This double feature is worth
"This double feature is worth the buy just for the Candidate, and its cast including Ted Knight, June Wilkinson, and Mamie Van Doren. I enjoyed them quite a bit."
Details
Sold Out / OOP
THE CANDIDATE stars Mamie Van Doren and June Wilkinson in a salacious political satire involving the sexcapades of an up and coming politician (Ted Knight). Set over the course of one night in New York, JOHNNY GUNMAN is a lost late period noir following a tense battle between two mob boss hopefuls.
Both films have been restored in 2k from 35mm elements and are coming to home video for the first time!
THE CANDIDATE
1964 | 84 minutes | B&W | 1.85:1
JOHNNY GUNMAN
1957 | 67 minutes | B&W | 1.33:1
Directors: Art Ford, Robert Angus
Actors (combined): Eric Mason, Martin E. Brooks, Ted Knight, Ann Donaldson, June Wilkinson, Mamie Van Doren
- Dual Layer DVD-9 | Region Free | 1.33:1 & 1.85:1 | MONO
- Scanned and restored in 2k from 35mm elements
- Reversible cover for JOHNNY GUNMAN
Overall rating: 4.0416665 / 5 from 24 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Summary topics
Review topics: ["looks","features","movie","film","restoration","cast","gem","satire","commentary","message"].
Review highlights
Reviews
A candidate for a great picture!
"Vinegar Syndrome's DVD release of "The Candidate" showcases a meticulous restoration that breathes new life into this politically charged thriller, making it look better than ever. The film's sharp visuals and clean audio highlight its intense narrative and strong performances. The inclusion of insightful commentary tracks adds depth and context, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the film's themes and production. Overall, this release is a standout, offering both high-quality presentation and enriching supplemental content for fans and collectors."
Doing nesessary
"They had their own agenda"
A Sexacapade and Mob Boss Movie
"A fun time"
Hard-boiled and Shiny
"Vs presents a pair of black & white features that purport to give insight into the underside of politics (The Candidate) and NYC gangs (Johnny Gunman). In the first film, a Senator is ruined after falling for a girl with a sordid past, and in the second, a gangster softens to the charms of a midwestern wannabe writer, but finds that he can’t escape the destiny his choices have led him to. Both hard-boiled dramas showcase a solid cast and both are impeccably restored to look astounding — I was even surprised to find out that Stanley Cortez (Magnificent Ambersons) was the cinematographer for the Candidate. Not for everyone, but worth a look."
Candidate/Johnny Gunman
"Cool movies. A pretty barebones release. I got this cheap when they were clearing out the DVDs."
Excellent release and restorations.
"Excellent release and restorations."
The Candidate: Even Mamie Van
"The Candidate: Even Mamie Van Doren and her amazing 3-foot-high hairpieces can’t save this from being a turgid political melodrama. Johnny Gunmen- A true hidden noir gem from a first-and-only-time writer/director. Engaging, beautiful photography and a naturalistic approach that was ahead of its time."
Totally Forgettable Double Feature. Literally.
"I have to be brutally honest here: I absolutely watched both of these films back to back soon after I purchased the disc, but for the life of me, I barely remember ANYTHING about either film. And being completely forgettable has to be perhaps the worst fate of any film. Reading the quick VS blurb on its website, the films are vaguely familiar, and I definitely remember the Gunman story. That said, I cannot recommend this set to anyone other than VS completists, but the set is OOP at the time I penned this review."
Two for one
"Johnny gunman was a pleasant surprise. The Canditade was ok."