Synopsis
Recognized today as one of the most distinctive and influential directors of the 1950's, Douglas Sirk was rarely praised and often overlooked by critics during his years in Hollywood. His penchant for melodramatic storylines were accented by a baroquevisual style, emotional intensity and lush production values. With a chameleon-like ability to adapt to any genre, Sirk's versatility is represented in this unique collection by a melodrama, a western, a mystery thriller, and a costume adventure. Featuring stars such as Rock Hudson, Claudette Colbert, Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, Barbara Rush and Ann Blyth, Douglas Sirk: Filmmaker Collection showcases the style and scope one of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors. THUNDER ON THE HILL (1951) A nun (Claudette Colbert) races against time to prove the innocence of a convicted murderess (Ann Blyth) who is being escorted to prison for a date with the gallows in Thunder on the Hill. Based on the popular British play Bonaventure, this moodymystery serves up many twists and is distinguished by one of Claudette Colbert's most intriguing and least-known performances. In addition to Douglas Sirk's fast-paced direction, the film is enriched by Hans J. Salter's stirring dramatic score, a first rate supporting cast and the luminous black and white cinematography of William H. Daniels, who helped immortalize the screen personas of Greta Garbo and Norma Shearer during his MGM period. TAZA, SON OF COCHISE (1954) The two sons of Apache leader Cochise (Jeff Chandler) have conflicting views of the white men who trespass on their land; Taza (Rock Hudson) argues for peaceful co-existence but his younger brother Naiche (Bart Roberts) joins Geronimo on the warpath. One of the few Westerns made in the 1950s that attempted to present a positive view of Native Americans, Taza, Son of Cochise was the second of eight movies that Rock Hudson made with director Douglas Sirk. Filmed on location in Utah, the natural setting of the desert is one of the movie's many assets which is vividly captured by the glorious Technicolor cinematography. CAPTAIN LIGHTFOOT (1955) Michael Martin (Rock Hudson) is a headstrong young patriot who has turned to highway robbery to support his country's cause against England during the Irish revolution. When he is taken under the wing of the famous rebel leader Captain Thunderbolt (Jeff Morrow), he soon finds himself second-in-command with a bounty on his head. Filmed on location in Ireland, Captain Lightfoot stars Rock Hudson in a dynamic role that allows him to portray an action hero with a comedic sensibility as well as a charming ladies man. THE TARNISHED ANGELS (1957) The Tarnished Angels covers three days in the lives of a trio of flying-circus performers, headlined by former WWI fighter-pilot hero Roger Shumann (Robert Stack) and his beautiful blonde wife, Laverne (Dorothy Malone). Romantic complications arise when newspaper reporter Burke Devlin (Rock Hudson) falls in love with Laverne while covering their daredevil aerial show.