Band of Angels - Clark Gable

Directed by Raoul Walsh
USA 1957

Subject of miscegenation is explored and developed in this colorful production of the Old South. Raoul Walsh is in top form in direction of the screenplay derived from a Robert Penn Warren novel. Screenwriters have captured the mood and spirit of the Deep South narrative which deals with a young woman of quality discovering that her mother was a slave.

Clark Gable's characterization is reminiscent of his Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, although there is obviously no paralleling of plot. As former slave-runner turned New Orleans gentleman, with bitter memories of his earlier days, he contributes a warm, decisive portrayal that carries tremendous authority.

Yvonne De Carlo is beautiful as the mulatto, who learns of her true status when she returns from a Cincinnati finishing school to attend her father's funeral. Sidney Poitier impresses as Gable's educated protégé, whom slaver picked up as an infant in Africa and reared as his son.

Excerpt from Variety reviews located HERE

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Theatrical Release: August 3rd, 1957

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DVD Review: Warner - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Warner Home Video - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC
Runtime	2:07:08
Video	1.78:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.72 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0), DUB: French (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Warner Home Video Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Theatrical trailer (2:18) DVD Release Date: January 30th, 2007 Keep Case Chapters: 27

Comments:

Sensual Yvonne De Carlo passed away at age 84 only a few days from the writing of this review. This film was one of many that showcased both her stunning beauty and acting talent.

Comparable to Gone With the Wind in its plantation scenes and elaborate costumes, set during the Civil War, it is quite separate with a crucial focus on the character of Amantha Starr (De Carlo), who discovers after her father’s death that she was born with Negro heritage. Many, who were ambivalent to Gone With the Wind, have stated that they actually prefer this film. Walsh is adept as always and it is also notable as one of Clark Gable's last films. A young Sidney Poitier impresses. Certainly worth viewing.

The Warner DVD transfer is anamorphic and progressive - coded for regions 1,2,3,4 in the NTSC standard. It looks acceptable, if a bit dirty at times with some minor compression artifacts. Colors stand out well, and are not artificially vibrant. Black levels are rich. The 1.85:1 image is cropped to 1.78 with a 4% loss of image. Warner have only optional English subtitles - no longer offering French and Spanish at this time. There is, however, a French DUB available. No extras save a trailer. Interesting film with the DVD at a fair price.

Gary W. Tooze

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