The Nancy Drew: Original Mystery Movie Collection (DVD, 2007, 2-Disc Set)

Carolyn Keene (a pseudonym for many writers) had a francise on a teenage detective in the 30's that became a beloved series of books for many a young girl. Warner Brothers, hoping to cash on the popularity of the novels filmed 4 movies starring Bonita Granville. Granville was known for playing mean or "brat" roles and the Drew series broke her typecasting in Hollywood. These movies may appear a bit "cutesy" to some, but Drew embodied the all American girl of her era. The movies portray an intelligent teenager with a clever knack for solving mysteries. They are at times very funny and manage to maintain suspense making this another great entry into the genre of the era. The studio hoped to continue this series, but Granville was growing up and wanted roles more suited to her age. She eventually went onto produce the famous LASSIE TV series in the 50's.

NANCY DREW DETECTIVE: the first in the series involves a dowager who promises $250,000 to Drew's school then mysteriously disappears.

NANCY DREW REPORTER: has the teen sleuth struggling to work for the city paper and clear a woman she believes is not guilty of murdering her benefactor.

NANCY DREW TROUBLESHOOTER: Helps to clear a farmer of of murder.

NANCY DREW & THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE: deals with a creepy old mansion and helping two old ladies in trouble (a notorious mobster). This one manages to add some chills to the story.

These are only plot teasers in the hopes the reader will watch this series. It is up to par with all the famous detectives of the era. Don't settle for the remakes or the dismal TV series. This is the original Nancy Drew that all nostalgia buffs will find a "winner". It's in Drew's words "24 80" (referring to WPA wages at the time).

Well worth a watch.

Nancy Drew fans will love this dvd. It contains 4 original 1930's movies that continue the saga of Nancy's detective work. Adults, children, and teens in our home all enjoyed the dvd since it not only involves the classic Nancy stories, but also offers a glimpse into the fashions, social life, and language of teens from an earlier period. Highly recommend!

This classic Nancy Drew series is wonderfully entertaining and witty, appropriate for any audience. Bonita Granville's protrayal of the teen sleuth is sharp, intelligent and funny. Most refreshing is that these youth are portrayed as vibrant thinking individuals, not defiant, disrespectful over-sexed smart-elecks. The same supporting cast returns throughout the series as well. I purchased this DVD mainly for my 9 year old daughter. We had caught the very end of a Nancy Drew movie on television and wanted to see it in its entirety. Although these movies were made almost 70 years, this is timeless entertainment for all ages. Money well spent.

This is an excellent collection of old Nancy Drew movies from back in the 1930's thta will bring back memories for older folks & create NEW ones for younger folks.
Lots of exciting twists & turns through the four movies found on this collection. I'd give it four thumbs up! You'll enjoy it!

Have viewed all four movies. Quality is great. I show old movies every month at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum. Next month I will show Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase.