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The Great Rupert
The Great Rupert
Actors: Don Beddoe, Frank Cady, Candy Candido, Chick Chandler, Jimmy Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy
NR     1999     1hr 27min

The Great Rupert is sci-fi pioneer George Pal's first feature film. Starring Jimmy Durante in one of his most memorable screen performances, "The Great Rupert" is the heart-warming tale of a loveable trained squirrel, a pu...  more »

     

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Movie Details

Actors: Don Beddoe, Frank Cady, Candy Candido, Chick Chandler, Jimmy Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Sub-Genres: Classic Comedies, Drama, Classics, Family Films, Classics
Studio: Image Entertainment
Format: DVD - Black and White
DVD Release Date: 06/01/1999
Original Release Date: 03/01/1950
Theatrical Release Date: 03/01/1950
Release Year: 1999
Run Time: 1hr 27min
Screens: Black and White
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 0
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English
See Also:

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Movie Reviews

Re-discover this Wonderful Jimmy Durante Christmas Film
JPL | California | 09/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"A Christmas Wish is a heartwarming holiday classic that truly captures the magic of Christmas. This well-written film combines a genial underdog (Durante) whom you can't help rooting for, an inspiring tale of young love, unforgettable comedy bits by Durante, and an irresistible guardian angel who saves Christmas.

The film has a touching love story between Terry Moore (Mighty Joe Young) and Tom Drake (Meet Me in St. Louis). Rupert the Squirrel (created using George Pal's Academy Award winning puppet animation technique) will charm young and old alike. Jimmy Durante shines when he sings Jingle Bells and other Christmas Carols.

Originally titled "The Great Rupert", this film has been restored perfectly and is being released in color for the first time. It looks absolutely beautiful. There also is an engaging special DVD commentary by star Terry Moore (secret wife of Howard Hughes). If you've already seen It's a Wonderful Life and are looking for something charming and new for Christmas, this is a great choice."
Very Mild Mannered and Entirely Inoffensive
Gary F. Taylor | Biloxi, MS USA | 11/14/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)

"When a slightly miserly landlord takes to hiding his savings he inadverdently intrudes into a squirrel's nest--which wastes no time in shoving the money out of his nest and into the hands of the down-on-their-luck Amendola family, who rent an apartment below. Originally released under the title of THE GREAT RUPERT, in 1950 the film was primarily admired for its then-artful blend of live action and puppet animation to create Rupert, the squirrel; today, however, it is best regarded as a very mild mannered and entirely inoffensive little movie that just happens to offer the legendary Jimmy Durante one of his final film roles.

The script and story are as memorable as school cafeteria banana pudding, but the performances are reasonably engaging. As head of Amendola family, Durante is brash is only Durante could be, doing doubletakes and pounding out an occasional tune on the piano in his unique style. He is well supported by the likes of Terry Moore, Tom Drake, and such veteran character actors as Queenie Smith, Frank Orth, Sara Haden, and Jimmy Conlin. It's all in good fun.

The 20th Century Fox release consists of two versions of the film: the original black and white and a colorized version. There is nothing visually impressive about the film, so it is not hurt by colorization per se; as for the colorization, it is reasonably well done, at least so far as such effects go. Most astonishingly, the release includes a commentary track by Terry Moore and various people associated with the colorization and the DVD release.

The commentary track is not tremendously informative; Moore freely admits that she had seen the film only once before, and that some fifteen years earlier. Even so, Moore proves good company, offers the occasional insight into the cast, and now and then proves unwittingly amusing--with her comments on actor Tom Drake, who was both gay and deeply closeted, a case in point. On the whole, I'd say the commentary is actually more engaging than the film itself, but whatever the case Durante fans, Moore fans, and those in search of truly innocent family fare should find it pleasing.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer"
Can't wait for the release!
Gary F. Taylor | 10/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I often watched this movie on Christmas with my children and more recently with my young grandchildren because it touches the very essence of the Christmas season. I've always loved Terry Moore from her serious and not so serious movies (especially Mighty Joe Young) and of course Jimmy Durante is a clown that everyone loved and loves.I personally feel The Great Rupert should have been produced originally in color and released as a Christmas movie. I'm so I'm so happy to learn it is now considered a Christmas classic and is available in color. Can't wait to see it in color and listen to Terry's commentary."
Lost Christmas Classic!
Movie Nut | New York USA | 06/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't recall ever seeing this movie but based on the reviews and the fact that I love Jimmy Durante, I bought it. Well, I was more than pleased that I purchased it for my collection. What an delightful film! I found myself laughing out loud so many times that my kids finally came in and sat down to watch it too- The actors are wonderful and as always... Jimmy steals the show!!! I consider myself somewhat of a 'movie buff' and I never heard of this film before so the same may go for many of you, but take a chance and get this wonderful film- Great for the whole family and not just at the holiday season, but all year long!"