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The first time that I saw this movie I was totally mesmerized. The cinematography is magnificent. The musical score is stunning. The acting is brilliant. I have two copies on my shelf...just on the chance something happens to one of them. This is a great story that just fills the mind with the feeling of being visually rewarded. Anthony
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Poorly written script not consistent with the time period of story. Special effects were over done, leaving the viewer with a sense of wonder rather than authenticity. The story itself was badly flawed with all sorts of impossible and improbable scenarios. And last but not least, the main character did not age on the screen although decades passed by. Very romanticized sentimental soap opera without any redeming message although lame attempts were made.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is one of those movies that always seems to play on one of the obscure movie channels at 1:45AM or 6:00 on Monday morning. If you start to watch it, chances are you might change the channel. If you stick with it, you will really enjoy it. Tim Roth plays the lead role of, "Danny Boodman T.D. Lemons 1900"! "1900", as he is called was found on a Trans-Atlantic steamer shortly after arriving in New York on New Years day 1900; just another baby born on an immigrant ship and left behind because he has no papers. Danny Boodman, a engine room stoker is checking out the main ball room for any lost jewelery, money, or wallets. He finds a new-born baby and decides to keep him. Now, what should he name the baby? Why not Danny Boodman after himself? One of the other stokers suggests "1900" because he was found on 1/1/1900. Danny makes a cradle from a wooden box from "T.D. Lemons", and decides on "Danny Boodman T.D. Lemons 1900". Little 1900 grows up fast and Danny teaches him to read by reading the Horse Racing news in the Newspapers. When 1900 is about six, Danny is killed in a freak accident, and little 1900 grows up as the child of the ship's crew. Enchanted by the piano, 1900 teaches himself to play and soon becomes quite accomplished. The years continue to roll by, and 1900 still has never left the ship. He, officially, was never born or lived, and had no papers of any kind. The ship was his whole world. In 1946, Max Toomy is in London. He's broke, hungry, and down on his luck. He steps into a pawn shop to sell his trumpet. While receiving an offer of about $20 for his horn, he asks if he can play it one last time. The song that he plays sounds familiar to the old pawn broker, and he pulls out an old wax recording and plays it. It is the same song. Max is amazed, and starts to tell the story of the song. it seems that in 1928, Max signed onto "The Virginian" (1900's ship) where he met 1900. Max was a musician with 1900, who was this great pianist. They played together for years, and Max told the story of these years. One day, a girl, Melanie Thierry, came aboard and 1900 was so taken by her, that he made a wax recording on board ship; music so sensually personal, just for her, but was unable to give it to her. 1900 is in his 30's now, but never has left the ship. Almost convinced to leave, he walks down the gangway, but chickens out at the last minute and returns. Once along the way, news of 1900's piano fame reached famed Chicago pianist Jelly Roll Morton (Clarence Williams III), who books passage to challenge 1900 to a piano "duel". The duel is on and Jelly Roll is truly great, but 1900 proves to be the best, and Jelly Roll leaves like a whipped dog. Max soon left the ship. The old pawn broker then tells Max that the Virginian had been converted into a hospital ship for troops during the war, and was now being readied for demolition. Max wanders down to the dock where he sees the old ship one more time. They are loading tons of explosives on board, and he just knows that 1900 is still on board! Max convinces the demolition chief to reinspect the ship for 1900. Playing the old wax recording in the ship, Max finds 1900 but can't convince him to leave. Max sadly tells his friend good by. The ship is then towed out and blown up. This truly was an enjoyable film.Read full review
It is seldom that I double back on a movie more than once. In the case of "The Legend of 1900" I liked this film so much I bought a copy on line an put it on the shelf with others that I like to watch over and over. Movies such as: "Out of Africa"; "The Bridges of Madison County", "Treasure of Sierra Madre" etc. Then I made the mistake of loaning it out. It never returned and I forgot where it went. After lamenting its loss, I bit the bullet, reordered it on line, and put it on the favorites shelf where it shall stay this time. The movie has the whole package--story plot, philosophy, great acting, incredible music and wonderful cinimatography. As another reviewer wrote, suspend belief, lean back and enjoy the ride. I give this 5-star film an excellent rating without reservation.Read full review
By far one of my most favorite movies that I can watch many time over. If you enjoy none mainstream movies, music, create stories, with no big headliners; this is the movie for you. I happened across it and was delighted with the story. Great movie to watch alone or with a loved one. This movie will inspire you to find the genius that exists in all of us. Best way to watch this one is to lower your expectations and let this movie take you away. Although I suck at music and can't read a note, I really enjoyed the movie which is a movie with music and a genius. Nothing like Amadeus, to me that was hard to watch. Remember setup a mellow mood, lower your expectations, and let yourself go. Enjoy - Eric
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