L'ultima zia di Carlo

Can someone please explain to me why this delightful film has never been released on DVD or VHS? Does it have something to do with securing the rights? Just curious to see if anyone knows the answer. This is one of Bolger's best films, and also a rare starring role for Allyn McLerie. So sad that she never quite made it to stardom. Other than this film, I've seen her in "Calamity Jane" and "Desert Song". Although relegated to supporting roles in both, she was wonderful. I especially enjoy her Katie Brown in the latter. Like one of the other commenters, I have always wondered why she never really became a "star". Please, whomever is keeping this film from being released, let the public once again enjoy this wonderful film.

Ray Bolger gets to re-create his most famous stage role, right down to the audience-participation gimmick in "Once In Love With Amy." The George Abbott-Frank Loesser stage hit was a little ramshackle to begin with, and there's plenty to complain about in this adaptation, if you're ornery: It's stagy, with too-elaborate choreography. (The opening number, with the stylized dance steps played against the natural setting, looks terribly stilted.) Bolger, great as he is, isn't remotely convincing as an Oxford undergrad -- twice the right age, and with an accent that goes in and out. Some good songs from the stage version are missing, notably "Lovelier Than Ever." David Butler directs with his usual dull competence.

But there's Bolger's eccentric dancing, not only wonderful itself but a valuable historical link to a theatrical style that was old by the time Bolger appropriated it (think Montgomery and Stone, and all their imitators). There's a fun, unpretentious "dream ballet" set in Brazil, sort of like MGM's "The Pirate" as reimagined with a Warners-cartoon sensibility. The old "Charley's Aunt" plot still plays, the Technicolor is pretty, the production is handsome. And one mystery: How does someone as pretty, charming, unaffected, talented, and spirited as Allyn McLerie not get to be a movie star?

I too loved this film and would be over the moon to be able to have a copy on DVD. I think that the scene where Ray Bolger sings 'Once in love with Amy' is fabulous. I think everyone remembers Ray Bolger as the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz where he was one of the main cast members (he was originally meant to play the tin man and Buddy Ebsen was going to play the scarecrow), but I think this was a true starring role for him and he rose to the challenge. It's a true family film and one where you don't have to worry about violence or language, which makes a change in this day and age. Come on people let's get this released on DVD so everyone can enjoy it.

Ray Bolger had a huge Broadway hit with "Where's Charley?" that ran from October 1948 to September 1950. Bolger even starred in a brief 1951 revival. This 1952 film version also boasts original cast members Allyn Ann McLerie as Amy and Horace Cooper as old Spettigue.

Despite a rough start in the opening Oxford scenes, the film kicks into gear when Bolger hideously yet hilariously masquerades as his aunt (whom he has never met) to maintain the social propriety that requires the presence of a chaperone among the mixed-sex young set gathered at an Oxford reunion.

The wealthy "aunt" then becomes the romantic target of two "old boys" back for their reunion. But all hell breaks loose when the real aunt shows up and pretends to be an old friend of the aunt's dead husband. Amid all these plot contrivances are peppered several musical numbers.

Bolger wonderfully recreates "Once in Love with Amy," a number that brought down the house on a nightly basis. The "aunt" is the perfect vehicle for his eccentric dancing style that seems even more bizarre while he's in drag. A major surprise is the excellent performance by Allyn Ann McLerie as Amy. Mostly remembered now for her crotchety character performances on TV, here she sings and dances up a storm in the Brazilian dream sequence. She's quite wonderful.

Cast also includes Mary Germaine and Robert Shackleton as Kitty and Jack, Margaretta Scott as the real aunt, and Howard Marion-Crawford as old Chesney.

Film closes with a massive production number, "At the Red Rose Cotillion," and a reprise of the opening number.

Still awaiting a DVD release. If you get a chance, watch this one for Ray Bolger and Allyn Ann McLerie.

I met Mr Bolger when I was an interpreter/guide at Tehran's Film Festival in Iran in 1977. He and his wife were utterly charming. I told Mr Bolger that, although much fuss was being made over his role in "The Wizard of Oz" (he confided that he was getting a bit fed up with doing his "scarecrow stance" over and over again for photographers), I had preferred his performance in "Where's Charley?" He said, "Oh, my dear, I'm so pleased. That was my favourite film." He went on to tell me how much he'd enjoyed making the film in my native England. The film, a musical version of "Charley's Aunt" was so very well done. I do hope it's released on DVD or VHS at some point. It's so worth seeing again.