The mid 1950’s were an interesting time in America. Television was wholesome, music was wholesome and movies were essentially Technicolor tributes to innocence. While Marlon Brando’s 1953 appearance in the Wild One and James Dean’s Rebel Without A Cause (1954) put a dent in America’s innocence, it was Elvis Presley, who burst on the scene in 1956, who changed things forever, with his salacious dance movies and silky vocals. With teen girls swooning over Presley and young men eager to imitate him, concerned parents were anxious for someone to combat the rising menace of Rock ‘N’ Roll. Help came in the person of Pat Boone. With his clean cut personality smooth vocals and boy next door looks, was considered a safe alternative to Elvis and the black R&B artist that were becoming popular at the time, a career in the movies was only natural.

A musical remake of Home in Indiana (1944), April Love was the perfect film for Boone. He plays ‘troubled’ youth Nick Conover busted in Chicago for joyriding in a stolen car. With his license suspended, Nick’s been sent to work for his Uncle Jed (Arthur O’Connell) and Aunt Henrietta (Jeanette Nolan), on their scenic farm in Kentucky. Aunt Henrietta is more than happy to open her home to the young man, but Jed isn’t so sure. Having lost their only son in Korea, Jed can’t stomach the thought of a young man simply throwing his life away, breaking the law. Jed initially treats Nick badly—although he’s the kindest juvenile delinquent you’ll ever meet—but Henrietta helps broker a peace.

Early on, Nick meets rich neighbor girl Liz Templeton (Shirley Jones), whose family owns an impressive spread and stable of horses. Despite Liz’s obvious advances toward Nick, he’s initially attracted to her older sister Fran (Dolores Michaels) and her fast, red sports car. At the same time, Nick begins to impress Jed by fixing his tractor and whipping an old heap into shape. He also appears to be a natural around a stallion once thought to wild to tame. With that, Jed takes Nick under his wing. Excited for the first time in years, Jed puts everything into training Nick to be a jockey in the town’s annual sulky horse racing championship. The event represents rebirth of sorts for both Jed and Nick, as Jed is finally coming out of a longstanding depression over the loss of his son and Nick is able to prove his worth to society.

April Love is wholesome and uplifting, just the kind of thing you would expect Pat Boone to headline. Nick may have stolen a car, but he repeatedly makes it clear that they intended to return it after taking a ride. Jed and Nick fight a bit, but it’s clear from the start that Nick doesn’t have an unpleasant bone in his body. In line with Boone’s well known Christian beliefs, he and Shirley Jones carry on one of the sweetest but chaste love affairs seen in a Hollywood musical with every possible chance at a kiss interrupted by something.

While most of the musical numbers in April Love are decidedly forgettable, the title song written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster, sung by Boone, became a million-selling hit weeks before the film even opened and was nominated for an Academy Award.

This fully restored 2.35:1 1080p Cinemascope presentation is absolutely beautiful. Colors absolutely pop throughout and sharpness is excellent, apart from one or two long shots. Skin tones do look a tad brownish at times, but are far from distracting. Black levels are well balanced and contrast is consistent throughout. There are no digital anomalies to mention. Fans should be extremely pleased with this transfer.

The accompanying DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track is top notch, offering a nice sense of space and tremendous atmospherics. The track really shows off its abilities during the drag races, anytime a car roars and the horse races. During quieter scenes, the dialogue is allowed to take center stage, while ambient sounds are moved nicely to the rears. When musical numbers come into play, sound moves to the center speaker. This presentation has been very well mixed and there are no age related defects to speak of.

There are no subtitles included.

The following extras are available;

  • Audio Commentary with Actress Shirley Jones and Film Historian Nick Redman: The always lively Jones shares lots of fun an interesting information about the shooting of the film, as well as some tidbits about her career.
  • Original Trailer: (SD 2:32) This letterboxed 4×3 framed trailer will help you appreciate the restoration work that went into the main feature.
  • Six-Page Booklet: A nice selection of color stills, original poster art on the back cover, and film historian Julie Kirgo’s intelligent essay on the film.

 

There are only 3,000 copies of this Blu-ray available. Those interested should go to www.screenarchives.com to see if product is still in stock. Information about the movie can also be found via Facebook at www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies.