‘The Iron Mistress’ Blu-ray Review (Warner Archive)
Stars: Alan Ladd, Virginia Mayo, Joseph Calleia, Phyllis Kirk, Alf Kjellin, Douglas Dick, Anthony Caruso, Nedrick Young | Written by James R. Webb, Paul Wellman | Directed by George Douglas
In this generation, when most people hear the name “Bowie,” they think of David Bowie. But long before him, there was Jim Bowie – an American military officer and frontiersman who met his end at the legendary Battle of the Alamo. Back in 1952, Alan Ladd stepped into the role to portray the early life of Bowie in the biographical film The Iron Mistress. Now, Warner Archive Collection has restored the film and released it on Blu-ray for the very first time.
Homespun Bayou lad Jim Bowie (Alan Ladd) is learning the courtly ways of 1825 southern society. He’s wearing only the finest suits and cravats. Proving himself in business and at the gaming table. And should the occasion call for it, he keeps handy the specially made blade — tempered with meteorite steel — that would make his name forever a part of American lore.
Director George Douglas brings the early years of Jim Bowie to the screen, though this is very much a Hollywood interpretation rather than a strict biopic. The Iron Mistress leans more toward sweeping melodrama than historical record, with events, characters, and relationships heavily fictionalised or exaggerated for dramatic effect.
That said, Alan Ladd makes for a convincing and charismatic Bowie, while the talents of Virginia Mayo (The Best Years of Our Lives) and Phyllis Kirk (House of Wax) are on full and impressive display. Even if this is more romanticised storytelling than true biography, The Iron Mistress remains an engaging and thoroughly entertaining piece of cinema.
Warner Archive Collection have transferred The Iron Mistress to Blu-ray in 1080p, presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. There are English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Warner Archive Collection didn’t just throw this film on a Blu-ray… no way. They lovingly restored the film – the colour palette of this Technicolor feature is simply gorgeous. The picture is crisp, clean and pristine, with no signs of print damage, and the audio is clear as a bell! In addition to a wonderfully restored picture. Warner Archive added some cool bonus features to this Blu-ray release. Take a look at what is included:
Special Features:
- WB Cartoons
- Cracked Quack (1952) Daffy Duck takes shelter from a blizzard in the home of Porky Pig.
- Hare Lift (1952) Bank robber Yosemite Sam forces Bugs to fly the largest airplane in the world.
- Original Theatrical Trailer
The classic Warner Bros. cartoons featuring Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig and Yosemite Sam are always a welcome inclusion on these Blu-ray releases. That said, I can’t help wishing there were more bonus features overall, as a richer set of extras would have made this edition even stronger.
**** 4/5
Even though it may not be historically accurate, The Iron Mistress is wonderfully entertaining, and the film looks and sounds spectacular in HD. So head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
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