Looking lithe and lean, and more handsome than should be allowed by law, Errol Flynn was never better suited to a role than the legendary boxer James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett. Indeed, this rousing screen biography captures the essence of two colorful personalities – Flynn and Corbett – at the height of their careers. Set primarily against the backdrop of the 1880’s San Francisco, the film follows Corbett’s rise from bank clerk to world champion. With his lightning quick punches and dance-like footwork, the glib, cocky Irishman revolutionized the heretofore illegal prizefighting game, elevating it from the bare knuckle brawling to the sport of skill it is today. An excellent supporting cast of Warner Bros. favorites features the lovely Alexis Smith, the always hearty Alan Hale, and the irresistible bluster of Ward Bond, whose unforgettable portrayal of the great John L Sullivan will touch your heart. For Flynn at his best and an arousing, sometimes wistful look back at professional boxing early days, Gentleman Jim ranks as one of the finest of many biographical classics to come out of the golden age at Warner Bros.
For thoughts on Gentleman Jim, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/EebQYEN6tQ8?si=amRrVeb5qg3ORX_E&t=905]
Video Quality
Warner Archive presents Gentleman Jim for the first time on Blu-Ray with a 1080p transfer sourced from a 4K scan of the Original Nitrate Camera Negative. The care put in by the label is unparalleled as you delight in the visual brilliance of the film. Print damage has been completely eliminated as you avoid nicks, scratches, and flicker. This black-and-white feature achieves perfectly resolved natural film grain throughout which provides a terrific amount of detail to the image. The clothing and production design is replete with complex textures on display. The presentation allows for a significant amount of depth in every setting with no evidence of any black crush. Warner Archive is truly outstanding in every regard.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray release comes with a newly restored DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that handles this material without a hiccup. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear throughout the duration with no trace of hiss or distortion. The environmental effects and the music are perfectly balanced so that the dialogue never gets overwhelmed. There are no signs of damage or age-related wear and tear to the track. The score comes through with consistent fidelity without any source issues due to its age. This audio presentation is a knockout. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles available on the disc.
Special Features
- The Dover Boy: A nine-minute Merrie Melodies animated short is provided in which three brothers save a special lady from their archenemy. This is provided in gorgeous HD.
- Foney Fables: An eight-minute Merrie Melodies animated short is provided which puts a twist on some classic fairytales including Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk. This is provided in gorgeous HD.
- Hobby Horse-Laffs: A nearly seven-minute Looney Tunes black-and-white animated short is provided in which you humorously learn about some hobbies of various individuals. This is provided in gorgeous HD.
- Screen Guild Radio Broadcast: A 30-minute radio adaptation of the story is provided which has most of the film performers reprising their roles.
- Original Theatrical Trailer: The two-minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Gentleman Jim is a great change of pace for Errol Flynn as he gives up swashbuckling tales for something a bit more modern within the ring. The action on display is fine for the time but where Flynn shines is outside of the match. The interpersonal drama keeps you invested in Jim’s journey backed by a first-rate ensemble. We love to see Flynn do something a bit different. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring a fabulous A/V presentation and a strong collection of special features. Any Errol Flynn fan will welcome this in their collection. Recommended
Gentleman Jim can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
