Death Takes a Holiday

In this offbeat fantasy-romance, the basis for 1998's "Meet Joe Black," the Grim Reaper grows tired of his "job" and comes down to Earth, taking the form of a handsome prince, to learn why humans fear him. Complications arise when "Prince Sirki" falls in love with one of his fellow guests at an Italian villa. Fredric March is mesmerizing in the title role; with Evelyn Venable, Guy Standing, Henry Travers, Gail Patrick. 79 min. Standard; Soundtrack; English; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; theatrical trailer.