James Stewart - In The Frame Collection: You Can't Take It With You / Mr Smith Goes To Washington / The Man From Laramie / Anatomy of a Murder / Two Rode Together / Bell, Book and Candle [DVD]

I got this set of six films some while ago as it offered a selection that wasn’t duplicated in any of the other available sets of the actor’s movies at the time.The selection provides a good range of Stewart’s output across his career; two Capra comedies, a pair of his westerns (one directed by John Ford and one of the five collaborations with Anthony Mann, “The Man From Laramie” (1955) the last they made together) Otto Preminger’s classic “Anatomy Of A Murder” (1959) with it’s Duke Ellington score and iconic Saul Bass title sequences and “Bell, Book And Candle” (1958), the witchcraft-themed romcom which also has some interesting music provided by jazz trumpet duo The Candoli Brothers and French singer/actor Philippe Clay.The set is presented in a cardboard box with each DVD contained in a separate smooth cardboard folder.I can’t vouch for this set’s current availability or price (it was a bargain when I bought it and I had to wait a while for the price to suit me) but it is certainly a collection I value highly and have had the pleasure of watching many times.Hugely recommendable if you can find it for a reasonable sum.

This selection of James Stewart classics is a poignant reminder of how good films used to be made: free of tricksy fast edits (eg, note the length of some of the unbroken shots in Mr Smith), unnecessary computerised effects, confusing plot time shifts and ear-destructive sound levels. Instead, here are stories in the best film-making traditions that rely on well acted, good storylines providing easy, enjoyable, escapist entertainment.Am I showing my age?Chris

I think this is a very good selection of James Stewart films compiled together. I originally bought it for Bell, book and candle alone but have enjoyed all of the others. It is a selection of varied subject matter and a valuable addition to any Stewart collectors library.

Wonderful