Almost Angels DVD 1962
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 9:03 pm
http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Angels-Vin ... B00005JNF2
You're all familiar with Amazon, so it's not spam. No one is making you buy it. No one is making you look up a torrent file, either.
So there.
Released once in theaters, in a double feature as the 2nd show with Lady & the Tramp, this overlooked gem shines as a clean family film of the genre that just isn't made anymore.
No sex, profanity, nudity, drugs, smut ... but you do get the actual Vienna Boys Choir.
Summary:
Roly-poly Tony meets up with a member of the VBC, Peter, at the train station. He dreams of joining the famous choir, although Peter shrugs him off at their initial meeting. Tony's father, who knows his not-too-bright son is musically inclined, blames the mother for his troubles and encouraging his daydreaming. Father wants Tony to be a train conductor or engineer, as he is. Tony wants to study music, more than just singing or playing piano at home with Mother. He's dead set against it all, until he begins to realize that his son is off at boarding school, the house is quiet, and he begins to question his prior beliefs.
Upon find there are two openings in the VBC, she takes him (without permission) to the audition. Tony makes it into the choir, along with another smaller boy. The choirmaster places Tony in the care of Peter, of all people. What ensues is a one-sided and almost Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy relationship. But unbeknownst to Tony, Peter has his own problems, which are only exacerbated when the choirmaster begins giving a very talented Tony all of Peters lines. When he tells Peter that a solo is "too high for you now, Peter," that really gets it going. Heartbroken Peter sees his choirmaster as replacing him with Tony, a younger and more talented boy. Peter does his best to make Tony miserable, even going so far as trying to get him expelled, and finally, even endangering his life.
Through it all, though, Tony never stops admiring Peter, the oldest student, or wanting to be his friend. And when Peter's whole world seems to be at an end (puberty hits, his voice breaks), it's Tony who's there to prop him up and even come up with a great idea for Peter to not have to miss out on his dream - touring in Australia.
Well written and heartwarming, with actual VBC performances and even good English dubbing, this is a movie not to be missed - especially Tony's performance of Schubert's Omne de saba Venient. It is this performance that makes Tony's father realize that he was wrong, even going so far in fighting the Headmaster over his son's grades vs. him going on tour.
And of course, all the girls' parts in the theatrical numbers are played by the boys in dresses.
It's not often that I enjoy a movie, but this one is in my top 10.
You're all familiar with Amazon, so it's not spam. No one is making you buy it. No one is making you look up a torrent file, either.
So there.
Released once in theaters, in a double feature as the 2nd show with Lady & the Tramp, this overlooked gem shines as a clean family film of the genre that just isn't made anymore.
No sex, profanity, nudity, drugs, smut ... but you do get the actual Vienna Boys Choir.
Summary:
Roly-poly Tony meets up with a member of the VBC, Peter, at the train station. He dreams of joining the famous choir, although Peter shrugs him off at their initial meeting. Tony's father, who knows his not-too-bright son is musically inclined, blames the mother for his troubles and encouraging his daydreaming. Father wants Tony to be a train conductor or engineer, as he is. Tony wants to study music, more than just singing or playing piano at home with Mother. He's dead set against it all, until he begins to realize that his son is off at boarding school, the house is quiet, and he begins to question his prior beliefs.
Upon find there are two openings in the VBC, she takes him (without permission) to the audition. Tony makes it into the choir, along with another smaller boy. The choirmaster places Tony in the care of Peter, of all people. What ensues is a one-sided and almost Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy relationship. But unbeknownst to Tony, Peter has his own problems, which are only exacerbated when the choirmaster begins giving a very talented Tony all of Peters lines. When he tells Peter that a solo is "too high for you now, Peter," that really gets it going. Heartbroken Peter sees his choirmaster as replacing him with Tony, a younger and more talented boy. Peter does his best to make Tony miserable, even going so far as trying to get him expelled, and finally, even endangering his life.
Through it all, though, Tony never stops admiring Peter, the oldest student, or wanting to be his friend. And when Peter's whole world seems to be at an end (puberty hits, his voice breaks), it's Tony who's there to prop him up and even come up with a great idea for Peter to not have to miss out on his dream - touring in Australia.
Well written and heartwarming, with actual VBC performances and even good English dubbing, this is a movie not to be missed - especially Tony's performance of Schubert's Omne de saba Venient. It is this performance that makes Tony's father realize that he was wrong, even going so far in fighting the Headmaster over his son's grades vs. him going on tour.
And of course, all the girls' parts in the theatrical numbers are played by the boys in dresses.
It's not often that I enjoy a movie, but this one is in my top 10.