James Stewart: TCM Greatest Classic Legends

Having paid homage to Cary Grant with a new DVD collection, Turner Classic Movies is giving the nod to one of Grant's Hollywood rivals, James Stewart. While Grant was the consummate, worldly playboy, Stewart was pure, home-grown Americana. Both ascended rapidly to stardom in the 1930's, and enjoyed lengthy, active careers in film. And, like Grant, Jimmy Stewart seldom disappointed.

Four films from different phases of Stewart's output have been culled for the Greatest Classic Legends Film Collection: James Stewart. Though all the titles are worthwhile, the highlight of the set is unquestionably Ernst Lubitsch's enchanting 1940 comedy "The Shop Around the Corner." Plucky Margaret Sullivan is the ideal foil for Stewart, the pair portraying bickering coworkers who are, simultaneously, amorous pen-pals. The film was remade as both a Hollywood and Broadway musical. Yet the original movie is incomparable. The print is excellent, and the DVD is generously supplemented with extra features.

Produced 20 years later, "The FBI Story" benefits from Mervyn Leroy's solid direction. The often tense crime drama has Stewart as an FBI agent who, through a series of flashbacks, recounts his major cases. A fine supporting cast, and handsome Technicolor, widescreen photography contribute to the film's impact.

The Stewart box is filled out by two biopics. The first is the so-so, 1949 black-and-white "Stratton Story," in which Jimmy plays Monty Stratton, the baseball great who persevered and continued to play, in spite of losing a leg. Reliable June Allyson plays his faithful wife. Yet, the better of the two biographies is "The Spirit of St. Louis," with Stewart as Charles Lindbergh. The 1957 film chronicles the events leading up to Lindbergh's trans-Atlantic flight. It has the advantages of rich WarnerColor and the superior script and direction of Billy Wilder.

Like the actor to which it pays tribute, the new James Stewart DVD Collection will not fail to entertain.

TCM Greatest Classic Legends Film Collection: James Stewart
DVD
$21.99
www.TCM.com