Reviews (20)

Literate, Charming Romance!
This is the movie that "Moonstruck" WISHES it could have been! Amy Irving and Peter Reigert star in this literate, well written, wonderfully acted New York story in which Upper West Side sophistication meets Lower East Side tradition. Irving's "Izzy" lives in a world of books, editors, writers, and intellectuals, while Reigert's "Sam" owns a pickle stand in the heart of Lower Manhattans old world Jewish community, the East Side below Delancey Street. Sam and Izzy are brought together when Izzy's old fashioned Grandmother hires a matchmaker to find Izzy a suitable man to finally settle down with. Tradition clashes with modern life in New York when Sam enters Izzy's world and forces her to look at herself and those around her.

"A joke and a pickle...for only a nickle."
I hate to use the word "adorable", but, I must. This film is just adorable. The story of Izzy, the sophisticated, independent, N.Y. City career girl (wonderfully played by Amy Irving), and "Sam , The Pickle Man", (also wonderfully played by Paul Riegert), is a heartwarming, funny, sweet love story. Izzys "Bubby" hires a marriage broker, hysterically played by Sylvia Miles, to "match-up" her granddaughter, "Miss Fancy", who she perceives as living a lonely life.."A dog should live alone !" Izzy is involved in the literary world, and aspires to an intellectual, sophisticated life, only miles away, but a million miles away from the old -world kosher existance of her beloved Bubby. Reizl Bezyk ,who was a popular star in Yiddish theater, plays Bubby, and she is really the outstanding character in this movie. Her practical, no-nonsense approach to life & love, with a kind of "you're born, you eat, you love, you die" mentality, is in direct opposition to granddaughter Isabelles (Izzy). She speaks in "Bubby-isms", and she is hysterical, implying the world in just a look. Izzy immediatley rejects the arranged match-up with Riegerts "Sam", the pickle man, simply because she can't get past the pickles. She sees the pretentious Russian author, to whom she is associated in her job at an old book store, as being more complementary to her. He is a cad who woos her with quotes from Confucious, and he can offer her the prestige and entree into the world of intelligensia that she aspires to be in. The ensuing conflict, between the world she hopes for, and the opportunity that's right in front of her... that she won't see, is very touching and funny. This is just a great little love story about sometimes finding what you're looking for in the most un-likely package, and not letting your pre-conceived expectations get in the way. It is beautifully filmed around wonderful Manhattan locations, and the soundtrack by "The Roches" perfectly complements the story as it happens. A terrific little "feel-good" movie... and you're gonna love that "Bubby."

Searching & Finding Meaning in the Middle of Romance
"Crossing Delancey" is presumed at first a romance, and it is. Deeper than the romance is a search for meaning. This two-level movie is funny with an undercurrent of a genuine plot stronger than the usual romantic comedy.

Part of the ego-driven, superficial but pretentious New York literary scene, Isabelle Grossman brings together writers and other literati for soirees feting the personalities behind the books.

Isabelle, or Izzy, herself is not a writer, but feels she is important because of the names and numbers in her Rolodex. She works hard and late, only to go home to an empty apartment. Her only love is accommodating the occasional lonely nights of a friend who fights with his wife. She tolerates his affections in what amounts to be no more than a recurring one-night stand.

Although Izzy's emptiness surrounds her, she never notices it, not even when her grandmother has a matchmaker attempt setting her up with Sam, a neighbor bachelor. Unfortunately for Sam, her intentions are set on Anton, a dashing, but caddish author whose books are bestsellers. He only wants her to appease his desires, and has no love for her, but she is blind to his true intentions. She curtly rejects another date with Sam.

With a single romantic signal, Pickleman Sam, the man she pushed away in a matchmaking dinner now effectively woos her heart into confusion. He had noticed her years ago and now happily accepted the chance to be introduced by the matchmaker. When he tells her this, a spark is lit. He isn't the suave author she begs for, and his lifestyle is more simple than those whose books are reviewed in the New York Times. She fumbles opportunity after opportunity to connect with Sam, but he is patient.

Anton makes advances that are alluring to Izzy as her heart tries to reconcile her fondness for Sam. This conflict causes Izzy to ask the important questions about integrity, meaning and happiness.

With the light, but poignant backdrop of her Jewish family and friends, this romance makes statements both serious and comedic. Outside of the periodic stereotyping of Jewish grandmothers, it works.

I fully recommend "Crossing Delancey."

Anthony Trendl

This Movie Needs to be out in DVD!
I saw Crossing Delancey when it first came out, 16 years ago. It is a wonderful story about New York, family, and learning that the person who, at first glance, doesn't fit into your world turns out to be perfect after all. I have recommended this movie over the years to everyone I know. The videotapes are getting scarce and I don't understand why it's never come out on DVD!

The charm of the pickle seller
This urban love story stars Amy Irving as a single Jewish woman who is balanced between two worlds: the literary life of the Upper West Side in Manhattan where she works in an upscale bookstore and the ethnic hotbed of the Lower East Side where her yenta of a grandmother is forever trying to arrange a marriage "with a nice Jewish boy."
Granny wants to fix her up with a quiet guy who runs a neighbornood pickle stand - and Amy's not having any of it. I mean, a PICKLE SELLER?? Come on, Granny!

But watch what happens...
A traditional romance, lovingly told. Enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Love & Tragedy & All That Jazz. . .
This early vehicle for a young Catherine Zeta-Jones does justice to the complex Hardy novel despite the constraints of the television movie format. 'La Zeta' is perfectly cast as Eustacia Vye, a mysterious beauty with 'black hair and pagan eyes' who captivates the young men of the vicinity while the older country people regard her with suspicion as a witch who is not to be trusted. Eustacia has a reputation as a loose woman in the neighborhood--she dallies with another woman's fiance out of sheer boredom, even though she is tired of him. When dashing Clym Yeobright returns home after many years abroad in Paris, Eustacia sets her cap for him, with tragic results.

Fans who have followed Zeta-Jones' high-profile career in movies such as 'Entrapment', 'Traffic' & 'Chicago' will be interested to see her here, long before Michael Douglas and Oscar came calling, in her debut role outside of her native UK. She displays all the beauty and cool self-possession of the star she would later become. She's had her teeth capped since, and been otherwise glammed up, Hollywood-style, but all the fundamentals are there. The setting is breathtaking (shot on location in Northern England), and the simple yet vivid costumes Eustacia wears add to her characterization. Eustacia/Catherine is dressed simply but vividly in tones of scarlet, yellow and turquoise blue, setting her in sharp relief to the browns and grays of the landscape, and the dull clothes worn by the other characters.

The entire cast does a superb job, but this is really Zeta-Jones' show. Whether you're a Zeta fan, or a student of Thomas Hardy, this production should be on your shelf.

Attempt at Thomas Hardy almost reaches it.
Anyone who has read the novel will see that this movie is far truer to the storyline than average. Where the movie "almost" reaches success is in its portrayal of the characters. The egocentric nature of Eustachia is portrayed well until the death scene, when, from that point, she comes off as too much of the unforgiven, tragic, heroine. Wildeve's passion never quite attains to the pinnacle reached in the Hardy novel, Venn's homespun nobility isn't as evident, nor does Clym's "martyr complex" ever really emerge. The flick has much to recommend it however, especially in the first 2/3 of it. The setting is magnificent and appropriately stark, the subordinate characters (Grandfer Cantle, Susan Nunsuch, Mrs. Yeobright, etc.) are accurately displayed. This is one film in which I would recommend for the viewer to see the movie first before reading the novel. This would eliminate some of the sense of loss in the character displays and help one appreciate the "love-never-dies, beyond-the grave" finale.

Great
Ok i dont get the 007 thing but whatever. this movie was awesome!!! it was so sad!!!!! Catherine alone on that bridge will break your heart! i really felt bad 4 her throughout this movie, just because they "THOUGHT" she was a witch didnt mean they need to go and stab her in church! how mean! lol sry i love catherine zeta jones! lol well the movie was great, it was sad, and in the first minute a lil confusing but then you catch on after like 2 seconds.

Clive Owen could become the next "James Bond 007".
I saw this Hallmark television movie when it originally aired. I lost interest in the story because a character was said to be a witch. I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to watch this film. But Hallmark is a name the presents the best, quality films. Now, there is a reason to give this film a second look. Clive Owen who plays "Damon Wildeve" just might have a chance to be selected as the next James Bond 007 when Pierce Brosnan passes it on. Clive Owen might have to wait until the year 2008. The other reason is the female lead is Catherine Zeta-Jones is now a celebrity (she was unknown at the time) and became an Academy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2003. Joan Plowright as "Mrs. Yeobright" is also in this film. I like the opening line in the film: "Deliver my heart from this fearful, lonely place. Send me a great love from somewhere or else I shall die, truly I shall die".

great for catherine fans
i only liked this movie because of zeta-she is great in it and young-24 yrs old ... Read more

Amazon.com

Footnotes in movie books are likely to reduce this swashbuckling adventure down to a simple description: it was the first movie to star Leonardo DiCaprio after the phenomenal success of Titanic. As such it automatically attracted a box-office stampede of Leo's young female fans, but critical reaction was deservedly mixed. Having earned his directorial debut after writing the Oscar-winning script for Mel Gibson's Braveheart, Randall Wallace wrote and directed this ambitious version of the often-filmed classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. DiCaprio plays dual roles as the despotic King Louis XIV, who rules France with an iron fist, and the king's twin brother, Philippe, who languishes in prison under an iron mask, his identity concealed to prevent an overthrow of Louis' throne. But Louis' abuse of power ultimately enrages Athos (John Malkovich), one of the original Four Musketeers, who recruits his former partners (Gabriel Byrne, Gérard Depardieu, and Jeremy Irons) in a plot to liberate Philippe and install him as the king's identical replacement. Once this plot is set in motion and the Musketeers are each given moments in the spotlight, the film kicks into gear and offers plenty of entertainment in the grand style of vintage swashbucklers. But it's also sidetracked by excessive length and disposable subplots, and for all his post-Titanic star power, the boyish DiCaprio just isn't yet "man" enough to be fully convincing in his title role. Still, this is an entertaining movie, no less enjoyable for falling short of the greatness to which it aspired. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (168)

As much fun as the book...
Movie adaptations of books are prone to disappointment - But not so with this film adaptation of "The Man in the Iron Mask," the third book in the Musketeer trilogy by master Alexandre Dumas.

Unlike the earlier "Three Musketeers" released by Disney (featuring Oliver Platt, Charlie Sheen, Chris O'Donnel and Kiefer Sutherland), which was aimed at a younger audience, "Iron Mask" is aimed at a more sophisticated adult audience. It aims past the raucus swashbuckling (although there is plenty of action to satisfy) and strives toward deeper character development in an almost introspective manner. From d'Artagnan's severe sense of duty to Aramis' penitence to Athos' alternating joie de vivre and ennui to Portos' fatherly love, with an underlying religous tone, the "Iron Mask" underscores the human struggle toward virtue and a supernatural code of morality.

The cast, including Jeremy Irons, Gabriel Byrne, Gerard Depardieu, John Malkovich and DiCaprio) is superb - with the exception that Malkovich's characteristic American accent seems out of place juxtaposed to the more British and French tinge of his fellow musketeers; and, more importantly, that the young DiCaprio (who has since matured) has yet to 'come of age' as an actor in this movie. The direction by "Braveheart"'s Randall Wallace is outstanding, with good cinematography and composition, well-planned pacing and a well-written and edited screenplay adaptation of the work.

Of course, the credit to the success of this movie is that the original work by Dumas is a page-turner literary classic! I highly recommend reading the complete trilogy: "The Three Musketeers," "Twenty Years After" and "The Man in the Iron Mask."

For hands-down the best translation of a Dumas work to film, I highly recommend "The Count of Monte Cristo," featuring the excellent Jim Caviezel.

Not Perfect, but Interesting
This movie is not unlike its central character(s) -- twins separated at birth, developing in two different directions. There's the movie for the squealing teens -- basically Leo DiCaprio, in all kinds of costumes, doing his cute-as-a-button routine as both hero and villain. Then there's the movie for everybody else -- a somber, complex story full of superb middle-aged actors who finally find honor and redemption at too high a cost. The two sides of the movie do fit together -- DiCaprio is a surprisingly good actor when he has the likes of Malkovich and Gabriel Byrne feeding him his cues -- but the fit is never perfect. The old guard side of the story is slow-paced at times, because it develops a personal plot line for every single Musketeer, but it gets there in the end. If you like the movie the first time, a re-watching will bring up new and interesting nuances. The best thing in the film (if you're not female and 17) is John Malkovich, whose version of Athos jumps believably from homicidal obsessive to loving father figure without ever touching middle ground. The movie is too flawed to be called 'great,' but what it does well it does very, very well.

True to Dumas
I have read the entire Musketeer series. This version closely tracks its written counterpart. It was well acted and involved the viewer in both the comedy and pathos Dumas was expert at entertaining his readers with. I was actually surprised by diCaprio's performance. I thought he showed great versatility in playing the dual roles. I loved Jeremy Irons in the role of d'Artagnan and I really liked Depardieu too in the role of Porthos. I have played my copy several times for guests in my home. It is a movie that engenders thought about good and evil and shows that, sometimes, it is important to do the right thing --- just because it is right to do.

Starry show for "Man in the Iron Mask"
"THe man in the iron mask" is probably best known for being DiCaprios first film after Titanic, and probably all that itll be remembered, or thanked for. The plot is twisted like much of Dumas' novels in recent film adaptions (such as "The Count of MOnte Cristo")but is still a good film to watch, once you can look over some imperfections in the various actors accents and very television-like twist at the end, that does pose as a suprise to a viewer, whether s/he has read the Musketeer novels or not.
The costumes and scenery are georgous. The huge budget shows not only in the starry cast on show, but in the quality of the interiors of Marseilles and the country side exteriors for Philippes transformation and training. The acting is spontaneous although it plays like a pantomine at times (such as Depardieu's consistent farting and incompetence with three women at one time. Malcovich mid-west accent and Iron's noble countenance somehow match (similar to "Dangerous Liasons" with Close and Malkovich)and Byrnes tragic/romantic/hero passes not exactly for the D'Artanian of the popular screen, his Irish accent also is another mix in the bake.
The directing makes the most of all that is on offer (such as the musketeers charging into musket fire, elaborate chase scenes on the kidnapping of the king and the squalor of the Bastille) and the music complements each scene beautifully that it stands out.
"Man in the Iron Mask" is overall a good film, not a landmark adaptation, but good entertainment of a better quality.

Really fine movie
I bought this movie only recently and really liked it.
I thought EVERYONE was utterly convincing and excellent especially Leo who plays both evil and innocent equally well.
However does anybody note here that something is brought in that was in no other version and not the book : Dartagnan is the father of the king and his brother?
Hmmmm.
But EXCELLENT FILM and I recomment it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The screwball comedy was the definitive genre of the Depression, but as America edged toward war in the early '40s, it suffered some strange and wonderful mutations--none stranger than The Talk of the Town, directed by George Stevens from a script by novelist Irwin Shaw and frequent Capra collaborator (and future blacklist victim) Sidney Buchman. Cary Grant, awkwardly cast, is a small-town political agitator who is framed for the burning of a local factory; he takes refuge in the attic of a country cottage that landlady Jean Arthur is preparing to rent out to a celebrated law professor (silver-tongued Ronald Colman, perhaps the only actor in Hollywood who could make Grant look like a proletarian). Stevens, suspended between his light '30s style (Swing Time) and his heavy postwar manner (A Place in the Sun), struggles to balance a charming, surprisingly suspenseful romantic triangle with the heavy, debating-society tone of the screenplay, which pits Grant, the representative of a compassionate, emotional sense of justice, against the cool, abstract application of the law advocated by Colman. Caught between these two highly verbal characters, Jean Arthur doesn't have much to do but be adorable and provide the occasional quizzical reaction shot--two things she does with exquisite skill. Stevens and Arthur teamed up again one year later for another strange-bedfellows farce, the marvelous The More the Merrier; in 1953 Arthur made her final film appearance in Stevens's Shane. --Dave Kehr ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Pretty good mix of a serious topic and comedy...
Sometimes I am tempted to describe this movie as having split personality disorder. On one level, it seems to be a lighthearted comedy with a love triangle between Cary Grant, Ronald Coleman, and Jean Arthur. And on another level, it aims to deal with deeper issues like the role of the law in society, etc, etc. But, actually, I think a more accurate way to describe this movie would be as a late screwball comedy. During the WWII years, screwball comedy, which had been so carefree in the depression, began to take on more serious issues, leading to movies like this one - strange mixes of the screwball spirit and deeper concerns.

Regardless of its strange synthesis of screwball and serious issues, however, The Talk of the Town is a classic, and a great movie! Essentially, it is about a small town rebel (Cary Grant, in an uncharacteristic role) who escapes from prision after being wrongly accused of arson and murder. He comes across a former friend (Jean Arthur) and stays with her, posing as the gardener when a law professor (Ronald Coleman) comes to rent her house. There are many hilarious situations in the house, but the movie also discussed the role of the law in society and whether law should be interpreted coldly and to the letter or have a more personal application.

The acting is very good. Cary Grant, though in a strange role, proves his talent as a more dramatic actor (and also shows off his incredible comedic skills). Even though he was ignored by the Oscars for years, Grant really was a spectacular actor - he just wasn't given enough credit because he tended to make it all look so easy. Ronald Coleman is also good as his urbane, cold rival, and Jean Arthur is great - her reactions steal scene after scene!

Anyhow, this movie is very good. Although it is somewhat of a strange mix, it is quite enjoyable and typical of the semi-screwball comedies from the war years. Get this and enjoy!

VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD COMEDY
THE TALK OF THE TOWN manages with equal ease to deal with love and law. As the principal object of love, Jean Arthur unexpectedly finds herself hiding an escaped arsonist in her attic. As the principal object of the law, Cary Grant plays the alleged arsonist. On neutral ground, at the start, stands Ronald Colman as a distinguished dean of a law school. But before the film is over, the dean loses his detatched academic attitude towards both love and law, and even gets involved with a blonde manicurist. Grant meets his comeuppance throught his peculiar taste for a Polish soup made with eggs and beets. Jean Arthur had the unique distinction of playing her final love scenes in the U.S. Supreme Court Building! Bright and literate, this Columbia comedy from 1942 has its head in the clouds & its feet on the ground. According to a 1942 report done in VARIETY, Grade "A" movies were beating box-office records since 1927. This was partly due to the fact that better movies were now being made and a natural wartime desire for escapist entertainment (in the thirties, the reason being the Great Depression, naturally). Most of Hollywood's extra profits, however, were going up the river in extra war taxes.

Great Stars, Great movie!
This movie includes three of my very favourite movie stars, Cary Grant, Jean Arthur and Ronald Colman.

The basic story is that Cary Grant is an innocent prisoner who escapes from prison. He hides out at his friends house (Jean Arthur) because he has been hurt from his escape. He then has to hide from Ronald Colman who is renting the house for the summer. Colman is a Supreme Court candidate. Cary wants to prove his innocence, but instead of hiding away from Colman forever, he pretends he is the gardener. I wont give away the rest.

It really is a fantastic movie. One of the best. The acting is brilliant and with three top stars like these, you couldnt ask for much more. But you do get more! Its directed by one of the greatest, George Stevens.

The print on this DVD is nice too and it has very clear sound throughout the film.

A perfect combination of stars here, and a really great story. Well directed, well written, and one you can watch over and over again.

Highly recommended to anybody who has any taste in movies at all. Brilliant!

PLEASE NOTE: Owner of the Region 2 DVD. However, this one appears to be no different.

I would have given it five, but for one little detail...
If you don't want to know the ending, read no further.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, at least the first hour and fifty-seven minutes of it. The last minute was the most tragic thing I've seen since A Tale of Two Cities. Why, why, why did Nora go off with a loser like Dilg? Obviously, he was not a man to settle down and behave himself. He didn't even have a vision or dream that made his strangeness admirable. I thought he looked very dark and sinister most of the time and there was absolutely nothing about him that made me want her to end up with him.

Ronald, on the other hand, was everything she needed, and if she was smart, she would have snapped him up. I certainly would have. He was intelligent, stable, and madly in love with her.

Anyway, you get the idea of my feelings about the two main fellers - Nora Shelley was cute, if a little silly at times (and very idiotic in the last couple minutes of the film).

As for the film itself: It was full of great moments. The egg-falling-on-the-newspaper scene was hilarious. The borscht with egg in it was also amusing. It was over all good story, filmed well, told well. I also enjoyed the part when Lightcap was trying to get information out of Miss Bush. He was so artless about it, as well he might be - he probably never went out with a woman before in his life. Which is why he was an awfully stiff dancer, too.

So anyway, I'm sure by now you've figured the little detail that cost my rating of this film one star - JEAN WENT OFF WITH THE WRONG MAN IN THE END!!

I expect this probably isn't the best review ever and that I'll receive lots of flak from Cary Grant fans, and that is O-K. I still like Ronnie better.

The Talk of The Town!
I saw this movie on TCM, it was on very late and I wound up staying up really late to watch it. It is a good movie and I think Cary Grant, Ronald Colman and Jean Arthur were very good. The Talk of the Town is definitely a classic movie I could buy for my DVD collection and I highly recommend it to any fans of these actors! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

In the closing paragraph of his 1996 review of Dragonheart, noted critic Roger Ebert summed up this adventurous fantasy quite nicely: "While no reasonable person over the age of 12 would presumably be able to take it seriously, there is nevertheless a lighthearted joy to it, a cheerfulness, an insouciance, that recalls the days when movies were content to be fun." That's precisely the quality that makes Dragonheart so appealing, despite the fact that it didn't exactly take flight and breathe fire at the box office. The movie takes itself seriously without sacrificing the wit and cleverness that make it so entertaining. It's about the last of the great dragon slayers, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last of the great dragons, Draco (and voiced by Sean Connery), after they realize that killing each other would put them both out of business!So they devise a bogus dragon-slaying act that's a huge hit as they tour from village to village. Later, they must rouse the peasantry against the loutish Prince Einon (David Thewlis), whose life was once saved by Draco, but who now violates the "Old Code" of honor with a ruthless reign of terror. As Ebert rightly noted, Dragonheart is no masterpiece, and its story (which was originally conceived as a darker, more serious drama) isn't likely to capture everyone's heart (dragon or otherwise). But it's full of exciting action, witty dialogue, and gallant heroism, and in the presentation of a realistic talking dragon it's a milestone in computer-generated special effects, far surpassing the breakthroughs of Jurassic Park three years earlier. --Jeff Shannon. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

Leaping Lizards
Director Rob Cohen (XXX & The Fast and the Furious) brings mythical creatures to life in the grand fantasy adventure "Dragonheart". In a medieval land, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a fallen knight of the old code of honor, forms an unlikely alliance with a noble fire-breathing beast (voiced by Sean Connery). These two sworn enemies aid a peasant rebellion against a spoiled tyrant. "Dragonheart" is a truly entertaining epic fantasy for the whole family. Its enchanting story is quite engaging and its characters are certainly memorable. The film contains some great action, amazing special effects and delightful humor. Dennis Quaid delivers a surprising performance. Draco is a terrific visual creation and Sean Connery is perfectly cast as the voice of the dragon. The cast also includes David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite, Dina Meyer and Julie Christie.

As one of Universal's earliest DVD releases, "Dragonheart" Collector Edition is a highly recommended purchase. The 1996 fantasy adventure is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a spectacular picture quality with striking detail and bright colors. Its 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is great with fine clarity and good bass. Unlike the DTS version, this DVD features numerous supplements including an audio commentary by director Rob Cohen, the excellent "The Making of Dragonheart" documentary, theatrical trailers, outtakes, picture galleries and production notes. Overall, "Dragonheart" (Dolby Digital version) has a superb DVD presentation and scores a definite "A-".

One of the best fantasy films of recent years!
In 1996, a fantasy film by the name of "Dragonheart" hit theaters and didn't really garner much at the box-office. Quite a shame, because this movie is quite a good one. "Dragonheart" took place during medieval times in England with a story about a bloodthirsty king's son's (David Thewlis) pact with a dragon to live with the half of the dragon's heart. The dragon, Draco (Sean Connery's voice), later befriends Bowen (Dennis Quaid), Einon's mentor, after they realize Einon has the same treachorous blood of his father's.

The acting is quite good in the film, especially Quaid and Pete Postlethwaite as Gilbert (he's a poet and a monk, and he gets the best lines). Julie Christie plays Einon's mother and she does a decent job. The only one I can detract is Dina Meyer's and considering her character's father is murdered by the evil king, I expected a more angst-filled performance. Unfortunately, she plays the role rather blandly and it's quite a shame; she was excellent in "Starship Troopers" (one year later) and very good in her small role in "Star Trek Nemesis." Oh well, onto the other good stuff...

The dragon effects were VERY WELL DONE and detailed, and it's not surprising that one of the head dragon creators (Phil Tippett) from 1981's "Dragonslayer" is involved. Sean Connery gives the character much personality and I'd place him #2 in the best lines category for this film (as I mentioned above, Gilbert has most of the best). The music was composed by Randy Edelman, a prolific composer of notable films including "Kindergarten Cop," "The Last of the Mohicans," and the brilliant "Gettysburg," among many other films. The music is superb.

On a closing note, I'd say for recent years, this is an awesome film. It may not be academy award winning material, but it's visual grandness for the medieval period and it's overall great sense of fun, it's a winner. It almost feels like those old Indiana Jones/Romancing the Stone/Back to the Future/etc. films in which a movie is content on being fun, whether or not a lot of brainpower is involved. A good film, excellently directed by Rob Cohen ("Fast and the Furious").

This movie will bring the heart out in you!
I don't know about you guys,but I difinitly belive! The story of a valent Knight serching for the last of the dragons,who he belives bewitched his student. Dennis Quaid never ceases to amase me! And Sean Connory will make anyone belive. But, put those two together and you got a great movie. David Thewis even adds to the excitment. I would not trade this one for anything. I guess it's safe to say that I enjoyed this one immensly!!!

LOVED IT!!!!!
(I'm really 17 but I'm not a customer, my parents are. BTW.)
This is a brilliant movie, the story and the acting was beautiful and stunning!
I'd recommend this to everyone because I feel that it's that good!
However, if you'd like to read how it was supposed to be, I'd highly recommend that you read the novel of the same title based on the original screenplay. It takes the story to a whole new level, bringing more to the story and a slightly darker tone to it as well!
I hope you find this helpful.
P.S.
You must read the book!!!!!

The Best Dragon Movie EVER!!!
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! It is one of the best ever!!! It shows dragons the way I think dragons should be shown: as good guys, with feelings and a personality, not the way some movies show dragons as mindless, heartless murdering beasts.

Summary: A knight of the Old Code named Bowen has sworn himself to hunting down and killing every dragon in the world. The reason: his apprentice, Prince Enion, was badly wounded when the villagers revolted against his father, the King. The Queen took the prince to a dragon that lived nearby and the dragon saved him by giving the boy half of his heart. Soon after, the ex-prince became the King and began to forget everything Bowen taught him. Bowen, thinking it was the dragon's heart that corrupted Enion, vows to kill all dragons.

12 years later: Bowen comes across a dragon who claims to be the last dragon. After a endless fight, the knight and dragon form a truce. After their schemeing makes them a lot of $, Bowen and the dragon, who Bowen named Draco, meet a villager named Kara, who wants to lead a revolt against Enion. With the help of Bowen and Draco, she is able to get villagers to join their cause.

As the fight begins, Draco is captured. Now Bowen must find a way to rescue his dragon friend and somehow kill Enion. But... what will the knight of the Old Code do when he finds out that there is a terrible and deadly connection between Draco and Enion? What will Bowen do when he finds out that the only way to end Enion's terrible ways once and for all is to...

I love how the director added in the parts of light humor along with action and slight plot twists which all add up to a slightly surprise ending. The end (which I wont give away) is so sad that I always get teary eyed no matter how many times I watch it. Bring lots of tissues to this movie. If you like dragons, then you will LOVE this movie!!! I can promise you!!! ... Read more

Description

1945, on an old cargo ship somewhere deep in the Pacific ocean: Captain Morton strives to become commander, so he demands the maximum quality of work from his crew, without granting them any freedom or favors - ignoring that they're thousand of miles away from the front. In one word: he drives his crew crazy. They are near mutiny, but no-one dares to do the first step. Until Ensign Pulver plays a prank on the captain that triggers fatal consequences... ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Should be a classic if not!
First time I seen this movie, I loved it! Hadn't seen Mr. Roberts prior to seeing Ensign Pulver, but after seeing Mr. Roberts...Ensign Pulver is the video I bought!

Interesting Premise for a Sequel
This is not a bad sequel from director Joshua Logan. It more or less picks up where MISTER ROBERTS left off but is presented with an entirely knew cast in familiar roles. Robert Walker Jr. is Ensign Pulver. Burl Ives is the Captain. Walter Matthau is good as Doc. He has the cynicism and wit but lacks the good-natured purpose of being that William Powell demonstrated in MISTER ROBERTS. To its credit the film tries to uncover the facade that the Captain wears night and day. Is he really a no good miserable excuse for a human being or is there something lurking deep inside that keeps his humanity from emerging. Pulver sets out unravel the enigma. There are some great moments of comedy and humanity and the film does have a great supporting cast that includes Jack Nicholson, James Farentino, Millie Perkins, Tommy Sands, Al Freeman, Jr., James Coco and Larry Hagman that keeps it all moving.

Mister Roberts #2
Although not as classic as Mister Roberts, this is still a great movie. Hech, I didn't even know there was a sequel, so I bought both copies. They have both earned a Top Shelf placing in my bookcase. All characters play great parts, even though James Cagney and Henry Fonda aren't in this movie. It would have been great to see some of the actors from the Mister Roberts, even though the 'new' doc, played by Walter Matthea does a great job. Both he and the "old Ensign" make great movies together! As most movies drag the chain nowadays going for 2-3+ hours, this is one movie I thought could go on and not get boring. Another classic and great fun for all family to enjoy. We wish more movies were like this nowadays. No Swearing, No Violence, No War .... not even a bullet is fired. An allround great movie.

Sound General Quarters!
The sequel to "Mister Roberts" returns to the worst ship in the navy, with the worst officer on that ship squarely in its sights. Pulver is equally the ressurection and damnation of the ship, being responsible for more action and chaos than the crew has seen in it's whole tour. Pulver's problems are only beginning when he's stranded on a raft with the Captain, a positively venemous Burl Ives. What happens after shows the transformation of the lecherous, ambitious, adolescent Pulver into an adult, or does it? Keep your eyes on the movie and always count your marbles.

One must divorce all thoughts of Mr. Roberts to truly enjoy.
This movie, although no where near the classic status of Mr. Roberts, from which it is drawn, is a decent comedy.

Robert Walker takes over the role of Jack Lemmon and Burl Ives, not James Cagney, is the captain. Walter Matthau is great as the ship's doctor. It has some great comedic moments ("tastes like dead frogs.")

Again, not a classic, but worth viewing. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

"Day Lincoln Was Shot" Television Masterpiece
During a trip to our nation's capital in March of '98, I visited the Ford's Theater in downtown Washington,D.C. There I became totally enthralled with the whole Lincoln assasanation conspiracy. About a month after I returned home, I watched "The Day Lincoln Was Shot" on TNT. It was the most fascinating movie I'd ever seen. It gave an account of Lincoln's and Booth's final days and humanized the often misunderstood assasin. Rob Morrow of "Northern Exposure" & "Quiz Show" fame portrays John Wilkes Booth, the young, talented thespian son of Junius Booth, one of the most famous actors of his time. Lance Henriksen plays one of America's most revered figures, President Abraham Lincoln. Morrow's excellent portryal of Booth shows a patriotic and spirited side of him that few people ever realize. The film begins with Booth galloping through the woods, trying to escape, and then being caught in a burning barn. From then on the film is shown in hindsight, beginning with the day Richmond fell. It also shows a romantic & loving side of both Lincoln and Booth, from Lincoln's torrid but comical relationship with Mary Todd, to Booth's courtship of the young and fair Lucy Hale, daughter of an American ambassador. Lincoln's realationship with his youngest son Tad is also very well portrayed throughout the film. In retrospect I feel that this movie is one of the finest movies about President Lincoln ever made. A spectacular ensemble of actors. Morrow's portrayal is award-worthy. A masterpiece in made-for-television movies. END

Best Lincoln Portrayal I've Ever Seen!
I purchased this video recently and have watched it TWICE now within the past 24 hours - it was so well done.

Having read quite a bit on Lincoln in the past, I can tell you that this movie is very historically accurate - a rarity for Hollywood.

The actors who portrayed Abraham Lincoln (Lance Hendriksen) and John Wilkes Booth (Rob Morrow) were absolutely outstanding in their performances.

I would love to see more movies made like this dramatizing actual historical events - they educate and expand the mind, as well as entertain.

If you're an admirer of "The Great Emancipator," then this video is a must for your collection.

Fair
This wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. The biggest disappointment for me were the main players. Few of them really looked like the historical persona. Lincoln's portrayal was a letdown from the start. Although he looked fairly close, his voice was all wrong. Lincoln had a squeaky voice with a real Kentucky twang. (This comes from observations by Lincoln's law partner, Herndon as well as Nicolaye & Haye, Lincoln's secretaries and biographers) Hal Holbrook actually came closest to the right pitch and tone. Even more annoying was the portrayal of Sec. of War Edward Stanton. Here, he comes across like a frustrated grandfather. The real Stanton was NOT a Lincoln fan, he once refered to Lincoln as the "original baboon" and constantly challenged the 16th president on issue after issue. Lincoln would let Stanton have his temper tantrums, but managed to "put his foot down" at the right time. Stanton himself was far from well liked by other members of the cabinet and was actually feared and loathed by many. First Lady Mary Todd was far too slender and attractive in this depiction. If you've ever seen photos of the real Mary, she looked dowdy if not downright frumpy. Her rages were legendary in Washington. She once chased a deliveryman down the street with a broomstick. Secretary Seward called her a "she-wolf" and others dubbed her a bit**. A surprise for me was the portrayal of Dr. Charles A. Leale, the 27 year old Army surgeon who took charge of Lincoln after the shooting. The actor bore more than striking resemblance. It was almost spooky to watch. Jim Bishop's book was followed closely which was one of the more appealing parts of this film. Even snippets of dialog from the book crept in with regularity.

The Day Lincoln Was Shot
This was a terrible movie. Started out slow with boring acts, didn't even get worth watching until the end. Glad I loaned the film out from the library.

A refreshing Film
Take a chance on this well made film that is simply enjoyable to watch. Rob Morrow in particular is amazing and you can't afford to miss watching this film. All TV films should be as good. Also take the time to see Rough Riders, Truman, and Conspiracy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tom Hanks's debut as a writer and director is a lively, affectionate account of the shooting-star career of a forgotten (fictional) '60s pop-rock band called The Wonders--as in "one-hit wonders." Hanks plays the manager of the group, which includes drummer Guy "Sticks" Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) who works the floor at his parents' appliance store in Erie, Pennsylvania; Jimmy (Johnathon Schaech), the talented and temperamental lead singer and songwriter; Lenny (Steve Zahn), the goofy guitarist; and Ethan Embry as a geeky little fellow identified in the cast list only as "The Bass Player." The movie traces their meteoric rise and fall, from cutting their first record, to going on tour with a Phil Spector/Motown-type revue, to the internal tensions that lead to the band's disintegration, which comes when they fail to follow up their smash hit single, "That Thing You Do!" And that song, by the way, is so catchy it would definitely have been a hit in 1964--and deserves to be one today. This delightful movie would make a great double-bill with Allison Anders's wonderful Grace of My Heart. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (125)

Finally on DVD!!!
You're not likely to find a more sweet, affectionately drawn portrait of a time and era than this film. The last great one before this was "American Graffiti." Tom Hanks takes a very easy-going hand with the direction of this excellent movie, which is one of the film's strong points. It moves at a fast, yet leisurely pace and has a good story to tell about one of the millions of one hit wonder band that crop up, have a hit or two, and then just when they are about to become the hugest group in the world, disappear into oblivion. The group in this movie, therefore is, aptly called the "Wonders." (The original spelling of their name, the "One-ders" has to be changed because people kept pronouncing it "Oh needers".) This movie is a very light, fun musical comedy/drama with a bouncy, authentic-sounding score, highlighted by the excellent title number and some other faux-60s pop hits, and delightful performances from an exuberant cast. Hanks even has a small part as their manager, in a very downplayed, tasteful performance. This movie is wise to never take itself or its plot too seriously, acknowledging throughout, even during the breakup, that the "Wonders" was really a whim more than anything else throughout their shortlived history. Many clever set pieces compare the "Wonders" to parts of Beatle history, the difference being that the Beatles had more than one or two hit singles. All in all, this movie is a fun, vibrantly colorful look at the 60s music industry, that gently and subtly parodies the era while celebrating it simulaneously. P.S. Look for a fabulous cameo by Rita Wilson, Hanks' real-life wife as a cocktail waitress.

"...like I wonder what happen to the O-NE-DERS?" Lenny
Those words spoken by Lenny just kill me...Zahn plays the part of Lenny, the smart-talking and wild member of the group. This movie takes place in 1964, just as Vietnam was beginning to re-focus a carefree America. Along comes a "one-time wonder" with a hit song which climbs the Billboard Chart in record time...The chemistry that Zahn, Schaech, Scott, and Embry have, combine to form an exciting and comical band who go from obscurity to nationwide fame in a few weeks' time. Each member of the group handles the group's rising success in a different way. That aspect alone is unique! Tom Hanks plays the manager-part very realistically, but adds a twist of humanity when it comes to dealing with Scott's character. Liv Tyler, who plays Jimmy's girlfriend Faye, does a wonderful job of playing the part of the loyal girlfriend (though Jimmy burns her in the end). Tom Everett Scott does a fantastic job as the main character whose drums bring the Wonders to life through his playing. The plot is simple but could've been more developed. The soundtrack is a must if you purchase the movie. The album notes are fictional but add insights to other characters in the movie. Hanks did a wonderful job directing this movie and writing many of the songs involved in the movie. Overall, this ranks as one of my family's favorite movies...

"We can use the 'Wonders' with an 'O' 'N' 'E'"
This is one of Tom Hanks' best!
Written, directed, and starring Tom Hanks, 'That Thing You Do!' tells the charming story of a small town band hitting the big times. It starts with the find of a perfect drum player and ends in a wonder.
Guy Patterson is helping run the family appliance store, something he could live without doing, Jimmy is the lead singer to a newly started rock band with one problem: his band has its first gig and no drum player!
That's when Guy comes in, with his amazing fast drum playing skills, which turns the band's best song, "That Thing You Do", from good to great!!! They recieve a standing ovation and are asked to perform another gig! After making a single recording of "That Thing You Do!" on a record, they get a manager, who leads them to their new manager, Mr. White (Hanks).
After making the radio and hitting a state fair tour, the band fly to California where they are given a chance to perform live on TV!
As the worst would happen, something dramatic with Jimmy and his girlfriend, who is also their costume mistress, and the band break up. Giving the song "That Thing You Do!" a lable as a One-Hit Wonder.
_________________________________________________________________
The movie is awesome, all in all. It delivers fast, fun comedic jokes and has very snappy and catchy music. The ending is very sweet, giving a brief on all the main characters and where they are today. This movie will touch your heart, if not through the story, then the music.

Not deep, but highly etertaining slice of 1960's pop music
This is a movie about a 1964 garage rock band called "The Wonders" that catapults to the big time in one summer then disbands, having made only one hit -- get it? The one-hit-Wonders!

Some reviewers have complained that this movie isn't deep or "real" enough. I'm assuming that it doesn't show enough explicit sex and drug use to satisfy their urge for reality (the movies they recommend as alternatives are rated R). This movie isn't trying to go that deep, but it's a very entertaining, very clean slice of mid-60's Amnerican pop music.

My husband came of age in the 60's and he finds it immensely entertaining. He always laughs at the all-girl band Tom Hanks cleverly creates to showcase local 60's mediocrity -- and he's laughing at himself, remembering some of his own mediocre music ensembles from the same decade. But he only laughs during that one song; the rest of the music in this movie is excellent. Every time he hears the alterative version of the main song (during the end credits) he wishes that his own garage band would have had access to music like that.

1964 was an interesting time for pop music; it included 50's type genres as well as rock and roll (which is usually associated with the 60's, although it began earlier), and this movie (and soundtrack) capture it beautifully. The "Playtone Galaxy of Stars" (Playtone being the fictitious recording lable featured in the movie) includes a black girl's group, a glamourous blond pop singer and a tall, dark, handsome guy, reminiscent of a certain "look" from the late 50's/early 60's who sings a song hummorously reminiscent of "Secret Agent Man." Even jazz is featured: when the group falls apart, the drummer gets to jam with a black Jazz pianist that he's admired for years.

Not only do the Wonders sing the phenominally catchy and immensely listenable title tune (and the actors are really playing and singing, which is quite an achievement) but several others: my personal favorite is the jazzy "Dance With Me." But the wonderful (there I go again) title song is what seems to magically captures a whole decade of rock and roll; it would have been a major hit if it had existed in 1964.

My husband and I obviously love this film and what's really great about it is that our kids love to watch with us; they especially love anything Steve Zahn says or does -- he's hysterical. All the other performances are great as well; it's a very good piece of ensemble work and everyone gives a very natural performance. The plot clips right along, the screenplay is witty and the cinemetography is very cleverly done.

All right, so it doesn't have a deep meaning, but it's not trying to. If you enjoy music from the 60's, you can't find a more entertaining film than this one.

Just OK, nothing special
I expected an entertaining movie judging by these reviews,
but I was disappointed. This is a trite, ordinary movie with a catchy song. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Monty Python's first feature is essentially a reworking of their best skits from the first two seasons of their cult TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus, shot on film outside the usual studio sets (Nudge Nudge, for example, is set in a tavern filled with passersby). As the TV series was as yet unseen in the U.S. at the time of this feature, And Now for Something Completely Different became for many Americans their first taste of the Pythons' brand of surreal, silly humor and remains a fond favorite. The writing and performances are fine and the film is packed with some of their best bits: How to Avoid Being Seen, Hell's Grannies, Blackmail, The Lumberjack Song, and The Upper Class Twit of the Year, among others. Many of the sketches have been shortened, however, and the loss of the overbright video sheen (the film has a muddy, dull look to it) and the invigorating presence of a live audience leaves the film sluggish at times. They're still feeling out the possibilities of the feature-length, which they finally conquer with Monty Python and the Holy Grail, still their finest hour and a half. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Clean, Clear, and Funny
This movie introduces no new material to Monty Python's body of work. It selects several key routines from the first two series of Monty Python's Flying Circus and reshoots them. So why bother?

Because this is easier to watch.

This film was shot as part of an abortive attempt to introduce Monty Python to an American audience (which wouldn't actually be accopmlished for another three years). Where the original series suffered from a low budget and spotty production values, this film has high-end production quality, including clean sound, a single variable-angle 35mm camera, and the exclusion of the laugh track that muddied the sound on the TV series. There was obviously money for retakes, allowing the boys to edit out minor line muffs and giving them permission to experiment with their character delivery.

The picture is clear and organic. The sound is clean and audible. The characters are fun and believable. Just what we've always loved about Monty Python, isn't it?

But be warned, except for one or two linking jokes, this is material that you've already seen. Don't expect anything that will take your beloved boys in new directions, and don't think you'll get anything new. Just sit back, hear the jokes you've never heard clearly before, and laugh out loud. That's what they wanted, isn't it?

Funniest comedy ever- beside Holy Grail
This is simply the outright funniest sketch comedy to be had on DVD, or anywhere else. Every skit is as funny or better than the last, and that's saying something for Monty Python to top itself. The Holy Grail (by the Python also) is only better due to the solid story for a complete movie. Some of the humor on Something Completely Different is a bit abstract, such as the "How's the wife?" man in the bar. The dead parrot, the lumberjack song, and the marraige counselor are only the jems in this collage of the obscure; every skit here is a winner. One of the best parts of the 'movie' is how each skit is strung together, usually with the troupe's cheap old animation that makes everyone laugh just as hard as they did at the skits.

And Now for Something Completely Similar to the TV Show
And now for something completely different...if you've never seen the first two seasons of the series.

"And Now..." was put together with the specific purpose of "breaking" Python in the States and never meant for British audiences already familiar with the group. In one of the great ironies of showbiz history, it was a flop Stateside but a hit in England!

The film collects skits from the first two seasons and redoes them with a series of linking devices like the Colonel and Gilliam's animation to form a cohesive form. On some levels, it feels a bit stale compared to the original. While the Pythons have complained about the harsh TV lighting and studio audience, the film with the same skits seems lifeless at times. But the humor still comes through, and I can't knock this film as it was my own intro to the more surreal side of the group.

There's some great familiars such as "Dirty Fork", "Dead Parrot", "The Two Kilimanjaros", "Hell's Grannies" and so on. This film works best for those unaware of Python, but the diehard fan will find this enjoyable as well (though, again, it suffers in comparison to the actual TV series). Share it with your friends and neighbors, force it on them. They'll either laugh or wonder what the f#$k is the big deal.

ABSOLUTELY WRETCHED
Hello. My name is Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfernschplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-wemache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm. I would like to take this time to apologize to my pet penguin Terry-even though it wasn't technically penetration, I still feel bad about it. (He's allergic to television sets). I also wish to revoke my rating of this DVD - I give it 5 stars (it was delightful).
Thank you,
Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm.

And this is just one of the many virtues of not being seen.
This will always be my favorite movie. Monty Python's unique brand of humon really is at it's peak here (i feel it bottomed out with the not-so-funny "the meaning of life"), and it provides the silly realease one needs after a long day. as an added bonus: turn on the movie to any point, even if you havn't seen it, and watch for five minutes for a guarenteed laugh. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

short use of good talent
i really must say that it was ok could've been better, alot better! if they only would've taken more time & care on the script. the casting was superb that's why it's a shame it falls soo short of greatest , a great idea just poorly excuted. jeff daniels & catherine o'hara are pefect in their roles but the script leaves little for them to do,the beginning is great but runs out of steam.

there are some funny moments that's about it. it's PG-13 for profanity.

Paydirt - VHS
It's a copy of mad mad mad mad world. Jeff Daniels strikes again, he is one of the funniest people on this planet, what would the world be whiteout him.

PAYDIRT - VHS
It's a copy of mad mad mad mad world. Jeff Daniels strikes again, he is one of the funniest people on this planet, what would the world be whiteout him. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

GREAT FILM WITH A HOLLYWOOD ENDING
I call this a "Hollywood ending" not in the sense that it is a happy ening, but one which seems to be contrived to follow the production code of the day which stated that all wrongdoers must be brought to justice. Bette Davis, in one of her great performances, is killed off by Gale Sondergaard who herself is arrested by the police at the end. I really don't know if this ending is in the novel but it does not ring right with me. After all, Leslie Crosby was cleared of the crime and could have gone on living even with the torture memory of the lover she murdered in cold blood although I doubt if she would have remained faithful to wimpy Herbart Marshall for long. Gail Sondergaard, the dragon lady wife of the knocked off husband, just seems to be unable to get enough revenge. The 10 grand she got for selling the incriminating letter to Bette apparently was not enough to satisfy her. I especially liked the scene where Leslie tells her husband how much she still loves her vengefully slain adulterer.

Getting Away with Murder
Who else could get away with murder and still get the approval of the audience but Bette Davis? Based on Somerset Maugham's story, THE LETTER relates the murder of a rubber-plantation owner (Herbert Marshall) in Malaya by his wife (Bette Davis). It is interesting how Davis approaches this part. She gives a brilliant study of a cold yet proper woman who intoxicates her society friends and authorities through a pretense of female sexual virtue. She deliriously illustrates the passion of a woman who would kill a man for attempting to leave her and in doing so entices the audience on her behalf. Davis is so brilliant at conveying such a cold woman who my in effect really need the warmth and passion of a desperate soul, that even she may not realize her actions are a desperate attempt to realize her own desires. Is her behavior a pretense or not? This was very erotic stuff for its time. This film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards. Carl Jules Weyl's Art Designs combined with Tony Gaudio's Cinematography made a very provocative setting for the images. However the only fault I found with this film was Max Steiner's score. Max Steiner is one of my favorite film composers but I found his score too full of that heavy-handed Warner Bros. sound and not sensitive to the nature of the main character or the film.

seven well-deserved Oscar nominations
"The Letter" is a superb adapation of the Somerset Maugham tale set in Malaysia. Bette Davis is at the top of her form in her role as a deceitful, anguished wife caught up in an illicit love affair. Her pleasant, steady, unexciting husband, a rubber plantation manager, is played exceptionally well by Herbert Marshall. James Stephenson, in the role of her defense attorney, turns in an admirably understated yet vital performance.

William Wyler's masterful direction, employing exotic settings and mysterious minor characters, make this spellbinding tale of passion and murder a can't-miss for all Davis fans.

"The Letter" deserves the highest recommendation!

Exciting exotic thriller from the colonial age
Pistol shots bang through the starlit night in the malayan jungle and rubber planter Robert Crosbie (Herbert Marshall) is stupefied to learn that his own wife, Leslie Crosbie (Bette Davis) has bumped off his best friend, Jeff Hammond. "He tried to rape me, so I shot him" she tells her husband - and we know from the start that she is lying. Hammond's body is riddled with bullets, her magazine empty. Some shots were fired when he was already lying on the ground.

While her credulous husband coddles her, she gives her lawyer, Howard Joyce (James Stephenson) her version of the story - only interrupted by crocodile tears and a simulated fainting-fit. Joyce is really considerate: he even commends her on her courage. So good is her mood when she regales the police with a dinner that she is surprised to learn that she could face a murder charge. Robert, haggard from lack of sleep tries to convince himself that everything is O.K: "She shot the man like a rabid dog". But Hammond was so dashing, charming, a real ladies man - hard to believe that he was capable of such a thing...

Robert has every reason to be worried: Joyce is informed by his asian counsellor that a certain letter exists: written by Leslie on the last day of Hammond's life, inviting him to come and see her...This letter is in the hands of his eurasian widow (Gale Sondergaard) who runs a gambling house. Leslie's smiling self-confidence dissolves under Joyce's interrogation. She denies everything, she rages, but her lawyer is not dumb: "I dont't want to hear more from you than is necessary to save your head". He feels nothing but contempt for the woman who implores him to get her the letter, but he feels compassion for her husband. The price for the letter is 10.000 Pounds - the exact amount of Robert's bank deposit - and Mrs. Hammond made it a condition that she should bring the money personally. Leslie tries to hide behind a veil, but it doesn't help her: after letting her wait for nearly one hour in an opium-den, the widow demands to see her face - and throws the letter before her feet with disdain. A male jury acquits the virtuous lady of her indictment, but there is more trouble brewing: Her husband wants to leave for Sumatra, become independent and buy his own plantation. He does not realize that his money is gone...

This exciting thriller contains one of Bette Davis' most famous performances. Herbert Marshall is equally brilliant in the role of her gullible husband, especially in the final scenes. He must have been the most often cuckolded husband on screen: Greta Garbo deceived him in THE PAINTED VEIL, and Marlene Dietrich in BLONDE VENUS and the delightful, underrated ANGEL. Perhaps he was beyond help, because he did not learn from his faults: His next film was THE LITTLE FOXES where he played Bette's victim again.

Sondergaard looks spectacular, but is psychologically wrong: Men usually fall in love with little Miss Butterfly - not with the empress of China. Bette Davis was universally praised. A very intelligent actress, she was on the right track: She wears glasses, she concentrates on her embroidery with great patience - needle-work and sex-appeal don't exclude each other, but there must have been a reason why her lover became tired of her...I think that she lacked the boldness to steep herself completely in Leslie Crosbie's true character. This type of woman ("One is getting so lazy here, the boys do everything" she says) has survived until recently in South Africa: she has no goal, no funcion, and my guess is that she was growing fat...Leslie Crosbie was porridge - and Bette plays her like caviar! W. Somerset Maugham, like Agatha Christie, is very good to read to this day: They were not dishonest authors, just one-sided: they nurture a nostalgia for the "glorious" age of colonialism, which existed only for a small part of mankind.

A great deal
It is a real crime story. Only at the end of this story you experience what happened in this special night. It is hard to feel how this nice beautiful woman can be a murderer.I was surprised that a lawyer does such a great deal (with that letter) to save the life of his client who is guilty. At the end you are in doubt if it is a fair end or not. The book is interesting to read. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

DVD issue quickly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic portret of JAZZ GENIUS, Mr. C.B.
It`s time for DVD, issue !!!!!!!!!!!
VHS, is long ago, behind us.

Chet Baker: Let's Get lost
I first saw this film at a small arts theater in Newburyport, Ma. in 1988. I was so taken by it that I returned the next three evenings to watch it again and again; it is that good. As soon as the film was released on VHS I purchased it, and it remains one of the treasures in my musical film library. Please, oh please, someone get this film transferred to DVD!

NEED DVD VERSION!!![...]
Let's Get Lost is one of the most haunting, visually evocative films ever made. It transcends genres. It is simply criminal that there is not a crystal clear, remastered dolby 5.1 surround version of this remarkable film on DVD! I would buy it for myself and send it as a gift to all my jazz and/or photographer friends!

Let's Get Lost on DVD....please!
A year after Chet Baker's tragic death, I remember watching, spellbound, Let's Get Lost, a video format documentary of Chet's life from a handsome, care-free young man in California playing lyrically on his horn to a gaunt-faced middle-aged man obviously ravaged by drugs but still performing with extra-ordianry brilliance only a few months away from his death. One of the most touching moments in the that documentary was a scene where his mother, wife and three kids gather in front of a record player listening to his recording of Blame It On My Youth. I am waiting for the release of a DVD format of this documentary which, sadly, is hard to find even in video format.

lets get lost with chet baker
I saw Let get lost back in 1988 in denver at the ogden theater there was only two of us in the theater what a perfect setting for a perfect movie , well not just a movie a veiw into the world of a very lost soul i was captivated and am still to this very day .chet baker is a wonderkin a natural mistake a musical genius what has jazz become without him ? a wasteland of generic artificial elevator music how sad it is to hear people say they love jazz and when i ask them who their favorites are they tell me "kenny g" and noname non descript people i care not to remember what i'm trying to say is what happened ?where did we go wrong ? Chet the jazz world of today has forsaken you and the rest of us who really know what jazz was and is , raw ,absolute and our best freind , and demon .
please release lets get lost so the masses can sink their teeth into something juicy and way too rich ! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Memorable Little Film
Natalie Wood stars as an 8 year old girl who witnesses a plane crash. She seeks solace with the town doctor. This film is no longer available and is a real treasure to own.

A Cutie movie
I think this is a nice pleasant movie with a good bit of humor and a realistic plot. The parts are well played and not to sweet, its better than you would think being made in 1947. It dosent copy any thing like many lassie clones do and is heart warming without be to over done. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

"The love impulse in man," says a psychiatrist in Bringing Up Baby, "frequently reveals itself in terms of conflict." That's for sure. For a primer on the rules and regulations of the classic screwball comedy, which throws love and conflict into close proximity, look no further. A straight-laced paleontologist (Cary Grant) loses a dinosaur bone to a dog belonging to free-spirited heiress Katharine Hepburn. In trying to retrieve said bone, Grant is drawn into the vortex surrounding the delicious Hepburn, which becomes a flirtatious pas de deux that will transform both of them. Director Howard Hawks plays the complications as a breathless escalation of their "love impulse," yet the movie is nonetheless romantic for all its speed. (Hawks's His Girl Friday, also with Grant, goes even faster.) Grant and Hepburn are a match made in movie heaven, in sync with each other throughout. Not a great box-office success when first released, Bringing Up Baby has since taken its place as a high-water mark of the screwball form, and it was used as a model for Peter Bogdanovich's What's Up, Doc? --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (87)

SCREWBALL COMEDY
The first time I watched this movie I could not stop laughingeven after it was over. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn two of my alltime favorites do an excellent job with the great supporting cast and especially baby, george and the intercalastic clavical!!! There is a leopard on your roof and it's my leopard and I have to get it and to get it I have to sing. Cary Grant even looks great in drag!! Well, you look perfectly idiotic in those clothes. These aren't my clothes Well, where are your clothes? I've lost my clothes! But why are you waring these clothes? Because, I just went gay all of a sudden!

If someone is reading this that has not seen the movie. Go get it! Classic movies are great. In this movie there is no vulgar language or sex scenes just great fun and it is so much funny than today's comedys take Adam Sandler movies they make me ill. He acts so ignorant in a bad sort or a way that it is not even funny. Shampoo is better oh yeah I was laughing for weeks after that one.

Great Screwball Comedy
Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn both made their share of comedies, but this one was different for both of them. It might be the fastest, most frenetic movie I've seen. Most of the comedy is pure slapstick, which was not typical for Grant or Hepburn. Grant plays a bookish archaeologist being courted by eccentric heiress Hepburn, who lives in the country and just happens to have a pet leopard ("Baby"). It's a miracle either survives the pratfalls (although Grant has always been fairly athletic and often inserts scenes involving climbing ledges and jumping from window sill to window sill in his films). In this movie, he reminds me of Jacques Tati in "Mr. Hulot's Holiday" as he bumbles from disaster to disaster. This film also highlights Ms. Hepburn's versatility, as everyone knows she can do romance and drama ("The African Queen" and "The Lion in Winter"). The romantic/comic banter in this movie is as fast-paced as the movie as a whole, and you have to listen closely to catch it all. You have to be wide awake and in the mood to pay attention to watch this movie and enjoy it. If you are those things, watch it and have a ball.

5 stars for the movie, but 0 for its absence on DVD
No plot review here--- it's been adequately done by plenty of viewers before me--- but just an urgent plea to the studio to PLEASE release this on DVD! This is THE classic screwball comedy, and how much better can it get than this? Cary Grant (with whom I fell in love at age 10 and never stopped), Katharine Hepburn (I just wanted to BE her since I was 10), and a couple of leopards, orchestrated into a symphony of hilarity by Howard Hawks. Nothing short of wonderful (bested, in my opinion, ONLY by The Philadelphia Story). So please please PLEASE let us have this timeless classic on DVD. And soon!

Review of Baby
Bringing Up Baby was a very funny movie. Hepburn and Grant did an excellent job. Hepburn plays the funny 'blonde' an