Warner Archive Announces May Releases
HomeWarner Archive Announces May Releases
Posted April 7, 2026 10:17 PM by Webmaster
Warner Archive has announced its May batch of releases. They are: The 5-Man Army (1969), Follow Me Quietly (1949), 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964), It's a Wise Child (1931), Possessed (1931),
The Late Show (1977), Monogram Matinee Volume Three (1946-1949).
The 5-Man Army
Description: Where the army leads, action fans, especially Spaghetti Western fans- will want to follow. Set during the Mexican Revolution, The 5-Man Army is a niftily executed tale of mercenaries who, on behalf of rebel forces, take on a mission to rob a trainload of gold. Make that a suicide mission, because the train is heavily armored, armed with troops, cannons, and machine guns, and traveling a route guarded by more soldiers. Peter Graves, then known for his role as mastermind Jim Phelps on TV's Mission: Impossible, faces another odds-defying task as the Dutchman, leader of a handpicked commando squad consisting of a strongman, an explosives expert, a circus acrobat, and a Samurai swordsman. This cult-favorite film co-stars James Daly (Medical Center) and Spaghetti-Western favorite Bud Spencer (They Call Me Trinity), with a screenplay co-written by Dario Argento. Famed composer Ennio Morricone's throbbing score amplifies the on-screen action of this ready-to-be-rediscovered film that, wrote The New York Times' Vincent Canby is "for anybody who enjoys lean, taut suspense with no fiddling around." All aboard!
Special Features and Technical Specs:
Follow Me Quietly
Description: "This is the film that, above all, increased by knowledge of the trade. I learned how to organize a film." Director Richard Fleischer said about Follow Me Quietly. The filmmaker learned well: his subsequent career included the film noir gem The Narrow Margin, the family favorite 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Sci-Fi milestone Soylent Green. William Lundigan stars as a cop on the trail of an elusive serial killer who strikes when darkness and rain fall. Anthony Mann shares credit for the story, a tale similar to his work (uncredited) on the previous year's He Walked By Night. Slip into the shadows (cinematography by The Body Snatcher's Robert de Grasse creates a sinister mood). Embrace the night. Follow into classic noir!
Special Features and Technical Specs:
7 Faces of Dr. Lao
Description: Imagine a dusty Western town on a hot summer afternoon. Suddenly, a bearded man named Dr. Lao appears out of nowhere, perched atop a yellow mule, and prepared to change the town forever with his magical, mystical circus. So begins this enchanting fantasy adventure, starring Tony Randall in the most remarkable role of his career. Who is Dr. Lao and why has he ridden into Abalone to present his unique circus? Before the answers are revealed, the astonished townspeople are shown Dr. Lao's dazzling series of parables and visions. In make-up so extraordinary that it received a special Academy Award® (for M-G-M's legendary William Tuttle), the good doctor assumes different guises that range from the Abominable Snowman to Merlin the Magician. By the time he vanishes, people learn a lot about pride and self-resilience. Co-starring Barbara Eden and John Ericson, based on the popular novel by Charles G. Finney, and produced and directed by special effects wizard, the legendary George Pal.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
It's a Wise Child
Description: Marion Davies delivers one of her finest comedic performances in this smart, early-talkie farce that delights in mistaken impressions and social pretenses. When Joyce Stanton (Davies) becomes the unsuspecting subject of scandal after being wrongly assumed pregnant, she finds the gossip oddly useful – particularly as it helps her sidestep and unwanted marriage to a wealthy suitor. As whispers spread and assumptions multiply, Joyce allows the misunderstanding to play out, with increasingly comic results. Under Robert Z. Leonard's sharp direction, light on its feet and rich in its zesty pre-Code flavor, "It's a Wise Child" displays Marion Davies' impeccable timing and screen charm, offering a witty portrait of small-town morality turned upside down – and a reminder of why she ranked among Hollywood's most engaging stars. Out of general distribution for decades and never shown on television, the Warner Archive Collection is proud to bring this re-code rarity to Blu-ray, allowing classic film fans to add this rarity to their collections.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
Possessed
Description: It's Joan Crawford and Clark Gable, magnetically locked in a passionate affair- one rumored to be as real off-screen as on. In this pre-Code classic, Crawford plays an ambitious factory worker who dreams of satin gowns, diamonds and penthouse apartments. Gable is the man able to make her dream come true. An influential New York lawyer with political aspirations and an aversion to marriage, Gable gives her everything she desires, including a wedding ring. But there's a catch: the ring, and a fictitious married name, are merely designed to legitimize their affair. In reality, she's still a single woman open for disgrace. By 1931, Joan Crawford was already a veteran star, and she shows her mastery of the medium in every shot. The camera becomes a voyeur that studies her most vulnerable and private reactions, from the shy gutsiness of the factory girl to the poised elegance of the Park Avenue sophisticate. With its high style and snappy dialogue, "Possessed" gives Crawford a showcase for the character that made her a legend- the lone woman tough enough to live by her wits, but beautiful enough not to need them. Fun fact: "Possessed" has the distinction of being the title of TWO Joan Crawford features, with this 1931 M-G-M release being the first, while Warner Bros. used the title for a Crawford melodrama in 1947, both of which are now part of the Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray offerings.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
The Late Show
Description: Aging private eye Ira Wells (Academy-Award® winner* Art Carney) has agreed to help a Hollywood kook named Margo (Lily Tomlin) locate her missing cat. Little does he know he's got a tiger by the tail. Written and directed by three-time Oscar®-winner Robert Benton (Kramer vs. Kramer), The Late Show is a brilliant, funny, and gutsy proto-noir homage to '40s detective thrillers. Like his contemporaries Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade, gimpy-legged Ira's one of the great ones (Carney won the 1977 National Society of Film Critics Best Actor Award for his work here). When this film opened in February of 1977, New York Times critic Vincent Canby gave the film a rave review stating "The Late Show deserves to be the year's first unequivocal hit". Mr. Canby's prediction came true, as the film quickly became a favorite of both critics and audiences alike. Now, almost 50 years since its first premiere, "The Late Show" finally arrives on Blu-ray with a sparkling new presentation, derived from a 4K scan of the original camera negative.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
Monogram Matinee Volume Three
This third Warner Archive Collection presentation of Monogram Matinee features two films starring of one of the most beloved movie cowboys during the Golden Age of Hollywood: Johnny Mack Brown.
UNDER ARIZONA SKIES (1946)
This double feature begins with Johnny playing the role of Dusty Smith. Dusty is a friendly ranch hand who is confronted with a serious problem. Cattle are being stolen from the ranch with no clue as to why this is happening, or who is behind it. When Johnny confronts one of the cow-stealing rustlers, he kills him and is soon arrested for murder. Dusty's loyal pal Santa Fe Jones (played by the great Raymond Hatton, who was oft teamed with Johnny in many films) comes to the rescue and the pair secretly follow the rustlers in an action-packed adventure ably directed by Lambert Hillyer.
RANGE JUSTICE (1949
Johnny (whose character is flatly called Johnny Mack Brown) comes to the aid of "Ma" Curtis (Sarah Padden), whose ranch is under attack from villainous employees who plan to bilk "Ma" out of her property. Johnny uses his wiles and smarts to outwit the villains in this entertaining adventure directed by Ray Taylor.
Techncial Specs:
The 5-Man Army
Description: Where the army leads, action fans, especially Spaghetti Western fans- will want to follow. Set during the Mexican Revolution, The 5-Man Army is a niftily executed tale of mercenaries who, on behalf of rebel forces, take on a mission to rob a trainload of gold. Make that a suicide mission, because the train is heavily armored, armed with troops, cannons, and machine guns, and traveling a route guarded by more soldiers. Peter Graves, then known for his role as mastermind Jim Phelps on TV's Mission: Impossible, faces another odds-defying task as the Dutchman, leader of a handpicked commando squad consisting of a strongman, an explosives expert, a circus acrobat, and a Samurai swordsman. This cult-favorite film co-stars James Daly (Medical Center) and Spaghetti-Western favorite Bud Spencer (They Call Me Trinity), with a screenplay co-written by Dario Argento. Famed composer Ennio Morricone's throbbing score amplifies the on-screen action of this ready-to-be-rediscovered film that, wrote The New York Times' Vincent Canby is "for anybody who enjoys lean, taut suspense with no fiddling around." All aboard!
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- Theatrical Trailer
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
Follow Me Quietly
Description: "This is the film that, above all, increased by knowledge of the trade. I learned how to organize a film." Director Richard Fleischer said about Follow Me Quietly. The filmmaker learned well: his subsequent career included the film noir gem The Narrow Margin, the family favorite 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Sci-Fi milestone Soylent Green. William Lundigan stars as a cop on the trail of an elusive serial killer who strikes when darkness and rain fall. Anthony Mann shares credit for the story, a tale similar to his work (uncredited) on the previous year's He Walked By Night. Slip into the shadows (cinematography by The Body Snatcher's Robert de Grasse creates a sinister mood). Embrace the night. Follow into classic noir!
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- Crime Does Not Pay shorts:
- DARK SHADOWS (1944)
- THE LAST INSTALLMENT (1945)
- Theatrical Trailer
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
7 Faces of Dr. Lao
Description: Imagine a dusty Western town on a hot summer afternoon. Suddenly, a bearded man named Dr. Lao appears out of nowhere, perched atop a yellow mule, and prepared to change the town forever with his magical, mystical circus. So begins this enchanting fantasy adventure, starring Tony Randall in the most remarkable role of his career. Who is Dr. Lao and why has he ridden into Abalone to present his unique circus? Before the answers are revealed, the astonished townspeople are shown Dr. Lao's dazzling series of parables and visions. In make-up so extraordinary that it received a special Academy Award® (for M-G-M's legendary William Tuttle), the good doctor assumes different guises that range from the Abominable Snowman to Merlin the Magician. By the time he vanishes, people learn a lot about pride and self-resilience. Co-starring Barbara Eden and John Ericson, based on the popular novel by Charles G. Finney, and produced and directed by special effects wizard, the legendary George Pal.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- Vintage Featurette: KING OF THE DUPLICATORS
- Tom and Jerry cartoon THE CAT ABOVE AND THE MOUSE BELOW
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
It's a Wise Child
Description: Marion Davies delivers one of her finest comedic performances in this smart, early-talkie farce that delights in mistaken impressions and social pretenses. When Joyce Stanton (Davies) becomes the unsuspecting subject of scandal after being wrongly assumed pregnant, she finds the gossip oddly useful – particularly as it helps her sidestep and unwanted marriage to a wealthy suitor. As whispers spread and assumptions multiply, Joyce allows the misunderstanding to play out, with increasingly comic results. Under Robert Z. Leonard's sharp direction, light on its feet and rich in its zesty pre-Code flavor, "It's a Wise Child" displays Marion Davies' impeccable timing and screen charm, offering a witty portrait of small-town morality turned upside down – and a reminder of why she ranked among Hollywood's most engaging stars. Out of general distribution for decades and never shown on television, the Warner Archive Collection is proud to bring this re-code rarity to Blu-ray, allowing classic film fans to add this rarity to their collections.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE BEST PRESERVATION ELEMENTS
- Classic Cartoons:
- " Bosko's Fox Hunt"
- "Bosko's Soda Fountain"
- Classic M-G-M Shorts:
- "Crazy House"
- "The Rounder"
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
Possessed
Description: It's Joan Crawford and Clark Gable, magnetically locked in a passionate affair- one rumored to be as real off-screen as on. In this pre-Code classic, Crawford plays an ambitious factory worker who dreams of satin gowns, diamonds and penthouse apartments. Gable is the man able to make her dream come true. An influential New York lawyer with political aspirations and an aversion to marriage, Gable gives her everything she desires, including a wedding ring. But there's a catch: the ring, and a fictitious married name, are merely designed to legitimize their affair. In reality, she's still a single woman open for disgrace. By 1931, Joan Crawford was already a veteran star, and she shows her mastery of the medium in every shot. The camera becomes a voyeur that studies her most vulnerable and private reactions, from the shy gutsiness of the factory girl to the poised elegance of the Park Avenue sophisticate. With its high style and snappy dialogue, "Possessed" gives Crawford a showcase for the character that made her a legend- the lone woman tough enough to live by her wits, but beautiful enough not to need them. Fun fact: "Possessed" has the distinction of being the title of TWO Joan Crawford features, with this 1931 M-G-M release being the first, while Warner Bros. used the title for a Crawford melodrama in 1947, both of which are now part of the Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray offerings.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- MGM Dogville comedy short "LOVE-TAILS OF MORROCO"
- Classic cartoon "BOSKO THE DOUGHBOY"
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
The Late Show
Description: Aging private eye Ira Wells (Academy-Award® winner* Art Carney) has agreed to help a Hollywood kook named Margo (Lily Tomlin) locate her missing cat. Little does he know he's got a tiger by the tail. Written and directed by three-time Oscar®-winner Robert Benton (Kramer vs. Kramer), The Late Show is a brilliant, funny, and gutsy proto-noir homage to '40s detective thrillers. Like his contemporaries Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade, gimpy-legged Ira's one of the great ones (Carney won the 1977 National Society of Film Critics Best Actor Award for his work here). When this film opened in February of 1977, New York Times critic Vincent Canby gave the film a rave review stating "The Late Show deserves to be the year's first unequivocal hit". Mr. Canby's prediction came true, as the film quickly became a favorite of both critics and audiences alike. Now, almost 50 years since its first premiere, "The Late Show" finally arrives on Blu-ray with a sparkling new presentation, derived from a 4K scan of the original camera negative.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- Excerpt from "Dinah!" 1977 talk show with Lily Tomlin and Dinah Shore
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
Monogram Matinee Volume Three
This third Warner Archive Collection presentation of Monogram Matinee features two films starring of one of the most beloved movie cowboys during the Golden Age of Hollywood: Johnny Mack Brown.
UNDER ARIZONA SKIES (1946)
This double feature begins with Johnny playing the role of Dusty Smith. Dusty is a friendly ranch hand who is confronted with a serious problem. Cattle are being stolen from the ranch with no clue as to why this is happening, or who is behind it. When Johnny confronts one of the cow-stealing rustlers, he kills him and is soon arrested for murder. Dusty's loyal pal Santa Fe Jones (played by the great Raymond Hatton, who was oft teamed with Johnny in many films) comes to the rescue and the pair secretly follow the rustlers in an action-packed adventure ably directed by Lambert Hillyer.
RANGE JUSTICE (1949
Johnny (whose character is flatly called Johnny Mack Brown) comes to the aid of "Ma" Curtis (Sarah Padden), whose ranch is under attack from villainous employees who plan to bilk "Ma" out of her property. Johnny uses his wiles and smarts to outwit the villains in this entertaining adventure directed by Ray Taylor.
Techncial Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE BEST PRESERVATION ELEMENTS
- Optional English SDH subtitles for each feature
