboard Captain Ben Wickett’s ship. Through a series of hilarious mishaps, Davey soon finds himself the supposed captain and is embraced by the ruthless pirate community. Can this former man of peace still find his way into the heart of the righteous Lady Sylvia (Helena Carter, Time Out of Mind) or will his newfound pirate ways send her into the arms of another man? 

Double Crossbones is far from a masterpiece of cinema, but it is an extremely funny film. Donald is perfect as the quirky, bumbling shopkeeper's apprentice. He is so good it is hard to imagine anyone else in that role.

Double Crossbones was more or less lost in time, becoming mostly forgotten about. Donald O'Connor even considered Double Crossbones "one of the worst films ever made." Now I respect Mr. O'Connor so much, but I respectfully disagree. Is it great? No! Is it without flaws? Of course not! But it is entertaining and that is what we go to the movies for... to be entertained!

The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD master audio 2.0. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The colors are bright and vibrant and the flesh tones are natural. The picture quality is sharp with only minor nicks and lines in the picture. The audio is crisp with no hiss or pops.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics have added some nice bonuses on this Blu-ray that make this release even better. Take a look at what is included.

* Audio Commentary: Film Critic/Author Lee Gambin and Actor/Film Historian Gary Frank discuss Donald O'Connor's career, how the House Un-American Activities Committee meetings effected the film industry and more.

* Trailers: Reap The Wild Wind, Unconquered, Buccaneer’s Girl, Against All Flags and Son Of Ali Baba.  

So while Double Crossbones is not Donald O'Connor's best in my humble opinion it is still an enjoyable little film escape. I love movie trailers and the audio commentary gives the listener so much information, it is definitely worth a listen.  

So if you are a fan of Donald O'Connor the Blu-ray of Double Crossbones is a must own for your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. 


Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray of Double Crossbones receives....