Lost Horizon (1937)

James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon proposes a perfect hidden community within the uncharted Himalayas, a land where peace reigns and the inhabitants live for hundreds of years. So indelible is this mythical land that its name has entered the culture: Shangri-La. Director Frank Capra, riding high during his mid-'30s hot streak, spared no expense in creating Hilton's paradise onscreen, taxing the coffers of Columbia Pictures and the patience of mogul Harry Cohn. The results, however, are magical: shimmering, seductive, and maybe a bit foolish, truly the creation of an idealist (understandably, the spectacular art direction won an Oscar). And Capra's hero is an idealist, too. Ronald Colman, at his most marvelously elocutionary, plays a wise diplomat whose plane crashes in the snows of Tibet. He and the other survivors are guided to Shangri-La, where they wrestle with the invitation to stay. The young Jane Wyatt plays Colman's love interest, but leaving a more lasting impression are H.B. Warner, as the benevolent Chang, and Sam Jaffe, in great old-age makeup, as the wizened High Lama. This version has been restored as closely as possible to Capra's original cut; the film had circulated for many years in a trimmed form. Lost Horizon was remade, notoriously and hilariously, as a big-budget musical in 1973; it was a complete flop. --Robert Horton Amazon.com essential video

More truthful than you realize

I appreciate the movie much more after realizing that the Shangri La was based on an actual monastary and not limited to the author's imagination. There are some scenes and dialogue with the High Lama that are nothing less than profoundly spiritual. A great movie; enjoy. The 1973 version is also worthy, but nearly impossible to find. December 31, 2008

Lost Horizon

Lost Horizon is a great classic which brings hope to the world especially during these trying times. This classic is suitable for family viewing and presents a wonderful opportunity for family discussion. This is a must see for all ages. December 14, 2008

Memorable Movie

A movie that will always be remembered. Great for the whole family. Kids will be captivated. October 23, 2008

Fantasy about Asia

When Westerners were troubled by world war and the Depression, some of them found a utopia in Tibet /or China,or wherever eastern...all right..in this movie, Chinese living in inland region were a group of mob, and these Westerners were dying to flee to the "civilized" Shanghai. The Chinese pilot hijack the plane and eventually killed himself. In the utopia(Shangri-la) the Western group was eventally led into, Asians were a group of faceless labors who seemed to enjoy the actually despotic rule of the High Lama and his agent Mr.Chang. But above all, this Asian utopia was a highly westernized colony-- Architecture,room and table setting, candles, chairs, forks and knives, nude American woman swimming, english speaking everywhere...but Western men are almost all dressed in traditional Chinese costume! Is this a Western tourist group that enjoys vacation in a Western hotel located in Asia? Obviously the characters don't have to do any job there but can still have fun and free meal--certainly they start to like it there. It is said in the movie that people living there don't use money, but that doesn't mean that nobody has to work: think about those local labors. Perhaps I can't expect too much of a 1930's movie, but the film is indeed characterized by shallow cultural exoticism and orientalist imagination that will make every Chinese laugh. October 1, 2008

Golden Oldie

A great movie of yesteryear. While some of the video is missing none of the audio is so you can keep up with the plot. What is needed today is more movies like "Lost Horizon" and not the sex filled or gory movies of today. I have watched this movie a number of times and plan on watching it again. This is the only Ronald Coleman movie I have but will purchase more of his movies. August 31, 2008

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