The Cotton Club [DVD]

I never did quite understand the lukewarm reviews THE COTTON CLUB received from some critics. I have a hunch some just had to believe if the rather famed production problems became so popular then a good movie could not have been made.I, certainly, disagree. Francis Coppola's THE COTTON CLUB has just the right amount of originality (especially for ANOTHER "mob, gangster" movie...), combining history with some character-fiction to the story of the famous Harlem Night Club with a pipeline to Hollywood.A true visual entertainment (love scene with Richard Gere and Diane Lane comes to mind), with shadows and wall light, and window shades and whatever else(?) (does it matter) parading those artsy lines across faces and bodies.Richard Gere did impress some by playing his own cornet solos ... as well as piano (which he would also do in Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts 6 yrs later).Diane Lane was simply a 20 year-old vision in her own right (in 1984); and it is, certainly great to see/hear how so many were 'blown away' by Lonette Mckee's singing of "ILL Wind". Yes, amazing; an all-around great, visual stage sequence too.THE COTTON CLUB also has the luxury of displaying Gregory Hines in top form anytime he is tap dancing whether it's with his real brother (Maurice), with the rest of the "hoofers" at the hoofers Club or, of course, the stunning dance on stage to the ratatat-tat of machine gun fire. Man, How 'bout when he taps-slides down those 4-steps...! Smooooth as dancing silk.And I love how the Legend of 'a gun one night, it has been said, flew out the window of THE COTTON CLUB' -- is given an explanation.I almost can't explain how much I enjoyed seeing this, again, right down the musical number to close the proceedings with the fictional characters. It's so Hollywood. And very fun.THE COTTON CLUB has an important appearance by Charlie "Lucky" Luciano, as well as "Someone outta' pickle your brain...!" mad man Dutch Schultz (James Remar).Yes, there is your prerequisite mafia violence in this one too. The mob connection to THE COTTON CLUB is no musical joke.By the way I spent a good chunk of 26 bucks on this one and my case is completely in French (except cast and crew).Panoramique 1:85; 16:9 (widescreen) environ 2 heure 9 minute * Couleur (like I said, French).I don't mind that I can't really read movie's 'description'. Movie, itself, is in English (or French if you like) and is too good to miss (my opinion, yes).See this for mob street shootouts, Duke Ellington jazz, the show, the hoofers, and a 20's, 30's history of the COTTON CLUB itself.5 highly glossed, entertainment stars

The Cotton Club is not for everyone and despite the delight in perfection in every detail was never a box office success. You must love music, dance, costume, a set piece that is almost a parody of a time and place and a code of prejudice and fashion, yet everything comes together with exquisite precision at the hands of a master film-maker, and the final product is a museum piece: invaluable, incomparable, unique unto itself. Richard Gere plays his own cornet, Gregory Hines does his own choreography, John Barry produces a sublime score, and incorporates the music of the late twenties and early thirties, mostly Duke Ellington. This film is a gem, I never get enough of it, every time I see it there's something new to excite the eye, including Diane Lane, who is adorable, the darling little girl from "A Little Romance" all grown up and gorgeous, yet with the same sidelong glance, the same unassailable innocence. This just might be Francis Ford Coppola's finest film.

I have this movie recorded off the tv onto DVD. It's not the widescreen version so I have just ordered the widescreen DVD. The movie itself is one of my favorites. The music and dance sequences make up for the lapse of historical accuracy but it's a movie. I don't know what the controversy is all about or why it lost money when first released because it looks to be one of the better films produced at the time. Movies are made to entertain and this one does it. If you like the jazz age mixed with hoodlums and bootlegging, then this movie pretty accurately catches the period for what it was. The gangsters in the movie are loose characterizations of the real ones but they come across just as menacing if a little stupid. It's funny to see Fred Gwynn as the side kick to Owey Madden but then again, he played a heavy in the movie "Waterfront" in 1950. Great movie for those who like jazz and gangsters from the 20's and 30's.

"THE COTTON CLUB" is one GREAT FILM!I loved everything about it,the cast,(even Richard Gere),the history of Harlem,the history of the rackets,the sets,the music,the dancing,but I especially LOVED the fantastic LONETTE MCKEE,who dominated every scene she appeared in.What beauty,what singing and dancing talent,what great emotional range of love,hurt,and tenderness she displayed, in this highly underrated(by the critics)motion picture.I cannot understand why she hasn't become a major star.Hollywood is notorius for it miss handling of actress,especially ladies of color and I guess Lonette is suffering the same fate as Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge,among others suffered,but that was over sixty years ago,you would have though that things would have changed.Bob Hoskins,Fred Gwynne,James Remar,Gregory Hines(as a hoofer and Lonettes' love interest),and Nick Cage are among the actors that add to the flavor of "THE COTTON CLUB".The GREAT GWEN VERDON has little more than a cameo as Geres and Cages mother.Diane Lane didn't do anything for me,but she wasn't bad as Dutch Schultzs' mistress,who falls in love with Dixie Dwyer(Gere).But this Lonettes' show and SHE STEALS IT!!

Very well crafted film depicting the era of the 1920s, 1930s. Gere is tops. Don't buy the recent version edited by Coppola. His cuts really makes a what was an exciting film into a confusing mess.

Definitely a period piece, we found this movie very entertaining. There are multiple simultaneous stories & quite a large assembly of talented actors. Not exactly a "musical", the music is an important part of the movie as well. I've never been a big Richard Gere fan but I've got to admit he's not bad in this one. Nicholas Cage has never been an actor I've liked and this performance is no exception. The remaining big names may not have been big names at the time, but it's easy to see why they are today.

Cotton Club (DVD) is a marvellous, almost documentary, movie (1984) - about the legendary Cotton Club - with the music, dancing and life for black and white - among gangsters ! - in the 30's !The music played is new recordings of - and very true to - Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway - og the jazz-music at the time ! - Very well played and sometimes even better than the originals !!The music on the trumpet - by the principal character, (Richard Gere) - is a very good and true applause to the legendary trumpet-player Bix Beiderbecke ! - And some of the singing is applause to Ethel Waters !A masterpiece for jazz-musicians and a good "gangster-action-movie" !Mogens F. B.

Excellent movie especially with the many dance and song scenes.

tres bon films

It is still great movie,since I saw it more than 10 years ago.I recommend it. Five stars.What else to say?You watch it!