![Graham Greene Collection [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51l1GVJRzIL.jpg)
Four films based on the literary works of Graham Greene. In 'The Third Man' (1949), writer Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) arrives in war-torn Vienna to take up a job with his friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles). He is informed that Lime died a week previously in a car accident, but upon investigating further discovers that the circumstances of Lime's death are shrouded in confusion. Martins begins to wonder just how well he knew his old friend after the head of local military police, Major Calloway (Trevor Howard), convinces him that Lime was in fact a black market drug racketeer responsible for many deaths. In 'Brighton Rock' (1947), 16-year-old gangster Pinkie Brown (Richard Attenborough) uses young waitress Rose Brown (Carol Marsh) as an alibi after commiting a murder at the race track. Worried that she will give him away, Pinkie marries Rose. However, his subsequent attempts to drive her to the point of suicide do not go according to plan. 'The Heart of the Matter' (1953) stars Trevor Howard as Scobie, an assistant police commissioner posted in Sierra Leone in World War 2. Exploring familiar Greene themes such as religion and work politics, the film co-stars Elizabeth Allan and Maria Schell as the wronged wife and the hard-done-by mistress. 'The Fallen Idol' (1948) is an award-winning adaptation of Greene's short story 'The Basement Room', and is told primarily from a child's perspective. Philippe (Bobby Henrey) is the young son of a diplomat who idolises Baines (Ralph Richardson), his father's butler. When Baines' wife is found murdered and Baines is implicated, Philippe does everything he can to point the investigation away from the butler. In doing so he makes matters worse - and also discovers that his hero is not the man he thought he was.
G**R
A good choice
This collection contains the Fallen Idol, Brighton Rock, the Third Man and the Heart of the Matter. Three of those films are excellent. Brighton Rock could be shown today in cinemas - it tones down the violence of the novel so that it is pallatable for an audience whilst retaining suspense. The Third Man is a classic film noir. The only fly in the ointment is the Heart of the Matter, which is badly acted and put together, with subplots and characters left out or watered down. The plot ending was changed so that the central point of the story (the heart of the matter!) was lost. But the boxset is still very good value for money as the other three films are so good. Also, the set is nicely presented and was delivered quickly.
W**N
a rich selection
All of the films in this collection are well worth seeing, and more than once. My favourites are "The Fallen Idol", an intimate, suspenseful film in which Ralph Richardson plays an unusual role, and "The Heart of the Matter" in which Maria Schell is particularly affecting. "The Third Man" is probably the best of the films in this set, but it was also the one disc with a manufacturing fault - and for that reason I have taken a star off the rating. The other films are good digital transfers.
J**N
Classic Set
What can you say? I am sure Greene wouldn't turn in his grave to find his name on this box. I originally bought it in order to get a sensibly priced and reasonable quality copy of the classic Third Man, with a bit of extra footage. But Heart of the Matter: a superb performance by Howard. Brighton Rock will be forever Brighton Rock. Fallen Idol will not disappoint as I get to better appreciate Richardson's performance.I'm sure I'll be viewing these again and have already lent them to a younger film buff, who is going to be in for a treat. I didn't think the sound quality was lacking for an old classic. You wouldn't expect a 1930s Bugatti to always sound like a Prius.
J**E
Quality Grown Up Films
This collection is wonderful and these films will bear watching over and over. The Third Man is an atmospheric masterpiece. The Heart of The Matter is gripping. Brighton Rock is a one off and Fallen Idol is a hidden gem. I like the fact (wherever you stand on Catholicism) that these films, like Graham Greene's books do not shy away from presenting you with complex moral dilemmas and make you ask - just what is right and wrong. Perhaps this is something we need a bit more of in these troubled times. Who can you trust?
H**Z
Four Stars
As wonderful as the movies are, I am disppointedthat they dont have any subititles of whatever language
G**R
A class act of the best of Greene...
All the films in this collection are first-rate, each with distinctly outstanding performances from the likes of Joseph Cotten, Trevor Howard, Richard Attenborough and Ralph Richardson. DVD quality is also very good, although obviously the US Criterion blu-ray is the way to go for Reed's masterpiece THE THIRD MAN. Greene is extremely well represented here by films all worthy of his work. Superb cinema at a great price.
M**C
Great collection
There are some terrific movies here; some better known than others but all well worth watching. I think the collection is a great addition for any movie enthusiast.
M**S
Four Stars
fantastic
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