Screenwriter, director and playwright Preston Sturges is a talent whose impact can still be felt in contemporary works. Having helped shape the screwball comedy format into a tried and true cinematic genre, Sturges had a knack for creating dialogue for characters who felt incredibly real…not to mention familiar. His cinematic mastery helped usher in a new era of naturalism for films, resulting in a legacy in which audience members could see their own personality traits (for better or worse) mirrored back at them from the silver screen.
Two of his most popular films have just been issued on Blu-ray from KL Studio classics. Here’s the details:
The Great McGinty (1940)
In Depression-era Chicago, the local political machine hacks put vagrant Dan McGinty (Brian Donlevy) to work–committing voter fraud–and were so impressed with his aptitude that they started backing him for public office. He rises up the chain all the way to the governor’s mansion…but will he regret listening to the pleas for reform from his new, show-purposes spouse (Muriel Angelus)? Preston Sturges’ directorial debut also netted him the Original Screenplay Oscar; Akim Tamiroff, Allyn Joslyn, William Demarest co-star.
Blu-ray extras include:
Brand New 4K Master
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan
Optional English Subtitles
Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
Theatrical Trailer
The Good Fairy (1935)
Wide-eyed Hungarian theater usherette Lu Ginglebusher (Margaret Sullavan) meets amorous meat-packing magnate Konrad (Frank Morgan) at a party. Uninterested in his romantic intentions, Lu forwards his many gifts to one poor soul, lawyer Max Sporum (Herbert Marshall), in exchange for his posing as her husband. Complications arise when Konrad hires Max, but only so he can send his competition off to South America! Romantic comedy also stars Alan Hale; directed by William Wyler.
Blu-ray extras include:
Brand New 4K Master
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Critic and Author Simon Abrams
Optional English Subtitles
Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
Theatrical Trailer
We encourage you to check out both of these items to see how Sturges’ work remains as vital now as it did all those decades ago.