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) OscarÂ(r) -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 Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 54 reviews)

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 to the film... But as impeccable and skillful the supporting cast is, this is Dandrige's magnetic star of enduring international appeal... Her Carmen is a flame of fire, isolating in a few moments the essence of her attraction... Her enigma sustained throughout a career notable for its startling changes of tempo and direction...Her shapely figure, blazing eyes, with the air of the unexpected add up a touch of melancholy to even the most routine sequences... Her performance was a parable of love and its power to destroy if misused...

August 07, 2008

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 Jessup in Angel Face in 1952 and Patty O'Neill in The Moon Is Blue [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - France ] in 1953, this is the third portrait of a row of a strong-willed woman by Otto Preminger. Thanks to the high quality of the material, libretto and music, CARMEN JONES passes successfully the test of time contrary to most of the musicals of the 50's. Dorothy Dandridge literally ignites the screen. Highly recommended.

Just a few trailers as bonus features but a near perfect copy should lead you to add this DVD to your library.
June 12, 2008

Classic

Classic Dorothy Dandridge, if you like her, a must see along with Porgy & Bess.
February 18, 2008

"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 see what everyone means! She was a remarkably talented actress, and I can utter that after only seeing one of her motion pictures. She was really ahead of her time.

"Carmen Jones" is about an extremely confident woman who pursues then acquires any man she wants, even if he is involved with someone else. However, she meets a fatal attraction (Harry Belafonte). She loves him and leaves him, but he won't have of it. He tries to get into several physical altercations with Carmen's new object of affection (who is ironically a boxer). He even threatens both of their lives. Things become tragic by the motion picture's end.

The overall acting in this movie is superb. These actors look like naturals and brought so much purity to the screen. I am not a fan of opera, but I enjoyed the music. It was not an overbearing amount of music so that made it easier. Also, this was the first old movie I have watched with my undivided attention. I always felt like old movies wouldn't be edited properly and would look unprofessional. I was so wrong! Overall, the movie was edited very well.

I will definitely be watching this movie a lot in the future. I won't put boundaries on promoting this film. It is one that I feel any and every one can take something from, so it is highly recommended to all! 5 shining stars!

January 11, 2008

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!
November 12, 2007

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