Trevor Willsmer 2007-06-08

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Gentleman Jim is another case of print the legend, with Errol Flynn playing the legendary boxer as a brash but charismatic social climber in a rollicking entertainment that barely stops for breath. It's as pointless looking for historical accuracy here as it is in Flynn's The Charge of the Light Brigade - this is sheer hokum with all the stops pulled out, filmed on a surprisingly lavish scale and given a real sense of energy by Raoul Walsh's vivid direction. Flynn is still at the height of his powers (you'd never guess he suffered a mild heart attack during the production), with Alexis Smith a beautiful romantic sparring partner and perpetual sidekick Alan Hale along for good measure, this time as Flynn's father (Jack Carson takes sidekick duties this time). Indeed, even the pirate galleon from Flynn's earlier movies makes a somewhat out-of-place cameo in a dockside bout! The 103 minutes just breeze by.

Warners' Region 1 NTSC DVD boasts a fine black and white transfer with a good selection of extras - a radio adaptation, original trailer, cartoon Foney Fables and two sports shorts (one featuring Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman!).

Veronique Guemise 2007-05-03

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This film ranks not just among the best films of Errol Flynn, not just among the ranks of greatest ever sporting biopics, but quite simply among the ranks of all time greatest ever films. The picture quality is pristine. Once again Warners have done a fantastic job restoring the film.

Most people looking at this review will be familiar with the film, its great boxing scenes, good comedy moments, and exceptional performances from every member of the cast. So I will concerntrate on the extras;

Radio show of Gentleman Jim
Excellent addition of an audio only radio show starring Errol Flynn. A must for any Flynn fan

Sports short
Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman going around the golf links with the player with the worlds longest drive and the world golf trick shot champion. Actually it is a lot of fun, even for someone that isn't a fan of golf or Reagan.

Classic Cartoon
Foney Fables, typical Warner spin on the old fables. But still a nice addition to the Warner night at the Movies, and a cartoon that you will watch again.

Trailers for...
Gentleman Jim. Good to see, and if you compare the picture with the restored film you can see what an incredible job Warners did cleaning it up
The Male Animal
a 1942 film starring Olivia de Havilland and Henry Fonda.

Vintage Newsreel
Featuring Joe Louis training for a fight he was "going to win for the army" and a seperate section featuring a boxing tournament between the UK and USA troops

A short called "The Right Timing"
Starts by saying how important timing is in sport then goes on to say that this timing can be transferred onto the battle field. Almost has to be seen to be believed.

Overall a great package and a must have for all Flynn fans. But I will say that even the casual film fan will find a lot in this film to like. A true classic, and a great testament to Flynn as an actor.