VCI: Noir and Westerns in March

What: Darn Good Westerns, Vol. 1
When: March 31st
Studio: VCI
Price: Retail $29.99, Our: $19.99
Titles:
Hellgate (1952), Fangs of the Wild (1954), Train to Tombstone (1950), Panhandle (1948), Operation Haylift (1950) & Wildfire: The Story of a Horse (1945)
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What: Film Noir Double Feature, Vol. 3
When: March 31st
Studio: VCI
Price: Retail $19.99, Our: $14.99
Titles:
The Amazing Mr. X (1948) & Reign of Terror (1949, 88 min.)
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VCI is keeping a good pace this year with two more announcements both scheduled for release on March 31st. The first is a new line of Westerns called Darn Good Westerns, Vol. 1. Like their recent sets that contain triple features, this 2 disc set will also have triple features on each disc with a solid A and two B's.

The titles are: Hellgate (1952), Fangs of the Wild (1954), Train to Tombstone (1950), Panhandle (1948), Operation Haylift (1950) & Wildfire: The Story of a Horse (1945). Some of the stars include Joan Leslie, Sterling Hayden, Ward Bond, James Arness, Don 'Red' Barry, Rod Cameron, Ann Rutherford, Joe Sawyer, Charles Chaplin Jr., Onslow Stevens, Tom Neal, Bob Steele & Sterling Holloway. All six are making their DVD debut. Retail $29.99, Our: $19.99.

Also out on the same day is Film Noir Double Feature, Vol. 3 (4 1/2 years after Vol. 2). Containing two titles that have had PD releases [The Amazing Mr. X (1948) & Reign of Terror (1949)], this single disc double feature is sure to contain the best looking prints available, and each film has commentaries to boot! Retail $19.99, Our: $14.99. Details below.



Darn Good Westerns, Vol. 1

DISC 1:

Hellgate (1952, 87 min.)
This post-Civil War yarn was adapted from the story of Dr. Mudd, the physician who attended John Wilkes Booth, assassin of President Lincoln. In 1867 Kansas, veterinarian Sterling Hayden treats an injured stranger who turns out to have been a guerrilla raider--and Hayden soon finds himself serving a term in one of the world's most terrifying prisons under sadistic commandant Ward Bond.

Fangs of the Wild
(1954, 71 min.)
A boy who has frequently cried "Wolf!" now cries "Murder!"--and this time he's telling the truth. But because of his fib-filled history, when he claims to have seen hunter Charles Chaplin Jr. shoot and kill a fellow hunter, no one will believe the lad. No one, that is...except Chaplin. Beautiful Big Bear scenery co-stars in this suspenseful drama.

Train to Tombstone (1950, 56 min.)
There are roaring wheels and roaring thrills as the Tombstone train crosses "unfriendly Indian" territory with the usual offbeat assortment of passengers (a la Stagecoach), among them a "law officer" (Robert Lowery) who is actually a crook with his eye on the train's government gold shipment. Can passenger Donald Barry be trusted, or is he yet another outlaw?

BONUS FEATURES:
  • Original Theatrical Trailers
  • Video Short: "Hold 'Em Cowboy"
DISC 2:

Panhandle (1948, 85 min.)
John Sands (Rod Cameron), a reformed gunman, now a storekeeper in a Mexican border town, again straps on gun belt and six-shooters to find the killer of his brother. Fists and bullets fly when he finds that he must contend not only with badmen, but with lawmen who remember his outlaw past. Shot amidst rugged Lone Pine, California scenery, and co-written and co-produced by future Hollywood legend Blake Edwards—who also plays the role of a baby-faced killer!

Operation Haylift (1950, 74 min.)
The infamous 1949 real-life blizzards that threatened Nevada cattle herds are recreated in this drama with Bill Williams and Ann Rutherford as ranchers imperiled by the snows until the U.S. Air Force organizes "Operation Haylift." Co-written by Joe Sawyer, one of the leading players, and made with USAF cooperation (and film footage of the actual operation).

Wildfire: The Story of a Horse (1945, 58 min.)

BONUS FEATURES:
  • Rare Photos of the Actual "Operation Haylift"
  • Video Feature: Born in Freedom: The Story of Colonel Drake.

Film Noir Double Feature, Vol. 3

The Amazing Mr. X (1948, 77 min.)
Mystery, romance and warm drama – a charlatan, portrayed by Turhan Bey, poses as a spiritualistic medium to manipulate his chief victim portrayed by Lynn Bari. The victim’s sister (Cathy O’Donnell) suspicious of Bey, sets out to prove him a fraud – until she falls in love with him. Bey is so influenced by Miss O’Donnell that he decides to give up his fraudulent ways. But, it may be too late! Blackmail may be the undoing of the charlatan turned repentant.

Reign of Terror A.K.A The Black Book (1949, 88 min.)
France 1794 – a taut, fast paced adventure set during the French Revolution that plays more like a gritty Film Noir thriller; courtesy of auteur director Anthony Mann and cameraman extraordinaire John Alton, plus an expert cast led by Robert Cummings who turns in a surprisingly tough performance and the most lovely Arlene Dahl.

BONUS FEATURES:
  • The Amazing Mr. X Commentary by Jay Fenton
  • Reign of Terror Commentary by Alan Rode
  • Photo Poster Gallery
  • Trailes

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