Reviews (74)

Not ROCKY HORROR - but still up there
Are you a Jessica Harper fan?Do you like the work of Richard O'Brien?If you answered yes for those questions, you should continue to read this review.If not, try a different movie.SHOCK TREATMENT is definitely the most weird, bizarre, unique, complicated film ever made and is to watched seriously.Make sure you watch it at least three times before forming a critically opinion of what you think.After the first viewing you are thinking "it's crap" and "I don't understand".By the second it is growing on you.But by the third, you are begging for more and want to keep the video forever.The higlight of this film is Jessica Harper's performance as Janet Majors.She is the only character that keeps the show together.If you didn't like Susan Sarandon in ROCKY HORROR, you'll most likely love Harper instead.Her sexy looks and voice make you want to listen to her sing over and over again.The problem wiht SHOCK TREATMENT is that too many people compare it to ROCKY HORROR.But maybe that's a good thing!On its own, the movie sucks!But if you take into consideration the kind of humour that Richard O'Brien puts into his work and the sort of songs he writes, you can understand the uniqueness of ST.Songs would be the only good thing about this film as there is too much dialogue and plot compilcation that first viewers get lost and promise never to watch it ever again.Because of this, not many people see it more times to make it slowly grow on you.Trust me, this film is only for ROCKY HORROR lovers who want to see more of O'Brien's work and for those who have often wondered what other actors would suit in the parts of Brad and Janet.Not to be missed or not to be seen!It's your decision.

Get Commited!
If you are a fan of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, or any cult movie, for that matter, this movie's worth a look. Cliff DeYoung and Jessica Harper star as Brad and Janet Majors (the hapless couple from RHPS), now unhappily married. They are contestants on the game show Marriage Maze, a sort of Newlyweds Game for people on the verge of divorce, hosted by Bert Schnick, a blind, abrasive German (Barry Humphries, in a hilarious pre-Dame Edna role). Brad ends up on Dentonvale, a reality TV show run by Doctors Cosmo and Nation McKinly (RHPS veterans Richard O'Brien and Patricia Quinn). As Brad is drugged and dragged off into the care of Nurse Ansalong (RHPS veteran Nell Campbell), Janet finds herself flung headfirst into the heart of the local TV studio,quickly becoming a local celebrity. And past that, you'll have to see the movie to find out what happens.

overlooked underrated masterpiece? yes!
Six years after "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" Richar O'Brian provides a sequal (yes, I said SEQUAL for all those Rocky fanatics who insist this "isn't a sequal" --that's like saying the number 3 doesn't follow the number 2 simply because you find the number 3 inferior to 2 for personal reasons, but now I sound like I'm slamming Rocky fanatics which I don't mean to because I do feel a certain kinship there) in his (O'Brian's) as yet unfinished trilogy (which puts one in mind of Dario Argento's unfinished "Mater" trilogy, the first film of which, coincidentally, featured Jessica Harper ["Suspiria"]).
This musical/rock opera was made in 1981, and 23 years later it is perhaps more relevent now than it was at it's creation. Crass talk shows where mentally, financially, and intellectually challenged people parade their problems for the world to see (sometimes scripted, sometimes all too real) as well as "sell your privacy and soul for 15 minutes of fame" reality tv shows continue to pop up every season despite having far outlived their initial coolness. But at the heart of it all is the fact that these reality tv shows, and daytime talk shows, are both "real" and "un-real" at the same time; sometimes scripted, sometimes acted, sometimes overplayed or exaggerated all for the benefit of the camera, we've gotten to a place in history where we no longer know what the truth is based on sight and sound. In the past, we had the firm unfaltering belief, true or false, that what you saw and heard could not be denied. But now, with digital manipulation of images good enough to fool experts, and motivation so subverted by the desire for fame, all our old beliefs have gone out the window.
And this, if you're still with me, is the heart and soul of SHOCK TREATMENT.
I can say O'brien was/is brilliant without hesitation. His ability to observe and record the slow percolation and inevitable rise of the "evil" subversion of reality television is Nostradamous-like.
ALL THIS AND CATCHY SONGS TOO!
We find our "heros" of "Rocky Horror," Brad and Janet Majors, now un-happily married, back in Dentonville on DTV (Dentonville Television) searching for a way to fix their troubled marriage. Brad is an ineffectual, over-emotional, weak husband while Janet is a strong, intellegent woman whose only real weakness is that she still desires to be loved by someone equal to herself, yet refuses to give up on the hoplessly inferior Brad based on loyalty and the belife that television will solve all her problems.
Her internal fantasy seems to be projected into reality within O'brien's deceptively complex plot (I mean deceptive in that critics seem to overlook his amazingly complex structure, espescially when comparing this film to the more commercially/cult successful "Rocky"). . .her fantasy is projected in the form of a more competent, in touch, cool, collected, effective, masculine version of Brad in the form of media mogul Farley Flavors.
Unfortunately, her ideal turns out to be just as flawed as her real Brad, only in a psychotic, stalker, serial killer kind of way.
O'brien, ever artistically and philosophically obsessed with sex vs. gender, sees Brad as split into two versions of himself, the inefective, weak "female" and the cold, brutal "male." Not that O'brien appears to percieve females, real females, as weak, on the contrary, Janet is perhaps the strongest most fully realised character/person in the film. I think it's more that O'brien is playing on the male/female "gender" roles society imposes than the real life "sex" of the individual.
I could go into detailed description of the rest of the plot and story, I could discuss each song, critique this film line by line and have a book of a Doctoral thesis on this film and it's current relativity. But I won't, hehe, perhaps more for the simple fact I don't have the time than that I fear I may bore (and this really isn't the place). Suffice it to say, this film is really amazing.
The MUSIC and LYRICS are not only catchy, but timeless and unique. The cinematography, with its cut between grainy television on television and normal cinemas tyle is cooler than cool. The acting is dead on deadpan happy smiles hiding deep internal torture on a level seldome achieved.
Jessica Harper (who was also amazing in another rock opera, Brian DePalma's "The Phantom Of The Paradise" which wasn't as famous as "Rocky," but is just as amazing) is amazingly gorgeous in all her elvin, big eyed, impossibly cute glory. Her strong deep velvety voice puts Karen Carpenter to shame!
Rent this movie, buy this movie, buy it new if you can find it, buy it used if you can't. Demand it be put out on (widescreen!) dvd! See it, live it, love it. "Rocky Horror" be damned this is a brilliant film (and I loved "Rocky!") and deserves the attention "part one" got!

Be Prepared...
...for one of the most confusing movies you will ever see. I personally got a little bit of detail out of this movie, but the rest of it was random singing and dancing. The funniest thing about this picture is in Richard O'Briens storytelling of live as a tv show. Many people whine and moan that it's nothing like the rocky horror picture show, let alone not a sequel, well guess what....THERE'S NOT GONNA BE A SEQUEL, FRANKS DEAD, OK!? (sobs...) Anyway, for those of you who want to hear of the movie in itself, Denton (Brad and Janet's hometown) is now a big tv studio. Each morning, studio audience members arise from their chairs to view the newest game shows. Brad and Janet (again, nothing like their other characters) are having problems. Seems brads an emotional reck, and after going on a new game show hosted by crazy blind man bert schnidt, Brad is soon committed to a tv show/psychiatric ward called Dentonvale. Richard O'Brien and Patricia quinn once again give stunning performances, this time as Cosmo and Nation McKinley (again into the idea of incest). Little Nell is in the movie as Nurse Ansalong, not too big of a role actually, just eye candy. Charles Gray however has a much more active role than in the R.H.P.S, and he sings too! I suppose the main plot is centered around Janet becoming famous to help brad, then forgetting about him completely and becoming too thrilled with being famous. I highly recommend this, not as being compared to the R.H.P.S (nothing compares with that) but rather as an open minded person who loves looking at weird stuff.

Shock Treatment
Well, after the Rocky Horror Picture Show, I didn't think a movie could be much worse. At least you could accompany some other films with Mystery Science Theatre 3000, and for those of you who don't know what that is, you must check it out, it's number five on my all time favorite shows list. This isn't a sequal to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as there is no resemblance to both titles in any way.

So I suppose I was breathtaken by the cruel and unusual punishment of badness we are given on this tape,(and not like bad to the bone.)This is literaly a Shock Treatment that won't go away. Please save yourself and avoid this at all costs. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

One of the most compelling tragic romances ever captured on film, Wuthering Heights is an exquisite tale of doomed love and miscalculated intentions. Though only half of Emily Bronte's classic tale of Heathcliff and Catherine was filmed by director William Wyler, it lacks for nothing.

The story begins when a Yorkshire gentleman farmer brings home a raggedy gypsy boy, Heathcliff, and raises him as his son. The boy grows to love his stepsister Catherine, with catastrophic results. Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon were perfectly cast as the mismatched lovers, with Olivier brooding and despairing, Oberon ethereal and enchanting. This won cinematographer Gregg Toland a much-deserved Oscar for his haunting and evocative depiction of mid-19th century English moors. (Quite a trick, as this was shot in California!) Though nominated for seven otherOscars, it won none of them, as it was released in 1939, one of the best years in Hollywood history and the same year as Gone with the Wind. Interestingly, the script was written by Charles MacArthurand Ben Hecht, best known for their witty 1931 flick, The Front Page. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (65)

How Can You NOT Like This Movie?!
You can never compare the movie to the book since a movie can't possibly incorporate ALL of the text from the author! William Wyler put together an excellent cast, fantastic, dark, moody scenes and beautiful music to turn out this brilliant film. The handsome and brooding Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier), the ravishing and haughty Cathy (Merle Oberon) along with the stoic, dull Edgar (David Niven)and the rebellious and pathetic Isabel (Geraldine Fitzgerald) turn this into one of the most romantic, haunting love stories ever.

This movie will forever be considered, for me, the epitome of the romantic film. When Heathcliff carries Cathy to the window to look upon the moors one last time as she's dying, my heart swells and tears fill my eyes. It's simply stunning!

An Incomparable Feat of Cinematic Storytelling
I had the good fortune of seeing this film on a big screen at a New York cinema in the early seventies. Viewing a master print in a darkened theatre was one of the all-time highlights of my movie-going experiences. Yes, this is a truncated version of the novel, which I would urge anyone who hasn't already done so to read. It is on my personal top ten list for greatest novels ever. In my opinion this film is far superior to GWTW, which took home the oscar for best-picture in '39. Basically this is due to the source material. Wuthering Heights is great literature. GWTW was a best-seller, but not what one could call great literature. Catherine and Heathcliffe belong in the same literary company as Abelarde and Heloise, Dante's Paolo and Francessa, and Romeo and Juliet. I cant think of anyone who could have been better cast as Heathcliffe than Olivier. Merle Oberon also made for a highly believable Catherine. Flora Robeson also delivers a flawless performance. This is William Wyler's masterpiece. I didn't know until reading some of these reviews that this was filmed in California. I was certain it had to have been filmed on the English moors. If you want to see genius at work, by all means buy the video or the DVD. And if you ever get the chance to see it on a big screen, seize the opportunity. I'm not ordinarily the sentimental type. I can only recall two occasions when I openly wept at the conclusion of a movie. The first was when I saw "Old Yeller" at about eight-years-of-age, the second when I saw Wuthering Heights. I have seen it about five times since and I'll be damned if it doesn't always have the same impact.

Pure movie magic
Does it really matter that this was released in 1939? What about the cheap production values, weak set construction, dated acting, primitive cinematography and low-budget sound editing? No, the fact is that it still can't be done better today. Olivier, Oberon, Niven and Wyler made a movie masterpiece that stands up remarkably well today despite numerous TV broadcasts and big budget remakes. The original is still the best. Watch for yourself. Within just a few minutes you won't be able to stop.

I am torn apart by my desire for you
"Not even you, Cathy, could keep us apart," says Heathcliff. And thus is the ill-fated romance of two childhood friends who end up with different paths in life yet are kept from true happiness because of the void left by the absence of the other. The passionate acting of the handsome Laurence Olivier is supplemented with a talented supporting cast, especially Geraldine Fitzgerald, who plays exquisitely the part of Isabella, the long-suffering wife of Heathcliff who wants her husband to love her as she is and who will never get her wish because he is consumed with passionate desire for her sister. Having read the original novel by Emily Brontë, I would consider this possibly the greatest romance I've ever seen as such passionate longing is rarely seen. "I cannot live without my life. I cannot die without my soul," says the tortured Heathcliff about his Cathy. 10/10. A+.

Olivier at his BEST.
Perhaps I'm biased...I'm absolutely in love with Laurence Olivier's performance in any given role--defintely my favourite actour. But along with Max DeWinter in Rebecca, this is his greatest role. After a string of unsuccessful Hollywood pictures, he lands as Heathcliff in Emily Bronte's classic pre-victorian novel. As I got from reading the book, the story is creepy + drawn out, yet a superb portrait of everything I believe it intended to be--the "unrequited love" between Cathy and Heathcliff. It's definetely my most favourite love story in literature, surpassing even that of Rhett + Scarlett. Olivier's performance is genius. Nothing short of that. The cinematography is a perfect capture as every frame captures the tale to perfection. I shudder to think of Vivien Leigh as Cathy...yes, Vivien would have to be my favourite actress, but I worry that it would've become trapped in the "Larry + Vivien" slot of time..tsk. No less, I enjoy Merle Oberon's performance, however it's not what makes this the grand film that it is. Watch this, if for nothing else, to see the greatest cinematic performance from the greatest actour of the century, and for haunting cinematography. The b/w photography only captures the mood moreso. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Tear 'Em Up!
I remember sitting in a dark theater back in '71, gobbling popcorn, slurping coke, and seeing how many Milk Duds could fit in my mouth, when suddenly, "Willard" began! I was 9 and nothing could have prepared me for the treat I was about to see! "Willard" is the story of a social outcast who has a crazy mother, a total creep of a boss, and no friends. He finds some rats and becomes close to them instead. Ben and Socrates (the white rat) are the standouts. Willard (Bruce Davidson) befriends his furry pals and teaches them lots of tricks. Everything's great until Willard takes Ben and Socrates to work with him. He hides them, but they are discovered. Willard's creepy boss (Ernest Borgnine) kills Socrates. That's when things get ugly! Willard unleashes his rodent horde on his boss, telling them to "Tear him up!". It's all downhill from there, as Willard goes increasingly insane, and Ben rises to turn the rats against him. The end is great and spawned the sequel "Ben". A classic...

A boys best friend are his rats: The original "Willard"
"Willard" is not so much a great horror film as it is a [crude] film. If you are talking about a great horror film where masses of creatures attack humans than go check out Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." With this 1971 film from director Daniel Man we are talking [scaring one with] a whole bunch of rats. The twist here is that these rats have their own Pied Piper in the person of social misfit, Willard Stiles (Bruce Davidson). The only friends poor Willard has in this world are his four-legged little friends, including his two favorites, Ben and Socrates, who he starts training to obey his every whim. Eventually he decides that his boss, Al Martin (Ernest Borgnine), needs to be taught a lesson in what ends up being one of the more memorable scenes by the former Academy Award winning actor. Willard even finds love in the figure of Joan (Sondra Locke). Unfortunately, his rat friends do not like being neglected.

This is an old fashioned film, which means these rats were actually trained by Moe and Nora Di Sesso to do thinks like walk planks and chew on someone's face. No computer generated effects for this film. But then just the idea of a horde of rats descending on a human being should be enough to send you cowering. Final Notes: Willard's mom is played by Elsa Lanchester, the original "Bride of Frankenstein." "Willard" was followed by the sequel "Ben," with its infamous title song sung by Michael Jackson. A remake of "Willard" is coming out soon and it will be interesting to see if a slick production of this story manages to take it to a new level beyond what this dark little film achieved by the strategic placement of cheese...

good horror with simplicity, a must for rat lovers
Willard is a quality horror movie. It was low budget and did not have the best film quality, but the story and plot were great. a must for rat lovers ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A wonderfully dark film!
Blade Runner tells of human-like robots which are in danger of gaining emotions and becomming too human to exhist by human laws. I loved this movie when I first saw it and I find it wonderful to notice in the background the company logos (which at the time were powerful up and coming companies) of which most are out of business (though Atari has made a comeback). The soundtrack sets the tone and the weather (which it always is raining in the film except for the very ending) also keep things looking bleak. I do enjoy the directors cut cause I am a big fan of Widescreen... but that is the only reason I like it. I wish they had kept the narration (or at least had a two sided disk so a person could chose to have the original unedited narration or the directors cut version). I know some people think the narration is the studios way of saying that the audiance cannot understand the film without dumbing-it-down with narration. This is definitily not the case. The narration reminds me of those old TV Cop dramas where the cops thoughts are always stated as the action is happening. I do feel that it adds to the film. I highly recommend the movie regardless of which version you see. Rutger Hauer is my favorite.

A Dirty Future run by Businessmen and Politicians
It is never enough for the powerful: in this film they manufacture people and then "recall" them like Chevy did the Vega... but we find that people aren't machines even when they are manufactured. The man who is called to track down the last of the androids falls in tough love with the last best of her breed!

Dark Sci Fi at its best
A truly fabulous cinematic work, I only wish it was still available for purchase. Philip Dick would be proud of the adaption of his novel. Vangelis renders a beautiful score. No one does it better than Rutger Hauer.

A depressingly dark moody film that makes you think.
I have both versions, the original release with Ford's voice over, and the "Director's" cut (which is surprisingly, shorter than the original). Of the two, I tend to prefer the original.

Purists tend to find the voice over of the original distracting and un-necessary, but I find it adds to the mood.

I love the cinematography.

It also sports early or first appearances of many now well known actors.

I would consider this movie to be within my top favorite movies.

The very best science-fiction/action/romance ever made.
Okay, the voice-over detective's dialog is hokey, but I love it; it's Sam Spade with smog. Years after the original release, the movie isn't dated or tired. It may always be my favourite flick. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

PHAR LAP
I have seen this movie both on tape and at the theatre. It is the type to watch over and over again. A true story and a very good one if you love horses the way my entire family does. I can't wait for it to be released on DVD since I have already worn out one VHS copy. The way this horse takes so much abuse and still keeps going is utterly amazing and the end is still a tearful one for me.

Phar Lap
This movie predates the film "Seabiscuit" by ten years, and it is the "character" of Phar Lap who is the true star. Phar Lap is still the most famous Australian racehorse in history. Once his strapper (played by Tom Burlinson) discovered the secret to Phar Lap's speed, no other horse could beat him until they weighed him down mercilessly, as they almost did to Seabiscuit. The bookies hated him, but the crowds adored him. And the American horse racing industry was deathly afraid of him. Warning: this is a true story, honestly portrayed. There are parts that are intensely difficult to watch--especially for horse lovers. However, I cherish my copy of the film and will not lend it out to anyone. Along with F.F. Coppola's "The Black Stallion", it is my favorite horse movie. It is as exciting as it is heart-wrenching. If you enjoyed "Seabiscuit," you'd love "Phar Lap". But be prepared for the anquishing ending to this true and amazing part of horse racing history.

Australia's lightning 'Big Red' - and some big US hearts
This great 1983 Australian movie was made 20 years before Sea Biscuit and commemorates the legendary galloper Phar Lap, foaled in NZ in 1926 but raced in Australia and Mexico (last start) until his death in the US in April 1932.

In a sensational career that produced 37 wins from 51 starts, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup, 'Big Red' ( a nickname also applied to the 1973 Kentucky Derby winner Secretariat)gave Aussies something to cheer about in the Great Depression years.

The film gives some idea of how this horse, captured the nation's imagination with Tom Burlinson playing the role of a young stapper called Tommy Woodcock, who was devoted to Phar Lap, and who later as a trainer in his declining years almost won the Melbourne Cup with Reckless (runner up in 1977).

Phar Lap's heart was discovered to be 50% larger than a normal equine heart and judging by the Americans who have reviewed this movie I would also like to say that they have shown 'big hearts' with many praising the horse and film as better than Seabiscuit (another film I hugely enjoyed)-a great American galloper who appeared on the scene shortly after Phar Lap's demise.

As for my fellow Australian reviewer who makes the accusation that Americans killed Phar Lap let me say that old furphy has been effectively demolished by Geoff Armstrong and Peter Thompson in their book 'Phar Lap.' They came to the conclusion that the great Antipodean galloper died of Duodenitis -Proximal jejunitis (also known as Anterior enteritis), a bacterial disease unknown in 1932 and which even today claims the lives of 70% of horses that are treated for it. Stress makes a horse susceptible to the disease and Phar Lap had travelled a huge distance by sea, experienced a change of seasons, raced on dirt in Mexico for the first time, got a heel injury during that sensational win and eventually died in agony in the US before racing again -but not due to anything the Americans had done.

In fact the people who did try to kill Phar Lap were Australian gangsters just before the Melbourne Cup of 1930, something the film illustrates, (although the two authors mentioned above suggest the attempted shooting may have been a set-up by a local newspaper).

Americans may recognise actor Burlinson as 'The Man from Snowy River'- another horsey flick -and he is an adaptable cabaret artist too ( capable of doing a mean impression of Frank Sinatra).

As for the chestnut horse 'Towering Inferno,' Phar Lap in the film, he went on to live until April 1999 before dying at the age of 26 after being struck by lightning -and the word Phar Lap is a Thai expression meaning lightning!

Better than Seabiscuit
You will not find a better horse movie! If you have not seen this movie, you should.

New format, same review...
I'm resurrecting my original VHS format review for this DVD spot...Please vote for this film's release to DVD! Thank you!

I've had a copy of this video since it came out years and years ago. I have watched it over and over again without ever being tired of it. I recommend it to everyone, especially horse lovers! Truly a captivating and fascinating story. I'm hoping for it to be released on DVD, now that it's been re-released on VHS (after the prompting of all the fans of this movie). Unlike a lot of other "horsey" movies/stories, it's not focused around a child and a horse or other kid tales. That's what makes it so appealing to ANYBODY who has a heart for animals. Other similarly good movies in this fashion are "The Man From Snowy River" and it's sequel "Return to Snowy River". I urge you to at least rent all three of these! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

TARZAN AND HIS MATE is SPECTACULAR!
Johnny Weissmuller was the king of movie Tarzans to the generation of the 30's who wore the loincloth for nearly 2 decades. In my opinion he's one of the best but the ultimate Tarzan is MIKE HENRY the last of the classic movie Tarzans in the late 60's though he only did 3 movies before not wanting the role any longer, only one of Henry's movies is really good, another fair, his last the weakest. THIS Weissmuller Tarzan movie is one of the only GREAT films in the whole run since the silent films up to the present! TONS OF ACTION to satisfy by today's standards. One of only two or 3 Weissmuller movies where Tarzan and Jane sport the more true to the books skimpy animal skins. In an age when seeing wild animals on theatre screens was thrilling, this movie SOCKS IT TO YOU! Weissmuller shows you why he was the lord of the jungle. If you're an adventure movie buff or like super heroes, you hav'nt seen it all without seeing this movie!

Good Tarzan movie with adult overtones.
This film is considered by many to be the finest of the Johnny Weissmuller MGM Tarzan movies. It's a crackling good adventure story that is a real roller coaster ride. The African jungle, considering the B&W photography and primitive special effects, is vividly portrayed as a savage place indeed. Wild animals abound: charging rhinos, stampeding elephants, lions with an attitude, and a tribe of fearsome great apes. An annoyance for Tarzan purists is the portrayal of Tarzan as a hulking brute that only speaks in halting, broken sentences. The character written of by Edgar Rice Burroughs is an intelligent white ape that is fluent in several languages, including native dialects and the animal "language" of the great apes. The Tarzan yell is overdone in this movie, too. Depending on the viewer's tolerance level, it may start to grate as chalk on a chalkboard, especially when Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan) gets in the act with her combination soprano Swiss yodel and the familiar "ape call." Again, ERB's Tarzan only gave this fierce victory cry as he stood bloodied and dirty over a vanquished foe, animal or otherwise. In personal combat, Tarzan reverts to his primitive self and truly becomes a denizen of the forest primeval.

This film stresses the marriage relationship of Tarzan and Jane more than subsequent entries in the Tarzan series. The sex is implied, of course, but one can easily infer that the jungle couple is not celibate. The costumes (especially Jane's) are very revealing for the time period in which the movie was made. There is a riveting "nude" swimming scene that is a wonderful erotic interlude. This segment had been censored for years, but is included in the restored version. The plot involves two wordly white men (including Jane's old friend) that show up to entice Jane away from Tarzan, and to desecrate the elephant graveyard for the valuable ivory. Tarzan takes a dim view of these unfriendly intentions. Lurking in the brush there are fierce savages that stalk the safari. Just when things can't get any worse, the natives openly attack the safari, kill the porters, murder the two white men stealing the ivory, and, as Jane is about to be devoured by lions, well, you get the idea. Before anyone dismisses this movie as a typically trite Tarzan movie, it's fair to mention this was only the second film in the MGM series and it set the pattern for much that followed. The fast pace of the story, the almost nonstop action, the sexual overtones, and the primitive setting all make this an entertaining jungle adventure film. Don't expect subtleties of plot and character development, and you will be pleased.

The Best of the Best !
I'll make this short: After King Kong was made (my father saw it 54 times while working as a stage hand at the Hippodrome Theather in Baltimore City back in '33)MGM knew that they had to come up with a picture that would top the mighty Kong-and guess what-they did! Tarzan and His Mate is not only the Greastest of the Weissmuller films but I do believe it is about one of the Best Movies of all times! Real animals,the most real lifelike natives ever filmed (even the Gabonie Natives were enough to freak you out). Great lines like "Who did this? Gabonie Barrona, arrow always hear wit Gabonie" while the lead boy is pointing to his forehead ! Enough said, this is the best it gets do yourself a favor and pick this one up. "ENJOY"

Classic Tarzan adventure is the grandest of them all
This 1934 MGM release is the crown jewel in Edgar Rice Burroughs' screen adventures of Tarzan and is the film against which all other Tarzan movies are measured. Johnny Weissmuller is perfect as the socially backward ape man who knows all there is to know about the jungle's dark interior and its animals. Maureen O'Sullivan is just the right compliment as Jane who eschews the comforts and advantages of civilization to spend her life with Tarzan and Cheetah. A safari of ivory hunters braves warlike natives and a treacherous plateau to find an elephant graveyard to secure the ivory tusks that would guarantee great wealth in English society. Jane has a an extended nude swim with Tarzan that viewers are privileged to see and there is a ferocious and determined attack by savage warriors and lions on the safari that is blunted only by Tarzan's call to the elephants that saves the day in the nick of time.

this is more like it!
let me cut to the quick... easily the best tarzan movie ever made,the first fifteen minutes delivers as much fabulous over the top violence as you could wish for,arrows in the face,and giant crazy rock throwing gorillas are two highlights,naked Jane and an awesome rubber croc....if this movie was remade today,uncut,it would recieve an R rating,no problem. all in all top notch entertainment....where is the DVD? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Delightful ghost story based on a classic tale
Based on a short story by non other than the legendary Oscar Wilde this version of the "The Canterville Ghost" makes really delightful viewing boasting top notch production values, a superb cast in fine form, and a terrific look that gives the film an appealing and enjoyable appearance.

Being in theory a ghost story the story is full of much well seasoned comedy and really is a film suitable for the whole family to enjoy. I tend to watch this film around Christmas each year and never fail to enjoy the high spirited carryings on of Charles Laughton in what I feel is one of his most appealing roles. "The Canterville Ghost", set in one of those far off misty castles that only MGM could cunger up, tells the story of how Sir. Simon de Canterville through an act of cowardice is walled up in a room of the castle and is doomed to walk the face of the earth for all eternity unless a relative can commit an act of bravery to lift the curse from him. The story jumps ahead a few centuries to the present (1944) where the castle is occupied by visiting soldiers involved in the war. Among them is Sir. Simon's distant relative Cuffy Williams (Robert Young at his most endearing) who is the one selected to perform the brave deed to free his ancestor from his ghostly imprisonment. The tale is an amusing one as Laughton's character first tries to scare and then win over his cynical relative to help him. Charles Laughton is wonderful as the cowardly ghost appearing out of nowhere, screaming, rattling chains and showing his own failings only too obviously. He is surrounded by a terrific supporting cast beginning with gifted child actress Margaret O'Brien as Lady Jessica de Canterville the present owner of the castle. O'Brien, at the peak of her career around this time with triumphs in "Journey for Margaret", and "Meet Me in St. Louis", is a cute delight as the spunky little girl who is not afraid of Laughton's over the top bellowing and corny scare tactics. Robert Young in his last MGM film is also in top form as the young soldier who first is in danger of falling into the same habits as Sir. Simon but who in the end comes through to succeed in freeing his ancestor from his ghostly sentence by an unselfish act of bravery.

"The Canterville Ghost" is about as English a tale as you can get and came along during the war years when all things British were revered in Hollywood. Keeping company with such British outings as "Mrs. Miniver", and "The White Cliffs of Dover", "Canterville' also boasts a superb supporting cast of stalwart British performers so popular in Hollywood during these years. Headed by Laughton himself the film contains great work by the likes of Reginald Owen, Una O'Connor and Peter lawford who give just that right British feel to a production which because of the war had to be filmed in the USA. Technically the film is a superb achievement with Laughton's ghostly special effects a remarkable effort. The sight of Laughton disappearing through walls and flying across a room remind one of that great 1930's ghost story "Topper". Being a product of MGM the film boasts top flight production values in every department and has superb settings with the castle interiors appearing wonderfully spooky and beautiful on the eye.

Among the many versions filmed of "The Canterville Ghost", I feel this is by far the best. Centred on Charles Laughton's unforgettable ghost the production is enjoyable and a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Before computers created all the special effects this film proved what the old Hollywood was capable of achieving. A totally delightful film to be enjoyed by the whole family.

A Charming Bit of Hollywood Fluff
Very, very loosely based on a short story by Oscar Wilde--so loosely that he is probably turning in his grave--THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is nonetheless a charming bit of 1940s Hollywood fluff about an English ghost who runs afoul of American pragmatism. In the film version, the Americans arrive in the form of WWII soliders, including Robert Young, who are billeted at a notoriously haunted castle where they encounter a legendary spectre much given to theatrical materializations.

Although the story is very, very slight, the cast makes it enjoyable. Child star Margaret O'Brien gives a typically enjoyable performance as the unwilling heiress to the castle, and Robert Young and his fellow actors mug their way through the script with entertaining aplomb. The greatest pleasure, however, is Charles Laughton as the ghost, which he plays most delightfully. The emphasis is on comedy rather than ghostly thrills, and although the comedy is quite mild it is expertly done. THE CANTERVILLE GHOST will never make any one's short list of "great cinematic art," but both grown-ups and kids alike will have a good time with it; recommended for an old fashioned family night.

How could it miss?
This is a movie that could cure a rainy day. Great story, great cast, fun SFX (even by modern standings). I think this is the kind of movie they're trying to make again, with mixed success. Funny without being coarse, outrageously sentimental without being cloying, and, my goodness--the "chemistry"! Entertainment you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying.

Very Enjoyable!
By far the Best version of the many made of Canterville Ghost! Robert Young plays his part so well! And the little girl is an inspiration! Many laughs! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This somewhat unpleasant 1992 sequel to the blockbuster Home Alone revisits the first film's gimmick by stranding Macaulay Culkin's character in New York City while his family ends up somewhere else. Again, the little guy meets up with colorful people on the margins of society (including a pigeon woman played by Brenda Fricker) and again he gets into a prop-heavy battle with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. The latter sequence is even worse than the first film in terms of violence inflicted on the two villains (director Chris Columbus, who also made the first film, can't seem to emphasize the slapstick over the graphic effects of the fight). The best running joke finds a concierge (Tim Curry) at the swank hotel where Culkin is staying trying and failing to prove that the boy is on his own. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (60)

You guys give up? Have you had enough pain? "Nevahhhhhh!"
What kind of idiots do you have working here?
"The finest in New York."
- This is just an idea of the great writing & acting in Home Alone 2:Lost In New York. This is the second of 4 movies by Chris Columbus. Lil' Kevin McCallister gets caught up in more trouble again in this sequel to Home Alone.
Home Alone 2:Lost in New York starts with the Christmas Pageant where young Kevin manages to get himself in a bit of bother with Buzz who manages to make Kevin look like a laughing stock in front of many parents. Buzz then makes a very phony,but convincing apology to the family who accept it (as idiots).As he brings this apology to an end,he calls Kevin a "troutsniffer". The acting in this film is pure brilliance,especially the parts of the two "Wet Bandits" played by Joe Pesci & Daniel Stern.This film is such a hilarious film especially with great actors such as Joe Pesci,Daniel Stern,Catherine O'Hara,Tim Curry,Rob Schneider & not forgetting the fine young actor Macaulay Culkin. If you like Home Alone 2:Lost in New York then you are bound to love Home Alone.Although Home Alone 3 & 4 are not worth seeing as they are not the originals with Macaulay Culkin & the original Bandits

"He's Done it Again"
this is the best movie ever! if you liked the first one then you will definetly love this one no matter what! Little Kevin has done it again-he's all by himself again but this time in New York around christmas time. at first he is really happy that he is in new york without his family who are in Florida (where there is no christmas trees)after getting in a fight with his older brother (Buzz) and then in a fight with the rest of his family. But he soon learns that he wants his family to be with him after reuniting with the wet bandits (Marv and Harry). But on the way he gets in trouble with the Plaza hotel (New Yorks most exciting hotel)and he saves DUNCANS TOY CHEST from being robbed. and he also meets a couple of friends that at first scared him.on christmas eve his mom finally finds him at rockafella center and the family is all together. this is by far my favorite movie because (1) it takes place in New York (2)it takes place during christmas time and (3) the story is great!

Kevin McAllister Strikes Again!!!
This movie is too FUNNY!!!I love the Second Home Alone Movie as much as I like the 1st one.My favorite part the movie when Kevin sets up those Boob Traps for the 2 Burglars.And gets the wrong that goes to New York & Kevin gets sparated from his family again.This movie is the best,I gotta get this movie!!!

A brilliant sequel
Ok, so Home Alone 2 is very similar to Home Alone, but that's what's so brilliant about it. I think that the this film is better than the original, mainly because of the superb addition other characters make to the movie. Tim Curry is brilliant in this.

So yeah, if you like Home Alone, you'll love Home Alone 2. It rocks!

Best Movie EVER!!
This is the best movie of all time!!! Although the first one was EXCELLENT, this one is a little better. When Kevin gets separated from his family, he winds up in New York City, where he gets into some mischeif. BEST MOVIE EVER!!! I recommend this movie for everyone! Macaulay, YOU ROCK!!! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A classic
This is simply one of the greatest films ever made. Olivier and Hepburn, George Cukor, and a brilliant script. Does anything more need to be said? I have seen it repeatedly since its appearance in 1975 and still marvel at it. A masterful performance by all.

Olivier and Hepburn were great
In this made for TV movie, Olivier and Hepburn were wonderful as two elderly people reunited by his love for her. The costumes, writing and acting are excellent. These two show us that great acting can be done no matter the age of the actor. The story is sentimental and hilarious and made us laugh and cry. If you haven't seen this one, do so.

Two of the greats!
The joy of watching two of the greatest actors in the world? Hard to describe. The balance, the verbal thrust and parry of these two remarkable people. There is a terrific script, beautiful settings and costume, remarkable acting and great music. Never a tedious or tiring moment. I have watched this movie many times and always find nuances to these performances that I had missed. A must see for lovers of great acting.

A masterpiece in every respect
I remember seeing this film while a graduate student at West Virginia University and bursting into tears at the end because it was such a perfect and beautiful film. I now proudly own the VHS of it and have watched it several times and each time I see it, it gets better. Olivier and Hepburn are perfectly matched and the score by John Barry is incredibly beautiful. Thank goodness Katherine Hepburn made the comment on Dick Cavett's show that Olivier was one star with whom she had not acted and would like to and that George Cukor and ABC had the smarts to do
something this beautiful. It will forever remain one of my favorites and is one of the great events of TV history.

Olivier Does It Again!
Just in case you ever thought that old men can't play anything except "old grandpop in the corner over there", you should cast a glance at "Love Among the Ruins", starring Laurence Olivier and Katharine Hepburn. Larry's just wonderful! And Kate's no slouch, either.

Forty years before our story begins in Edwardian England, the young Larry was without prospects but had a torrid three-day affair with free-spirited actress Kate in Toronto. Although they pledged their love, they parted. Now, all these years later, wealthy widow Kate has been brought to his highly successful barrister's office for defense in a breach of promise suit. The shocker: while Larry's been carrying a torch for her all these years, she hasn't the foggiest idea what he's talking about; can't remember a blessed thing about it! Fun gender-bender twist on the usual "ship in every port" experience familiar from movies like, "Letter from an Unknown Woman". It's supposed to be the man who's love 'em and leave 'em, you know!

For me, the real joy is to see Olivier do a parody of himself as he was when he was younger. As he tries to kindle the memory of Kate while recounting their all-too-brief liaison, he uses all the same gestures and delivery that are visible in "Pride and Prejudice" and other earlier films where he had courtship scenes. We see an old man turn young again, and see his old love flare up as hot as coals. Proof that much of romance is in the mind after all.

Excellently rehearsed by director George Cukor, the film seems actually like a filmed play. If indeed this had been brought to the West End or Broadway, it would have been a great stage triumph. Nothing ruinous about these performers or this movie, believe you me. ... Read more

Book Description

An outspoken thinker, a celebrated actress, a truly independent woman, Shirley MacLaine takes us on an intimate yet powerful journey into her personal life and inner self.

An intense, clandestine love affair with a prominent politician sparks Shirley MacLaine's quest of self-discovery. From Stockholm to Hawaii to the mountainous vastness of Peru, from disbelief to radiant affirmation, she at last discovers the roots of her very existence...and the infinite possibilities of life.

Shirley MacLaine opens her heart to explore the meaning of a great and enduring passion with her lover Gerry and the mystery of her soul's connection with her best friend David. And through it all, Shirley MacLaine's courage and candor opens new doors, new insights, new revelations -- and a luminous new world she invites us all to share. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Surprising on many levels
This might sound condescending, but this compelling account of the actress' spiritual journey is surprisingly well written. Shirley MacLaine is not just a Hollywood dancer turned New Age guru; she's a bestselling author who knows the craft of writing. What comes across immediately is the earnestness of her message. She's not out to fool her readers. She's also done her research. Each chapter has apt quotations from great thinkers about the nature of life as they saw it. There are a lot of sentences that begin with the word "Maybe," as in "Maybe the ancient thinkers had it right." Nevertheless she rightly states that what we call history is a leap of faith. Readers will have to make their own judgments about the credulity of the author, but MacLaine's testament shows us that everyone has to draw their own lines about personal beliefs based on experience, reading, and reasoning. But above all, experience. And she documents this process spendidly. She does not come off as an unreasonable "kook." On the contrary, she herself is skeptical at first and admits that the very ideas she later accepts seem "preposterous." It is this intelligence and skepticism which makes this book hard to dismiss as simply New Age pap. The chapter about Peter Sellers is genuinely moving.

LOVE, LIGHT, & QUESTIONS.......ANSWERED !
With all my heart and soul, Shirley MacLaine, I love what you have done to help those of us who are searching for our spirituality! If you have questions, look out. You will have more and many answers will come your way while watching "Out On A Limb". Everyone that I have recommended this movie to loves it.
I lost my 3-tape set to a house fire. Would like to find same. I have to say, the one tape version just isn't enough. Shirley MacLaine was there during my early search for spirit through her books. Her movie was a big help. It has opened many eyes to the truth...even my husband's. I loaned my set to a friend who thought six hours was too much. The following day he told me that he couldn't stop watching. He didn't get much sleep that night. Was so excited about the movie and had more questions.
We love "Out On A Limb". Don't be afraid to climb out there on that limb...so enlightening! Shirley MacLaine at her best and most of all...being herself! Thankyou Shirley for all you have done to help this soul find her way home. Chi Megwetch!

More Answers Than You Would Expect!
I read Out on a Limb when I was fourteen-years-old, and the book acknowledged every doubt and every idea that I had thought of growing up with Christian ideals: fate, the afterlife, the soul, etc. Shirley MacLaine introduces her personal faith from the beginning and systematically details her progression into the spiritual teacher that she is to this day. MacLaine also seems to possess a sixth sense as to the questions that her readers will encounter as they read her novel and answers them in a very clear and concise manner (if you're not careful, the material can be quite daunting).

My only outstanding complaint about this novel is that MacLaine had to account for every facet of her and Jerry's relationship. It proved to be quite distracting and I did not feel that Jerry's extra-marital affair with Shirley was necessary for a book of this nature.

this book changed my life!!!
First of all before I started reading out on a limb I regarded
Shirley Maclaine as an actress. That opinion was rapidly changed once I started reading out on a limb. I could not put the book down.

The book prompted me to ask questions of who I am and who I was in past lives. This book opened my eyes to the fact that we are all in charge of our own realities, that we choose whatever happens in our daily lives.

Upon completion of this book I went out and bought every single book by shirley maclaine which I read with rapid speed. When I finished out on a limb I felt more positive about myself and the world around me. I realized that happiness and change begin with me. Thank you shirley for the life changeing information that you chose to share. It has certainly changed my life for the better.

Entertaining, fun and enlightening.
I watched the four hour version and felt it was time well spent.Good acting and a very good story. One of my better movie investments and a keeper for my collection. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Ben and Danny Forever
This movie starts directly after Willard Stiles dies. The Police decide to kill all the rat that Willard trained. The rats move to leave Willard's house and live in the sewer. One day Ben gets hungry so he goes to The house of a boy named Danny's house.Danny makes friends with him and Danny gives him food. Danny writes a song called ''Ben's song'' for Ben. Ben shows Danny his home in the sewer. The police find out where all the rats live and Kill them all. Danny goes home Heartbroken.
Then Danny sees Ben in his room with a broken Leg. Danny Tends to it while Micheal Jackson is singing "Ben's Song" in the background and as the credits roll.
THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE. SEE IT NOW!

Embarassingly dated,yet endearing
Like many who've seen this movie decades after it's release,the theme song sung by Michael Jackson is what made me check it out.Whereas Willard was a straight horror film,Ben is a mixture of cute and chills.
Picking up where Willard left off,Ben and his rat army retreat to the sewers while the police try to hunt them down after Willard's murder.In the process,Ben befriends an ill boy,Danny Garrison(Lee Montgomery),which is more endearing than the relationship between Willard & Socrates.
Aside from a view of circa 1972 for pop culture junkies,the best thing about Ben is the friendship between the boy and his rat.The acting,the score and the effects(recycling the same scenes of rats over) are pretty bad.The ending scene with the Jackson sung theme could make you misty eyed.Almost like a precurser to 2001's A.I.
Now that Willard has been remade(with a larger,nastier Ben)and became a box office disappointment,chances for a Ben remake are pretty non existant.It would be interesting to see one,even with a three legged Ben.

The sequel to the original killer rat army film, "Willard"
.... this is just a recycled killer-rat movie where the attack sequences are more polished than in the original, but the originality is gone. The plot picks up right where "Willard" ended, with the army of rats attacking Willard (Bruce Davidson), who made the mistake of falling in love with a girl and forgetting his real friends. The rats hide out in the city sewers while their leader, Ben, goes out looking for food. This is how he encounters Lee Montgomery (David Garrison), another lonely young boy just looking for a little friendship in a cold world. The two indeed become friends, while Ben's rat army (now numbering about 4,000) go out on fun little raids.

This 1972 film from director Phil Carlson, who would go on to do "Walking Tall" the next year, does have the virtue of coming up with a different boy-rat relationship. Poor Lee has a heart condition so there is actually some pathos to his relationship with Ben, whereas Willard lost our sympathy once he had his rats starting eating people. The rat attacks a little more creative, but the end result is somehow less effective that the pure gross-out of the original. If you can find both of them, then this is an obvious double-feature, and with the remake of "Willard" coming out soon I would have to think there will be cheap copies of both films readily available again. I am sure the new film will use awesom CGI effects for all those rats, but there is something to be said for the good old days of rat wranglers.

Sequel to Willard - more a friendship story than horror
Michael Jackson song the theme song into our hearts and history, while Lee Montgomery reminded us of what it was like to not have friends.
A sequel to the highly successful horror movie, WILLARD. The story begins with Willard and Ben arguing at home & moves to the touching friendship between a lonely, ill boy and an intelligent rat.
The rats may scare the young children, but if they can handle them and the very G rated killings, I do recommend this movie for children over 8. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Doesn't stand up to the original
Despite fine performances by all, especially Jack Lemmon in the Fonda role, this remake does not even come close to the original. It lacks the punch of the original and not all the actors meet the standards set by the original actors. Even the great Hume Cronyn, as good as he is, doesn't compare to his predecessor. Maybe I am disappointed in this movie because I saw the original first and judge it by that standard. On it's own, it's not a bad film but once you've made a classic why remake it? Do you really think you can get it better. Don't waste your money. Buy the original.

What a remake!
I consider myself a very demanding movie watcher, and this one definitely satisfies my expectations. I had the chance to see both 1957 and 1997 versions for "12 angry men", and I must say my vote goes to the recent one. Friedkin manages to create a whole atmosphere which seems much more realistic to me than the rather rigid and sometimes mechanic performances shown on the earlier version. In my opinion, Friedkin's cast looks so natural in their expressions and personality, they don't seem to be 'acting', which is a fault often seen in older movies. Characters and psychological profiles were improved so that you recognize and identify everyone of them, and you have a feeling no man's missing and no man's unnecesary. Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott offer an astonishing display of talent, and Scott's final monologue makes Lee J Cobb's performance look pale and opaque. If I were to choose a lawyer, I'd take Lemmon instead of Fonda, no doubt about it. The variety of the cast brings a refreshing, believable and solid mosaic of personalities I just don't see in Lumet's film (1957). Don't turn your back on this remake. You may be missing a great movie.

Nice effort, but doesn't stand up to the original
I really don't think a masterpiece like 12 ANGRY MEN needs a remake. This remake of the classic 1957 film makes many good efforts, but falls short in many points. First of all, I think Scott is excellent, and could stand serious comparison with Cobb in the original. (Alright, maybe his final monologue isn't quite as cyclonic as Cobb's, but perhaps Scott was wise in not trying to emulate that.) Many of the other actors are also very good. But some of the actors miss the mark on their characterizations. Olmos' watchmaker is a confused mess. (Who is he? Where is he from? What is his social class?) Gandolfini's Juror # 6 is surly and disagreeable, unlike Edward Binns' kindly original. The actor playing Juror # 5 is too confident and bold; in the original, this character was a scared and self-conscious young man who identified with the defendant. I admit that making Juror # 10 a former Nation of Islam member was a creative choice. But why does the judge (female in this version) not set up the atmosphere of physical discomfort and indifference, which are important themes in the movie? And why does # 10 decribe the defendant as a "common ignorant slob"? His appearance and dress do not suggest this! In the original movie, ALL the actors were superb and perfect for their parts; there were no weak links.

Another problem I have with this movie is that in some places it fastidiously modernizes, while in others it stays stubbornly in the 1950's. Why are there two Europeans on the jury? Before I saw the movie I thought sure there would be a Hispanic, an Asian, or a Middle Easterner. Why does Juror # 7 still sell marmalade as in the original? (Danza seems more like someone who would sell sports equipment or big-screen TV's!) Why does Juror #12 still present the dated stereotype of the 50's advertizing man? Why is the Olmos character still a watchmaker? Indeed, the screenplay was adapted by Reginald Rose, the writer for the 1957 version, and it is pretty close to the original script. I think in some instances he should have changed more than he did. The black and white and the camera work of the original do a much better job of creating the atmosphere of heat, claustrophobia, and grittiness in the jury room. And of course the central problem of updating this movie is that juries today would probably not consist entirely of men.

But above all, I find that this remake lacks the depth and richness of the original. I could spend all day analyzing the 1957 version, its many telling details, its layers of meaning, the countless psychological insights which the actors lend to their portrayals. Not so here. A case in point is Lemmon. His performance is good as far as it goes, but it is straightforward and one-dimensional. He has none of the complexity and shades of self-doubt that Fonda brought to the role. He seems more like a self-assured amateur lawyer than an architect pulled from the street. To sum it all up, I think the original 1957 12 ANGRY MEN is a timeless classic that neeeds no updating. This version has some good performances and is interesting to watch, but in the end it is superfluous.

A Great Success
This movie was simply mesmerizing, I saw the first 12 angry men on AMC. But it was very tedious, and boring. My mother got summoned to jury duty a few months later and she would come home pissed off that she had to do this boring civil duty. so one night she stopped by BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO and rented the new version of 12 Angry Men and it blew us away. We still watch this video at least two times a week, Because it's hilarious, and refreshing to see the diversity in the cast (mainly due to a 40 year time time difference in the two movies) . At the same time it makes you think. I love all the performances by these fantastic actors. Especially those of Mykelti Milliamson, and George C. Scott, potraying the angriest jurors of all. I love when people can let their rage take over and show us all their real feelings towards people from other races, countries,etc.

Very good!
Excellent remake, I think this one is better than the original. George C. Scott and Jack Lemmon are at their absolute best. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

"Little Colonel"
Charming Shirley Temple vehicle, with Lionel Barrymore as the irrascible grandfather, gruff and blustering but with a soft spot for Granddaughter, Shirley. Bill Robinson is at his best, or should I say, wonderful as usual as the old faithful family retainer and the dance rountines between him and Shirley are alone worth watching the movie for. Great family fare, touching in spots and easy on the eye as well.

A Cool Shirley Temple Movie!
I am a very devoted Shirley Temple fan.When I was in a video store one day, my dad picked out Our Little Girl(Shirley Temple) out for me...and I loved it,( black and white). My seacond Shirley Temple Movie was The Little Colonel. It is a touching warm hearting film that should be treasured in a Shirley Temple fan's video collection.The movie is about a little girl who is be coming friends with her grandfather. Her grandfather has a bad mood to Shirley's mother because she married her true love.Besides it also about two robers who want Shirley's dad's money, then Shirley leads her dad to the scene and those robers go to jail. This is a very clean movie, no stuff of today's world. You should buy this movie- you won't regret it!

Exciting and cool!
Shirley plays a young girl named Lloyd Sherman in this movie.
Lloyd's mother and grandfather haven't spoken to each other since a fight involving Lloyd's southern mother and her yankee husband (it was in the 1870's and lloyd's grandfather was a confederate soldier.) So when Lloyd's mother and father move into a cottage very close to her grandfather's house, it's up to Lloyd to bring them back together in a time of crisis.
Also starring Lionel Barrymore as Lloyd's grandfather.

Shirley's at it her Best!
This is one of Shirley's best pictures ever! It features America's most famous dance scene, the staircase and it features Lionel Barrymore, Drew Barrymore's grandfather. Funny and touching film! 2 thumbs up!

THE LITTLE COLONEL
EXCELLENT MOVIE, EXTREMELY FAST SERVICE! GREAT SELLER!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Infamous Film A Proud Time Traveler
Considered to be Presley's weakest movie to date, KC looks fairly hip today. Maybe after "The Dukes of Hazzard" and MTV and on and on, this little piece o' fluff does holds your interest after the first 29 songs! Actually, the music is quite good, especially the hit title tune, featuring a swaggerin' El, and "Tender Feeling", a beautiful ballad sung by his movie "twin" to Cynthia Pepper (who skillfully plays the Military Secrerary hastily summoned to lend credence to Lt. Presley's creative attempts to convince distant relatives that their Smokey mountain home would be vastly improved by the addition of a missile site). Yeah, there are too many songs and production values are low. But E.P. afficionados - it's another don't-believe-the-critics!

Certainly not Elvis' Best film
I bought this movie so I can work on my Elvis collection and I watched it for the first time in a very long time and I forgot how cheesy it is. I'm completely aware of the time that the movie was shot but come on. If MGM could make a pink bubble turn into the Good Witch of the North in the 1930's, then they could find a way to put two Elvis's in the same scene in the 1960's. When the dark haired one was in a shot, the other wasn't there or he was turned around so you couldn't see his face. It also wasn't hard to tell that when the two of them were in the same shot, one was a total "look-alike". I gave it 3 stars because the movie wasn't his best but it's Elvis. In my book, no one can sing or move the way he could. I don't think someone could look as beautiful as he did on screen either. I'm a HUGE Elvis fan, but this movie is just cheap compared to a couple of his others.

Awesome
This movie was awesome. Elvis is hot W/ blode hair. Also, it is an excellent example of the split-screen technology of the day.

Am I seeing double?
How much mun fun do you want, got Elvis Presley staring in a movie, you see him in love, and sining too. But how about another Elvis Presley. Believe it or not, Elvis Presley is playing to characters in this movie. I am giving this movie 4 stars because, there was one minor problem I had with this movie. There is a scene in movie when Josh Morgan (Elvis Presley) is willing to help Ma Tatum when Pa Tatum is missing, and he does that after sh treats him. Earlier in this movie, when Soble promises the girls gifts on from the army, and they become to lazy to do they chores, Ma Tatum orders Josh and all the rest of the army of the mountain. If she treated me like that, and she needed help I would not help her and I would her "because of the way you treated me and my army, you can do it yourself" relative or not. I have also remembered that there is one song in this movie that is not sung by Elvis and that is "Pappy won't you please come home".

Elvis doing double duty!
"Kissin Cousins" is another film that is considered, by popular opinion to be a cheeseball. You have to try this film first and see what you think. If you like it and recommend it write a review here. I'd like to add that Elvis movie fans better listen up! If you like any of his films, POST A REVIEW FOR PETE'S SAKE! I see only 5+ reviews for his movies. Disappointing! In fact I see it on all products that's Elvis except the 30 #1 Hits CD which has 205+. MUCH BETTER! Finally we wised up on that one. Getting back to "Kissin' Cousins", Elvis does double duty and plays an air force pilot named Josh Morgan (my name, except for the Morgan part) and his hilbilly blonde look-alike Jodie Tatum. I'm still wondering how this film was done with two Elvis on the screen at once in some scenes. I agree with the person who said that Yvonne Craig should have been in more of Elvis' pictures. She's a hot potato. Again, give this one a try and rely on what your thoughts tell you. Elvis is still the King no matter what type of picture he's in. This one is pretty good, overall. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a seamless continuation of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. After the breaking of the Fellowship, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power with the creature Gollum as their guide. Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) join in the defense of the people of Rohan, who are the first target in the eradication of the race of Men by the renegade wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee) and the dark lord Sauron. Fantastic creatures, astounding visual effects, and a climactic battle at the fortress of Helm's Deep make The Two Towers a worthy successor to The Fellowship of the Ring, grander in scale but retaining the story's emotional intimacy. These two films are perhaps the greatest fantasy films ever made, but they're merely a prelude to the cataclysmic events of The Return of the King. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (1869)

Stupendous!
"They don't make movies like that any more." This is reference to Cecil B. DeMille's spectacular remake of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. I mention one of the few universally acclaimed film epics of all time because with THE LORD of THE RINGS-THE TWO TOWERS,
Director Peter Jackson has staked unchallengable claim to motion picture immortality. Visually the movie is staggering in technological excellence. It seamlessly combinines sweeping photographic grandeur with superlative integration of CGI and modelwork(Claymation & Superdynamation)that humbles even the work
of IL&M, and would have made Ray HarryHausen proud.

Thematically, the story is truly grand and has raised film making--again--to the level of Mythological. Those familiar with Tolkien's literary epic--with rare exception--have been astounded by this director's monumental artistry in cinematically incarnating one of the greatest "stories" ever written.The cast(humans;creatures; monsters;)is brilliantly essayed.(Sean Astin deserves particular recognition as Frodo's "guardian" friend, SAMWISE). The complex plotting is clearly delineated;and ACTION(quest development;battles; epic romance interludes)ranges from apocalyptic to majestic. THE LORD of THE RINGS-THE TWO TOWERS magnificently continues what was begun in THE FELLOWSHIP of THE RING. Peter Jackson has created a unique work of film making that is both artistically wonderous and breath taking entertainment.It is a stupendous achievement.(10 Stars)

Incredibly, once again, Peter Jackson does the impossible
From gliding through the Misty Mountains and reliving Gandalf's battle with the Balrog to the Battle of Helm's Deep, the climactic scene of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, I think that, even though Frodo Baggin's (Elijah Wood) quest is still unfulfilled, a group of hard-working New Zealanders have once again created an epic adventure confection of a movie, full of fantasy, courage, imagination and flair. J.R.R. Tolkien would not have been disappointed.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, since is a continuing of a story, doesn't stop to introduce us to the quest or the characters from the first part, The Fellowship of the Ring. Beginning right where the first left off, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) must continue their quest to Mount Doom and destroy the evil One Ring. Hunting them done is the rascal Gollum (Andy Serkis) but promises to lead them in to Mordor secretely. In Fangorn Forest, captured hobbits Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) escape from the Orcs and are rescued by Treebeard (voiced by John Rhys-Davies), an ancient ent.

Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) enter the country of Rohan. After the miraculous return of Gandalf (Ian McKellan), the four see King Theoden (Bernard Hill). But the king isn't doing too well. He's doing practically everything his servant Grima Wormtongue (Brad Dourif) is telling him. Wormtongue is in league with Saruman (Christopher Lee) and therefore is kicked out of Rohan. Aragorn, Gandalf and Theoden must discuss Rohan's plans to counter Saruman and Sauron.

Saruman is preparing for war, as we've also seen in The Fellowship of the Ring. He has been crossing orcs with goblins, breeding the dreadful Uruk-Hai to launch against Men of Gondor and Rohan. Gondor has it's own problems holding off Sauron's evil army. It all comes down to Saruman against the country of Rohan: A war of 10,000 Uruk-Hai against hundreds of Rohan people. Can Men claim a victory against Barad-dur and Orthanc, the union of the Two Towers?

The Two Towers, for me at least, had a quicker pace and sharper sense of movement than the more-episodic Fellowship of the Ring. Peter Jackson easily presents a film that will keep your attention for the full three hours. In many ways, The Two Towers is a much livlier film than it's predecessor. It takes a deeper look into it's character's own problems, dreams and future, covering many subjects: The war for Rohan, the war for Gondor, the war for the ents, and possibly the most important, the fate of the One Ring.

If The Fellowship of the Ring was a beautiful-looking movie, The Two Towers easily surpasses it visually. With the use of a program called MASSIVE, Peter Jackson and company takes flawless computer animation and simplistically adds it to real-life to create a stunning world. The Battle of Helm's Deep is one of the most memorable scenes of all time, while it uses a fantastic blend of live-action and computer animation. I say it's already got the Best Visual Effects Oscar in the bag. Not just because of the CGI, but with the camera trickery to make the hobbits small and the great backdrops.

I am appalled by the number of reviewers saying that this isn't faithful to Tolkien's book. Everyone should know that books and film are two different media, and should be treated as such. Many things in Tolkien's story would've gone horribly wrong on screen. As Peter Jackson said, if you were to film LOTR page by page, faithful to everything, what you would get is a mess. Many don't realize that what works in a book will NOT work on film. Be happy that you actually have a LOTR movie. Many filmmakers would not have been up to transferring Tolkien's story to the big screen. Jackson did make a few unnessesary changes, but he's a brave filmmaker to actually take on LOTR and still make something this good. Quit whining.

It might need a bit more humanity, but I'd say the chemistry between characters is much more alive and vivid in The Two Towers than with The Fellowship of the Ring. The relationship shared by Gollum and Frodo, or more importantly, Gollum and Sam, works wonderfully. Aragorn trying to convince King Theoden to go to war and the characterization involving Gimli was exceptionally. The Return of the King will see a lot more of this.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers continues Tolkien's trilogy with very few missteps. It is on every count as good as the first, and in many ways, even better. It could possibly be the most sinister film ever, a banquet of monsters and beasts. It's doing so much better at the box-office than the first, and it easily surpasses it in spectacle. It's still unclear how it will do at the Oscars. Being a sequel, it might not get nominated for Best Picture. However, I'd say it has already sweeped the technical awards. It certainly deserves it.

This is the best of the three!!
Usually, the second movie in a trilogy is the weakest. It doesn't have the freshness of the first movie or the finality of the final movie. The Two Towers, however, is the exception to the rule. For lack of a better phrase, it rocks!!! The extra material included in this extended version DVD really fleshes out the movie. After you watch it you'll wonder why Peter Jackson left it out; it makes the movie complete. The fight scenes at Helm's Deep are great, and you forget that a lot of what you're seeing is computer generated. Several new characters are introduced, but you feel like you've known them all along. The best part of the movie is the addition of a Boromir/Faramir scene. Of course, I could be biased. I love Boromir (Sean Bean). This movie is a cinematic masterpiece. It's great!!!

Excellent
Not just pasting in deleted scenes, this version was assenmbled from scratch with additional material that add to the depth of this movie. THIS is the version to buy for watching at home.

You haven't seen LOTR until you've seen this!
OMG! I love this movie so much, I never put it back in the case...it's always in the dvd player. If you at all liked the original theatrical version, you HAVE to get the extended version. The addded footage completes the story and fills in character developement. And you HAVE to listen to the cast commentary. Dom and Billy are hilarious. And the bonus disks are well worth the money. Forget that...added Viggo footage makes it WELL worth it. Plus, the box is beautiful. ... Read more

Reviews (95)

classic Harryhausen epic; finally on DVD
I remember watching this film in awe and rapture the first time when I was at school, studying Greek mythology. This classic good-defeating-evil story is always a dizzying adventure from start to finish.

CLASH OF THE TITANS tells the story of young Perseus (Harry Hamlin - TV's "L.A. Law"), the illegitimate son of the god Zeus (Laurence Olivier). Perseus discovers his ultimate destiny when he is mysteriously transported to the city of Joppa. There, he learns of the fair Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), who is doomed to live her life challenging suitors with impossible riddles, given to her by the deformed Calibos.

Perseus solves her riddle, and is about to marry her, when the angered patron goddess of Joppa, Thetis (Maggie Smith), denounces the union and orders that Andromeda be chained to the foot of the sacrificial stone in a month's time, to be fed to the last of the Titans, the Kraken.

Perseus must find a way to defeat the Kraken, and sets off on a perilous quest to discover the answer...

Gorgeous romantic-adventure. Laurence Rosenthal's score perfectly captures the mood of the movie. Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion effects look quite obvious in this new digital age, but serve their purpose wonderfully.

Also starring Burgess Meredith, Claire Bloom, Ursula Andress, Sian Phillips and Flora Robson.

The DVD includes the featurette "A Conversation with Ray Harryhausen", "Map of Myths and Monsters" feature and the trailer. (Single-sided, dual-layer disc).

Greek Epic Myth On DVD: Fantasy Of High Calibre
1981: Ray Harryhousen made the special effects, monsters and clay "creations" for this Greek epic myth about the heroic deeds of Perseus. Harryhousen had previously made the magic possible for such films as "Jason and the argonauts", another film revolving a Greek myth, and the sci-fi classic "Earth vs. the flying saucers." Harry Hamlin, tv actor from the 80's series L.A. Law (and a hot hunk I had a crush on as a girl), makes an impressive performance as the confident, toga-wearing, muscle-bound, swordsman Perseus, who defeats monsters, including the three headed dog from Hell and the sea monster Kraken.

British actress Dame Maggie Smith (from Sister Act films and Hook) and the esteemed British actor Laurence Olivier play the roles of the goddess Thetis and Zeus, who are involved in a bitter feud. Zeus protects Perseus, as he is his son by a mortal woman, but Thetis is upset that Zeus shows no mercy to the deformed Calabos, her son, who was once a handsome prince. Calabos has the princess Andromeda (Claire Bloom) under a dark spell. She will be married to the man who solves the nightly riddles she is given. Perseus solves the riddle and becomes engaged to Andromeda. But when the queen Cassiopeia elevates her daughter's beauty above that of their patron goddess Thetis, Thetis becomes so enraged she puts Andromeda in a tight spot. She will be the sacrificial victim for the hunger of the sea monster, the Kraken. Perseus journeys to the Underworld, defeates the snake-haired Medusa and with his friends, the old wise man, the winged white horse Pegasus and a robotic owl (who chirps and buzzes almost like R2D2 in Star Wars). He frees Andromeda, who as the classical myth dictates, was chaind to a rock by the sea, and the ending is a very happy one.

Thanks to the fine acting by Harry Hamlin, whose heroism comes through as shining as Perseus (not to mention his good looks), Andromeda (Claire Bloom), Maggie Smith as the vindictive goddess and Zeus (Laurence Olivier) as an eloquent, authoritarian king of the gods. The London Symphony Orchestra fills the soundtrack with lofty themes, romantic melody and dramatic highlights. One of these highlights is the moment when Perseus tames Pegasus. This film was a classic in the 80's and is still great to watch, especially with the magic of DVD. A must have for fantasy fans, a great addition to fantasy films. Look for "Jason and the Argonauts" with Harryhausen effects, equally a match to this film, although dating from an earlier time, the 60's.

not for the new school kids
its hard to say what a child born in the last ten years will think of this film. they'll probably laugh. and realistically unless you're a film student studying stop motion techniques im not sure any adult would enjoy it either. its target audience is children of the seventies who originally saw this film in the theaters as a youth. i am within this group and i love this film. for most 80's kids Clash of the Titans was the first film to convince us that greek mythology was as cool as Indiana Jones. granted, the film took some liberties with the history and added some characters that didnt exist but it was all done with good purpose. even in the 80's the film was really aimed at kids and only Ray Harryhausen's stop motion animation drew in the adults. the story was weak and the acting was passable but visually it was breathtaking even by today's standards.

EXCELLENT
This is my all time favorie Harryhausen film. The story and acting are good and the effects are amazing even today! I love the characters here and the creatures from the mythology we all love. This is a great addition to anyone who loves a good escape or a great fantasy adventure! The Dvd presented is pretty good as the digital transfer is good, not perfect but good and the film is in widescreen uncut and in its original form. An A in my book!

Simply an excellent viewing experience
"Clash of the Titans" is a movie which I'll never get tired of, no matter how many times I've seen it. It just has it all: a great story, adventure, romance, excitement, mythology, and countless other qualities which make it such an enjoyable film to watch over and over again.

One thing that especially stands out about "Clash of the Titans" is the special effects. I don't care what anyone says, no multi-million dollar CGI special effect can ever be as cool as the stop-motion special effects used in this movie. Some might say that it's dated. Well perhaps it is, but they did such a great job in creating the monsters (especially Medusa) that one can only marvel at them. And the fact that this movie is over 20 years old makes it even more impressive.

The DVD presentation isn't superb but it's definitely more than substantial. Image and sound quality have been improved quite a lot from the old video format. Bonus features are good but one can't help feeling that more could have been included, perhaps some deleted scenes. Still, this excellent movie finally being available on DVD is reason enough to be thrilled. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A movie that's--sadly!--still one-of-a-kind
When it was released in 1982, MAKING LOVE was publicized as the first film from a major Hollywood studio to take an honest look at homosexuality. Today, even in our more tolerant social climate, the movie remains just about the only film from a major Hollywood studio to take an honest look at homosexuality. MAKING LOVE is a compassionate, sensitive examination of one man coming to discover, and accept, that he is gay.

Zack (Michael Ontkean) and Claire (Kate Jackson) are a young, attractive and successful married couple; he is a physician and she is a television producer. They have just bought a new home and talk about having a child. But Zack begins to question his sexual identity and to close himself off from his wife. Then he meets Bart (Harry Hamlin), a sexually adventurous gay man who forces Zack to come to terms with his sexual feelings.

Although MAKING LOVE is nearly twenty years old, the only things dated about the movie are the clothing and hairstyles. There have certainly been other Hollywood movies that deal with homosexuality (PHILADELPHIA, IN AND OUT, etc.). But most of these movies seem oddly hesitant to address difficult issues or deflect them by using humor. By contrast, MAKING LOVE presents with complete honesty a man learning to accept that he is gay, along with all of the conflicted feelings and painful choices this involves.

Barry Sandler's script is outstanding. It employs a device that today has become an annoying cliche: characters sharing their inner feelings by directly addressing the camera. But in this film, the device really works, thanks to honest writing and performances.

All three lead actors are excellent, giving us portraits of believable, imperfect human beings who nonetheless try to do their best with the situation that confronts them. A special word of praise must go to Kate Jackson. Certainly Jackson's TV work (CHARLIE'S ANGELS, SCARECROW AND MRS. KING) never gave her the chance to play such an intelligent, fully-rounded character. Jackson is excellent and in a few scenes is so thoroughly convincing that she breaks your heart.

Arthur Hiller's direction is understated and eloquent. And Leonard Rosenman's musical score is superb. His score helps us to recognize the movie for what it is: a tender and bittersweet love story. For example, early on there is a scene in which Zack has a painful meeting with a cancer patient and, distraught over his inability to help her, goes cruising for a sexual partner. Rosenman's musical score helps us to see that Zack's act is not cheap or sensational but instead is an attempt by a lonely, confused man to find emotional connection.

A movie of exceptional quality, MAKING LOVE should be much better known. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an intellegent, compassionate presentation of the many emotional issues surrounding coming to acceptance of homosexuality.

Getting to the HEART of the matter!
To say this film is still groundbreaking would be a stretch, but it still hits home. In 1982, theater goers were either exiting quickly or more wisely, staying to marvel at this film's honesty and heart and its winning performances.

Kate Jackson, Michael Ontkean and Harry Hamlin turn in a powerhouse effort in this Authur Hiller film about a career successful married couple, Claire and Zack Elliot (Jackson and Ontkean) who must face the reality that their union is not all it seems. After eight years of marriage, Zack's repressed homosexuality begins to surface. Enter handsome writer Bart Mcguire (Hamlin), who innocently meets Zack in the ordinary circumstance of a doctor's visit. Bart has been around the gay scene for some time, and is quite happy in his world of one night stands and conquests....or is he?

How all this unfolds is great viewing. "Making Love" has it's soap opera moments and is somewhat dated, but the performances and overall writing and direction overcome these slight flaws. Handsome Ontkean is dead on as the confused yet well intentioned Zack. Whatever spoken or written about this film hurting Ontkean's career is trivial, this remains his best work to date. Hamlin is almost distracting in a role that was obviously well researched complete with subtle mannerisms. Kate Jackson turns in one of her best yet tender performances in a film that remains a cornerstone in gay cinema.

WHERE'S THE DVD???
This movie has always held a special place in my collection. It reminds me of growing up and coming to terms with life. The performances of Kate Jackson, Michael Ontkean, Harry Hamlin and Wendy Hiller are emotionally charged. Some may say it's an outdated film, but it never fails to bring a tear to my eye when the main characters come to accept their past and how their lives have evolved. I'll never forget seeing it at the theater.
I remember when Zack and Bart kissed, some girl in the audience
laughed out loud. For me, it was a very touching moment and that laughter really bothered me at the time. Thankfully, people are more accepting of gay relationships now.
I am hoping that the studios will provide this gem on DVD soon.

Honey, I'm Gay
A silly soap opera about a young doctor, happily married to a beautiful woman who discovers that he's gay. The homosexual theme is handled gingerly and with sympathy, but the story is overly sentimental and comes off as trite and naive. The happy ending fails to touch the heart.

A worthy early effort
When released in 1982, director Arthur Hiller's "Making Love" was a bold venture for its time and critcally panned, probably more for its risky content than its acting. Between her TV gigs as one of Charlie's angels and Mrs. King to a Scarecrow, veteran actress Kate Jackson said she would have offered to pay for the role of a TV executive married to a doctor, played by former "Rookies" co-star Michael Ontkean. But with his wife so tied up with her work, husband Zak begins to explore a long-buried curiosity about a same-sex encounter. He finds it in studly writer Harry Hamlin, then a new face on the acting horizon. With his same-sex desires and preference unleashed, Zak has to come clean with wife Kate, and the climactic scene in which Zak confesses his homosexuality is carried with appropriate emotional shock by both Jackson and Ontkean. By today's standards, the film may seem dated and irrelevant, but it was hardly so at the time. A good script is bolstered by good acting and singer Roberta Flack's haunting theme song that was a chart-buster in '82. Beyond the film's obvious topic, it also renders a subtle lesson in the need for honesty. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

I've loved this movie for over 20 years and now I own it!
This movie had characters that were very human and even the "wicked" mother had redeeming qualities. You looked for reasons which drove her to behave the way she did. Kathleen Quinlan, a very beautiful and emotion-envoking actress, has stayed in my mind for twenty years! Stephen Collins is always a pleasure to see. Beatrice Straight did the mother with such emotion in her face. This is a movie to watch again. I hadn't seen it for 20 years, I just bought it. Some critics would rather see all the war and killing movies and not appreciate "A Genuine Love Story"!

An original love story overlooked by the press
I remembering seeing this movie, years ago. I was so impressed with the originality that was created in this love story. I remembered the name, and when I saw it in the video store, I was so happy. I immediately rented it.

There is no comparison of this to Love Story, or even Gone with the Wind. This movie is far better. It keeps you cheering for her lover, her husband to find her. You can not help but feeling the mother in law needs to allow her son a life. She has the "you are not good enough for my son, blues." All the actors and actresses were so great. I recommend this to everyone.

The Promise
I saw the movie - I want the video but I don't know how to get it. Please help me to purchase this on line. PLEASE PLEASE HELP
It is absolutely the best book I have ever read and ultimately the best show I have ever seen.

One of the Best!
I read the book by Danielle Steele some twenty years ago and then saw the movie. I am such a romantic that I still go back and read the book again and again. Well written book and wonderful movie! I thought Stephen Collins was hot then and still is. Great love story with twists and turns....And true love always wins!

Get out the hanky
Not since the 5 star hanky movies from Lana Turner will you see such a romantic cry-you-eyes-out movie. This movie is GREAT and one of my all time favorites. This movie proves that if you are ment to be together,,,,,your ment to be together.The acting is wonderful, costumes great and the music score is unforgetable. The opening and closing scene standing by the rock has got to be the most romantic scene ever filmed. It is also the most gut-grabbing. I'm a guy and i still can't help getting all teary eyed especially during those scenes. Just wish this was on DVD and stereo sound. A great film for your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One Of The Few Movies About Golf
This is a good biopic about golf immortal Ben Hogan, master of the repetitive swing and accurate beyond belief. It reflects the dramatic standards of 1951, however, and you just have to know that Ben and wife Valerie CRINGED when they saw some of the onscreen exchanges between Glen Ford and Anne Baxter.

Hogan himself hit the golf shots for this film, and you can easily see how masterful he was. The Beatles later wrote a theme song for "Follow the Sun," but there was never enough demand to substantiate a re-release of the movie updated with that musical addition.

Classic B&W Hogan
Hogan is such a mysterious man. Ford tells an adequate job of portraying him, aloof and intense, always polite and maticulously dressed.

The coverage of the accident and rehab is great. Thought maybe the opening of the caddie segment of his life could have been done with little more "up close and personal touch," since this seemed to affect Ben so much.

Sampson's book "Hogan" provides a worthy reference to read along with this video. Heard that there was to be a new attempt at Hogan's story with Kevin Kostner playing Ben.

Neat to have one narrated by Crenshaw or Kris Tschetter and those who actually knew the guy (for sure, Venturi!) Done right, could be great!

Follow the Sun
It has been many years since watching Follow the Sun. This is a motivational movie for any young golfer to watch. It is about faith and persistance.

As a young man this picture had a major influence on my life. When it is available for sale again, I will be the first to buy a copy. ... Read more

Reviews (103)

beautifully restored film with lots of dvd bonus features
It doesn't get much better than this -- a Hitchcock film starring Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant and Claude Raines! What a treat it is to see all of this talent -- behind, and in front of, the camera. The story of a star-crossed romance set against the backdrop of post-WWII Miami and Rio, the film has a great script and terrific acting. The direction is awesome; Hitchcock did some wonderful camera work here -- innovative tracking and crane shots that are a delight to see.

This Criterion Collection DVD edition is more expensive but I think it's worth it -- a lot of time and effort have been taken to restore the film and the soundtrack, and it really looks and sounds great. Also, the many bonus features are excellent: excerpts from 'The Song of the Dragon', a two-part Saturday Evening Post short story on which the film was based; fascinating production correspondence by David O. Selznick, Ingrid Bergman, J. Edgar Hoover and the head of the Production Code Administration (censors); rear projection and production stills, including wonderful shots of the scaffolding used to get that breathtaking crane shot from a stairtop balcony right down to the key in Bergman's hand; script excerpts from deleted scenes and alternative endings; a music and sound effects only track; trailers; the complete 1948 Lux radio Theatre version of the story, starring Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotten; terrific voiceover narration with film scholar Marian Keene discussing artistic choices and film historian Rudy Behlmer discussing technique; and a touching story about the fate of the Unica key -- the one used in the film. Language and subtitles are English only.

This is a wonderful package for one of Hitchcock's best films. Highly recommended.

Beautifully Restored Film Classic
This review refers to the Criterion Collection DVD of Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious".....

The master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, gives us another edge of your seat thriller. He combines, mystery,romance, and the evil's of Nazism in this chilling story.It takes place shortly after WWII. Alicia(Ingrid Bergman) is a woman with a past. Her father has just been convicted of spying. American agent Devlin(Cary Grant), enlists Alicia to infiltrate a Nazi spy ring.After her father's conviction, Alicia can prove her own patriotism by cooperating in this manner. She finds herself right in the thick of things and her own life in danger after she goes as far as to marry Alex(Claude Rains), one of the very powerful, rich and dangerous ring leaders of the group. Alex is on to her and tries to methodically get rid of his beautiful wife.Can the handsome "Dev" rescue the woman he has come to love so much before tragedy strikes.?

You'll delight to find Hitch's trademarks all through the film. The camera angles are definitive,the trademark staircase scene, the passion between Grant and Bergman electrifying,Claude Rains is terrifying, and the story a rollercoaster of suspense filled moments. There isn't a more perfect film I can think of.

Looking for Hitch: A little over an hour in you can have a little drink with him.(Not too much though, the Champagne needs to last the night at this party).

I am always happy to report on a great restoration of a classic film. This one made in 1946 is a beautiful, crisp, clean transfer to this DVD. The Black and White images are sharp and you will notice the attention that was made to every detail during the filming. The tears streaming down Ingrid's face look like drops of crystal. It's amazing. The sound is in Dolby Dig Mono and is very good. There are lots of "extras" on this edition. Among them is some great commentary from Marian Keane(she is a film scholar and talks alot about camera angles and other pertinent facts to the film) which you can listen to during the film if you choose, You can isolate that wonderful soundtrack,there is correspondce between Selznick and others connected to the film,TWO booklets, one about Hitch's Notorious and other films and another listing Criterions releases. And there is much more(see tech info for complete list).There are also subtitles which may be helpful to hearing impaired viewers.

You do get your money's worth on this one. However, if you are not as interested in the extras and are just looking to view this fabulous classic, there is another edition by Anchor Bay which costs much less. Although I have not viewed this particular Anchor Bay Release I do have many others by them and have always been more than happy with their treatment of the transfer.

Kick back with Cary, Ingrid and Hitch for a day of suspense and romance..........Laurie

Criterion Disappoints.
This is the first Criterion DVD that I've ever owned. I must say, I was pretty surprised by the price, but promises of extra treatment over standard editions of this movie convinced me to go the extra mile and pay twice as much. Notorious is, perhaps, my favorite movie with Cary Grant. Bergman's performance is excellent, to say the least (I think I'm in love with her now). The way that she passionately kisses Mr. Grant excites like no movies can. The look in her eyes makes her seem as though she is truly in love with him; which is exceptional for "acting". Grant's response seem almost insensitive, rejecting her for her "ways". It's very convincing work. The connection between the two characters amazes me, and the movie seems way ahead of its time. Claude Raines plays an overlooked (but perhaps the most important) performance that amazes me as well. Its definately a movie for all fans of classics to own. There's no doubt, in my mind, that this is deserving of 5 stars. It's probably one of my favorite classic films.

I have no regrets with buying this movie, but I feel very let-down by Criterion. Their attempts do not justify the jacked-up cost. The extras, at best, are pretty disappointing. The RKO radio broadcast (which is the best inclusion) is fairly sub-par in comparison to the film, especially since it was cut short to fit into 60 minutes. The "deleted scenes" and extras are merely text descriptions in most cases. All of this is material that has been in the Internet fan sites for years. As for the quality of the film; I'm neither impressed nor disappointed. The crispness of the film is certainly excpetional, but it almost feels a bit unnatural for such an old film. The "graininess" that many complain of is visable on a high-res TV or monitor (I watched on my standard TV and my PC as well), but it seems to be inherent in the film master itself. Dust particles and artifacts are pretty typical on older movies. Not bad, but not breathtaking. I'm happy with the video and audio quality.

Overall, it's a 5-star movie, but Criterion's effort is a 3 or 4 star attempt for the severe price-inflation. Unless you really must have this version, I can't see why the Anchor Bay release wouldn't be a suitable alternative. The picture quality is different, but each is nice in its own way. I will probably own both (in addition to possible future releases).

Neglected Classic
When I say neglected, I mean in comparison to other Hitchcock films. When people talk about Hitchcock, rarely does this film get mentioned. I think it stands alongside Sir Alfred's best work. Right up there w/ Rear Window, Vertigo and North By Northwest. Spectacular performances by Grant (a CIA g-man doing his job), Bergman ( a woman trapped by her past), Rains (a craven, cowardly, weak mama's boy) and Konstantin (an Austrian actress in her final film role playing the evil and sceming mother). Very realistic, conflicted and not particularly sympthetic characters. Hitchcock displays a perfect knack for creeping dread and a perfect final touch.

Shows How Much Love Hurts
I've always liked Notorious, but, until recently, it hasn't been one of my absolute favorite Hitchcock films. However, recently I've gained an appreciation for Alfred Hitchcock's more personal films. Lighter, more humorous films like The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, Strangers on a Train, Rear Window, North By Northwest, Psycho (Hitch called this a black comedy), The Birds and Frenzy, to name a few, are masterpieces and rank among my favorite films of all time. But the films I have gained much more appreciation for in the past few years are those like Shadow of a Doubt, Vertigo and Notorious. Shadow of a Doubt showed that monsters can live among us, even in the most innocuous of settings and may even be someone we care about. Vertigo showed obsessive love taken to the extreme with deadly consequences. And Notorious shows just how hard it can be for someone to express love for another.

Like in many of Hitchcock's films, the central point of the story is masked by a plotline of suspense and intrigue. In this case, Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman) must marry Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), an ex-Nazi in exile in Brazil, in order to infiltrate his organization. With the help of U.S. agent Devlin (Cary Grant), she finds out that Sebastian is stockpiling uranium (the MacGuffin). On the surface, it's a straightforward espionage tale.

However, the film, at its very core, is a tale of frustrated love. Specifically, Devlin can't bring himself to express what he feels for Alicia and must watch helplessly while she marries Sebastian. Devlin knows that he would jeopardize the entire mission if he tells Alicia he loves her and this repression begins to eat him up inside. Even at the beginning of the film when Alicia has fallen deeply in love with Devlin and tell him so, he can't bring himself to return that love, even though he feels just as she does. Cary Grant, usually charming, plays one of his darkest roles brilliantly. He shows his longing for Alicia in every expression on his face. Ingrid Bergman, likewise, shows the frustration of having to marry a man she despises while pining for the affections of the man she truly loves -- a man she thinks doesn't love her. The emotions onscreen are sometimes so raw its almost painful to watch. When Devlin finally tells Alicia how he really feels about her at the climax of the film, the scene ranks as one of the most emotional in screen history.

The movies often make it seem so easy to find true love. In Notorious, however, Alfred Hitchcock shows how painful and just how difficult it is to just say, "I love you" to someone you care about. Everyone has had situations where they were too afraid to tell someone they cared about that they loved him/her and have wondered what would have happened had they done so. It's agonizing to think that you may have missed your chance for happiness with someone who loves you as much as you love them. Alfred Hitchcock brilliantly recognizes those feelings in Notorious -- that's what makes this one of his best. ... Read more