julian_craster

Hammer musical shorts now on DVD.....

A new R2 UK DVD release....
Alma Cogan - Her Fabulous Story
Odeon Entertainment
Code: ODNM009
Available to buy or rent from www.amazon.co.uk and other UK sources


Included on this Region 2 DVD as bonus extras are the two complete 30 minute all music revue films which Alma Cogan appeared in for Hammer films in the mid-1950's with Eric Winstone's orchestra - Filmed at ABPC Studios, Elstree in Eastman Colour and CinemaScope and were originally presented in stereophonic sound in London's West End (I wonder if the stereo sound survives on the DVD....)
It is not often than one can view a whole hour of non-stop musical entertainment from the mid-1950s, in colour and widescreen ....!

It would be nice to see the two Hammer Cyril Stapleton films (with vocalists Joan Regan, Lita Roza and Ray Burns and pianist Bill McGuffie) released as well.......



The two films are:
Eric Winstone's Band Show (1955, 28 mins)
Eric Winstone's band, Alma Cogan, Kenny Baker (trumpet), George Mitchell Singers.

and

Eric Winstone's Stagecoach (1956, 30mins)
Eric Winstone's Band, Alma Cogan, Marion Ryan, Ray Ellington Quartet.


Alma Cogan was one of the brightest stars of music and television
during the 1950's. Her glamour and dresses were legendary, capturing the
desire of a nation to escape from the austerity of post-war Britain. She was
the most successful female recording star of the decade with hits such as
Dreamboat, Bell Bottom Blues, Twenty Tiny Fingers and I Can't Tell a Waltz
from a Tango. Her personal life was just as glamorous with celebrity gossip
columns following her every relationship with stars such as Cary Grant. For
the very first time, this programme has uncovered and re-mastered full live
performances of Alma at the pinnacle of her career in colour! In addition,
there is also a new documentary charting the story of her life, career,
famous parties and romances. This is Alma Cogan's Fabulous Story!

Performances and music include - These Foolish Things; Dream Boat;
Little Jacket of Blue; I Got Rhythm; Sycamore Tree; We'll all go Riding on a
Rainbow; Got an Idea; and others.

Also included on the DVD as bonus extras are the two complete films
which Alma starred in for Hammer films in the mid-1950's with Eric Winstone's
orchestra - Band Show and Stagecoach.

Alma Cogan - Her Fabulous Story from Odeon Entertainment



The same DVD company [Odeon Entertainment] has also issued a 3 DVD set of
'Northern Comedies' - rare 1940s films from the Mancunian Studios
with musical performances from Josef Locke and Tessie O'Shea. which
may be interest ....

Lord Brett

This next comment might be better placed on the long-running Sexiest British Actresses thread, but...

Alma Cogan - Phooar!

She always did it for me (as it were. Sadly, our timelines didn't cross).

Merton Park

She was great. There was a recent tribute on TV, forgotten the name of the series, but the one on Alma Cogan was very enjoyable. Sadly missed.

Brief Encounter

'Legends' was the name, on BBC4. Alma Cogan is one of my favourites.

But on the subject of Hammer musical shorts, there are others, which I hope will also be released on DVD soon!