Reviews (223)

The Citizen Kane of musicals
So many films in my collection are "important", "serious", "disturbing", or "great", and as much as I treasure them (films like Citizen Kane, Vertigo, and Ran), there is only so much self-importance a person can take before the pores fairly scream out for something just plain fun; something slight, buoyant, silly, and full of energy. Singin' in the Rain is just that kind of movie. The funny part is, I generally HATE musicals!

In 1951, Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen took a collection of songs by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown and - assisted by a pitch-perfect screenplay from the writing team of Adolph Green and Betty Comden - sculpted one of the great classic fusions of popular cinematic art and precision dance craft. It is the Citizen Kane of musicals: a virtual catalog of musical film technique, executed flawlessly.

But that alone would not be enough to separate Singin' in the Rain from the kind of musical I can't stand (which is to say, just about every other musical ever made). No, what makes this one special is that it knows what it is and celebrates it. It never for a moment asks you to forget you're watching a movie and then grinds to a screeching halt for the musical number. Instead, it deconstructs itself before your very eyes (and ears) as a razor-sharp, self-aware satire of the movie industry - as well as a joyous expression of the pure ecstasy of great song and dance. In that sense, it is one of the few so-called musicals that actually achieves a genuine symbiosis of drama, music, and kinetic performance art.

If all this sounds rather gushing and pretentious, so be it. This is great film-making. It is Rolex Oyster Perpetual film-making. This DVD edition sparkles with ultra-saturated colors, digitally remixed Dolby 5.1 sound, and some terrific extras (even if you're not particularly into musicals).

My favorite sequence is the eerily fluid dance work between Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse against a Dali-esque background near the end of the film. Charisse is spellbinding as she trails a gravity-defying veil that must be 30 feet long. It hangs in the air, suspended by wind machines as she uses her extraordinary dance skill (and fantastic legs) to affect a wordless seduction of Kelly's naive, love-struck hero. Great stuff.

Even if you don't think of yourself as the "musical type", give Singin' in the Rain a try. After all that heavy, bitter, existential cinema, it makes one helluva fine dessert.

THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSICAL
Once upon a time there was a place called HOLLYWOOD. It wasn't just a town or even an industry, it was a state of mind. They didn't call the studios Dream Factories for nothing. This film is the epitome of the musical art and craft. This is a real "Movie Movie," made entirely on the MGM lot. The real creme de la creme of MGM contributed to it's creation; produced by Arthur Freed, starring Gene Kelly (with a brilliant turn by the dazzling ,long-legged Cyd Charisse), contract players like Debbie Reynolds and Kathleen Freeman (still going strong, currently appearing on Broadway in "The Full Monty") with costumes by my favorite designer Walter Plunkett (Gone With The Wind, 7 Brides For 7 Brothers, etc). Check out the sumptuous designs for the "Beautiful Girls" number and the outrageous spider dress at the opening night party. The real lowdown is that Jean Hagen and Donald O'Connor practically steal the show from the leads in possibly the best performances of their careers. This film is pure joy. The script by Comden and Green is not only clever but actually goofs on a real period of transition of the American film from silent to talkie.It is also a brilliant job of recycling a trunkload of old songs. This happy film has the courage to do what American musicals and comedies do best: be silly and make you forget you troubles for an hour and a half. Next time you are in bed with the flu or trying to get over a miserable love affair, take a look at Singing In The Rain. It can't help but curl up the corners of your mouth and drive the clouds away.

Wonderful Musical with Terrific Dancing -- a Trifle Dated
"Singin' in the Rain" is the definitive Hollywood musical, and charms and delights our 21st century audiences despite the (very few) characteristics of the genre that don't hold up quite so well.

There are so many high points to this movie -- the amazing cast, the songs, the choreography, and, most surprisingly, the satirical send-up of Hollywood and the "star system."

The plot is well-known. Silent film star couple, Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly, who also co-directed with Stanley Donen) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are America's sweethearts. At a Hollywood premiere of their latest romance, breathless fans ignore sidekick Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor, in perhaps the best sidekick performance in film history) and scream in delight as Lockwood and Lamont pander to their adoration. Nobody, however, seems to notice that the gorgeous Lamont never speaks . . .

Her imposed silence Lamont has a voice that recalls a cat with its tail caught in a wringer, although Lamont is such a "dumb blonde" (bless Hagen -- nobody ever played this stereotype better!) that she is blissfully unaware of her screech. No matter, 'cause it's the silent film era, right? Wrong! Progress brings in "The Jazz Singer" and the era of "talkies." No longer will clever staging of press events suffice.

Soon, Don Lockwood is staring career meltdown in the face as the first Lockwood-Lamont "talkie" sends the audience into hysterics. Not only is Lamont's screech audibly offensive, they can't keep the sound synchronized to the film, and the sound editing even when in synch is as amateurish as a high-school film production.

What to do? Fortunately, Lockwood had fallen for young, beautiful Kathy Selden (a teenage Debbie Reynolds), a starlet in the making. Cosmo comes up with the idea of dubbing Selden's voice for Lamont's, and all is fixed . . . or not. Lamont, an imbecile but smart enough to know her value, insists on ruining Selden's career to preserve her own . . . and so on and so forth.

The plot, ingenious as it is, is really secondary. The main delight in this movie is the amazing dancin' and singin' that the performers offer up. While most of it is pretty silly, campy stuff (particularly the Kelly-O'Connor set pieces), they simply dazzle. Kelly is the most robust, athletic dancer of his generation, and O'Connor, well, the man doesn't have a bone in his body. While the movie's most famous scene comes from Kelly splashing in puddles during the title track, the most amazing dance number has to be O'Connor's comic flailings in "Make 'Em Laugh," where he runs up walls, flirts with a mannequin, and generally pulls out all stops.

Debbie Reynolds does a magnificent job keeping up with these two giants, and is generally a pleasure to watch, even though she's clearly outclassed as a hoofer.

While some great old films seem to get better with age (think "Casablanca," "Gone With the Wind," and "Citizen Kane"), "Singin' in the Rain" is an American classic that does not hold up quite so well in some minor respects. For example, when breaking into choreographed step, Kelly, O'Connor, and Reynolds sometimes appear too rigid, with smiles frozen on their faces, which is incongruous to those raised on more modern musicals like "Moulin Rouge," where the dancers take a more naturalistic, emotional approach to their dancing. The dancing in "Singin'" holds up, but the performers were constrained by the expectations of their audiences, which somehow demanded that the performers "look pleasant" while dancing.

Still, "Singin' in the Rain" remains one of the best tonics to a foul mood ever . . . I defy you to watch this movie and not feel a smile creeping over your face.

The Best Musical Comedy Ever Produced!
I fell in love with this film when I was seven years old; I watched it on a B&W television on "The Early Show" in NY (circa 1957 or 1958). I didn't know who any of the stars were - it didn't matter. It was magic to me. From the Hollywood opening (dignity, always dignity), the romp of the elocution lessons (Moses supposes his toes are roses!), and the trial and mostly error of trying to record the sound ("I can't make love to a BUSH!") when the gorgeous leading lady has a voice that rivals nails on a blackboard, all the way to the grown man dancing in the rain and the final rising curtain - pure magic. In glorious black and white - at the time, I didn't even know it HAD colour! I decided then and there, this was my absolute all-time favourite movie. (One of the highlights of my adult life was seeing this wonder on a full, big screen at a revival in the 1970s.) I have seen many films since then; I have reviewed them for friends & family, written reviews for a monthly entertainment publication. I have an extensive collection of my own (VHS & DVD). I know a lot more about films and production values now.

"Singin'in the Rain" remains my all-time favourite film. (No surprise, this.) It's not just another one of "those MGM musicals." It was released in 1952. Dated stuff? Not a bit. Unlike the marvelous "An American in Paris," which was done as a contemporary film to its time, "Singin' in the Rain" is a period film, and it's based in fact.

This film (which started out to be a western for Howard Keel) takes a fond and loving look at the birthpains of the sound film (the "talkies). Set in 1927, with authentic equipment from MGM's own history (Debbie Reynolds drives Andy Hardy's old jalopy, the microphones are real), it details the frantic efforts to get on the sound bandwagon - no one was completely sure of the new technology. What makes the plot classic is the basis in fact. Many silent stars had totally unacceptable voices or speech (too nasal, unintelligible foreign accents, too high, too low, etc.) for sound production. The songs used were true to the period.

Then we have the performers. Jean Hagen was nominated for an Academy Award for her role of Lina Lamont. The character (whose voice you don't hear for the first 10+ minutes of the film, although she's on-screen) is a one-of-a-kind. [Side note: the voice dubbing Lina's line is actually Hagen's normal voice, not that of Debbie Reynold's Kathy Selden.] Reynolds does an admirable job - it couldn't have been easy keeping up with her two male co-stars. It's still a joy to see Donald O'Connor's "Make 'em Laugh," and wonderful to see Gene Kelly teamed with a good male partner for "Fit as a Fiddle" and "Moses". Gene Kelly is, and always shall be, the best and this was done at his peak.

Of course, for anyone who has been living in the back of a cave under a rock (or too young to appreciate it), the title number is a delight. It looks like one continuous take, it is so smooth. This was not the first appearance of the song, but it's the one we all remember. The sheer exuberance of Kelly's performance carries us right along with him.

The extras with this set are valued items for anyone like me who is interested in the backstory of the era and this film in particular. And don't fuss for a widescreen version. This is the way it was. And now it always will be.

Thoroughly entertaining musical
I have to say first of all that I am *not* at all a fan of musicals (or comedies for that matter) - I am a drama fan. I have seen a few musicals here and there over the years and tried to like them - such as 1964's "My Fair Lady" and 1961's "West Side Story." I liked both of them *somewhat,* but not too much - because I have always strongly preferred films that are realistic --> in real life, people don't burst into song when they are in one particular circumstance or another. Yet, I couldn't help enjoying myself with a smile on my face as I watched this film that landed so high (#10) on AFI's list of the top 100 American films of all time. Donald O'Connor, in particular, as Cosmo, was so perfectly cast in his role. The film was at times hilarious and at times wonderfully romantic. I definitely would recommend everyone to try this film out. B+. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Originally developed as an epic called Kingdom of the Sun, The Emperor's New Groove lost scale and most of Sting's song score (some of which can be heard on the soundtrack) on its way to the screen. The end result is the lightest Disney film in many a moon, a joyous romp akin to Aladdin in its quotient of laughs for kids and adults. The original story centers on the spoiled teenage emperor Kuzco (David Spade), who enjoys getting the best of his Aztecan subjects. When he fires Yzma (Eartha Kitt), his evil sorceress, she seeks revenge and turns Kuzco into a llama with the help of her hunk of the month, a lunk named Kronk (Patrick Warburton). Alone in the jungle, the talking llama is befriended by Pacha (John Goodman), who has just been told to vacate his pastoral home by the human Kuzco. What's an ego to do? That's pretty much the story and the characters--simple, direct, fun--a Disney film on a diet. For any fan of the acidic humor of Spade, this is essential viewing. As narrator of his tale, Kuzco uses a sarcastic tone to keep the story jumping with plenty of fun asides (he even "stops" the film at one point to make sure you know the story is about him). Even better is character actor Warburton (Elaine's stuck-up boyfriend on Seinfeld), who steals every scene as the dim-witted, but oh-so-likable Kronk. There's even a delicious Tom Jones number that starts the film off with a bang. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (234)

The Emperor's New Groove--A Groovy Movie!
The Emperor's New Groove is a very interesting movie. Viewers will have a comical experience, typical of Disney movies. The animation of this movie is also excellent, showing details that really make the movie shine. The music is wonderful, contributing to an overall outstanding movie.

This movie is fun for all ages, clean for a child safe movie and comical enough for the adults. Join the arrogant Kuzco as he learns a lesson in hospitality, he won't soon forget. Prepare to meet Pacho, the villager who unwittingly will teach him that lesson, and a score of other interesting characters. This movie had my interest from start to finish.

The Ultimate Groove has special features like you wouldn't believe. Did you ever wonder how a Disney movie was made, or what goes on behind the scenes? Prepare to have these questions and more answered as Director and Producer take you behind the scene, on your choice of tours. Play a game, and help Kuzco get to the castle, but beware. Danger lurks right behind you.

This game was fun, but not that fun. I would not spend too much time on it. Overall, I vote for the Ultimate Groove for the backstage tours and commentary. If this does not sound like your interest, the normal version is an absolute must.

Just shy of a five-llama rating
I avoided seeing this movie in theaters, due in large part to the television and print ads which made the film seem dumb and uninteresting. I bought the DVD largely because it was a special edition and I want to encourage Disney to make more. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the film was a pretty straight comedy buddy picture which didn't get bogged down in obligitory romances or other typical plot devices. It's not really one of my favorite animated films, but it's fun and I like it.

This is a pretty good special edition, though it lacks that bit of extra oomph that would have made it a great one. The bonus material gives viewers a pretty good overview of the film's production, including some nice bits of rough animation of the major characters. The commentary, while lacking the guys-sitting-around-talking-about-their-movie-and-having-fun informality of something like "A Bug's Life", is infortmative without being boring. I guess my main gripe with this DVD is the lack of real information about the "Kingdom of the Sun" version of the film. I realize that Disney wasn't really happy with the way that was going and would probably rather forget it. But a synopsis of the original plot would have been interesting, even if it only shows why that version was scrapped. Overall, this is a nice DVD that will please fans of the film and provide some interest for the animation buffs.

Awesome movie!
My kids watch this one all the time. My youngest just loves it, she laughs through the whole movie (and so do!) David Spade is hilarious as Kuzko the self obsorbed Prince turned Llama, and John Goodman plays a heartwarming Pacha, the peasent who's home Kuzko wants to destroy to make his dream vacation spot.

Two thumbs way up!

Talk about baseball instead
This movie stars David Spade as a "llama." Who cares about a llama? Well, he does not start out as one. The movie is about an emperor who gets a spell cast on him. This movie is lame.

Ho-hum Disney Flick
The Emperor's New Groove never gets your pulse up. You never care about any of the characters. It would have been ok as a Saturday morning cartoon special, but is unworthy of the title "Disney Animated Feature." David Spade stars as an Inca king who is turned into a llama to teach him a lesson on kindness. John Goodman voices his best friend. The villian looks like an anorexic Cruella DeVille with disgusting spidery eyelashes.

Endless babbling and anachronistic cultural references made me weary. I was glad when it was over. I know that the destruction of the Inca civilization at the hands of the Spanish conquistadors was one of history's greatest tragedies. But if I were Pizzarro, and the Incas were this annoying, I would have annihilated them, too! I recommend Disney's 2003 "Brother Bear" instead, as a wonderful film for both kids and adults. ... Read more

Reviews (1112)

Not very original
I seriously think that if this movie did not star the voices of Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow, Mike Myers, and Cameron Diaz, it would have only about a quarter of the popularity and hype it does have. This is because, while Shrek is very funny and enjoyable, the storyline is weak. In fact, it's extremely predictable. Before half the movie was over I had it figured out that Princess Fiona turns into an ogre after sunset, and I'm sure that everyone, before even seeing the film, knew she and Shrek would end up together. OK, here's the story: Shrek, shunned for his ugliness, lives on his lonely swamp, and is befriended by a very funny but also very annoying talking donkey. Lord Farquaad banishes all fairy tale characters from his kingdom and onto Shrek's swamp. Shrek goes to him to straighten it out, and is sent on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, whom Farquaad needs to marry to be titled King. Of course, on the way back to the castle, Fiona and Shrek fall in love, and the rest is like, "Well, duh!" We learn that when Fiona was young, a witch cast a spell on her to turn into an ogre every night. We never find out why, which I consider one of the major flaws with this plot. I mean, come on, witches don't just go turning people into nocturnal ogres for no apparent reason! Also, she says to Donkey that she can't stay with Shrek because princesses are supposed to be beautiful. This doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Shrek is ALWAYS ugly. He can't be picky. He would still probably love her even if he knew her secret. I guess what the princess said is plausible, when you consider that she wants to marry Farquaad because he's her true love and that would break the spell, but I really don't know. She's never even seen this guy, shouldn't she be able to tell he's not gonna be her true love? Anyway, as far as humor, voice talent, and music go, Shrek is a great movie. But those wanting a really original plot that makes sense from almost any viewpoint may be disappointed. It's not especially creative. The DVD extras, I should add, are good, particularly the technical goofs. In the great Shrek VS Monsters, Inc war, I would definitely say that while I enjoyed both movies, Monsters is better.

An Excellent Animated Treat
Adults will enjoy this movie with it's vast array of stars. With humorous performances by Mike Myers as the voice of Shrek, Eddie Murphy as The Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, John Lithgow as Lord Farquad and the supporting cast of "Fairy Tale Things" this movie was truly a funny movie. It begins with the introduction of Shrek, an enormous green ogre who lives alone in a swamp. Then through a twist of fate, Eddie Murphy as the hilarious talking donkey enters Shrek's life as his un-invited companion. Shrek then finds his swamp bombarded with "Fairy Tale Things", including a decapitated Gingerbread Man as well as the Three Blind Mice and Three Little Pigs and hundreds of other creatures who were forced onto Shrek's property by the evil Lord Farquad. Shrek then begins a journey to see Lord Farquad to remove the creatures from his property, who sends him on a journey to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from the fiery dragon to be his bride so that he may become King. The action is non-stop as are the laughs in this movie. The ending has the usual twist with hilarious outakes and a kareoke scene by all the characters at the end. Overall, this film is a must-see for children and adults alike.

im makin' waffels
why the hell does everyone say that??
good movie dont see shrek 2 looks dumb

shrek is cool
shrek is a funny movie. the funniest thing in this movie is shrek's friend {or not} that he meets in his swamp{were shrek lives}. once i saw this movie i was hoping there would be a shrek 2 and now there is. in shrek farquad the very evil and short king sends shrek on a quest to find princess fiona a princess trapped in a castle with a fire breathing dragon gaurding her. shrek saves her and has to go bak i would tell more of this movie but i would give away the fun of it

Really apart of what you've seen
This is a must-see. And it's not a easy way to define this film. This is for everyone, no matter of your sex, your age, your attitude to fairy tales, to cartoons or to music. "Shrek" has it to surprise and to enjoy each and everyone of your family or even none of your relatives.

It is easy to see with every kind of company. It's sweet, it's bitter. It's plenty of laugh and plenty of love. Music is really a big part of the film and every tune is perfect. I don't know of anybody who dislike this film. Extremely enjoyable. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Made two years afterCitizen Kane, this 1943 version of Charlotte Brontë'sJane Eyre sure looks like star Orson Welles muscled his way behind the camera much of the time. (In fact, costar Joan Fontaine--who plays the title character--has maintained that Welles methodically did just that every day on the set.) Not that the film's official director was a hack: Robert Stevenson, who later had a busy career at Disney making numerous live-action hits for the studio, such asMary Poppins, gets the credit. But there's no mistaking Welles's masterful hand in the film's bold and creative look, and there's no getting away from his enigmatic charisma as Rochester, the widower who takes in Jane as a governess to his daughter. An engrossing, gorgeous film, there's even a small role for Elizabeth Taylor at the beginning as Jane's unlucky, doomed friend at a cruel boarding school.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Dark Romance
Joan Fontaine stars as Charlotte Bronte's title character, a governess who began her life as an unloved orphan, raised at a brutal school, now living on an estate run by the mysterious Orson Welles. Lots of things go bump in the night at Thornfield, one of the many strange things about her new home. Welles dominates the film, with a forceful, blunt performance as Rochester, the man with the terrible past. Fontaine is subdued and quietly strong as Jane. The rest of the cast don't get much of a chance to shine with Welles in the film, although Peggy Ann Garner as the young Jane is quite memorable. The look of the film is often amazing. Dark shadows and fog are used to great effect, and there is an unreal quality to it all that matches the story well. When I read the novel in university, I enjoyed it for all of its gothic touches and mysterious tone. Although the film does not follow the novel's storyline exactly, it does maintain that Gothic feel. This film is yet another example why black and white filmmaking can be so effective.

Love is a mystery
Charlotte Bronte's story of an unwanted orphan child growing up in a cold strict school for orphans in 17th century England is beautifully told in the 1943 motion picture Jane Eyre, directed by Robert Stevenson and released by twentieth century fox this grossly under rated movie starting Orson Wells as the dark mysterious Edward Rochester, Joan Fontaine as the plain adult Jane Eyre who becomes a governess for Mr. Rochester's charge Adele. This movie is for anyone who fells like true love is a lost cause, which has had a bad childhood and thinks no one could ever love him or her.
Peggy Ann Garner plays the young Jane Eyre, who was not wanted by her late uncle's wife and children after the lost of her parents. She had never had a friend or family. While she was at the school she met Helen who was played by no other then twelve year old Elizabeth Taylor.
This movie makes you feel for Jane on a personal level. Mr. Rochester and Jane falls in love, but they both had troubled past. Jane had issues with her Aunt. Mr. Rochester has is own in demons in the attic. Jane being heart broken left the old Mysterious English Manor to face her past. When she received word that a tragedy has stricken the Rochester manor.

Good 1940's movie but laughable adaptation of the book
Of all the cinematic Rochesters I've seen, Orson Welles most closely resembles him. But that's where the similarity between the book and this movie end: Welles' performance is a string of screaming fits, nothing like the multi-faceted character of the book.

Joan Fontaine is completely wrong for the part; she's absolutely gorgeous. She makes up for this fact by keeping her head down and shoulder's hunched forward, so we all know that she's plain and humble. Sorry Joan! It doesn't work! You still look gorgeous and completely wrong for the part. Furthermore, Jane wasn't beaten down psychologically, as she is portrayed in this film; considering all of her negative circumstances, she should have been, but she was always able to maintain her steely self-respect. Joan Fontain looks absolutely crushed throughout the entire movie.

The relationship between the two main characters consists, then, of Orson screaming at Joan and Joan hunching down -- not exactly romantic chemistry and nothing like the book which depicts one of the most romantic stories of literature.

I can understand the problem screenwriters have shortening a story for a screen adaptation, but this one really takes the cake: Jane is about to go back to Lowood School, of all places, when she hears Rochester calling her back to Thornfield; instead of almost making a choice to marry St. John Rivers, she almost decides to work for Mr. Brocklehurst again. Huh?

All that being said, a 40's movie is a 40's movie. If you like movies from that time period (and if you can forget about the book for a few hours), there are some very interesting and enjoyable aspects to this; it's a quality film. But if you love the book, I would recommend re-reading it instead of watching this.

Hauntingly Beautiful!
This video was the first black and white movie I had ever seen (with the exception of Lon Chaney's "The Phantom of the Opera," and Mexican Cinema star Cantinflas from the 40's). After watching this movie I became a weird teenager who was all into black and white movies.

This movie is missing some important stuff from Bronte's novel, but it is still a spectacular film with a plain but pretty Joan Fontaine and an intimidating tall dark and handsome Orson Welles. The whole plot makes the story perfect for the effects of black and white film. I've seen newer color versions and I must say that none of them come even close to this one.

I have no idea why in the world this movie isn't out on DVD over here. I've even written to the people that make the Criterion Collection and have suggested to put this movie in with all their other good stuff. Still, I keep watching the video every two weeks. I can't get bored of this one.

WOW!
I loved this movie! The beginnig DEPREESED ME THOUGH! This is movie is 10/10! It was great,suspensful and romantic! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

One Of My Favorite Movies
This movie is where I first saw Greg Peck, who is always a treat to watch. It is an adaptation of A.J. Cronin's book of the same name. I've read all of Cronin's books and they are a delight, so that is an additional reason for appreciating this film. It is a story about a priest who is a missionary to China and most of the action takes place in (a movie back lot that is supposed to be) China. Excellent characters; both good and bad people. The only flaw might be that the priest played by Peck seems almost too good to be true. But then again, I've known such men. If you like swordplay, guns, and things blowing up, this isn't your film (though it has some of those things). But if you like a good story, lovingly told, you'll like this film.

The Keys of the Kingdom
This is an excellent old movie showing how a Catholic Priest (Gregory Peck) overcomes adversity while trying to establish a Christian mission deep in China. When first arriving, he refuses to use rice to "buy" converts as the previous mission director had, and as a result has no "converts"----only one true believer who comes to offer to be his helper. They pray constantly for God to show a way, and eventually God does answer that prayer and reveals to Peck another way to win converts and save souls----a way of truth and integrity and compassion. This is NOT some dry, stale, boring story----the movie is filled with gun battles, war, the burning of the village, and a lost love, as China is caught up in the policital upheavel of the early 20th century. The best part is the end....one last battle back in the States....and the fruit of all his years in China is revealed.

"how the days tumbled into my lap"
Based on the best-selling novel by A.J. Cronin, who also had a part in writing the script, this is a quiet, inspiring film that follows the long life of Father Francis Chisholm, who was not talented or clever in the traditional sense, but who lead a courageous and adventurous life and touched so many people with his great love, generosity and faith.
It starts with him as a child in Scotland, and when he becomes a priest, he is sent to China as a missionary, where he endures a multitude of challenges and successes.
It is told in the form of a narrative, as Cedric Hardwicke, playing Monsignor Sleeth, reads through Father Chisholm's journal.

This was Gregory Peck's second starring role (the first being "Days of Glory", which was not well received) and it earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination; he is wonderful in the part, and other great performances come from Thomas Mitchell as Dr. Willie Tullock, Rose Stradner as Sister Maria-Veronica, Benson Fong as Joseph, and Roddy McDowall as the young Francis.
Sensitive direction by John Stahl and music by Alfred Newman complete this film, which is satisfying viewing, and a must for Peck fans.
being 60 years old, the quality of the film shows a little age, but does not take away from the beauty of it. Total running time is 137 minutes.

What really counts!
Since Vatican 2 there has been more dialogue between Roman Catholics and Protestant Evangelicals. This movie should be shown before each discussion. It transcends doctrinal battles, not discounting them, but simply realizing that God saves people in both camps. In this religious strife humility and tolerance are best reflective of the New Testament call for agape love among all. Let God judge and punish, but let His people be kind even on doctrinal differences. The truth exchanged between the Presbyterian doctor and the Roman priest is worth the price of the movie. Psalm 130 is quoted by Father Chisholm at the death of his atheist friend Willie Tulloch despite the religious disgust of the Mother Superior. The contrast between Mealey, the proud bishop and Chisholm the humble priest is dramatically, but not unkindly presented. The cause of Christ would be greatly helped if His followers would show a tad more humility and let He Himself punish the heretics.
I strongly recommend the movie as a spur to buy the book by A.J. Cronin which will, I believe, be profitably read once a year.

Inspirational Film and Performance by Gregory Peck
This is a film perfectly scripted and directed for and delivered by Gregory Peck. This simple yet powerful story is so bright in its message of hope and honesty through good deeds of the human spirit. Gregory Peck the man seems so dedicated to his craft as an actor by putting his talents to such a sincere role as demonstrated in this film that one must take the time and give thanks that such a man as Peck ever walked this earth. This film is among Peck's finest as he demonstrates such dignity of this simple yet kind man. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Almost perfect
If only the upper body toning and the aerobics routine were a little bit longer, this would be a perfect workout video. As it is, it's excellent. The aerobics section is only 25 minutes aerobic. I'd prefer it to be 30 minutes or more. And I'll like either more reps or more variety for the upper body toning. But the lower body toning is just great. Even with the caveats, this workout will give you results. It's also fun and versatile. You can increase the weights as you get stronger, and you can move from low impact to mixed or high impact as you get more fit. This one video can easily last you all the way from Beginner to Intermediate.

Jane Fonda's Complete Workout
I have done aerobics with Jane Fonda for over 10 years, and this is her best EVERYDAY tape! There are three ways of doing it, so it's difficult to get bored. Jane Fonda is unsurpassed when it comes to interesting, safe, fat-burning workouts. The weight routine is effective because you can use several different weight dumbbells. You also have 30 minutes of aerobics that alternates between low and high impact. This is a great fat burning, muscle building video workout. Beginners and advanced can give it a try. Either way, if you work out at home, this is one that belongs in your video library!

Jane Fonda still rules!
I've had the pleasure of owning this tape for over 3 years and it's still great! It really gives the complete workout fast and easily and yet you feel that you have achived some REAL results. I have never been a big believer in gymnastic videos, but after trying this one I was addicted. The video is easy to learn, fun and with a good tempo. Jane Fonda has help from two other teachers and especially Lauren Sparks makes you want to keep on going on a higher level even though you almost can't do it anymore! The video is basically in 3 parts, upperbody workout, aerobics and lowerbody workout. All the movements are shown and explained carefully and Jane keeps on reminding you of what to do and what not to do. It's safe and intelligent.The video keeps your sprits up and makes you feel good. Combine this video with the Lean Routine and you will get an excellent workout! I'm 23 and living in the 21st century and Jane Fonda still rocks!

lazy burn
Due to the other ratings (five stars), i bought this video, thinking it would be a good workout. It is lazy. I am not obsessed about calorie burning nor building up muscle, but i do like to work it out and challenge the different parts of the body with motion. This video does not have you lifting your legs up, to the sides and back, it gives few reps of each and it is seriously no pain and no gain. The ladies on it clearly worried more about their eighties big hairs and less about exercising for reals!! Don't buy it if you have the habit of exercising regularly.

Classic Video!
I borrowed this video from a friend of mine, and it is great! It's the perfect workout for the average person who wants a good exercise routine. Yes, the cheesy 80's music, hair, outfits etc. are a little hard to get past at first, but once you do the video a few times you start to get used to it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Poor Charlotte Hollis. She's been shunned by the community for decades, ever since the fateful night in 1927 when her lover was hacked apart with an axe. Her antebellum southern mansion is slated for the bulldozer, as it stands in the way of highway construction. Charlotte's only hope lies in her cousin Miriam (Olivia de Havilland), coming down from up north to help settle things. Miriam, however, has other designs. Together with her boyfriend Drew (Joseph Cotten), she embarks on a scheme to systematically drive Charlotte out of her mind (not a great leap) and get her mitts on the family fortune. From there, things only get more complicated. Charlotte puts the "gothic" in southern gothic, as a great showcase for completely bizarre, overwrought, and out-of-control performances from all involved. Agnes Moorehead plays Charlotte's loyal, disheveled housekeeper to the hilt, with an odd inflection that calls to mind Amos and Andy more than southern gentility. As the drunken, conniving Dr. Drew, Cotten's accent is indeterminate at times, and seems to come and go. As great as the supporting players are, though, the crown goes to Bette Davis as the shrieking Charlotte, a portrait of isolation and decay stuck in a world oftragic delusions inside her crumbling mansion. De Havilland is a close second as the scheming Miriam; the scene where she slaps the holy snot out of a hysterical Charlotte is itself worth the price of admission. Mary Astor (in her last role) and Cecil Kellaway (as a kindly Lloyd's of London adjuster) put in the only performances with any restraint, acting as counterweights for the rest of the cast. Besides, you'll never get another chance to see Joseph Cotten playing the harpsichord andsinging, or caked in mud and lily pads! With Robert Aldrich's claustrophobicdirection, Charlotte is as Southern as a field of kudzu, and as subduedas a train wreck. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Olivia De Havilland is the best part if this movie.
This is a good, creepy horror movie, although the plot is a big old mess. Bette Davis is quite annoying-- she was so good in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" that she almost seems over-confident here. She just hams it up, and it gets annoying. Olivia De Havilland, on the other hand, is brilliant. There's something incredibly engrossing-- almost amusing-- at how harsh and bitchy she is. What adds to the amusing quality of her character is the datedness of her hair and clothing (she's supposed to seem very chic and fashionable, but by 1965 standards). Anyway, I think Olivia proves to be just as good a villain as any woman in any movie-- she's convincingly vile. And as much as I like Joan Crawford, I don't think she would have done as good a job in the role. I remember seeing the film as a child and being freaked out when Miriam beats up Charlotte in the car. This was a VERY violent and harsh scene back in those days-- especially for a female role.

Davis dominates this southern fried chiller
Bette Davis attacks the role of tarnished southern belle Charlotte Hollis, a woman who's been haunted by demons in her past.Hush... Hush allows Miss Davis to display her formidable talents as both vixen and victim. Charlotte believes she is responsible for the violent death of her lover. When her cousin Miriam comes a-calling Charlotte thinks Miriam's there to help her hang on to her decaying gothic mansion.Charlotte soon begins hearing and seeing ominous things, which doesn't improve her fragile state of mind.The cinematography, score, and performances give this unsettling thriller a real jolt.The scenes with Bette and Olivia de Havilland (Miriam) near the finale are fabulous. Better still is the scene with Bette getting a terrible fright at the top of Charlotte's staircase. Awesome film starring the most compelling and versatile actress ever on film!

Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte
This is a great movie to watch on a windswept stormy night.

I wish the DVD companies would get their act together so I don't have to keep making my own DVD's of these great film classics and creature feature movies.

Would love to see this on DVD in Widescreen!!!

Campy Fun
This movie is too over-the-top not to give it a full four stars (but not five--hey, it's not THAT good!). The movie was to be a "sort-of" sequel to Baby Jane, reuniting arch rivals Joan and Bette. But Joan (though I love her!) went a little too far for Aldrich, who canned her after she had spent weeks in the hospital feigning illness. However, Olivia diHavilland does a good job. Ultimately the movie is fun...yet oddly effective. And you'll be singing the theme song in your head for days!

Some great insanity by Bette, some cheesy gore, and a few genuine thrills make for a piece of schlock that rocks!

Three Stars of Yesteryear In Terrific Gothic Thriller
The 1960's decade saw alot of veteran performers who had their acting heyday in the 1930's and 40's moving into psychological thrillers and horror efforts as a way of continuing in lead roles. Some of these efforts were of very poor quality but once in a while a gem appeared that has stood the test of time. "Hush...Hush Sweet Charlotte", was such an effort and boasted the talents of three seasoned acting legends in the unstoppable Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland and Joseph Cotton. Bette Davis indeed had one of her better later day roles in this film which followed on from her huge success in 1962's "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane". Contrary to popular belief however this film was not a sequel to that earlier success as it had an entirely different locale, story and set of characters. The film did not get off to a promising start production wise in that it was originally planned as a reteaming of Bette with rival Joan Crawford. The two had scored a total triumph with "Baby Jane", however due to a number of circumstances Crawford withdrew and after offering the role of Cousin Miriam to Vivien Leigh among others, director Robert Aldrich passed the role to a most reluctant de Havilland who didn't relish the chance to play the villianess of the piece.

"Hush ...Hush Sweet Charlotte", takes place in the decaying Old South of the 1960's. Bette Davis plays reclusive Charlotte Hollis who lives on her own in her run down Southern mansion that many years before saw a ghastly murder take place that robbed her of her one chance at personal happiness with young married John Mayhew (Bruce Dern). His brutal murder by a meatcleaver is shown in a flash back sequence after which the story moves to the present where the unsettled Charlotte finds her formally grand Louisiana home under threat by the bulldozers. Failing to scare off the workmen with a shotgun Charlotte writes to her cousin, the worldly Miriam Deering to ask for help in saving her property. Childhood rivals for the attentions of Charlotte's father Big Sam Hollis (Victor Buono) at first Miriam seems sweet and kind and totally concerned for Charlotte's welfare however all is not what it seems especially when Miriam teams up with old beau Dr. Drew Bayliss (Joseph Cotton) to see what is in the estate for them. Before long Charlotte is literally being driven out of her mind as she experiences what she thinks are nightmarish visions of her dead lover reappearing minus his hand and head , heads rolling down the staircase, eeerie voices calling out to her in the night and finally a belief that she has actually shot Drew by mistake. As her mental state starts to crumble and she is the victim of some mind numbing drugs courtesy of Drew, the old housekeeper Velma (Agnes Moorehead in an Oscar nominated performance), begins to work out what the pair are up to. That knowledge however eventually costs her her life . While at the mercy of the scheming Drew and Miriam, Charlotte however is not defenceless and when she finally discovers the truth of what has been going on she enacts her own revenge that frees her of the pair forever. Only after the intervention of visiting writer Harry Willis (Cecil Kellaway)who had an enduring interest in Charlotte's case, does she finally learn (only as she leaves her home for the last time), the real truth behind who murdered her childhood beau all those years ago.

The story of "Hush...Hush Sweet Charlotte", while fairly obvious does make riverting viewing and the large cast of veteran performers really show their expertise and years of experience in their parts. Bette Davis for once gets to play the potential victim of the piece and it is Olivia de Havilland, so often associated with kindly, sympathetic characters that really has a field day as the evil Miriam intent upon getting Charlotte's money for herself. These two women had worked together many times during their heyday at Warner Brothers but rarely has their screen work had the electricity that it does here. The scene where they supposedly dump Drew's body is sensational as Miriam for the first time really shows her evil menace and it is some of the best work that Olivia de Havilland did on screen. The supporting cast is top rate as well and full of wonderful character actors such as the already mentioned Agnes Morrehead who steals every scene she is in as the uncouth but devoted housekeeper. Cecil Kellaway, Victor Buono who had also been in Aldrich's previous "Baby Jane" effort and Ellen Corby all bring their special expertise to the large and small supporting roles and veteran Mary Astor makes a rare 1960's appearance in the important role of elderly Jewel Mayhew, John's jealous wife. Blessed with a much bigger budget than on his earlier "Baby Jane", project Aldrich was able to make good use of beautiful locations at a great old Southern Mansion in Baton Rouge. This really aids the spooky elements of this horror story and the stark black and white photography is a great asset in particular during Charlotte's ghostly nightmare sequences.

For a trip down memory lane when veterans like Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland still appeared in major productions with roles tailored to them, "Hush ...Hush Sweet Charlotte", is unsurpassed entertainment. Certainly the special effects may seem tame by today's standards but the joy here is to see two actress's giving these roles their all. Davis and de Havilland make a great screen team and compared to the other "monsters" she often played in the 1960's it's a joy to see Bette Davis playing a victim role for a change. Gothic melodrama of the first order perhaps but hugely entertaining and sure to create a few chills along the way. Highly recommended for all old style mystery lovers. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wrapping candy, fake nose on fire, having a baby and more!
This second volume in the "Best of 'I Love Lucy'" collection begins with two of the show's classic comedy moments. "Job Switching" (Episode #36, September 15, 1952), is the classic episode of "I Love Lucy" that I always show to my television classes so they know what a classic sit com looks like. Ricky is tired of the way Lucy spends money without regard for where it comes from, so the boys and girls switch places: Lucy and Ethel will get jobs and Ricky and Fred will do the household chores. One of the greatest moments in television history comes when Lucy and Ethel have to work a conveyor belt in a candy factory. Elvia Allman is the supervisor ("Let 'er roll!") and Amanda Milligan, an actual candy dipper at the Farmer's Market in Hollywood is, uh, the candy dipper. Meanwhile, Ricky is ironing stockings and making rice while Fred bakes a cake. "L.A. at Last" (Episode #114, February 7, 1955) finds Lucy and the Mertzes heading for the famous Brown Derby restaurant while Ricky heads to the movie studio to begin working on "Don Juan." Here is where Lucy has her legendary encounter with William Holden in the booth behind her. Tired of being gawked at while trying to eat, Holden decides to stare at Lucy instead, making her so nervous she end up setting her false nose on fire. To set the record straight: Lucy getting her nose on fire WAS in the script, but her decision to dunk her nose into the coffee was an AD-LIB (she was supposed to take the nose off before dunking it).

But Lucy could make you cry as well as laugh. "Lucy is Enciente" (Episode #45, December 8, 1952) finds Lucy feeling run down and visiting the doctor, who tells her that she is going to have a baby. Having dreamed of this moment for over a decade of marriage, Lucy wants the moment to be absolutely perfect when she tells Ricky so Ricky is passed a note that there is a woman in the audience who wants to tell her husband that they are expecting and wants Ricky to sing "Rock A Bye Baby." Ironically, when Lucy and Desi were filming the climax, they got caught up in their own emotions when th and both started crying. The scene was considered ruined until it was screened and they discovered it was impossible not to cry watching the happy couple. This final scene is one of the most beautiful moments in television history. Just thinking about it gets you choked up.

"The Ballet" (Episode #19, February 18, 1952) is one of the better episodes where Lucy tries to get into show business. Ricky has an opening for a ballet singer and a burlesque comic in his show. So, of course, Lucy tries out for both parts. Finally, there is my favorite Ethel episode, "Ethel's Hometown" (Episode #112, January 31, 1955). On their way to Hollywood the Ricardos and Mertzes stop in Ethel's hometown of Albuquerque, where they discover that everyone things that the former Ethel Mae Potter is the big celebrity. As Ethel performs her famous number "Short'nin' Bread," the other three upstage her behind her back. For some reason, living outside Albuquerque when I first saw this one just added to the enjoyment. Go figure. Get both of the volumes in the "Best of 'I Love Lucy'" collection and you will have what most everybody agrees are the four funniest moments in Lucy history PLUS the biggest tear jerker!

All "I Love Lucy" episodes celebrate 50th Anniversary.
In this decade, every episode of "I Love Lucy" will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Every episode is still funny as funny as it was when they first aired. The shows are good. The shows are wholesome. They are healing and warm and will make you feel good. Buy them on VHS or DVD today.

Ethel May Potter- We Never Forgot 'Er!
This is a great video that showcases the genius of Lucille Ball in her first television series, "I Love Lucy (CBS, 1951-1957)!

The first episode "Job Switching" is a classic. The men and women change places, with Ricky & Fred being the homemakers, and Lucy & Ethel getting a job. This episode is famous for the scene in which Lucy stuffs her face with chocolates.

Another episode on this volume, "LA at Last" is also a classic. In this episode, Lucy meets William Holden at a famous restaurant in less-then-favorable conditions. Ricky later brings him home, and hilarity ensures. Lucy even sets her (plastic) nose on fire!

"The Ballet" and "Lucy is Enceintre" also two great episodes.

Last, but certainaly not least, is "Ethel's Hometown". The gang, on their way to LA, stops at Ethel's hometown (Also Vivivan Vances) of Alberque (I know I mispelled that :D). Her father and the town are in an uproar of happiness over seeing her, since they believe she is going to be in a movie, when in reality it's Ricky. The gang takes great measures to humiliate Ethel, and hilarity ensues! So remember, "Ethel May Potter-We Never Forgot 'Er!") ... Read more

Amazon.com

It was probably inevitable that Jane Fonda, who played such a defining role in the aerobics boom of the 1980s, would be on the yoga train as well when it started rolling in the 1990s. And on this tape (recorded in 1993), she does a good job of it. The focus is on the "sun salutation," a connected series of poses that builds strength, flexibility, and balance, and with repeated practice this offers what Fonda calls "an excellent full-body workout." The program is divided into three sections, any one of which can be practiced on its own. The first breaks down the various poses comprising the sun salute, while the second is devoted to several repetitions of the salute itself; three variations are offered, two incorporating some of Fonda's own techniques and one that's closer to the "classical" or "Series C" salutation. The final section (which might actually be a better place to prepare for your practice than to finish it) focuses on relaxation and breathing. Fonda's manner is brisk, but her instructions are clear and concise, and while the tape isn't especially difficult, it should prove challenging enough for beginners and most intermediates. --Kelly Welldon ... Read more

Reviews (22)

A Wonderful Introduction to Yoga
"Jane Fonda's Yoga Exercise Workout" is not only the most wonderful introduction to Yoga, but it makes you want to come back for more. Although I work out several times a week, I am new to Yoga, and was absolutly amazed at how I felt after just the first class. It gave me energy, improved my balance(when you get to be a "certain age", these things start to dwindle), and
left me feeling like I'd done a real workout.Even my abs felt it!

Jane encouragingly guides you through the three segments of this tape. In the first segment she takes you through the most gentle yet invigorating 20 minutes of stretching and toning in which you will also be introduced to the movements and the terminology.
There are times when the level of movement is increased, but Jane reminds us to just do the level we feel most comfortable with and there are insets showing the different levels we can follow.

In the next segment you'll be learning the Yoga Sun Salutation. It is a progressive routine that picks up the pace as it goes along, but again Jane let's you know it's okay to go at your own pace. This segment lasts about 15 minutes, but it's a truly effective program.

The last 15 minutes may be the most wonderful 15 minutes you can spend in a day. The time is spent strictly on relaxation techniques, that will make you feel wonderful as well as relieve stress. This is a section that you can do anytime you feel the need, as no warm up is required.

I have had this tape some time now, and although it took me a few times before I completed the whole tape, each time I used it I felt a renewed energy and good about myself. Five stars to Jane and this class for turining me from a skeptic to a believer. I started out adding this just once a week to my work out program, I now incorporate it twice weekly and I really look foward to those days. It's truly a great workout for any age.

I also think you can't go wrong for the price. If it's something you've been wanting to try, you can do it without investing too much, and after a while if you decide you want to move on to a more powerful workout, this tape has given you a great start!

What a Feeling!...enjoy...Laurie

A gentle, but still intense workout
I do not consider myself an expert on yoga, I've learned what I can and try to do what's best for my own body and limitations. Ms. Fonda's yoga tape, although the moves are very basic, still made me work up a good sweat.

The movements she does here can be found on pretty much any good, basic yoga tape. I have other yoga tapes in my library, and the movements here have been modified for the "non-yoga" practicioner. Still, Ms. Fonda's soothing alto voice, clear instruction, and encouragement to "do your best" make this video worthwhile. It's actually a nice contrast to doing something like Bryan Kest's Power Yoga 1. You can still get the intensity and benefits of a good workout without the rapidity. There is also a section of deep breathing exercises, followed by a relaxation section. The relaxation section of this video is very soothing and made me feel alive, loose, and energized. You may want to use a pillow for your head during this portion.

I alternate this tape along with Mr. Kest's, as well as Dixie Carter's "Unworkout 1 and 2". I take one day off a week, but even on that day off, I do the evening portion of "Unworkout 2".

I recommend this tape for anyone who wants a gentle, but still beneficial, yoga workout.

Gentle, Yet Effective
This was the first yoga workout tape I ever bought. At first when I started doing it, I had to keep looking at the tv to make sure I was doing the moves right. But I after did it several times, I got to where I could do it without having to look at the tv. In fact, she says you will get to where you can do it just by following her voice. She gives excellent cues for each move and breathing. I do this workout at least once a week and have really increased my felxiblity. I really love stretching exercises, and this is an excellent whole body stretch. I love the way she has you flow from one position to another. It's almost as if it is all one move. Great for anyone that is just beginning in yoga, or for someone that has been doing yoga for awhile and wants a nice change of pace.

Great beginner tape.
This workout is excellent for the beginner, and the not terribly flexible. Alternate positions are shown and you can progress at your own rate. This is very important with any exercise program. I have not perspired with this one (I've had it two years) but if I neglect my workouts, it does make my muscles a bit sore. The instructions are easy to follow. After the first couple of times, you should be able to do the routine without looking at the screen. Jane even tells you when and how to breathe. This is a great plus because your breathing is very important in Yoga, or any other exercise. Overall, you can't go wrong with this one, no matter what your fitness level.

so slow.......
I do not have anything against Ms. Fonda but this tape, even with the use of sun salutations, is slow slow slow. If you like Power Yoga, by all means stay away from this one as it is slow and you will not enjoy it. If slow is what you are looking for, you may want to give this one a try but then again the basic Living Arts tapes are still much much better than this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

James Stewart reunites with his Harvey director, Henry Koster, in this 1962 comedy, which is charming enough even though it doesn't seem quite up to the level of talent involved. (The screenwriter is the legendary Nunnally Johnson--writer and director of The Three Faces of Eve, among many other titles--and the music is by Henry Mancini.) But it is pleasant, summery entertainment with Stewart and his screen wife, Maureen O'Hara, taking their urban family to a crumbling, seaside house for a vacation. The film was calculated to pull in older fans with Stewart as well as draw in a younger crowd that would enjoy the fairly extensive beach scenes with pop-star Fabian. Stewart is deft with the easy jokes about bad plumbing and such, and golden in several nice moments where he gets to play an attentive dad to his kids. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Very funny movie.
This is an enjoyable movie, with some very funny scenes and lines. One of my favorite lines takes place in the scene when Jimmy Stewart's shy daughter is at a dance, being the wallflower, and none of the boys ask her to dance. He asks Fabian to ask his daughter to dance (for a $5.00 fee). While they are dancing, Maureen O'Hara (his wife in the movie) asks "How did you find that boy?" and Jimmy Stewart answers "I yelled out 'Joe' to a group of boys. There is always at least one Joe in a group!"

Very Funny!
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation and Harvey are two of the funniest Jimmy Stewart movies. Vacation is especially fun because of the relationship between Maureen O'Hara and Jimmy. You will not be disappointed with this movie.

cute movie!!!
My wife loves the scene in this movie when Lauri Peters and Fabian sing "cream puff,shortcake" at the pizza place.Lauri is so cute trying to hide her braces.

Wonderful Jimmy Stewart at his comedic best!
I am still amazed at the number of people who haven't seen this movie! Mr. Stewart even narrates, here and there, throughout the story, this wonderful tale of his summer vacation with his family at a rented beach house, along with the family maid. There is a running gag throughout the picture about the plumbing and the maid misunderstands the English language, and Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs try very hard to understand their adorable teen-age daughter (Lauri Peters) who falls in love with an adorable boy (played by none other than Fabian!), who shows up at the local dance and then there's a son who prefers to watch westerns on TV all day and night. There's a sexpot neighbor that lives in a nearby beach house who attempts to read War and Peace, and later the Hobb's daughters show up with the misbehaving grandchildren and want nothing to do with "Boompa", otherwise known as Mr.Hobbs! Don't miss the scene when Jimmy Stewart bird-watches with his son-in-in-law's boss and learns "the proper walk". The chemistry between Maureen O'Hara and James Stewart is so wonderful, it's no wonder they were so successful in several films together! She is so convincing as the jealous wife, especially when Jimmy innocently tries to help his son-in-law's boss's wife (Marie Wilson) while she is in the shower and runs into trouble........don't miss it, you'll laugh all the way through this marvelous movie. Let's hope Twentieth Century Fox soon gives us a widescreen DVD version with extras, like an interview with Maureen O'Hara & Lauri Peters!

Very cute family movie
You can enjoy this with the kids and everyone. Good clean funny entertainment, that will make you laugh and remember a more innocent time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Danny DeVito's adaptation of the Roald Dahl book for children is mostly just fine, helped along quite a bit by the charming performance of Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire) as young Matilda, a brilliant girl neglected by her stupid, self-involved parents (DeVito and Rhea Perlman). Ignored at home, Matilda escapes into a world of reading, exercising her mind so much she develops telekinetic powers. Good thing, too: sent off to a school headed by a cruel principal, Matilda needs all the help she can get. DeVito takes a highly stylized approach that is sometimes reminiscent of Barry Sonnenfeld (director of Get Shorty, a DeVito production), and his judgment is not the best in some matters, such as letting the comic-scary sequences involving the principal go on too long. But much of the film is delightful and funny. The DVD release has a pan-and-scan, full-screen presentation only, plus Dolby sound and optional French and Spanish soundtracks. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (71)

A Charming and Over-the-Top Movie
This has always been one of my favorite films. This fanciful tale of a young girl who escapes into the world of literature from her abusive parents and principal is a must-see for all families. Some of the material is a little frantic for very young children. Your children must be mature enough to understand that their school principal will not throw them over a fence by their hair.

The film has wonderful actors in it. Pam Ferris, as the child-hating principal of Crunchem Hall, put on an enthusiastically over-the-top performance. Danny De Vito and Rhea Perlman did a great job as the parents who can't understand their six-year-old daughter and her love of reading. Fresh out of "Schindler's List," came Embeth Davidtz playing the warm and loving teacher Miss Honey. And last, but not least, is Mara Wilson, who at a very young age put on a very convincing performance as a girl who loved to learn.

Even though the story has some absurdness, it has a wonderful lesson for children. They shouldn't spend all their time in front of the T.V. For the film buff's out there, the camera shots are very interesting for a family film. Composer David Newman ("Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," "The War of the Roses") wrote a wonderful music score for the film. It had humor and sentiment, and it is one of his personal favorites.

So if your looking for a good family movie that is average as a film, but above the standards of a family film, this movie is for you.

A modern childrens' classic!
Based on the book written by Roald Dahl (who brought "Willy Wonka" to life), this story revolves around the 6-year-old title character and her incredibly dysfunctional "Typical American" family. Daddy is a used car salesman, Mommy is a throwback to the worst stereotype of the 1960's housewife, and her brother is equally without redeeming qualities, but she loves them anyway and tries to save them from themselves -- most of the time.

Matilda escapes her life as an unpaid and unloved receiving clerk for her father's business (which is under surveillance by inept FBI agents) by devouring every book she can lay her hands on.

The next step in her liberation is toward Crunchem Hall, the neighborhood school run by -- well, I won't spoil the plot, just suffice it to say that "Matilda" is a Must Buy for any home with kids and a DVD player!

This film is as rich and delicious as "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," and is no more a "little girl movie" than "Wonka" was a "little boys' movie." For that matter, even adults will enjoy this one, especially when watching it with your (or anyone else's) kids. END

Great for kids and adults!
Matilda is a cute and wonderful story! It's funny and makes you wonder what will happen next! It is hard to turn the tv off before it is finished! Sometimes people aren't sure they want to buy it but I'm not lying. You have to get it! If you don't like it, you're crazy. Still if you are unsure, go to Blockbuster or another movie rental place and rent it.

How To Survive Private School
Every now and then I see a movie intended for younger viewers that impresses me. Matilda, based on the book by Roald Dahl (Witches, James and The Giant Peach, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) is one such movie. This is the story of a young girl who is special. She is very intelligent, self-sufficient, and inquisitive.

When Matilda's parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman) realize that she is old enough for school (sort of late) they send her to a private school run by a horribly mean woman who hates children. This environment, coupled with her life at home with a family that barely knows she is there, causes Matilda to discover and develop telekinetic powers. These she uses to help a friendly teacher and the rest of the students.

Once again a Roald Dahl book has been made into a very good movie. DeVito is excellent as a crooked used car salesman and Perlman is great as his wife. Matilda is played by the same actress who was in the remake of Miracle on 34th Street. The imagery and story are of the type that can only be found in stories for younger audiences. Although the movie does differ from the book this is a movie that I highly recommend.

Funny Family Movie, highly rated
This is a great must see family comedy about an orphan who has magical powers and uses it for good stuff and at the same time brews up some slapstick comedy fun, a great cast including Danny Devito as actor and narrator for this great family movie and a tale of a smart and gifted young child you'll never forget, i'm sure you'll love it. 10/10. ... Read more

Reviews (220)

EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE
Truman Capote's influence is felt everywhere in both the book and film versions of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Harper Lee's classic, beautifully haunting story of childhood, innocence lost, and of the cruelty that exists in people everywhere. Yes, Gregory Peck is Atticus Finch, and all of the players here inhabit their roles with grace, humor and gravity, but it is Mary Badham as Scout who steals the show, as it should be. The simplicity of a father's touch, of a rapist's grimace, of the wind gently blowing through the trees at dusk -- everything in this movie evokes, from Scout's point of view, a time we each have in our lives that transforms us into adults. There comes with it an aching sadness -- as if saying goodbye to a comforting old friend -- but the revelation carries with it a profound joy. Elmer Bernstein's score realizes each emotional chord of the film, and transports us without ever lambasting us -- it is the best kind of movie score. You will be hooked from the opening credits, which are creatively brilliant -- those crayons, the haunting and beguiling theme softly begins on the piano -- through to the closing credits, at which point there will be well-earned tears softly falling down your cheek.

The Summer We Discovered Life
Every so often, as surely as night follows day, a film comes along that manages to transport us from our everyday lives and into a time and place that is recalled through memories of better and in a reversal of fortunes, turbulent times. To Kill A Mockingbird is such a film.

In a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee, the small town of Macomb, Alabama is portrayed in the summer of 1932, during the deepest depression that the United States had ever experienced. Over the course of the next year and a half, events will burrow inside this sleepy southern town and the lives of its residents will be transported by actions, ideas, perceptions and convictions that will influence one and all in ways that will ring true for years to come.

Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) is a lawyer and widower, raising two small children, Scout (Mary Badham) and her older brother Jem (Phillip Alford). Into their lives enters a visitor, Dill (John Megna) from Meridian, Mississippi, come to spend two weeks with his Aunt Stephanie (Alice Ghostley). Macomb is a town with nothing to do and if there were, no money to spend on it. The stage is being set for a life shattering episode that will not go quietly into that good night.

Childhood holds its fascinations, its myths, its coming of age and through the eyes of the three children, the audience is allowed to peer into the adult world around them as perceived through the minds and souls of innocence that will be all too easily shattered as time whistles down the track. One of the stories woven so masterfully within its covers is the local urban legend of bogeyman, Boo Radley (Robert Duval), who lives on the same block as the Finch family. In a narration, rather like playing telephone, his persona takes on all the familiar attributes of a raving lunatic, a monster out for blood. His aura becomes the end all for Scout, Jem and Dill as they seek to master the mystery surrounding Boo and the ability to live to tell the tale!

Into this world of innocence, a shattering crescendo of complexity wraps itself in the lives of the townspeople in the form of an alleged rape of a white woman, Mayella Violet Ewell (Collin Wilcox) by a black man, Tom Robinson (Brock Peters). Atticus Finch is called upon to act as counsel for Robinson and in doing so, the stage has been set for a dance with race relations and the exemplary lengths that are gone to in order to allow justice to prevail in the face of malcontent.

The performances throughout To Kill A Mockingbird are stunning. Gregory Peck, as the gentleman lawyer, mired in small town attitudes and thoughts that were so representational in the southern gothic sphere, has collected and held a restrained order to his character, and in the process, he has allowed us all to be on the receiving end of hate as conveyed through the actions of small minds and small people. The children, especially Mary Badham, are siblings of more than a movie making venture. They show the absence of preconceived notions, and the guile of beings before the actions of adults can render their world as lost and gone with the shedding of time.

James Anderson as Tom Ewell is the complete representation of oily slime as Mayella's father. He embodies all of the hate and prejudice that continues to be harboured to this day in the souls of those who would attempt to wield their vision of the way things should and ought to be. He has a foul baseness that lingers like a bad rash as he attempts to invoke his arguments through drunken bullying and hatred. Collin Willcox as Mayella is excruciatingly convincing as the bored, housebound white woman who tries to tempt Tom Robinson into kissing her and through her actions sets in motion a rollercoaster of tragedy to come. Her speech to the assembled courtroom is superb and as the audience, you feel her anger and resentment at having to be put in such a position, having to lie to save face and what little position she has in the town. Brock Peters as the aforementioned Robinson is equally sure in the allotted time he spends on the screen. There is a noble demeanor to his bearing, and yet we are aware of the restrictions that blacks were held to in their relationships with whites at the time.

Robert Mulligan, the director and Horton Foote, the screenwriter, have presented us with a look into our pasts and faithfully etched a portrait of quiet and artfully rendered proportions that draw us into the canvas and the lives of those assembled. We have walked a mile in their shoes and been under their skin. Foote worried about being able to do justice to Lee's novel, but he worried for nothing. He has completely evoked an era that now rests behind clouds of dust, blown by the winds of time into oblivion.

The cinematography by Russell Harlan and the set decoration by Oliver Emert carry us back through the courtesy of black and white to a depiction seen only in old photographs and clouding memories of those who lived in those precarious times. Black and white films seem to have had a curse thrust upon them by the younger generation today, as boring and tedious, but through the courtesies extended by Harlan and Emert, we are richer for those perceptions that would harken back throughout the pages of history.

Elmer Bernstein's film score carries us like an old friend and helps us to make our acquaintances with the characters held within this framework. He has achieved much with a simple theme and persuades us that said simplicity is fulfilled with less rather than more.

To Kill A Mockingbird is beautifully haunting and having been made in the 60's, at the height of the Civil Rights movement, it garners our attention to stop and take the time to truly 'see' what the human race is all about and what it can and should be, if taken over the bumps in the road and onto a path of sincere honesty and purpose. No special effects were needed, no huge Hollywood budget, no splashing of a story that had a happy ending for everyone involved. It is an open book into the realities of a world tilting temporarily off its axis, and being brought back on track through the goodness that sits in the hearts, minds and souls of mankind, if given half a chance.

See it and be amazed at what real moviemaking is all about.

Destruction of the innocent by the evils of the society
Destruction of the innocent by the evils of the society
Kuldip Kumar Garhwal

"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but... sing their heart out for us. That's why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird." The movie 'To kill a mockingbird' depicts the destruction of the innocent by the evils of the society. Mockingbird is a symbol of innocence, characterized by Tom Robinson and Arthur Radley (Boo) where racial prejudice and ignorance are the symbol of evils in the society.

Tom Robinson, an African-American is accused by Mayela, a white woman, of sexual molestation. Atticus, a prominent lawyer of the town Maycomb, has proved that Tom Robinson is innocent but still the "all-white jury" convicts Robinson of the guilt. Tom Robinson, a "quite humble respectable Negro", becomes the victim of racial prejudice. Arthur Radley (Boo) has been emotionally destroyed by his father, as his father did not let him step outside the house. Boo is one of the "mockingbirds" in the story, who is the victim of ignorance; evil of the society which is trying to kill the good. Boo had a deep affection for children, which is later displayed in the story, when Boo saves Jim and Scout from Bob Ewells.

"There are some men in the world who are born to do unpleasant jobs for us; your father is one of them", said Maudie to Jim after his father (Atticus) lost the case of Tom Robinson. Atticus helped his children to learn values of life and he showed them how to live life by the values; preaching by practicing. Atticus allowed his children to call him by his name instead of 'father'. He wanted his children to explore freedom, but also taught them to stay in limits. Jim is brave, intelligent, and caring. He learns courage, dignity, and value of life from his father. He is transforming into adulthood.

Scout is still a kid; she does not know anything about the existence of evil in the society. She is learning about evils from the real life example of the victims (Tom and Boo) of the evils in the society. By the end of the story Scout's perspective on life develops from that of an innocent child into that of a near grown up. "Mr. Tat