Gene's Boychoir Movies
Page 2
Click on pictures to play or download video files!
"Carols From Prague"
Can you imagine the thrill of singing with Placido Domingo and Ileana Cotrubas-- and for the President of your host country--at Christmas-- in a republic which has just chased out the Communists?
That is what the boys and men of the Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Choir experienced as they sang at St. Jacob's Church in Prague, then Czechoslovakia, on December 23, 1990.
The Oxford group is featured in one selection by itself, under the direction of Stephen Darlington, and in others with just the orchestra. There is also singing outside the church by a mixed choir of young voices from the local area.
The video clip at left is of the choir and orchestra performing Handel's "Unto Us A Child Is Born" from MESSIAH-- introduced with a scripture reading by Jeremy Irons. This Real Video file will require a longer download because it has been published at 80 Kbps.
AT PRESENT, THIS VIDEO IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN PAL FORMAT. It may be ordered from The Video Shop at a cost of 10.99 pounds, plus shipping. The video has been shown on the A & E Network in the U.S. but it is doubtful that it will be repeated because of the "dated" political commentary included in the video. Length: 3:45
"Empire of the Sun"
This is Steven Spielberg's film about eleven-year-old Jim Graham, who sings at a British school in Shanghai and is somewhat bored with "The Good Life"-- until he is separated from his parents when the Japanese invade on December 8, 1941.
Christian Bale does not do his own singing. (The real soloist is James Rainbird, and "Suo Gan" is performed by The Ambrosian Junior Choir, directed by John McCarthy.) But Bale displays profound ranges of emotion, and through his eyes we see both the fascination and the horror of war. If you have not seen Empire of the Sun, you must.
Watch the picture from the Saturday Evening Post as it travels with Jim through his ordeals! Have you ever had a time in your life when you finally "lost it", as Jim did when the P-51 fighters attacked the Japanese camp? -- If you have seen the movie, did you know right away what the "bright light" was which seemed to go up from the woman's body? What DID it mean when Jim was trying to bring his young Japanese friend back to life-- and suddenly he seemed to be doing CPR on himself? -- Be sure to let the video run until it fades to black-- so you can hear the wonderful theme chorus ("Exsultate Justi") by John Williams! 153 minutes-- still available at video stores and original soundtrack CD also available. Length: 3:21
"The Choir" Shown in the United States as a multi-night mini-series, "The Choir" introduced the world to the vocal talent of one young Anthony Way!
The British cathedral's budget is in trouble, likewise the church's choir. To save the choir, the young Henry Ashworth's talents are put to work in recording a CD which becomes an instant hit across the country.
As best I can tell, the Dean is just plain unhappy with life, but especially unhappy when anyone does anything without his specific approval. To get even, he has the headmaster's house sold.
Meanwhile, young Henry's mother falls out-of-love with young Henry's father and begins an affair with Henry's choir director. Poor Henry gets a new director and we assume-- a new life. God knows he deserves one. My favorite line from the Dean's wife: "I wish I had never heard of the wretched choir!" Anthony Way is superb in voice and acting. This production is now available on DVD at Amazon, UK for £14.99 with free delivery in the UK! NOTE: This is a PAL format set-- Those living in "NTSC Land" will need a multi-format player! Length: 2:35
"An Orphan Boy of Vienna" This movie will be of interest mainly to boy choir historians and serious collectors. It was produced in 1936 by a company operating in Vienna and Amsterdam.
Toni, who does not remember his dead mother, gets kicked-out by his wicked step-father. He is rescued by Joseph Blueml, a street musician who has previously lived alone in an old Vienna shack. Herr Blueml quickly recognizes Toni's talent for singing, and sneaks him into the Vienna Choir Boys' institute. (See picture above-- Toni is the boy without a white shirt.)
The film follows Toni as he is placed in Choir #3 and strives to fit in with boys who have biological parents. Sister Maria becomes both a 'mother figure' and a temporary problem for him-- when he is accused of stealing a 1000 AS note. There are majestic scenes in the Austrian mountains where the boys have a summer camp. The choir sings and travels in their blue sailor suits, very similar to today's uniform.
In our video clip, a high official suddenly appears on the playground, and the boys are quickly gathered to sing for him. Toni 'blends in' with the boys and is 'discovered' not only being there but singing well. Difficult to believe that Toni already knew this song? Sure-- but remember this was 1936. The print is in fair condition, considering that it is now 64 years old. The subtitles are in white, making them difficult to read at times. As I watched these boys I could not help but wonder if some of them wound up in German armies after Hitler absorbed Austria a few years later.
As of 12/14/06 this movie was available on NTSC DVD at International Historic Films for $24.95 plus shipping. Length: 87 minutes.
