Clifton Webb starred in some of the most memorable films of the mid-20^th century. He solidified his place in Hollywood history with roles in “Laura”, “Three Coins in the Fountain”, and “Cheaper by the Dozen”. He was also the loveable Mr. Belvedere in “Mr. Belvedere Goes to College” and “Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell”. Three fun and fancy films now combine in a 20^th Century Fox Cinema Archives collection: “The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker”, “Holiday for Lovers”, and “Mr. Scoutmaster”.

The 1953 film “Mr. Scoutmaster” is a cute story of a TV star that is out of touch with the younger generation. He takes a position as a scoutmaster to discover what these Boy Scouts are interested in, thinking if he finds their likes and dislikes, he can change his show to appeal to them. He needs to get young viewers to sell the cereal that is sponsoring his show. But these little guys are no angels and he has his hands full with their antics. Edmund Gwenn (the loveable Santa in the 1947 film “Miracle on 34^th Street) costars. This is the only black and white movie in the set. There is a cute storyline about a little scout played by George Winslow, aka “Foghorn” due to his low, raspy voice. Viewers might recall him in the film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”.

In the 1959 film “The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker”, Webb plays a man leading a dual life with two families. What happens when his secret is revealed? Dorothy McGuire, Jill St. John, and Charles Coburn costar in this story of a man who prides himself on being forward-thinking and heading up the Darwinian society while teaching his children to be free thinkers.

Unbeknownst to his family in Harrisburg, PA, he has another family in Philadelphia. He has 17 children between his two households. How does he get away with this? He spends every other month in Philly and the other months in Harrisburg. When his oldest daughter (the one in Harrisburg) decides to marry her minister boyfriend in a week, he returns to his first family for the joyous event. Unfortunately, his oldest son from his Philadelphia family comes to Harrisburg to warn him the sheriff is on his trail. No, he is not in trouble for being a bigamist, because no one knows about that, but he is in trouble for his Darwinian book. Well, you guessed it. When the two families meet the cat is out of the bag. Then everything gets confusing. What do his wife and children think?
“Holiday for Lovers” also came out in 1959. Webb plays a father who takes his family to South America after his oldest daughter stays on at the end of a school trip. Just what is going on down there? That is what Robert Dean (Webb) and his wife (Jane Wyman) intend on finding out. A fun cast adds to the comedy: Jill St. John, Carol Linley, and Paul Henreid.

Once he gets to South America with his wife and younger daughter, they are faced with the situation that his daughter (St. John) is in love with someone in Brazil. But who? And she also has the chance to stay on for a year to study art. In the meantime, the younger daughter (Linley) meets a man during a short refueling stop. After only an hour they are in love and he follows her back to the city and proposes.

Needless to say, this is a whacky family and an even whackier situation. Nevertheless, the acting is fun and the movie moves along with some entertaining situations and musical accompaniments.

There are no bonus features on any of the discs, and yes, they are all dated stories. The entertaining parts about them are the far-fetched situations in which Clifton Webb’s characters find themselves, and the heartening performances by this actor. At times his character is not a likeable man, however Webb brings an endearing factor to every man he portrays.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for over 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 15 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book,  Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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“Once Upon a Sign” has a series of DVDs all performed in American Sign Language. They can be played with or without subtitles, and even though they are designed for the deaf, they are fun shows for kids who are not deaf.

“Once Upon a Sign: The Magic Mirror” teaches an important lesson while entertaining viewers. Alice Cogswell is interested in entering the school’s talent show, but she is afraid. She doesn’t feel like she has any particular talent. She can, however, sign a poem, which is just as good as twirling a hula-hoop, isn’t it? It takes talent to do that, as Alice soon learns.

After messing up her audition, Alice goes home in a huff, determined not to put herself in that position again. But her mother insists she never give up and, “If you can dream it you can do it.”

Then, to her surprise, her bedroom mirror magically comes to life in the form of a man named Sparkle. He imparts the lesson of encouragement and persistence and soon Alice has the confidence she needs to continue with her dream of entering the talent show.

Other titles in this series are “Once Upon a Sign: The New Goldilocks and the Three Bear” which is a modern take on the old story. “Jack and the Beanstalk”, and “Little Red Riding Hood”, with “The Stone Soup”, and “Three Little Pigs” scheduled to be released in the future. All are presented in American Sign Language.
Each DVD includes “Fun Signs” for learning and recaps of the main signs used in the stories.

“With the popularity of teaching babies sign language parents may be looking for that next step for their children to learn more signs as they grow older,” says Joe Danis president of DawnSignPress. “Well, look no more! Children, deaf or hearing, will love watching these stories being brought to life in beautiful American Sign Language. And it’s a great way to bring together the deaf and hearing community.”

Check out their site at www.dawnsign.com.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for over 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 15 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book,  Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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Sandra Dee stars in this 1967 movie eight years after she captured the hearts of film audiences in “Gidget.” “Doctor, You’ve got to be Kidding” is all Dee’s film. She carries it with fun and flair.

As Gidget in 1959 and Tammy in 1961 and 1963, Dee played fresh, wholesome characters. In the popular film “A Summer Place” in 1959 Dee strayed from that image as a young woman who finds herself in a delicate situation being pregnant and single. That is basically the plot of this movie.

Dee plays Heather, a woman who just graduated from college and takes a job as secretary to Harlan Wycliff (George Hamilton), one of the most influential businessmen in the world. Her mother (Celeste Holm), however, has been pushing her daughter into show business ever since the girl could stand up, auditioning her in elevators and basically pushing her into the business.

Heather has several male admirers, yet her heart belongs to her boss Harlan. While rehearsing all night and working all day, Heather manages to do her job and put together an act at the same time. But something happens to derail both of these. This vestal virgin manages to get pregnant. Meanwhile, her male protectors/admirers (Bill Bixby, Dwayne Hickman, and Dick Kallman) all vie for her attention and each wonders which one is the father. Of course, Heather has only been with one man, Harlan, and only one time.

While this is not Dee’s best movie, she is fun to watch. No matter what character she plays, Sandra Dee is adorable. Other Dee films that should be viewed are “If a Man Answers”, “I’d Rather Be Rich”, “Rosie”, and “That Funny Feeling”. In 1959 Dee won a Golden Globe for “Most Promising Female Newcomer.” Sandra Dee was married to Bobby Darin from 1960 – 1967 and had one son. She passed away in 2005. Although she will always be remembered as Gidget, her array of film roles is entertaining and diverse.

“Doctor, You’ve got to be Kidding” is not rated. It is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be ordered at their website www.wbshop.com.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for over 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 15 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book,  Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook

He’s back. That curious little monkey who is beloved by all ages returns for his third movie. “Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle” is another fun-filled adventure with a fabulous soundtrack. The music in this movie is just as entertaining as the story and the bonus features on the DVD include several sing-along tracks to get better acquainted with the upbeat new songs.

The story revolves around serious flooding in Central Africa. George is recruited to go into space to retrieve a special item that will help control the flooding. Ted (the man in the yellow hat) is worried about sending his monkey into space, but George passes the training with flying colors and wants to continue with the important mission. So, blast off with little George enjoying every part of the space mission in a way only this little fellow can – with curiosity and a playful attitude that ultimately leads to a crash landing in the jungle of Africa.

In Africa George makes friends with plenty of animals proving his sweet nature is still what makes him beloved in the animal world and the human world. This little guy is friendly, eager to help, and loving toward everyone.

When Ted finally catches up with George, they share African adventures as together they search for the space ship that still holds the unit needed to stop the flooding on the continent. Okay, so this part of the story is a little far-fetched, but the partnership between the two combined with the fun – and a little dangerous – adventures they share make their relationship stronger and enforce the love they have for each other.

John Goodman supplies the voice of Houston, the man in charge of the space mission and the man who recruited George because he was the perfect size to fit into the rocket. And yes, Houston does have a problem in this story. And Angela Bassett supplies the voice of Dr. Kulinda, an African doctor who doesn’t like poachers and who keeps a wildlife preserve in the middle of the country where George and Ted manage to find themselves and make new friends. Check out the friendly Gorilla and the banana-stealing bird as well as a lot of other animals who befriend the curious little monkey.

Welcome to paradise with Curious George as he traverses the wild jungle making friends and helping everyone in trouble. And yes, he ultimately does complete his mission and stop the floods in Africa.

With four fun sing-alongs (“Ordinary Superman”, “Welcome to Paradise”, “Beautiful Wild”, and “Together Forever”) families will be singing along and enjoying the colorful, fun-filled story with George, a monkey who transcends generations. This is truly a film for the entire family.

And everyone can join in the fun with the special photo app that lets you get in the picture with George. Say “cheese” or in this case, “banana”.

“Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle” is available on DVD and Digital HD June 23. “Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle” is rated G for everyone.