The Fan - Jeanne Crain Otto Preminger

Directed by Otto Preminger
USA 1949

After many years abroad, Mrs Erlynne returns to a London much changed by the ravages of war. Whilst at an auction she recognizes an attractive fan which once belonged to her - but before she can claim it she must find another party to vouch for her. Seeking out Lord Darlington, her only acquaintance left remaining in London, the pair soon begin a journey of memory, love, loss and sacrifice.

Featuring George Sanders, Madeleine Carroll and Jeanne Crain and co-adapted by the legendary Dorothy Parker, Otto Preminger's 1949 version of Oscar Wildes Lady Windermere's Fan is a classic comedy of manners that sparkles with wit as befitting the great playwright.

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Theatrical Release: April 1st, 1949

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DVD Review: BFI - Region 2 - PAL

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	BFI Video - Region 2 - PAL
Runtime	1:16:09
Video	1.33:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.23 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (PCM mono)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: BFI Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Lady Windermere's Fan - Fred Pauls 1916 silent version of Wildes play (65 minutes) • 18-page illustrated booklet featuring film essays and biography DVD Release Date: November, 2008 Transparent Keep Case Chapters: 13

Comments:

The dual-layered, progressive transfer from BFI seems adequate if a bit hazy. It has a tendency to appear 'thick'. Contrast is a bit better and overall the image responds for a decent viewing. Something strange may have happened with this title as it seemed delayed from last year's listing, then presumably canceled, but is now available - although only from 3rd party sellers at Amazon.UK. It is fairly clean with some noise in darker segments. It sports optional subtitles and competent PCM mono audio.

Extras include the hour-long silent Lady Windermeres Fan - from 1916 - Fred Paul's version of Wilde's play and a Illustrated booklet featuring an essay and a biography - both by Foster Hirsch.

The image inferiorities don't take away from the the film in my opinion. It was quite a rare treat to view this, as it is a Preminger work I had never seen before - nor had I read Wilde's novel. Jeanne Crain is marvelous. The Fan is charming and certainly worth seeing in my opinion for those who enjoy vintage cinema.

Gary W. Tooze

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