The Mississippi Gambler

THE MISSISSIPPI GAMBLER (1953) is in beautiful Technicolor with extravagant sets, lavish costumes, charming music, expert fencing, a steamy dance, and the presence of Paul Cavanagh in what may be his best film role. The picture quality on the Kino Lorber release is nothing short of fantastic and, in my mind, comes closest to what I saw on the big screen in the1950's. During my teens I argued “little hot pepper pot” Angelique would not be the right woman for a man like Mark Fallon. And even now--so many years later-- I still maintain Ann would likely have brought him peace and certainly fewer headaches.

Spoiler alert.... Great except for sweet Ann Conant left at the end alone and broke.

great item

On a riverboat trip down the Mississippi river, an honest gambler (Tyrone Power) runs afoul of a no good, spoiled scoundrel (John Baer) from a respected New Orleans family and his haughty Southern belle sister (Piper Laurie) with whom Power falls in love. His love and hate relationship with these two will bring tragedy to all of them. This entertaining piece of diversion directed by Rudolph Mate (WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE) makes for a perfect lazy Sunday afternoon matinee (which is how I saw it). Movies like this don't hold up under much scrutiny but then again, they were never intended to. The handsome Power makes for a dashing riverboat gambler and Laurie looks ravishing in her Bill Thomas period costumes. Still, it's one of those films where the good girl (Julie Adams) has ten times the worth of the bratty one (Laurie) and one is frustrated when Power can't see it as Adams nobly and patiently stands by his side and waits. The lively score is by Frank Skinner (ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS). With Gwen Verdon (in black-face yet doing a voodoo dance with a chicken that would have PETA up in arms if made today), Anita Ekberg, John McIntire, Dennis Weaver, Ron Randell, William Reynolds, Guy Williams and Hugh Beaumont.The Universal DVD from Spain utilizes a transfer that's on the soft side but still eminently watchable.

Like the story line and cast

I have looked for this movie for many years. As shown, it is part of the Universal Vault Series. The movie is crisp and clear with vivid colors and good sound. Tyrone Power was great as the gambler who is determined to succeed as an honest gambler in his own casino. Most of the action takes place in New Orleans. This guarantees lots of women in ball gowns, men in tophats and tails. Of course the is plenty of fighting, double dealing and skullduggery. The movie has two actress that love Power in Piper Laurie and Julia Adams. Throw in the recognizable character actors of the day and you have a great little piece of entertainment. Will the bad guys get Tyrone's fortune? Who will betray him? Which woman does he end up with? Watch the show and be entertained.

this is one of the best movies you can purchase they don't come like this anymore tyrone power is great in the part as a gambler on the ferry , it as a very good story and will watch over and over again it is that good i have now watched it time and time again and will do so for many years to come its a good movie and one of the best you will like it and i do recommend it so go ahead and buy it the music score is lovely to listen to through from start to finish along with some fine actors of years ago. if you like old movies then i do say buy it. the colour is also very good

Just wasn't as good as the ratings it received.

As I watched this film I couldn't help but feel as if there was a bigger epic trying to get out. A novel by Elliot Arnold or Helga Moray for example. Having said that this is still a pretty "big" film. The sets are gorgeous and the matte and location photography is excellent. The 4.3 ratio print from UNIVERSAL VAULT SERIES is excellent too. All bright clear colours and good sound. Power is still looking good if perhaps just 5 or 6 years too old for the character he is playing, but still convincing in his fight and love scenes. He plays Matt Fallon a Riverboat gambler who rises up in society in New Orleans and falls in love with Piper Laurie (in truth I am not sure why). Also involved is Julia Adams in an early role (and much worthier of Power's attentions), and John McIntyre in a good role. Directed by Rudolph Mate I can truthfully say..."They don;'t make em like this anymore!" Recomended to fans of Power/Laurie/Adams and Universal films

Fantastic

as expected

I had been looking for this movies on DVD for a long time. Sadly, it would not play on any of my devices and I had to send it back.

Mississippi Gambler is a colourful time waster, with an engaging cast, headed by a well cast Tyrone Power as a gentleman gambler who wants to play an honest game. Naturally he meets a lot of less-than-honest types. Piper Laurie as a fiery southern belle and Julie Adams as the sister of a man who kills himself after losing at cards to Power are the two women in his life. The film is undemanding dramatically, starting quite promisingly, perhaps starting to run out of steam a little only towards the end.I think that Ty Power fans will probably enjoy it.The DVD itself is a pretty solid colour transfer, quite satisfactory, for the most part.