Screen legends shine in dramas, comedies

No classics here, but all of these movies are new to DVD, and fans should be more than pleased.

CARY GRANT: SCREEN LEGEND COLLECTION (Universal, 1934-36, not rated, b/w, three discs, $29.98). These films represent some of the earliest appearances of Cary Grant, and while there's no "My Favorite Wife" here, fans will enjoy them — especially since all are making their home-video debut.

—"Thirty Day Princess" (1934) is a cute comedy with Grant as a newspaper publisher who falls for a foreign princess — only she's really an actress impersonating the princess (Sylvia Sydney plays both roles). Preston Sturges is one of the screenwriters.

—"Kiss and Make Up" (1934) is a bit sillier, a farce set in Paris about a beautician (Grant) who falls in love with one of his creations, then realizes he's made a mistake. Edward Everett Horton adds a few chuckles.

—"Wings in the Dark" (1935) is one of those far-fetched melodramas that were so prevalent in the Depression era, with Grant as a flyer who is blinded in an accident, and Myrna Loy as another flyer who feels responsible. The stars give this one a real boost.

—"Big Brown Eyes" (1936) is obviously inspired by "The Thin Man," but not close to it, as detective Grant and his manicurist girlfriend Joan Bennett trade quips while tracking jewel thieves. Walter Pidgeon, Lloyd Nolan.

—"Wedding Present" (1936) is one of many '30s newspaper flicks, with Grant and Bennett teamed again, this time as star reporters. The best chuckles come from Grant's efforts to win her back when she's betrothed to another.

BING CROSBY: SCREEN LEGEND COLLECTION (Universal, 1937-44, not rated, b/w, three discs, $29.98). These musical comedies, some quite funny, represent Crosby in the early days of his crooning stardom.

—"Waikiki Wedding" (1937) is a typical, charming Depression-era effort, as contest promoter Crosby tangles with a prize-winner (Shirley Ross) in Hawaii. Martha Raye's over-the-top comedy is a drawback; Anthony Quinn has a supporting role.

—"Double or Nothing" (1937) Four honest working-class stiffs (Crosby, Martha Raye, Andy Devine, William Frawley) are given $5,000, and the first to double it in 30 days may win millions in this farce. Home-video debut.

—"East Side of Heaven" (1939) is the fluffy story of a crooner who goes from job to job, eventually having to search for the parents of an abandoned baby. Joan Blondell, as his girl, is quite amusing. Home-video debut.