Jean Harlow 7-Film Collection

This is part of the Warner Archive Collection. Seven films are included on six DVD-R. Quality is as excellent as mid-30’s films could look and well done transfers by Warner.Bombshell (1933) is a Pre-Code Screwball Comedy. The success of this film led to Harlow being described as a “blonde bombshell”. It was, unofficially at least, based on the life of the Silent Film star, Clara Bow but also matched elements of Harlow’s own. This film was directed by Victor Fleming who went on to direct The Wizard Of Oz and Gone With the Wind.The Girl From Missouri (1934) is a comedy-drama co-starring Lionel Barrymore and Franchot Tone. Interestingly, Harlow was actually born in Missouri. In it, Harlow plays a chorus girl setting her sights on a millionaire. The dialogue walks a tightrope as this is one of the first “post-code“ pictures.Reckless (1935), also directed by Fleming, co-stars William Powell in a musical and one can clearly see the rapport between the leads. This chemistry and romance would lead to their impending marriage at the time of Harlow’s death a year later.Riffraff (1935) is a drama with Harlow as a cannery worker married to fisherman Spencer Tracy. Harlow wore a wig during this film due to damage done to her hair by repeated bleaching. A simulated rain sequence during filming caused injuries and illnesses to many female extras.Suzy (1936), co-starring Cary Grant and Franchot Tone, is a WWI drama. Grant actually plays an unlikable character! Harlow and Grant have a memorable musical number in this film.Personal Property (1937) is a romantic comedy with Harlow and Robert Taylor. During the filming, Harlow wears the 152 carot sapphire ring given to her by Powell for their engagement, the biggest such stone worn by any film star. This was the final film to be completed by Harlow prior to her death.Saratoga (1937) is the last film of Harlow’s short life, one in which she collapsed before filming was finished and scenes had to be done with a double shot from behind and her voice dubbed. It was a romantic comedy co-starring Clark Gable and was the second-highest grossing film that year behind only Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.Harlow’s death, resulting from problems with her wisdom teeth coupled with kidney failure that was brought on by sun poisoning a few months back is a very sad example of how fleeting life can be. Her career was a fast burning candle and, had she lived, there is little doubt of how great a star she would have been...

Jean Harlow remains one of the most briefly famous and tragic figures in American movie history. More cute than beautiful, and not a particularly deep or fine actress, she was nonetheless somehow fascinating, and in these movies, she becomes the character she's supposed to be and sells the hell out of it.A contemporary of Lucille Ball, it is easy to suggest that Harlow may have become equally famous and long successful had she lived.The transfers to DVD are flawless, with sharp images and clear soundtracks. This is a particularly good way to biff up your Harlow collection, or start one.

I love Jean Harlow and wanted this collection in spite of it having no subtitles or cc (the only special feature that matters).

A descent collection of Harlow's later films. It's worth it just for Bombshell.

Love Harlow's work, so I thought I'd take a chance on these movies, since most of them you can't instantly download.Seven films. Unfortunately, the two best movies in this collection (Girl From Missouri and Reckless) I already own in digital format. The remaining five are kind of "B" films. (OK, Saratoga was alright, but still not as good at the previously listed two).So, if you're a die-hard fan and are looking for good films, too, this may not be your best choice as a collection.

Jean Harlow is a lot of fun to watch. What a wonderful actress. There are six dvd's, all played very well, but the dvd containing "Susie" and "Riffraff " did not play at all in my JVC dvd player, but did play in my Magnavox dvd/VHS player.

for the most part i'm pleased however disc 3 didn't want to go to menu. that seems better however the disc has 2 movies on it and the second one freezes. then jumps a little till it clears and continues playing. since this was listed as a last copy there's no point to returning for a new one. i'm ot blaming you, i've bought new dvd's before and had this happen. just a little disappointed

One of my fav actresses - collection is wonderful

This collection is certainly not the best of Jean Harlow's films, but is interesting.The best in the collection is Bombshell; this is a really good film. Jean Harlow is at her best, and pairs well with Franchot Tone, although he is not the male lead - that's Lee Tracy.Reckless is good, but not really suitable for Jean's talents - she did not really have any singing or dancing talents. The story is that she was cast because of her tragic past with her second husband, Paul Bern, who committed suicide. However, the wonderful William Powell stars in this with her and this makes the film worthwhile.I didn't think much of The Girl from Missouri; this seemed very much like a throwaway film.Riff Raff is just okay; Spencer Tracy stars in this with her.Suzy is quite good; again, Franchot Tone costars as well as Cary Grant.Personal Property is very funny and quite screwball; Robert Taylor is wonderful in this.Saratoga is quite good, but more a curiosity; tragically, Jean Harlow died while making this film and due to public demand, the film was completed using a double. Interestingly, this was the highest grossing film of her career.To see Jean Harlow at her most brilliant, I would recommend Red Dust, Dinner at Eight, China Seas, Wife vs. Secretary and Libeled Lady, my personal favourite.