Reviews (30)

Heavenly Description of After-Life Accomodations and Romance
This Compelling movie brings much Understanding to the concept of "Life After Death" and gives us a few clues about how to get-around when we do not have bodies, anymore! This movie also shows that you do not just Quit doing all of the things you love...you simply have a Lot More Time to do them! If you have ever questioned dogmatic beliefs or had "Lucid" dreams that foretold an After-Life that contradicts what you have been led to believe...this movie is for you. If you are a person who seeks Knowledge about Spirituality, this movie is a great addition to your personal collection of images, data and theories. Or....if you are just a Romantic person, who enjoys a Great Love Story! Get your box of tissues ready and delve into this Highly Under-rated film. I would give it 5 stars, if it were a little faster-paced...but, that's just my Opinion. Most women Love this film (and guys should give it a try)! "Made in Heaven" is difficult to find, where I live, so I wonder how many people know about this Great Movie. There are many surprising scenes in this film and I believe it should be considered a Classic.

Beautifully woven story:love, heaven, earth, rebirth, death
The opening credit of the film "The story you are about to see could be true. You may even know some of the people." sets you up for and helps you ponder the story line of the movie. There are questions which we all ask ourselves and things we all wonder about. Where does inspiration come from? Did you ever notice that when you meet some people you just click? How about all of the seemingly small, insignificant things which have happened in your life. Things that had they not have happened, your live would be drasticaly different? All of those things that struck a chord but only later did we realize the significance. The lyrics of the title song "We've Never Danced" by Neil Young tells the story in itself: "Between heaven and earth, there's a ballroom glow, where couples glide in the evermore.......I hope it's not too late, we were more than friends, I can hardly wait, til we meet again." Some of these questions and mysteries are presented within a beautiful and moving love story. As you'd expect, the answers can't really be put into words, without trivializing them. So all we can do is experience the magic of the story and at the end, know that we have experienced part of the connection between heaven and earth. I highly recommend that you seek out this video and experience the magic.

Great story, cinematography, and music
This is one of those rare movies that takes the subject of life after death and gives the viewer layers to ponder. Do souls go on? Are there new souls as well as old ones? Can we really talk to G*d that smokes and wisecracks? I felt the use of color was particularly done well and the cinematography was exceptional. Then there is the sound track, one of the best I have ever heard. I would love to meet whomever picked these songs, they are perfect. Next to "Streets of Fire", this is about the best music from any movie that is not a musical. I wish they would release it on wide-screen DVD. PS- the small part casting is great, watch for Neal Young as a truck driver!

A Maid In Heaven Movie
If you believe in love, if you believe that their is only one special someone for you, if you believe that the love you share with your significant other was "Made in Heaven," this is the movie for you. Timathy hutton plays the all American nice guy who dies after rescuing two kids from drowning. In heaven, he meets the love of his life played by Kelly Mcgillis. As they are about to marry, her soul is sent to earth. Timathy's character asked to be sent to earth to find her. He is given thirty years to do so. This sweeping story is nothing short of mesmerizing. You can't help but route for these two people. You want them to find each other and you care about the things they are going through. This film makes you believe in the "L" word in it's true sense. Even if you are not one who can grasp or understand the notion that love made in heaven is a possibility, you can't help but get caught up in this little story about these two love struck souls. I highly recommend this movie to every romantic at heart person out there. If you ever find yourself in the arms of your loved one on a lazy, rainy Sunday afternoon, this is the movie to cozy up with. Yes, it's a "Chick's Flick" but sometimes, they can be good too.

Great Feel Good Movie
This is a really great rainy day movie....I love to watch this movie when feeling glum....this movie makes you believe again...take the time and watch it...you'll love it! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Novelist James Clavell wrote, produced, and directed this 1967 British film (based on a novel by E.R. Braithwaite) about a rookie teacher who throws out stock lesson plans and really takes command of his unruly, adolescent students in a London school. Poitier is very good as a man struggling with the extent of his commitment to the job, and even more as a teacher whose commitment is to proffering life lessons instead of academics. The spirit of this movie can be found in such recent films as Dangerous Minds and Mr. Holland's Opus, but none is as moving as this one. Besides, the others don't have a title song performed by pop star Lulu. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Poitier Is Masterful
1967 was an incredible year for Sidney Poitier. He starred in three magnificent films, the Academy Award winning films, In The Heat Of the Night & Guess Who's Coming To Dinner and this superb movie. Mr. Poitier stars as Mark Thackery who is an engineer, but in need of a job accepts a teaching position at a tough West End school. His class is made up of unruly ruffians and at first they rebel against him. It becomes obvious to Thackery that these kids don't have an interest in learning normal academics and that none of them will pursue higher education so he decides to prepare them for live by giving them lessons on how to cope in the real world. He gives cooking lessons, make up lessons for the girls, takes them to museums and they develop a respect and love for each other. Judy Geeson is fabulous as Pamela Dare, a blond beauty who develops a crush on Thackery. Christian Roberts is Devin the leader of the group. He is a thug not use to rules and is constantly testing Thackery. Lulu is Babs Pegg and she does a credible acting job and supplies the film with its famous theme song. Michael Des Barres has a minor part as one of the students and he would go on to minor rock career and marry one of the most famous of all rock groupies Pamela Des Barres. Mr. Poitier is the glue that holds the film together and he is equally forceful and compassionate in his performance. To sir With Love is dated in some ways with regards to the fashions and slang language, but it's story is timeless

Flawlessly wonderful
This is my all-time favorite movie. The story is of a Black engineer, born in British Guyana and educated in California, who takes a job teaching at a high school in a depressed area of London. He has no teaching experience, and so develops his teaching style from his own experience. Gradually the relationship between the teacher (Poitier) and his students evolves from suspicion, to respect, to love. There is the obligatory romantic attraction between Poitier and one of his students, Judy Geeson. (Geeson, who plays this part with endearing and convincing sweetness, grew up to become the supercilious and insufferable across-the-hall neighbor from Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt in the TV sitcom "Mad About You").

Everything is perfect in this movie. If you can watch the very last scene without tears, then you are stronger than I. In retrospect, I think this movie was one of the influences which caused me to become a teacher, 17 years after I first saw it. I hope it has done the same for some others, and that it will continue to do so in the future. See it!

Heartwarming Film
Poitier is a stunning actor.

This is a heartwarming film. This is a good feel-good movie for anyone who may be feeling down!

Jeffrey C. McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

One of Sidney Poitier's outstanding movies
This movie, based on E.R. Braithwaite's book, was one of the outstanding movies of Sidney Poitier. I am a sucker of such movies, especially as I can relate to them. I was in a difficult school during my teenage years with bad schoolmates and some good teachers set me straight, otherwise, I would have been in trouble. This movie inspired many other movies but did not do such a splendid job. The main difference was the script and the actors.

Sidney plays the part of Mark Thackerey who is an engineer who does not get a job as an engineer and decides to become a teacher as an intermediate job. In the East End school he sees how bad the standards of the students are and realizes that he is not making any difference. Finally one day he loses his cool, and then hits on an idea to change the students attitude. Gradually, the students warm up to him. Though some of the ideas might be dated (language, customs etc) for the present day, the ideas of racism, generation difference, teacher-student trust and problems are well brought out. This is still a timeless classic and for anyone who has worked with schools, teachers and problem students.

The DVD quality is excellent. Both video and sound transfer are good. Sidney is Sidney, what can I say, his quiet, dignified style of acting and the way he handles all the situations by showing his emotions is fantastic. The theme song of this movie is also special. Do not miss this movie.

A BEAUTIFUL FILM
"To Sir With Love" was a beautiful story about a black teacher, Sidney Poitier, who overcomes racial barriers to teach West London toughs and toughettes the meaning of life. It was, literally, banned in Alabama, which was ruled entirely by...the Democrat party. In 1967, Poitier again stirred the red-necks with "In the Heat of the Night", where he plays Virgil Tibbs, a competent Philadelphia cop stuck overnight in a Mississippi town. It must be 110 degrees at night. The white boys sweat like stuck pigs while Virgil is as cool as a cucumber in a Savoy Row suit. The sheriff, Rod Steiger, is discomfited by circumstances in which Tibbs is "lent" to him to solve a murder that happens to occur when he is there. In working together, layer after layer of characterization is stripped away in marvelous fashion, through the skill of director Norman Jewison (who tells everybody he is not a Jew, he is Methodist), until understanding between the two men become a metaphor for the healing of a divided America. Very good stuff.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM ... Read more

Amazon.com

The era of Molly Ringwald's profitable collaboration with writer-producer-director John Hughes (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club) was at its peak with this 1986 film (directed by Howard Deutch but in every sense part of the developing Hughes empire). Ringwald plays a high school girl on the budget side of the tracks, living with her warm and loving father (Harry Dean Stanton) and usually accompanied by her insecure best friend (Jon Cryer). When a wealthy but well-meaning boy (Andrew McCarthy) asks her out, her perspective is overturned and Cryer's character is threatened. As was the case in the mid-'80s, Hughes (who wrote the script and produced the film) brought his special feel for the cross-currents of adolescent life to this story. In its very commercial way, it is an honest, entertaining piece about growing pains. The attractive supporting cast (many of whom are much better known now) does a terrific job, and Ringwald and Cryer have excellent chemistry. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (68)

John Hughes At His Best
Movies like this are what make one want to cry over the media-provoked labeling and fall of "The Brat Pack". The stars of the 1980s teen films were expected to form the next generation of great actors until Hollywood tore them apart and sent them scraping for whatever cable-movie parts they could get their hands on. Though Pretty in Pink was more-or-less the swan song of John Hughes'-masterminded films, to this day it continues to bring in fans to the genre with it's sweet and simple poor girl/rich guy romance and the social issues therein. Though star Molly Ringwald is occaisonally over-emotional in her portrayal of the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it is not unfitting with her strong but somewhat neurotic character, Andie. Andrew McCarthy, though of greater acting capability than he displays here, still plays his rich but insecure Romeo (Blane) to a T, and is cute enough to make any teenage girl fall in love with him-despite the wierd eye thing. Annie Potts and Harry Dean Stanton are both memorable in their roles of somewhat bizzare parental-type figures, as is a young James Spader as Blane's perfectly condescending best friend. However it is Jon Cryer, as Andie's best and besotted friend Phil "Duckie" Dale who truly steals the show with what is surely one of the top performances of Cryer's varied career. Though on the outside this movie may appear to be pure teen fluff, the story has an endearing quality that will continually find it back in the VCR on any all night movie fest.

A girl from the wrong side of the tracks and her life
This movie set in the mid 80s era of brat-prack movies is a unique shining star. Molly Ringwald is Andie a girl from the wrong sides of the tracks who has romantic intrests from both sides of the spectrum; Duckie (Jon Cryer) who's puppy-dog love for her is both sweet and endearing to watch, and Blane (Andrew McCarthy) the rich guy who has everything going for him. What follows is Andie having to deal with this, the bitchy cheerleader type girls at school, her loving but dishonest father (Harry Dean Stanton) and through all this will she get an invatation to the prom? This is a great film, with both Blane, and Andie having to deal with their friends disagreeeing with their relationship. Steff (James Spader at one of his very best) Blane's best friend, who tries to make Blane try to decide between Andie and himself, when really he just wants his finger in the pie. Annie Potts as Iona, Andie's quirky older best friend is excellent and her weird and orginal costume changes throughout the movie are a highpoint. This is a emotionally raw film a rareity at the time it was made. If you ask me this should have swept the Oscar nominations with Molly Ringwald getting Best Actress, but hey regardless of the miss of Oscars watch this, it is a powerful film and a great piece of film making

Watch 16 Candles or The Breakfast Club, instead
Pretty in Pink is truly one of the worst bratpack movies ever made. Whiny Molly Ringwald has by this time thoroughly worn out her welcome; her perpetual pout, her eye-rolling and her generally sour disposition are extremely grating, all the moreso because she is in virtually every scene! The only interesting thing about Ringwald's "performance" is her ever-changing haircolor (throughout the movie, her hair goes from strawberry blonde to dark auburn to nearly chartreuse back to strawberry blonde, and so on. At least SOMETHING changed; her expression never did!).

Andrew McCarthy is the wimpiest "romantic hero" ever, and, like Molly, his expression never changes. "Must remain bland" was surely his mantra throughout filming.

Jon Cryer plays "Ducky" (did YOU go to high school with anybody who had a nickname like that???) like a spastic goofball. James Spader is wasted in a one-note role as "The Mean Snobby Guy." There's no end to the talent wasted in this film: Annie Potts and Harry Dean Stanton are also squandered in thankless, my-character-only-exists-to-showcase-Molly-Ringwald roles.

As if all that's not annoying enough, Molly's character is the richest "poor girl" ever, with her own lilac-colored Kharman Ghia, an endless supply of funky vintage dresses, petticoats, sweaters, granny boots, and hats (if you think she picked all that swag up at Salvation Army, you're crazy), and her own phone complete with answering machine (no big deal now, but it was in the '80s).

The cherry on top is the fact that the dress Molly cobbles together and "triumphantly" wears to Prom is ugly. Ugly, ugly, UGLY. That's not just my opinion, either: I saw this dog in the theater, and people LAUGHED when she made her entrance.

Bottom line: if you're in the mood for a bratpack movie, watch 16 Candles or Breakfast Club, instead.

One of the better Brat Pack movies.
Molly Ringwald did an good job in this film. The movie wasn't the best brat pack movie, but it is enjoyable. The supporting cast is okay, and the romance you are able to relate to. All, in all good, and heartfelt. See it, if you love teen romance movies.

Pretty good 80's movie
This isn't really my favorite movie that John Hughes made, Sixteen Candles is my favorite, but this one is also pretty good..besides the ending. Molly Ringwald was SO much better with Duckie. Duckie is the best character in this, he's so funny. The part at the end when he's at the dance and he looks at you through the camera, it's priceless!! You got to check this movie out, it's a good one. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Elvis- The lost performances- 2001
The video-tape is already a while available in Europe, and it 's still unbelievable that Dennis Sanders then cut-out those scenes from the original release in the early 70's... These scenes are far better then what've been left over in the original film-release of That's The Way It is! Fans were able to hear most of the "los performances" versions on the "70's blackbox" already, BUT to see them now alive...... That is called: " FINISHING it off! "

Check out the 2001DVD version of That's the Way it (Special Edition) remastered/re-sceduled and re-editted and you'll see what the MOVIE should have been in the early 70's!

ELVIS ROCKS
"DON'T CRY DADDY", "IN THE GHETTO", "HOW GREAT THOU ART", "THE
WONDER OF YOU". THESE ARE ONLY A FEW OF THE GREAT SONGS THAT WERE CUT
FROM ELVIS'S LIVE PERFORMANCES. STILL CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY. ELVIS ALSO
DOES A MEDLEY OF SOME OF HIS OLDER SONGS...QUITE WONDERFULLY I MIGHT ADD.
THIS IS BY FAR THE LEAST EXPENSIVE VIDEO I HAVE EVER PURCHASED, AND IT IS
ACTUALLY THE BEST. I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF ELVIS.
NO ONE HAS EVER, OR WILL EVER CAPTURE THE PASSION OF HIS MAGNIFICENT VOICE.
I RECCOMMEND THIS VIDEO TO ALL. YOU WILL BE AMAZED...I GIVE IT 10 STARS!!!!

pretty good addition
I am building my 70's collection and rare footage etc. and this is a pretty good addition. I dont find myself watching it as much as "the way it is" DVD but its a good item of some truely rare performances.

The King doing what he does best
There are some great performances on this film, I don't understand why they would have cut this out of the original film. This is a must have for the serious Elvis fan!

The Songs That Got Away
This tape is made up of live concert performances filmed in 1970 and 1972 for the films "That's The Way It Is" and "Elvis on Tour", but were not used in either film. The tape features several stellar live performances by The King.

The first half starts off with a several live performances filmed for "That's The Way It Is" in 1970 at The International Hotel in Las Vegas. In this half, Elvis churns out stunning performances of "The Wonder Of You", "Heartbreak Hotel", "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel" and "Don't Cry Daddy". Elvis sings a powerful "In The Ghetto" and an emotional "Make The World Go Away". The second half features several songs from rehearsals. This half features Elvis running through his old songs. Elvis goofs on "I Was The One", but Elvis makes it worthwhile and nevertheless entertaining. He goes back to his days at Sun Records for "Baby Let's Play House", which rocks and rolls thanks to some stellar rhythm guitar playing by Elvis. Elvis then delves into his 1957 number one hit "Don't", which is funny yet sincere. He then goes back to his first RCA recording session with "Money Honey". The third and final half features live performances from 1972. These are my favorite ones. Elvis kicks off a rocking "All Shook Up", which is followed a nostalgic "Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel" medley, which is restarted 3 times because the camera guy didn't get a shot of Glend D. Hardin playing the intro on piano. After this comes a stunning "Are You Lonesome Tonight" that is the highlight of the tape. Elvis's voice is filled with painful regret and emotion.
The show ten gets back to the happy tunes with a stellar "I Can't Stop Loving You" in which Elvis belts out the last verse with flare. After that comes a towering "How Great Thou Art", which is the tape's other standout. The video's closing live performance is a flawless "Release Me" that sways with midtempo country blended in with uptempo rock. The credits feature Elvis rehearsing a brilliant "I Can't Stop Lovinng You" with the band.
These performances were certainly not forgotten. This is a stellar tape. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Paul Newman, an American original, would seem to be the perfect choice to direct a film adaptation of the second novel by another American original--Ken Kesey. But Kesey's novel, written under the influence of both LSD and growing fame, was a mishmash, and Newman's film can't rescue it. It also seems strange to see the ultraliberal Newman starring as a strike-busting logger who honors a contract on principle, rather than observe union concerns, bringing all sorts of misery down on his family. Henry Fonda is interesting as Newman's father, but the film never finds its footing. One killer sequence, however: Richard Jaeckel, as Newman's brother, trapped under a log in a river, slowly drowning despite Newman's best efforts to save him. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Sometimes a great movie...
What better way to see this movie than when I first saw it in '71. I was a junior in Forestry College, watching it in the frat house. There's not too many movies that Paul Newman or Henry Fonda made that were not good. If you choose moviews by who the major stars are, you won't be disappointed in this one.

I've done logging, but would not choose it as a career. These are the kind of people who can. It is a butt-kicking, rough and tumble, tough fisted, never give and inch movie, worthy of the talents of the entire cast. The drowning scene is a real tear-jerker, but chainsawing the union boss's desk in half is SO Neuman-esque. Tossing sticks of dynamite at the union bigwigs and blowing up their rowboat is not exactly out of character for Fonda, either. An absolutely unforgettable movie, with perfect casting.

Sometimes a Cinematic Notion
OK, in fairness; I came to this film on the strength of my long, enduring affection for the work of Ken Kesey. Sometimes a Great Notion, the novel, is as dense and intense a read as one can find out there by any (and I mean ANY -- Faulkner, Hemingway, the works) American author. I've read this superb novel many times, and savored every word with every reading.

...then I saw the film.

Again, in fairness; I had doubts that ANY film under 2 hours would begin to do justice to the novel. I was right. I had suspicions that perhaps Paul Newman and Henry Fonda weren't quite, well, BIG AND TOUGH ENOUGH to do due justice to the Henry and Hank Stamper father/son team. I was almost right -- physically, they weren't the looming figures that roared across Kesey's pages. But Newman and Fonda ain't bad either, not by a long shot. Their abilities almost obscure the fact that they don't fully seem like lifelong lumberjacks from the wild coast of Oregon in the middle 20th century. They seem like superb Hollywood actors who are acting like lumberjacks. But that's OK, too. Fonda and Newman break even in my book, in terms of how they portray the fictional characters. I can't fault actors for scenes that aren't there, and my biggest problem with the film was a lack of depth -- the novel has several parallel, ongoing story lines that all weave together with magic and drama. By nature, cinema is a more linear story-telling device in that regard. Kesey's magnificent command of language, and voice, and perspective, and verb tenses helps to define this sprawling masterpiece -- that's a tough sell on the big (or little) screen.

I wish the cutting room had eaten a little less footage. The romance between Lee and Viv is, essentially, missing in action. And with it, the dramatic narrative that powers much of the core of the novel.

On the positive side, Richard Jaekel was excellent as Joby -- to the extent that he was on-screen. I found myself looking for his Christian aphorisms and life's-only-gettin'-better outlook, and finding less than I'd hoped for. Sure, he seems jolly enough half the time -- but I found myself wondering if that was because I KNEW he was supposed to be happy and full of Biblical jibberish. Again, the novel vs. the cinema -- and again, cinema fails where 600+ pages of copy succeed. The drowning scene, in fairness, is unforgettable. Of course, it was that way in Kesey's novel, too.

I'm glad to know Ken worked with Paul, as the film evolved. That Ken found the final product more successful than One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest-The Movie is a mixed blessing. I agreed with Ken about Cuckoo's Nest and Jack Nicholson (although I love Jack's work, too). I wish Ken were alive today, and perhaps he could shed some light on what he felt worked best in this film.

The Union sub-plot was touched on, but not fully explored. Same with the 'suicide'/death of Willard the theater owner (we never even learn he has a laundromat or a wife or any of the rich details that make him unforgettable in the book). Same with the love triangle. Same with the Stamper family history. The film was good, unquestionably, but not nearly as profound nor as deep as the novel.

With that said; go out and read the novel, and THEN sit down and watch the film. My vote goes for a RESTORED DVD RELEASE with whatever worthy footage was sacrificed for the Faux God of Running Time! This is an admittedly complex and far-reaching tale, and one that's hard put to do justice to itself in 112 minutes, give or take.

As is often the case, a great movie doesn't do justice to a great novel. In this case, it was almost impossible to succeed along those lines (Hey, does anybody PREFER the cinematic Moby Dick to the Melville novel? Case closed!).

On balance, Paul Newman and Henry Fonda and Lee Remick and Richard Jaekel in a Ken Kesey story...!? Does it GET better than that? Only Ken Kesey could have authored a novel that surpassed this film, talent and all. And he did! Check them both out -- book and film.

You'll be glad you did.

Great Movie
Saw this movie 20 years ago. I can still remember it.

Raw, Real Powerful
I've read the reviews written by people who have no real experience in logging, and apparently in real life! No, it doesn't follow the book that closely, but what movie does? I have worked in and around logging and outdoor people most of my adult life. I have also worked with more liberal "soccer family" types, both for the government and within private forest industry. I've worked in southeast Alaska and in the humid southeastern U.S. This is a real movie representing real people and the real ideas of those people. Paul Newman has a gift for finding parts that fit him and represent the actions of real people. I've known many just like him, some born into the logging or construction industry, and some that found themselves there, even one philosophy graduate that found "real" life much more inviting than an artificial liberalism pushed upon him at the university. This is a movie about life, the good and the bad, and about the real people that live it.

Trapped Beneath
I only want to tell you of one scene in this film. It's too bad that one sequence's strength can't be carried throughout the rest of the picture. Richard Jaeckel, playing Newman's brother, get's trapped under a log under water and Newman has to keep breathing air into him. An unforgetable scene. If you don't mind seeing a film, just for the pleasure of one unbreakable moment, then see this one. A 5 star, and very powerful, Newman-style scene. I do respect those that like this movie, because Paul Newman is always great in whatever he does. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An Early Solo Classic from Jerry Lewis
Long before "Mr. Mom" or "Kramer vs. Kramer", Jerry Lewis made a great argument for fathers to have as much say in the raising and nurturing of their children as mothers. This delightful comedy (with just enough drama added in for good measure) is about a man who goes beyond expectation to care for three baby girls who are left at his doorstep.

Moreover, this is not merely a comedy, but a musical, with songs that deserve the right to be as well remembered as any from "The Wizard of Oz" or "The Sound of Music".

This, among other Jerry Lewis classics, should be issued on DVD, but until they are VHS still looks pretty good.

Excellent and I'm not even a big Jerry Lewis fan!
This is one of my all-time favorite movies and I'm not even a big Jerry Lewis fan. My children and I laugh until we're crying every time we watch this movie.

From the other reviews you know it's about a guy trying to take care of baby triplets on his own. It's an EXCELLENT family movie with a sweet story as Clayton Poole (Jerry Lewis) does everything in his power to take care of these little girls. Sure, it's hilarious but it also has a strong family theme as the Clayton, the babies' aunt and grandfather do whatever they can to do what's best for the babies. Even the mother realizes in the end that the babies are what's most important.

There is definitely something for everyone in this movie.

Why, oh why don't they put it on DVD???

Ohhhh!, Baby!
It's tough to choose which Jerry Lewis movies is my favorite, but I have to start with this one. It's sweet, darlin' and romantic all rolled up into one. It's about Clayton Poole (Jerry Lewis) a bumbling TV repairman, who by surprise becomes an adopted father to triplet baby girls. Clayton's former girlfriend turned movie star, Carla Naples (Marilyn Maxwell) springs the surprise when she leaves them on his doorstep. Noble Clayton tries to keep everything a secret but all mayhem cuts loose. And Clayton's other love interest Sandy Naples (Connie Stevens) helps Clayton out of his dilemma and from the suspicions of their father Gigi (Salvatore Baccaloni). I'll leave the ending for you to see. If you love the wacky antics of Jerry Lewis and romantic comedy by all means go for it!

Jerry is funny!
My children and I love this movie! Jerry is funny and adorable. This is definatly one of his best (it's so hard to pick a favorite!)In the movie Gerry is left to raise tripplet girls who are babies until there mother finishes shooting a film in which she star's. In the funny and famous style that only Jerry can do he makes it heaps of fun that you never get tired of watching. A good clean, funny movie for everyone.

Whoa Baby!
This video is awesome. My kids love to watch it and laugh hilariously. It is great for all ages (even me). It is about a man (Jerry Lewis) who is stuck helping raise 3 babies and it is really funny. If you buy this video, you won't be sorry. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fun Popcorn Pirates Flick
There are some movies that are meant only to be both hightly enjoyable escapist watching and great to eat popcorn while watching it. Nate and Hayes is one of those movies.

Nate and Hayes is about pirates in the South Pacific. Tommy Lee Jones plays Captain Nate "Bully" Hayes while Michael O'Keefe plays the starchy minister, Jenny Seagrove plays O'Keefe's wife and Australian actor Max Phipps is the evil Captain Ben Pease.

The action starts when Captain Pease raids the island right after the marriage ceremony for the minister and his wife. The minister is struck unconscious and his wife is taken prisoner by the evil Pease. The minister then joins forces with Captain Hayes who has his own score to settle with Pease and that's when the fun begins!

Nate and Hayes is a much underappreciated family film classic. Thrills and chills abound in this wild and wacky fun fest. This is a great film for all ages and for families in general.

Heartily recommended.

Pirates Pilfer Plenty
I had this on Beta years and years ago. Why this isn't out on DVD by now is beyond me. Any fan of Tommy Lee Jones should love it. Fans of adventure and pirate movies will enjoy it as well. Jones and Michael O'Keefe are a good team in this lighthearted action movie. The story, acting, music, and directing are borderline great. Unfortunatly it didn't catch on at the time of it's release and most of the following is people that lucked upon it on TV or at a rental store.

Any fan of movies like "The Three Musketeers" or "The Mask of Zorro" will probably enjoy it. A great adventure movie with a mix of Indiana Jones and Pirates. We can only hope with the release of movies like "Cutthroat Island" on DVD this won't be overlooked since it is a notch above several all ready available.It may not measure up to "Pirates of the Caribbean" but it still has a good deal of fun and action. There are no great special effects, just a good story and some decent acting.

Absolutely GREAT Movie
This is a fun, no-think movie. Campy action and style. When is it coming out on DVD?!?!

"It's hard to love a ship : they rot."
This movie is a GOOD time waiting to happen. It's simply fun. Lots and lots of fun. More fun than a sack of badgers. Tons of action, great fight scenes, excellent humor, and fantastic cinematography. I'm surprised we don't get more movies set in the South Pacific (except, of course, for the deadly sharks, destructive typhoons, remoteness, lack of modern medicine, headhunters and posoinous everything; some people are just more easily deterred than I am, I suppose.)

If you're looking for a good, entertaining romp with great catch phrases and plenty of action, this is it. The music's pretty good, too, by the way. WHEN IS THIS COMING OUT ON DVD!?!?!?!?!? I must have it! Oblige me, Ben!

Suprisingly Fun!!
Fun! Is the word to describe this film. This film wasn't well known nor was it a big blockbuster, but it is fun to watch. Seeing Tommy Lee Jones younger and with a beard is different. This film was made in 1983 so don't expect big and flashy special effects. Even without big special effects this movie is still a fun adventure story.
Tommy Lee Jones plays American Pirate "Bully" Hayes. Nate is played by Michael O'Keefe, and he is studying to become a missionary. The story starts out in the South Pacific where we see Captain Hayes running guns to the natives. He is captured when the deal goes bad and is set to be hung shortly thereafter. The rest of the story is of Hayes telling a writer how he came to be imprisoned, sort of a Quentin Tarantino style before it became popular. The main story revolves around Hayes' adventure with the missionary man Nate and his Fiancée Sophie. Hayes' Nemesis, another pirate and former business partner Ben Pease, captures Sophie. The adventure consist of the usual story of this type, Nate and Hayes teaming up to get her back. This film is a complete adventure story filled with pirates, South Pacific natives, shrunken heads, early modern war ships, stuffy German sailors, swashbuckling sword fights, and other off the wall elements. I recommend this film to you if you are looking for something fun and a little different than the usual big flashy movies of today. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Reel History: Johnny Tremain
Nostalgia compelled me to rent Disney's 1957 adaptation of Johnny Tremain. I remember seeing the film in grade school and indeed, some of the visuals from those early screenings left an imprint on my mind whenever I heard the terms "colonial life" and "Revolutionary War." Part of that, I think, is because Johnny Tremain (the movie, not the book) makes the era (1773-1775) seem like a great place for a 10-year old boy to seek adventure and take potshots at the villainous Redcoats. It's a glossed over (some would say "dumbed down) version of Esther Forbe's classic book, and unfortunately, the film, and not the book, is often what many educators choose to incorporate as part of their curriculum when teaching students about the origins of the Revolutonary War.
Aside from that, the film is classic in the Disney sense. Ever notice how 1950s and 60s Disney movies have a distinctive "look" all their own? As a "History Lite" lesson, I suppose the film works on some level. Most of the actors are fine, and some of the set pieces are also nice. The Lexington sequence near the end of the film is probably where young people will begin to pay more attention. Teachers for 6th grade and up might do well to consider Esther Forbe's book over the film, or perhaps "April Morning" by Howard Fast. PS - It's interesting to look at Johnny Tremain and consider that it was made in 1957 with the Cold War in full swing. The Cold War is something that most kids today cannot fully relate to. In the 1950s, Disney no doubt had the current political climate in mind when Johnny Tremain was produced. Youth, freedom, political principles and ideology are recurrent themes throughout the film, and the Revolution serves as a metaphor, ever so subtle, for the struggle against the Reds as well as the Redcoats.

An enjoyable Disney rendition of the cause of the Revolution
This is an enjoyable Disney rendition of the causes of the American Resolution. No, it may not be faithful to the novel, and some of the historical events may not ring true to how they actually happened, however I am sure Disney did not intend them to be. This movie was made in 1957, the same time frame that Davey Crockett played by Fess Parker was made, America was caught up in patriotic fever and Disney was more than happy to serve this up to the viewing public. I did enjoy this movie, and the overall theme it was trying to portray, such as freedom from tyranny, the rights of every man from the wealthy to the silversmiths apprentice. This may not be a movie to analyze the Revolutionary War with, however it is a great starting point to discuss the Revolution with young ones, and those who do not know very much about the American Revolution. An enjoyable film that is recommended to those who like Disney and "light history".

Very Good Movie!!!!
This movie was different than the book for sure, but it was very good. My sister and I bought this movie and we were very satisfied. Excellent casts, great history. This movie deserves five stars, but don't expect it to be like the book.

Weak link
the movie stunk. First of all the movie had all the details mixed up and how could u not have the Famous John hancock or laviinia Lye as a character.In stead of Dove there id some guy named caleb. talk ABout disney making movies they cant meake anything true. i REGRET I BOUGHT IT. 50% OF THE MOVIE WAS ALL mixed up stuff, totaly differnt from the book and the other 30% was bad quality effects even for an old video released.

not good...for shame*tisk**tisk*
I wasn't even a fan of the book, but I know that this movie is terrible. This movie has no elements from the book and this movie hardly deserves a star
My I.Q. (117) plummeted to room temperature....*tisk* ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Superlative!
This is a film that will appeal to children of all ages. A definite MUST, and this is no exaggeration. Secrets and hidden passages abound in Misselthwaite Manor, where orphaned Mary Lennox is to live after coming from India (her parents were killed in a great Indian earthquake which happened a few months earlier in the storyline.) Adding to the depth of the story is an almost absent uncle who lives in the shadow of a tragic past. There is also her sickly cousin of a brat, who just can't stand the sunlight and fresh air. Put in too, impatient Mrs. Medlock, who is your "perfect" housekeeper. And top these with The Secret Garden, a sanctuary where the story finds its turning point from dark and despair to one of life, healing and hope. It is a place where things begin, and not without the efforts of the children, to grow.

There are moral lessons to boot all throughout the story. And for sure, the photography deserves praise. Suberb! Overall a perfect film that deserves a place in a collection. Frances Hodgson Burnett would not have been ashamed to see this film version of her classic novel were she alive today. Don't miss out on this one.

A lovely, wonderfully done film
There are so many wonderful things about this vivid, affecting film: mesmerizing cinmetography, a captivating story, a pretty good script, a very good music score, wonderful acting, even gorgeous flowers! Agneiska Holland does a wonderful job of bringing out all the subtle little points and lavish details of Frances Hosgson Burnett's classic story, and also in getting great performances out of her child actors, particularly from Kate Maberly as Mary, who at the age of ten succeeds remarkably in carrying the whole film. At her most effective when biterly recalling her parents and angrily confronting Colin, also played well by Heydn Prowse, she also makes a believeable transformation into a good, caring little girl as she tends a lovely hidden garden. Maggie Smith also delivers as Mrs. Medlock, the housekeeper who seems to be mean but really is only doing what she thinks best, even if it means locking Mary up and attempting to control Colin's every move. There is not a dud performance to be found here, but those mentioned are the best. The magical qualities in the garden are very apparent here, and wonderfully demonstrated. There are many good film versions of this great book, and some that aren't so good. If you want to own only one, my vote would go to this one, the best of the bunch.

Beautifuly done but "creative" with the plot
This is a beautiful film, there is absolutely no denying that. It is also exceptionally well cast: Mary's transformation from sour little brat to glowing wee lass is completely believable, and the bratty, dour Colin makes a perfect "to the manor born" invalid. My only problem is the liberties taken with the plot.

Having the parents die in an earthquake while Mary is watching is a needless, though minor liberty (though it does mean that the touching line about "there's no one left to come" must be left out). But there was no need to change the plot to make the housekeeper (a wasted Maggie Smith) evil, and the chanting around the campfire is just weird.

The movie is worth watching for the scenery alone, but make sure that you read the book first. It is much better.

Nice Try
I didnt like it. It was not true to the book wich is wonderful.They left out when Mary was in India completely and they interpret the magic Mary and Colin are always talking about all wrong. Also Mary didnt get locked in her room at all. It was a poor job and a great disapointment.

looks like I'll have to explain the part about the chanting
The point of the Indian chanting is the sharing of the culture. Which is one of the things I love about this movie. The message is for all the people to see the difference of culture and ACCEPT it. If you have a certain religious belief and don't agree with it. Just think about your opposite: someone who don't believe in your religion and watches something that has its element. For example someone who isn't a Christian watching " the Crucible" how do you think they feel??? the only thing I don't like about this movie is that it didn't win ANY Oscars. This proves the Oscars are sooo ignorant of its visual beauty and music. screw them!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Baz Luhrmann(Strictly Ballroom) takes a shot at reinventingShakespeare's story of star-crossed lovers as a visual pastiche inspired by MTV imagery, Hong Kong action-picture clichés, and Luhrmann's own taste for deliberate, gaudy excess. The result is explosive chaos, both in terms of bullets and visual sensibility, which some may find impossible to stick with for more than a few minutes. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the leads, though not with much distinction, while Pete Postlethwaite makes a huge impression as this movie's version of Friar Laurence. The film is successful in spots, but overall its fever-dream game plan is difficult to ride out.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (332)

Open Mind Folks!
We have been watching this movie in our eighth grade English class, as well as reading the play Romeo and Juliet, as well as meeting with our Shakespearean expert who just happens to work at our school to act out scenes. Not only that, but we have also been studying the Shakespeare's time period. That being said, let me also say that Shakespeare was not this serious man who didn't understand comedy. In fact it was quite the opposite. True, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy but is a comedy as well. That's how most of his works are. An example of this is how he would cast men as women. Just the sight of this would bring laughs from the audience. With all that understood, the movie Romeo and Juliet is a great adaptation.
We have only watched the first 30 minutes, and I might add more to this review once we finish it, or when I get the DVD, whichever comes first! But I loved the newscaster as the chorus. What a creative touch. As for the swords or guns controversy, this is set in modern times. Who uses swords in our day? But to keep the Old English was smart. After all, what is Romeo and Juliet without Old English? It would not be the same. I mean, the famous Queen Mab's speech in anything but Old English? Hard to imagine. And te contrast between Old English and modern times was a very interesting one. And even if it was written in today's language, it would be too much like West Side Story. They wanted to stick to the roots of Romeo and Juliet. Also for all those people who criticized Mercutio for being a drag queen, he is not a drag queen or a transvestite. Well what can I say? This is the modern version. The performance given by Leonardo DiCaprio is great, he speaks Old English like he's spoken it his entire life. However Juliet, I don't quite agree with. I don't think she brought her best to this film. The acting isn't the best and she looks quite bland compared to Romeo, who is quite handsome, and I don't really understand the whole Cuban thing with Juliet's family.
All in all, a great film, one that must be seen with an open mind, otherwise don't even bother to watch it at all. It was filmed to show today's fourteen year old's that yes, Shakespeare lived in the 1600's and true, Romeo and Juliet takes place in the 1400's but it has a universal message of love, one that can still be understood today, even if it is 2004.

My Favorite Flic
Hi, to whoever's reading this, thanks for taking the time to see what I have to say. I won't say that this was one of the most brilliant movies ever, even though I think so, cause that's my opinion. If you have not seen it yet, you should watch it. Shakespeare is my favorite writer and also one of the most awesome, influential people in the entire history of man. He's able to capture you in two hours and not let you go. Romeo and Juliet is a passionate, beautifully written love story that takes in the kind of love everyone dreams about. I must admit that I rented the movie at first for two reasons: because I was a huge fan of Shakespeare and had read the story hundreds of times already, and also because of well...Leonardo DiCaprio. (He is pretty hot, you have to admit). Anyways, to all those who hated this movie, open your mind! The performances were not perfect I know, but who is perfect anyway? They all put forth their best effort. In the end, it became a popular, amazing movie that's great for couples to watch together!

It Almost Worked for me, but...
Read kerki and Eric's review. I won't be redundant and say the same things, because I agree wholeheartedly. Visually, this was quite stunning..beautiful. The outlandish, as they say "MTV" look was good, kinky, modern. If they would have dropped the accents and brought Shakespeare's words into today's vernacular, I probably would have given it 5 stars. The new story idea was that good. The cast was delicious, as were the sets. It's really too bad. With just the one change to modern English, this could have become a cult classic. As stands now, I'll just keep watching Zeferrelli's version forever. Now, that's Shakespeare.

I don't think Shakespeare's rolling in his grave, but...
Maybe my viewing experience of this film was tainted when, while seeing it in the theatre, one of the 13 year old girls sitting in the row in front of me turned to the other and said, "is Leo going to talk link this THE WHOLE TIME?".

For a Shakespeare purist (as I am myself), the problem is not the modernization of the setting and the use of the language in that setting (I personally love it), but it's the absolutle murder of the language by the majority of the cast that makes my skin crawl. This movie, in terms of the execution of the script, does a disservice in getting kids hooked on the poetry of Shakespeare's writing.

However, I will admit that visually it's great. The setting is apt. Mercutio is amazing. But, teachers, I would think twice about showing this version to your class.

The Best movie ever
This movie is awesome Leonardo DiCaprio is the best Romeo yet ... Read more

Amazon.com

As with Grease (1978) and Footloose (1984) before it,Dirty Dancing was a cultural phenomenon that now plays more like camp.That very campiness, though, is part of its biggest charm. And if the dancing inthe movie doesn't seem particularly "dirty" by today's standards--or 1987's--itdoes take place in an era (the early '60s) when it would have. Frances "Baby"Houseman (Jennifer Grey, daughter of ageless hoofer Joel Grey) has beenvacationing in the Catskills with her family for many years. Uneventfully. Onesummer, she falls under the sway (as it were) of dance instructor Johnny Castle(Patrick Swayze). Baby is a pampered pup, but Johnny is a man of the world.Baby's father, Jake (Law and Order's Jerry Orbach), can't see the basicdecency in greaser Johnny that she can. It should come as no surprise to findthat Baby, who can be as immature as her name, learns more about love and life--and dancing--from free-spirited Johnny than traditionalist Jake.

Dirty Dancing spawned two successful soundtracks, a short-lived TVseries, and a stage musical. It may be predictable, but Grey and Swayze havechemistry, charisma, and all the right moves. It's a sometimes silly movie withoccasionally mind-boggling dialogue--"No one puts Baby in a corner!"--thatnonetheless carries an underlying message about tolerance and is filled with thekind of exuberant spirit that's hard for even the most cynical to resist. Notthat they'd ever admit it. --Kathy Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (225)

The best movie from the 80s
In Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey stars as Frances "Baby" Houseman, a girl who goes on vacation to the Catskills with her father, mother and sister in the summer of 1963. She meets the handsome dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), who works at the lodge where they're staying, and is smitten with him. When she volunteers to fill in for Johnny's dance partner, Baby experiences love and life firsthand from the free-spirited Johnny.

The DVD version of this movie is terrific. The clarity is amazing, the sound is crisp & clear and the bonuses are wonderful. With the bonus features, you get commentary from the movie's creator, a behind-the-scenes featurette (with no audio), the videos for "She's Like the Wind," "I've Had the Time of My Life" & "Hungry Eyes," biographies about the cast & crew (Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Cynthia Rhodes, Jerry Orbach, Jack Weston, the director, the producer, the writer and the choreographer), a short "Reliving the 60s" documentary, the theatrical trailer and a concert featuring the music from the movie.

If you love Dirty Dancing, I highly recommended getting this DVD. It would be a great addition to add to your collection!

Still superb!
...Dirty Dancing still stands incredibly well proving the point critics made about the film at the time of its release about it being a timeless classic! Dirty Dancing is simply the ultimate feel-good movie. The chemistry between Patrick Swayze (then relativley unknown) and Jennifer Grey (who has not starred in any major production since) is positivley electric and never strikes a false note. Its a charming story of a young, innocent teenager staying with her family at a holiday camp for her vacation who meets the exciting and rebelious dancer, Johnny who she immediatley falls in love with. They show each other a different side to life and soon become lovers. But as with all good love stories there are complications. Giving superb backing support is Cynthia Rhodes in a small but highly effective role as Penny Johnson who is forced into having an abortion and in the process must give up dancing whilst she recovers - enter Jennifer Grey. There are many fun and amusing scenes of Swayze frantically trying to teach Grey all the right dance moves whilst the touching romance between them gradually and beleavably builds. The ending is a triumphant high! What truly makes Dirty Dancing absolutley unmissable is the fabulous dancing which is highly erotic though never once tacky and is accompanied by a sizzling soundtrack that helps build the potential atmosphere. Superb throughout, Dirty Dancing is indeed a timeless classic!

Hands Down the BEST!
Dirty Dancing is hands down the best movie of all time! Enough said.

Honestly, how can this get less than 5 stars?
This is such a classic movie. It's cheesy, it's unrealistic and it's fun. What's not to love? Very fun film, one to watch again and again. I think every woman wants Johnny Castle, this movie is hot and cute and great. Not a lot to say, just that this is a wonderful film.

Great Gift
Made a wonderful birthday gift for my younger sister. Came in great condition and worked great. Even better it came at a discounted price!! ... Read more

Description

A documentary, combining real footage and scenes played out by actors, following the life of Elvis Presley. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

King of Rock & Roll
This is a moving documentary of the life of the greatest entertainer of all time. I was completely satisfied when I watched it, though I can hardly make it through the ending without shedding alot of tears. It depicts the high and low points of his life, from being on the Ed Sullivan Show to marrying Priscilla, then going off to Vegas for his most famous concert tour EVER! Seeing the real footage of his funeral at the end was extremely sad, and the different clips from home movies and hollywood movies was great, but I gotta tell ya, the clip from his concert just 6 weeks before his untimely death is heart-wrenching. He struggled with his weight, but as Joe Esposito said his voice never failed him even to the end. I recommend this video to any Elvis fan.

And for once, it really is
Love him or loathe him, regard him as a genius or a joke, Elvis Presley was the single most influential performer of the second half of the 20th century, and "This is Elvis" does an excellent job of depicting the rise and fall of this immensely gifted and controversial performer. Plenty of film clips and classic performances from "The Ed Sullivan Show" and Presley's own TV specials track the singer's explosive assault on the consciousness of his times, and the tragic end that, with hindsight, seemed almost inevitable. The film is marred a bit by an unnecessary narration with singer Ronnie McDowell as a less than convincing Elvis, and by the inclusion of some dramatic reenactments of key events in Presley's life. None of these embellishments contribute much to this otherwise superb documentary, nor do they detract from the miles of authentic footage of the King in all his glory, and, sadly, in his decline.

Good Documentary
This video has Elvis singing 2 songs from his last tour when he was fat from the CBS TV special done 2 weeks or so before he died. This is rare footage. He actually does an inspired performance of "My Way". He was truly "facing the final curtain" as the words to that song say. This is probably one of the best documentaries available. It's interesting though. I saw this movie when it came out in the theatre in 1981. This movie has been edited to cut out dirty words Elvis used during the filming of some of the concert tour footage from 1972. Most notably in the back of a limo, Elvis in unaware that a microphone is on during filming. He tells Joe Esposito he didn't see the launch of the Apollo space craft because he was busy doing something with some lady at the hotel that night. What he really said was scrubbed and new words were dubbed over his voice making him appear to say something completely different or really toned down at least. Also, arriving at another coliseum he jokes with his body guards about what he was doing with a lady the night before at the hotel. Once again in this video, his original real words are scrubbed out and a voice double is used to put other words in Elvis's mouth which I guess are supposed to be less offensive. What he originally said might not even rate a PG rating but it's interesting to note that someone thought it better to edit out the truth and replace it with a lie apparently to make Elvis appear less... I don't know what. The new words kind of say the same thing but in much toned way which only comes out kind of weird though. The story of his life. Like Elvis says in one interview, "The image is one thing and the human being is another." Yea, even in death. If you want a good summary of the Life Of Elvis with some decent concert footage thrown in, this can work for you.

A lovely introduction to Elvis.
I am a new Elvis fan, having only discovered the King about four months ago, and only much more recently did I become curious about his life. I purchased _This is Elvis_ four days ago and have watched it no fewer than eight times since then.

Much has been said here already about this film, so I will focus on two much-maligned aspects of the film--the dramatic reenactments and the voiceovers.

The first moments of the film are dramatic reenactments. We open with a reenactment of Elvis's loved ones finding his body at Graceland, and then we have reenactments of scenes from Elvis's childhood growing up in Tupelo and then, Memphis. While the phrase "dramatic reenactment" can immediately bring to mind fears of copious cheese, this need not be the case here. These portions of the film are tastefully done and decently acted and directed. Most importantly, they are crucial to the structure of the film. It would have been odd, indeed, for a film claiming to be a definitive portrait of Elvis to pick up when he's nineteen or so and cutting records. We need a vision of his earlier life. Since there is no video record of that time, the dramatic reenactments are necessary to fill the void. At any rate, these only take up about the first ten or so minutes of the film.

Some have also criticized the use of narration, in general, and the first-person narration of the Elvis impressionist, in particular. First of all, without narration, this film would be nothing more than a collection of video clips strung together. Narration is called for to give this collection the shape of a narrative (as the term "narration," of course, suggests). That said, one might still ask, why first-person narration? Personally, I find the use of first-person narration here to be inspired. It draws the viewer in and gives the story an immediacy and an intimacy that third-person narration would lack. The first-person narration works equally as well for the secondary subjects of this documentary (Priscilla, Gladys, etc.) The film is all the more compelling for the use of this dramatic device.

And now for some brief notes on other aspects of the film. I thought the way it handled the issue of Elvis's infidelity to Priscilla was smart and tasteful without skirting the issue. His cheating is never explicitly mentioned, but we do get two instances of Elvis discussing his dalliances with women, during the time that he was married to Priscilla. It is surprising then, that Vernon's brush with the law is baldly misrepresented. The voice of Elvis says that Vernon was sent to jail for writing a bad check--the more full truth is that Vernon forged a check.

At the same time, the film references Elvis's displeasure with many of his movies and with his film contracts--even though Col. Parker was a technical advisor on the film. So, in some ways, the film is surprisingly honest, and in other areas, the viewer is advised to take its assertions with a grain of salt.

That said, I rate this video five stars. There is a great wealth of footage here, and we are treated to *full* performances--not just little clips and tidbits. We get to experience a bit of Elvis's personality--I had no idea how hysterically funny he could be, or how self-effacing. It is also great to see the reaction of the popular media to his music, particularly in the 1950s. We get clips of a number of officials denouncing Elvis for bringing n****r music to white America. This really helped me to put Elvis into the cultural context of his time, and to understand just how truly groundbreaking and controversial his contribution was.

For the price, A must own.
Inspired by Gary's review below, I purchased this video through an Amazon seller expecting that anything so cheap would have to be utter rubbish. I'm pleased to report that this video is most decidedly not utter rubbish. At over 140 minutes of run time it is chockablock full of enough Elvis material to make any Elvis fan happy.
The premise of this video is to document the life of the 'King' from childhood to overnight sensationalia through military, marriage and moviestardom and finally to decline and ultimate demise. The director's conceit is to use actors to portray phases of his life as a set up for the plot and then to use actual film footage of subsequent events to flesh out the story. In addition, we are guided by narrations from 'Elvis,' 'Priscilla,' his 'Mom' and others all with suitably hill billy accents, where appropriate. In my opinion this departure from straight documentary hurts the film and I found my mind wandering from bits because they seemed bothersome and artificial. In addition, I believe that the story was poorly told in any event because the video comprised more than two hours of material (some of which was not on the big screen release), and still did an inadequate job of covering many of the many issues the story raised. For instance, we are shown a gathering of Elvis impersonators and Teddy Boys in Liverpool England which, apart from the spectacle, had absolutely nothing to do with the film. It was almost as if someone wanted to do a section on the spawn of Elvis kitsch, clubs, and impersonators but then begged off, and forgot to cut this clip. Also, a section is given over to a revelatory book written by his former body guards and mention is made of law suits, but with no other information. Now, these visual and audio clues might be enough to inform an Elvis fan, but it leaves one such as I who knows little about Elvis clueless. It is possible that since this film depended upon cooperation from the Elvis estate the director was unable to do more, I wonder?
On the plus side is the large amount of film footage of early Elvis performances, his hollywood numbers and interviews he gave and shows he put on. Especially nice are the interviews because they seem to allow one to observe Elvis form honest responses to unexpected questions; answers which often make him seem to be a really thoughtful and intelligent human being. The early performances are, of course, riveting and alone would make the video worth owning.
One walks away from this video thinking that it would have been much improved by extracting the faked bits and adding more actual film footage of Elvis. If this had been done, I'd have given this four or five stars without a thought. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hardly shameful that The Three Godfathers ranks as the slightest John Ford Western in a five-year arc that includes My DarlingClementine, Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Wagon Master, and Rio Grande. The source, a Peter B. Kyne story both hard-bitten and sentimental, had already been filmed at least five times--once by Ford himself as Marked Men (1919). The star of that silent version, Harry Carey, had recently died. This remake is dedicated to him ("Bright Star of the early western sky") and proudly introduces his son, Harry Carey Jr. (who had already appeared in Howard Hawks's Red River--as did his father--but we won't quibble).

Just before Christmas, three workaday outlaws (John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz,Harry Carey Jr.) rob a bank in Welcome, Arizona, and flee into the desert.The canny town marshal (Ward Bond) moves swiftly to cut them off from the wells along their escape route, so they make for another, deep in the wasteland. There's no water waiting for them, but there is a woman (Mildred Natwick) on the verge of death--and also of giving birth. The three badmen accept her dying commission as godfathers to the newborn. Motley variants of the Three Wise Men, they strike out for the town of New Jerusalem with her Bible as roadmap. It becomes increasingly apparent that saving the child's life will cost them their own.

Ford's is the softest retelling of the tale; in place of Kyne's bitter/triumphant final twist, he adds a very broad comic postlude. Elsewhere, the nearly sacramental treatment of the mother's death is followed by an extended gosh-almighty sequence of the banditos reading up on childcare. But it's all played with great gusto and tenderness--especially by Wayne, who's rarely been more appealing. Visually the film is one knockout shot after another. This was Ford's first Western in Technicolor, as well as his first collaboration with cinematographer Winton Hoch. What they do with sand ripples and shadows and long plumes of train smoke is rapturously beautiful. It's also often too arty by half, but who can blame them? --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

One of my favorite westerns!
It's amazing how a simple idea can be so powerful if it's handled well. This film shows 3 men wanted by the law who promise a dying woman they will care for her baby. They are menaced by an unforgiving desert, indians, and a total ignorance of how to care for a baby. All of which provides fertile ground for some good humor and great character development. Wayne is tough as usual but shows loyalty, honor, and a tenderness with the baby that is truly touching. One of my favorite John Wayne films.

heroism, with sweet & tender sentiment
There are many reasons not to miss this beautiful 1948 film: It's exquisitely directed by John Ford, The cinematography by Winton C. Hoch is remarkable, John Wayne is looking and performing at his absolute best, and my personal reason for owning this video, the wonderful Pedro Armendariz, who is magnificent in it.

It's a sentimental tale of 3 bandidos with hearts of gold, completeing a promise they made to a dying woman to take care of her baby, and it's so well written and lovingly made that it never gets corny. This is good old fashioned entertainment, and entertaining it is, as these heroic good/bad men are chased by the sheriff and his posse across the desert, with a Bible as their map. John Ford made many inspirational films, and this is one of my favorites.

read and you will find out
a good and a very good ending. some good acting by wayne. it is an underrated film.buy this one you will never forget it.

Heartwarming John Wayne / John Ford Classic!
All the positive comments you read here about this film are true. This is a sleeper film in the Warner Brothers' MGM catalog that is way, way overdue on DVD.

This classic western stars John Wayne, Pedro Armendariz, Harry Carey Jr and Ward Bond -- the usual John Ford suspects. Ford strikes a balance between action and sentimentality, directing this simple story in a straightforward fashion with a great sense of pace. It's really good fun. This is Ford's first color film and cinematography by Winton Hoch looks really rich and with enough sand to make you wish you had some lemonade.

Maybe Warner's busily restoring this film to its original pristine 35mm real 1948 Technicolor glory and researching the vaults for behind-the-scences extras? Maybe they'll even toss in a pdf of the original story by Peter B. Kyne and the film script? It would be great if they included the original 1916 silent film with Harry Carry Sr.

"3 Godfathers" is a natural for the Christmas season as it's a film the whole family can watch. Did I say it's way overdue on DVD?

Love Duke, love this movie
I'm giving this four stars instead of five simply because five stars is reserved for true masterpieces - for films virtually without flaw. This film is flawed, but oh so wonderfully lovable. I won't bother to retell the plot, as others have already done a better job than I can, but I will just say what I love about it.

The performances: Pedro Armendariz & Harry Carey Jr. are wonderful. I think of the scene where Pedro steels his resolve and heads into the tattered covered wagon to help deliver Mildred Natwick's child; his face reveals a wonderful mixture of dread, awe, responsibility, resolve, strength, determination... And John Wayne is at his irascible, lovable best - at turns impatient and scolding, tender and understanding - truly avuncular. He is clearly the leader of the group, and being 6'4" of John Wayne, he commands (and gets!) most of our attention, but never in a way that diminishes the other two men or moves them too far into the background. The relationship between the three characters is wonderfully drawn and complementary; obviously they all had great chemistry together.

The story: The desert is a harsh and unforgiving place, but this film shows that even in the desert you can find redemption. Robert Hightower's soul is in a spiritual desert and it is for this reason that he must be the one to bring the baby to New Jerusalem. He has to find his own redemption and his own peace walking with God, which the other two men already seem to have. I know some may not share in the Christian faith that John Ford obviously had and thus may find the symbolism in this film heavy-handed, but I for one think it lent a great deal of emotional depth. Every soul is longing for something more, and for something greater than itself, and though I know little about Ford as a person, it seems to me that he knew this something more can only be found in Christ. There is so much more I could say about the symbolism in this film - the water, for example, that the men are constantly craving and aching for - think of the Samaritan woman at the well in the Bible and what Jesus tells her (John 4). This is a highly spiritual film!

It is also at times highly comic. The funniest part, and one I could watch over and over again, is when the men are puzzling over what to do with their godson. Just the sight of John Wayne holding the tiny infant in his huge hands is downright sweet and endearing. Then the Kid pulls out Doc Meecham's book of baby advice, advice that prompts JW to say he wouldn't trust a "sick polecat" to the good doctor's care. One of the things the doctor suggests is rubbing the baby down with olive oil or clean lard. Pedro finds some axle grease, and the next thing we see is Wayne's huge hand dipping into the yellow grease and "greazing" the tiny baby's body, a sight that strikes the characters as funny as it strikes us. But it's much better seen than described so I will leave off. Suffice it to say that this is a highly enjoyable film that moves easily between sad & funny moments, and one I will be turning to often. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

the man who prevailed
This film is an earnest telling of chapters 25 through 33 of G