Teacher’s
Pet
Picture: B+
Sound: C+ Extras: D Film: B-
The only thing I love better than VistaVision and when its
done really well, and this is another good example of Paramount hitting the
mark with their DVD for Teacher’s Pet. This is also a great example of a film that
is rather mediocre, but is worth getting just for the transfer if nothing
else. Director George Seaton will still
be remembered for his Miracle on 34th
Street (1947), rather than this.
I suppose it might be harsh writing this off as mediocre
as some might enjoy its over-the-top nature and not really be hindered by its
almost ridiculous plot, but then again it’s meant for a few laughs and you may
get a few from it. Doris Day and Clark
Gable (in one of his finer later pictures) pull off a good chemistry as he
plays a tough news editor who is not really interested in a teaching profession
until his eyes land on Doris Day, but there is stiff competition from Gig
Young, who plays a psychology teacher that she is sorta bouncing around with as
well. The script is the real winner
here though, which is partly what makes this film work well.
As I already mentioned this is a VistaVision film shot in
1958/59 with a really clean transfer here demonstrating the power of black and
white in true glory. The 1.85 X 1
anamorphic framing looks stunning and is by far the best the film has looked in
ages. Even though color was becoming
more popular during this time it is still one of the better black and white
comedies from this era. What you will
particular want to look for is the sharpness on textures in the film as well as
the smoothness of skin tones and edges are well defined. There is minimal amount of grain and
softness and a full grayscale is nearly achieved here, which is most impressive. I have been extremely impressed with many of
Paramount’s DVD’s that they have issued of their VistaVision films from the
50’s including Last Train from Gun Hill,
Tin Star, and The Rose Tattoo (all reviewed on this site).
The sound is a moderate Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track that
serves its purpose, but with some minimal amounts of extras hiss in the
distance. Dialogue sounds very natural
with very little distortion, but lacks some depth that is common with mono
origins. Of course a film of this age
we never expect to by dynamic in its audio presentation.
No extras here at all, but Paramount’s low cost on this
one will make it an easy purchase for those interested at all.
- Nate Goss
