The Brass Bottle

"Jeanie" meets the "Genie"
Before Barbara Eden played a Genie on the home screen, she played the fiance of a man (Tony Randall) who had a Genie. This film is a lot of fun to watch. The Genie (played by Burl Ives) tries everything to please his master, but to no avail. All of his good works turn into problems. This is a light-hearted comedy which should be reproduced for public viewing. We all need a laugh now and then (especially now!). And this film will fill the bill. Encourage the video and DVD makers to bring back "The Brass Bottle".

A light, amusing, and charming movie
This movie was originally released in 1964, in the days when Universal was still producing this light, colorful fare that was filmed entirely on their backlot. It has the look and feel of a first-rate TV sitcom of the period, but I kind of like that. Burl Ives plays a genie who creates havoc for architect Tony Randall. Barbara Eden, at her most beautiful, is Mr. Randall's girlfriend. If you like "I Dream of Jeannie" or "Bewitched" you'll like this.

Thoroughly enjoyable, Very Tony
As Bewitched, and other excellent TV shows from the 60s get remade, it's about time people start to look at what was the genesis of these great shows.
First and foremost, you can sit down and enjoy the show. Randall, Ives, and the young Eden, all team up to produce some great moments. The court room scenes being some great fare.
As basic as the FX are, they are subtle, and work well.
I recall watching this movie many times on afternoon movie matinees on TV, and it was always one to watch and enjoy, just as some of the Ray Harryhausen works were always ones to sneak up in the middle of the night, and watch with the volume low.

Hopefully the studios will see these great films as candidates for full restoration, either THX, or taking the audio from basic stereo to good surround sound ( augment if they must), but at least give us these great films with as many extras as possible; and most definitely in the original aspect ratio.

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