Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.
... View Moreeverything you have heard about this movie is true.
... View MoreAt first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
... View MoreIt really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
... View MoreHere's a film that's a pleasure to view and hear. All departments work together, as does the talented cast, to make this a fun-filled experience.Jimmy Durante ties the various comedic elements together with spunk and verve. Katheryn Grayson sings her operatic selections beautifully, yet it's her skill in the honky-tonk numbers that surprises and delights. Likewise June Allyson works smoothly on several levels, as does Peter Lawford.The musical team has skillfully crafted operatic arias and montages for Lauriz Melchoir that shows off his glorious heldentenor marvelously. The entire production is fun-filled and thoroughly pleasant. It may seem like a modest effort, but there's a lot of solid craftsmanship at its core.
... View MoreToo much time in TWO SISTERS FROM BOSTON is given to the shenanigans of Jimmy Durante and the robust singing of Lauritz Melchior. Very little actually in the way of significant musical interludes for Miss Grayson, which is a shame. Added to that, the plot is a rambling one which goes all over the map in providing subplots about mistaken identity, etc.Production values are fine, but it's clear that MGM missed an opportunity to film this one in color, what with the costumes and settings so lavishly displayed. The turn of the century atmosphere is convincingly handled. Peter Lawford and June Allyson are teamed romantically (as usual), and Grayson does finally get her chance to do some operatic singing for the story's finale.Nevertheless, it's a disappointing showcase for her vocally, even if the role itself provides some singing and dancing. June Allyson is given more opportunities to shine, but it's not one of her best roles either.Summing up: A disappointing trifle.
... View MoreThere may be some aspects story-wise that are in the predictable side. However Two Sisters From Boston more than makes up for that in its sense of fun and spirit, not to mention that it is very heart-warming(especially at the end). The film is lovely to look at, with beautiful photography and appealing costumes and sets. The music is just as delightful, I may have heard more memorable songs elsewhere but they are still well-written and catchy. Including well-known operatic arias, especially Walther's Prize Song from Wagner's Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg, was a nice touch. The script is very funny and wonderfully sly, with Jimmy Durante getting the best lines. Two other scenes stood out, the audio joke with the dog(looking exactly like the RCA Victor Logo) in the Prize Song recording scene and Peter Lawford reviving June Allyson with gin. And I got the sense that with the acting everybody seemed to be having fun. Peter Lawford and Kathryn Grayson are charming in their performances, and Jimmy Durante makes the most out of his role, which is just as sly and as enjoyable as his dialogue. But my favourites were June Allyson(for me one of her better performances and films) whose innocence and unforced comic timing really shone, and Lauritz Melchior, who will delight any opera fan with his large, ringing and never tired voice which is used to great effect in the Prize Song.(he has often been criticised for lack of musicianship but there have been times where he has shown he has it(the 1931 version of the Meistersinger Quintet with Elisabeth Schumann as Eva and Friederich Schorr as Hans Sachs) and regardless I always find him exciting to listen to) All in all, a truly lovely film and very difficult not to like. 9/10 Bethany Cox
... View MoreJune Allyson takes full advantage of the chance to show off her comic talent in this charming film set in turn-of-the- century New York. Kathryn Grayson, who was at the time a bigger star, is in fine voice. Lauritz Melchior and Jimmy Durante make substantial contributions to the fun. It's the first time June Allyson and Peter Lawford were paired, and he is delightful. But it is June's film, and one of her best during her MGM years. Unfortunately, it wasn't filmed in technicolor.
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