Mr. Lucky (1943) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

When I think of director H.C. Potter and Hollywood star Cary Grant I think of one film, Mr. Blandings builds his dream house. A few years ago, Warner Archive Collection restored that wonderful film and released it on Blu-ray. Since that release I have watched that film on Blu-ray several times.

Mr. Blandings builds his dream house wasn't the only time these two collaborated on a film. In 1943 Potter and Grant made a romantic comedy with Laraine Day entitled Mr. Lucky. Now 81 years after that film's theatrical release Mr. Lucky has been restored by the good folks at Warner Archive and released on Blu-ray and feature some really awesome bonus features.

Synopsis: Cary Grant is a sophisticated scoundrel in this entertaining tale of a gambling ship owner and his shifty attempts to raise money while he avoids the draft. Planning to flee to South America with the proceeds from a charity ball for War Relief, Inc., Joe Adams (Cary Grant) discovers that his double-cross is double-crossed again by a former partner. Then to make matters worse, Joe realizes that his love for the socialite fundraiser Dorothy Bryant (Laraine Day) impedes his larcenous motives. Heroics prevail as Joe recovers the loot, and makes a daring voyage to deliver medical supplies for Europe. Once again proving that even as a scoundrel, Cary Grant is the epitome of class.

Mr. Lucky isn't a ground-breaking film, but it features a wonderful script, fast pacing and great performances by Cary Grant and Laraine Day. Cary Grant has been seen in so many heroic roles during his career, it was a breath of fresh air watching him as a 'dirty rotten scoundrel'. H.C. Potter expertly directs an entertaining romantic film with a sprinkle of comedy.

Warner Archive Collection have transferred Mr. Lucky to Blu-ray in 1080p it is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. Finally, there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This is not just any transfer to Blu-ray it features a brand new 4K restoration scan. This new 4K scan brings a real crispness and clarity to the picture. Now doubt there was a lot of work that went into restoring it to the quality that we see, and it was worth it cause the film looks spectacular.

A beautifully restored Cary Grant film is not all that this Blu-ray release has going for it. Take a look at the bonus features Warner Archive Collection included on this Blu-ray disc.

* Lux Radio Theater: An hour long 1943 radio adaptation of the film with stars Cary Grant and Laraine Day, hosted by Cecil B. DeMille.

* Screen Director’s Playhouse: A half hour 1950 radio adaptation of the film starring Cary Grant.

* Theatrical Trailer (SD)

As a radio DJ and a classic film fanatic the addition of not one but both of the radio adaptions of Mr. Lucky included here on this Blu-ray is a very welcomed thing for me. Sometimes classic films fans forget how awesome the radio broadcasts were and to have them on this Blu-ray as a bonus feature is totally awesome.

Cary Grant has made so many great films during his career, but Mr. Lucky is truly an underrated Grant film. So, if you are a fan of Cary Grant as much as I am, you need this new Blu-ray release of Mr. Lucky in your collection. Head over to MovieZyng or Amazon and order you copy today.