Among some of the other highlights featured in Hollywood Screen Tests - Take One are Dustin Hoffman being given a "personality test" by casting directors; Ann-Margret's high energy audition for State Fair (no wonder they called her "the female Elvis"); Sean Connery's 1957 screen test for The Inn of the Sixth Happiness; Raquel Welch testing with James Coburn for Our Man Flint; Mia Farrow's tests for the TV series Peyton Place and The Sound of Music. In fact, a substantial portion of the DVD is devoted to the latter musical including screen tests for Christopher Plummer, voice double Marni Nixon, and the roles of the Von Trapp children.
The second DVD, Hollywood Screen Tests - Take Two, follows the same formula and contains some real gems: Bruce Lee demonstrating his martial arts skills for the camera; the 1949 screen test that helped launch Rock Hudson's career; a rare 1959 screen test of Rita Hayworth; Judy Garland's 1967 wardrobe test for Valley of the Dolls; Elliott Gould reading with potential co-stars for M*A*S*H. If you're a fan of the 1969 musical, Hello Dolly, you'll find almost a third of this DVD devoted to behind-the-scenes footage from that film including scenes with Barbra Streisand, Marianne McAndrew and dancer Danny Lockin.
Both Hollywood Screen Tests DVDs are given generous chaptering, allowing you to easily locate and view your favorite screen test. In a few weeks, we'll be covering another two volume 20th-Century-Fox compilation that was also featured on American Movie Classics - Hidden Hollywood. It focuses on deleted musical numbers and scenes from various Fox movies. For more information about Hollywood Screen Tests or other titles carried by Image Entertainment, visit the distributor's web site at Image Entertainment, Inc.. To purchase Hollywood Screen Tests, visit Movies Unlimited.
By Jeff Stafford
