Hollywood Screen Tests: Take 1 On DVD

The greatest stars in Hollywood all got their start somewhere, and now, straight from the studio vaults, you can see your favorite actors like never before! Witness the discovery of raw talent as these matinee idols in the making appear in front of the cameras for the first time, offering an amazing demonstration of the studio system at its height. If you thought the movies themselves were amazing, wait until you see how it first came together in these entertaining, enlightening looks at Hollywood legends in the making! Includes: Mia Farrow's screen test for the role of Liesl von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" and her screen test for "Peyton Place," a role she went on to win; newcomer Ann-Margret's 1961 personality test and her screen tests for "State Fair" in which her unmistakable sex appeal won her the role of Emily; Patty Duke's screen test for "Valley of the Dolls" in which she shattered her good girl persona and proved she was capable of a wider range of roles; Raquel Welch's screen test with James Coburn for "Our Man Flint;" Sean Connery's 1957 screen test for "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness;" Marlon Brando in his test for "Viva Zapata!" in 1952; Dustin Hoffman's personality test and stock test in 1966; screen tests to cast the "Batman" duo with Adam West testing with Burt Ward and Lyle Waggoner testing with Peter Deyell; director Robert Wise's marathon search for the children in "The Sound of Music," including the screen tests of Angela Cartwright, Kim Darby and Tish Sterling; rare soundtrack of Christopher Plummer singing "Edelweiss" in "The Sound of Music" as well as the final film version, with vocals by Bill Lee.