Amazon.com essential video

No film better utilizes Audrey Hepburn's flighty charm and svelte beauty than this romantic adaptation of Truman Capote's novella. Hepburn's urban sophisticate Holly Golightly, an enchanting neurotic living off the gifts of gentlemen, is a bewitching figure in designer dresses and costume jewelry. George Peppard is her upstairs neighbor, a struggling writer and "kept" man financed by a steely older woman (Patricia Neal). His growing friendship with the lonely Holly soon turns to love and threatens the delicate balance of both of their compromised lives. Taking liberties with Capote's bittersweet story, director Blake Edwards and screenwriter George Axelrod turn New York into a city of lovers and create a poignant portrait of Holly, a frustrated romantic with a secret past and a hidden vulnerability. Composer Henry Mancini earned Oscars for the hit song "Moon River" and his tastefully romantic score. The only sour note in the whole film is Mickey Rooney's demeaning performance as the apartment's Japanese manager, an offensively overdone stereotype even in 1961. The rest of the film has weathered the decades well. Edwards's elegant yet light touch, Axelrod's generous screenplay, and Hepburn's mix of knowing experience and naiveté combine to create one of the great screen romances and a refined slice of high society bohemian chic. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Fascinating ......they're after the same rainbow end
I love this film.From the first scene when the yellow cab stopped with Holly alighting,having her breakfast in front of Tiffany's to the very last scene when Holly & Paul reconciled and kissed in the rain...

Simply marvellous piece of work. With the flawless performance from Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. The unique mood of the movie.And my fave song "Moon River". Who can forget the part when Holly sitting by her window plucking the guitar strings and singing...."Moooonnn River...." Great adaption from Truman Cropte's book with many magical touches and refinements. It's about a free-spirit girl Holly's struggle in Life,her fear of Love and commitment, she didn't even think she own her nameless 'cat'. Paul is a struggling writer who actually a 'kept-man' by a rich lady. Fate brought them together,first as neighbours to friends and eventually lovers. They were soul mates who needed each other and are made of each other....they are after the same rainbow end.

The idea was refreshing....esp.doing things that each have never done:- Strolling down New York street in the morning, stealing, visiting the Library and of course Tiffany's. Simply amazing, fantastic and romantic .

The best part about it was both Holly and Paul were practical people with dark secrets and not really perfect human beings and it make the story more realistic but not losing the romantic fairy tale feel.

This film is one of the best in movie history. It touches my heart my soul with scenes with the perfect combo of laughter,sadness,ironic,truth,secrets,romance,life,etc....... Timeless and Unforgettable......

Fascinating¿They are after the same rainbow end!
I love this movie. From the first scene when Holly(Audrey Hepburn) alighted from the yellow cab to have breakfast in front of Tiffany to the very last scene when Holly and Paul(George Peppard) reunited and kissing in the rain.

Mesmerizing film, shine in all departments. Excellent adaptation from Truman Capote's same name novel. Skillful directing by Blake Edwards and flawless performances from both the leads and not forgetting great supporting casts. This role was made for Audrey Hepburn, she was graceful, witty, charismatic and totally awesome. One of her best performance ever!

The story was about a free spirited and helpless Holly Golightly who lived with a nameless 'Cat', didn't want to own anything and afraid of love and commitments. Life pretty much socializing because holly's goal in life to marry one of the richest man under 50. Things take a twist with Paul Varjak moved into the apartment below hers. Paul was a struggling writer who actually a kept man by a rich lady. They became neighbour to friends then soul mate and eventually lovers.

This is not the usual romance story, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is a timeless classic, showed sincerity, sensibility and class.

I also love the song of this movie "Moon River". Who can forget the part when Holly plucking the strings of the guitar and singing it "moonnn----riv---ver"......

This movie touch my heart with memorable characters, song, etc and I've watched it from time to time because each time I watch it, I renewed the feeling. Marvellous vintage classic.Simply divine!

One of the best chick flicks ever
I loved Breakfast at TIffany's. I had read about it from all of the gossip girl books and eventually became curious about the movie. I figured the movie would be good but I didn't expect to fall in love with it as much as I did. It is one of the best romantic comedy, chick flicks I have ever seen.

Good for ALL ages!
Because of the fact that I'm only 17 years old, I just got around to watching this movie. I'd always heard about it but I never knew what it was about. And, to be quite honest, I didn't even think about watching it because I thought it was in black and white! (Eh, I didn't know when it was made!)

My dad made me watch it this past weekend and I fell in love with it! Unlike most romantic comedies made today, both main characters are broke. It doesn't follow the mold of: poor/average girl falls for rich guy blah blah blah or the other way around. It was funny (Mickey Rooney's character was HILARIOUS!) and sad (when Holly finds out about Fred) and sappy (the last 20 minutes) all at the same time.

This movie is great for anyone, whether you saw it the first time around or you're a "late viewer" like me.

my fav movie!
i love this movie so much!
it is a love story but its not sappy it is so fun to watch

it is not an earlier version of pretty woman at all (as another review stated) audrey hepburn does not play a prostitute really she just has a lot of suitors. Anyway i completely recommend it so worth the $ ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Deeds to be released in DVD fromat
A great movie!
An absolute delight.
But it needs to be released in DVD format SOON !!
Kaz Jann

Clever Comedy with a "Killer" Twist
Glenn Ford is the producer of a television mystery series who attempts to protect his Broadway star wife (Debbie Reynolds) from a blackmailer--and decides to eliminate the blackmailer via a murder plot suggested by his own series. The result is a comic chaos involving a couple of gansters, a peculiar pigeon, and the gazebo his wife is having built on their country property.

Based on the play of the same name, THE GAZEBO strives for a mix of broad farce, screwball comedy, and sprightly sophistocation--and by and large brings it off quite well. I have never been a great fan of Glenn Ford, but he manages both the broad physical comedy and the clever dialogue of this film with equal ease. Debbie Reynolds is also quite good in the role of the stage-star wife, and she and Ford have a surprisingly successful chemistry. Although the humor is more smile-and-chuckle than laugh-out-loud, THE GAZEBO is a well made, well acted, and quite enjoyable. Recommended.

Gazebo
A great comedy, Glen Ford is at his best. I could watch it over and over again. The movie keeps you laughing all the way through it. The ending is great, a 10+

Glenn Ford can do comedy!
A great and unlikely role for Glenn Ford who has the perfect comedic timing in this charming movie about a gazebo, pigeon and a murder. This is a very refreshing change from Ford's typical dramatic/western roles. A must see for all Ford fans! END ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Blix has a glowing complexion.
You have seen several movies where one wonders innocently into testing grounds. Remember "No Time for Sergeants?" Or "The Power" with George Hamilton?

Well Blix (Mickey Rooney) comes upon a house where the occupants are real dummies. Not realizing the significance he proceeds to consume a penult butter sandwich. The unthinkable happens. But what is this? Blix is still alive and now takes on a glowing complexion. A quasi love interest appears in the hospital with (Elaine Davis). And then come FBI and spies. Eventually there is a feeling of déjà vu.

There must be something here as it is a story by Blake Edwards.

One of my favorites from the old days
For some reason I have remembered seeing this movie from 1954. Had no idea I could buy it, until now. It sticks in my mind as a very funny movie from that time.Nothing like what we have today of course, but very entertaining at that time. In the olden days it was Jerry Lewis, Mickey Rooney ET. AL. In their time, they really entertained us.

WAS, A VERY GOOD SHOW
I SAW THIS MOVIE , IN 1954 . AND HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR IT ON VIDI ... Read more

Amazon.com

Even people habitually hostile to John Wayne movies tend to cast an indulgent eye on this rumbustious comedy-Western--partly because the Alaska gold rush setting seems more exotic than, say, Texas or Arizona, and because there are no Indians to discriminate against and no macho gunplay to fret about. As for John Wayne as all-purpose icon of male chauvinism, Big Sam McCord (the Duke) spends much of North to Alaska in a state of growing discombobulation because he has fallen in love with, and is thoroughly flummoxed by, "Angel" (Capucine), the woman he's brought back from Seattle to marry his heartsick partner George (Stewart Granger). Henry Hathaway directs in a broader vein than usual, but he hits pay dirt. Even Fabian, the latest pop music idol to be dragooned into supporting the elder roughnecks, is fun, and Ernie Kovacs is droll casting as chief "villain." --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

John Wayne, Stewart Granger & co. shine in Alaskan adventure
The tremendously entertaining "North to Alaska" is easily John Wayne's most light hearted and fun filled movie and is wonderful viewing for all ages !!

Henry Hathaway's lively film is loosely based on the play "Birthday Gift" by Ladislas Fodor and Hathaway shows a wonderful hand in the romantic, comic nature of this film.

Confirmed bachelor Wayne and love lorn Grainger strike it rich in Nome, Alaska at the turn of the century and there begins all there problems. Wayne returns to Seattle to bring back Grainger's fiance, finds she has married another man, and ends up in a dance hall and brings back to Nome the glamorous Capucine (she was a knock out in her day !) for Grainger, but the big Duke falls for her womanly charms himself ! Songster Fabian is loads of fun as Grainger's overly amorous kid brother, Billy...and noted funnyman Ernie Kovacs is slick conman Frankie Cannon...eager to get his hands on anyone's fortune. And Johnny Horton's resonant voice sings the title track to the movie !

Henry Hathaway often got the best out of the Duke on screen, and if you never thought screen tough guy John Wayne could be funny...see this film...the honeymoon cabin sequence with cunning Grainger and reluctant Capucine stirring up trouble with an irate Wayne listening is simply priceless !

Watch closely during the all out brawl in the snow and the mud at the conclusion of the film where Wayne cops a hit on the jaw, falls backwards, and his toupee flies off !

Fun, action & romance..."North to Alaska" has got it all !

The Duke......
It's the Duke. What more can I say. John Wayne was one of the most wonderful actors that ever existed. North to Alaska has incredible scenery, memorable music and quite an interesting cast. The fight scenes are hilarious. The romance is so French and refreshing. There truly is something for everyone in this movie. As was said in "Rio Lobo" with John Wayne, he's just so comfortable.

John Wayne Strikes Movie Gold!
They must have had a blast making this movie, set in the snowy mountains of Alaska during its exciting boomtown days. Complete with romance, hilarity AND and some really fabulous fist fights, North to Alaska is definitely one of John Wayne's best.

Claim jumpers, love triangles and power plays keep best friends Granger and Wayne on their toes, and almost at each other's throats, and right smack in the middle of it all is a delectable French lady named Capucine. Her cap is set for Wayne, but she soon finds out he's one of the most mule-headed men in Alaska!

Capucine really shines in her comically romantic role. As she employs all of her feminine wiles you will actually find yourself rooting for her! Granger and Wayne are fabulously paired up in this movie as partners, especially since they are exact opposites. This film has it all - love, laughs and lots of exciting action. A definite gold mine.

We Go North - the rush is on!!
Great fun here in gold rush fevered Nome sees John Wayne as his inimitable self playing (suprise suprise) himself aka Sam McCord the man's man in gold country. A gentle comic tale sees him return to Seattle and bring back a girl for his lovesick partner played superbly by Stewart Granger. He begins to regret this trip, and task after the initial maiden he is sent to fetch has unexpectantly married whilst Granger was away panning for Gold, and he must quickly find a replacement. Add in some claim jumpers, a romantic subplot, a greedy villian and the ever present sandpaper like comic tension between the main characters, and the end result is a real treat. With an excellent supporting cast, great scenery and nothing too serious to get excited about, this is quality family viewing. The location alone precludes the usual Wayne western formula, but the action and laughs come thick and fast. A great classic. Enjoy

My favorite John Wayne film!
"North To Alaska" caught my attention when I first heard the title song by Johnny Horton. I decided to watch this film, considering I like John Wayne and his movies. There's a lot of what anyone who enjoys a western comedy; John Wayne, of course, a humorous good-natured storyline, funny antics, and fisticuffs. There aren't many gunfights, just fistfights, with sucker punches here and there. Wayne is Sam McCord and is sent by his partner George Pratt (Stewart Granger) to Seattle to bring back his love, Jenny. However, she has married someone else. Sticking around Seattle, he finds a dance hall girl named "Angel", played by French model-actress Capucine. Can George accept her in place of Jenny? Find out for yourself. If you're a John Wayne fan, it's a must! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Sidney Poitier won an Oscar for this endearing movie about a handyman who thinks he's just passing through a little town in New Mexico, and ends up staying awhile to build a chapel for a cluster of German-speaking nuns. The renowned actor is highly entertaining in his combative exchanges with Lilia Skala, playing a Mother Superior who survived Hitler and makes no bones about bullying the goodhearted, itinerant worker into doing more and more for her. The film has an ambling, easygoing style with several memorable moments, not least of all is Poitier leading his holy hostesses through verses of the gospel song "Amen." Lilies is directed by the late Ralph Nelson, a pioneering director of live television who also made a number of popular feature films with notable performances (Jackie Gleason in Requiem for a Heavyweight, Cary Grant in Father Goose, Cliff Robertson in Charly) in the 1960s and 1970s. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Another Poitier Triumph
Although highly regarded in its day, "Lilies of the Field" is now considered a relic of the civil rights era or Hollywood's token Oscar "gesture" to a Black performer. This is unfortunate, since it underrates both the film and Poitier's textured performance. "Lilies..." is a simple, funny and touching story that emphasizes respect for the differences in people. Lilia Skala gives a powerhouse performance as the Mother Superior, almost stealing the film from Poitier. She gives just the right measures of rage and prideful determination to make her character sadly noble. Hers is one of the most memorable supporting performances on film, and she deserved an Oscar as well. But this is Poitier's show, and he gives the character of Homer humor, rebeliousness and magnanimity that make him unique in films. Rather than the usual angry political stance Hollywood takes with anything involving race, this character is presented as simple, decent, a little lost, but just an average man doing the best he can. There's nothing "special" about him, which makes the character (and Poitier's performance) special and memorable. Of note in this edition, the digital transfer of the film is especially crisp and vivid, not the usual slack job MGM does with these older films. Unfortunately, there are almost no extras, and it would have been great to have a commentary by Poitier to listen to. Still, this is a memorable film for the whole family. Makes me wanna holler.

Lilies of the Field is a Work of ART!
This amazing movie used to be shown on TV, usually between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I fell in love with this movie from the 1st time I saw it. Sydney Poitier deserved his Oscar for this and you will immediately see why he became a star. "They don't make 'em like this anymore" is an understatement. Now, only available on video, I urge you to buy this movie. Sit down, relax and enjoy a real story line, no special effects, no violence, no swearing and the most amazing true talent you will ever see. To top it off, this is a story that leaves you feeling good and you will be humming "AMEN"

Poitier Great in Small Movie
Mostly its just Poitier showing his acting chops. He is awesome. One of his finest roles. Wise & funny. A simple man thrust into an absurd situation rises to the occasion. Poitier was all about dignity and responsibility.

Simply Delightful!
A black man (Sidney) is passing through town minding his own business...but some German Sisters catch him in their grips like powerful sticky hooks, and will not let him go until God's plan is fulfilled.

The German Sisters feel that (Sidney) is a God-send. This is the man who will build their chapel, their black angel, God's carpenter. ALLELUIA!!!!!!!!!!

(Sidney) tries to leave many times, but God's plan is so apparent that something always stands in his way...not only that, but the sisters make him feel guilty about leaving. He was sent to them from GOD.

The relationship that develops between he and the sisters is beautiful and humorous at times. When he sings 'AMEN' one cannot help but Know he was meant to be there.

This is a movie about faith and love. How the most unconventional relationships can be the most fulfilling, brilliant, Godly, unforgotten.

A simple man passing through town learns that living for himself is not enough. He is in town long enough to build a chapel, build relationships, find a purpose.

When the chapel is built, he leaves once again to find whatever it was he was searching for...
but the viewer knows he shall never be the same. AMEN

Amen.
Simple, uncluttered, charming- sadly, this film could not be made today simply because the mentality of so many Hollywood studios is steeped in formulaic storytelling: more sensationalism (they would want Homer Smith to exude more action, and maybe have a hot romance), and more youth (the 36-year old Sidney Poitier would be considered too old for the role today; Hollywood would want a younger, and definitely "edgier" actor to do the role now. Ice Cube? Mekhi Phifer?) As it is, the story gets to the point in short order, and gives a stronger lesson about teamwork, tolerance, and faith in its 94 minutes than most modern films do today (I'm sure there are cynics who'll read this and pigeonhole it in so-called 'political correctness' because it dares to mention positive race relations, but whether you agree or not, that is part of the world we live in). One could even argue that Poitier's relationship with Mother Superior Lilia Skala never really reaches a warm-and-fuzzy breakthrough, but I accept that compromise based on the fact that the characterizations are tight as a drum, and leave little room for a 180-degree change. (After the completion of the chapel there are various facial ponders, but no further dialogue; only the chant of "Amen-" as it should be.) Check it out, and marvel at a film that cost less than a quarter million dollars to make. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An ideally paired offering from the Saturday morning series
This entry in the much-maligned animated series features a set of above average episodes, one of them concentrating solely on Kirk and Spock and the other involving the entire crew. Each of the stories is not without flaws though. The first show, "The Jihad", is one of the more ambitious efforts that tells the story of a gathering of members of alien species working together to find an esteemed religious sculpture. The sculpture is inscribed with the brain patterns of a centuries dead religious leader of the alien species, the Skoor, and if it is discovered missing it will trigger a Jihad that will have galactic repercussions. This episode makes good use of the animated form as it has four completely different alien species working together with Kirk and Spock on the surface of a mysterious planet that reconfigures both its landscape and weather at random - complete with erupting volcanoes. If they had attempted to produce such a show on the regular series it would have superceded the make-up and special effects budgets for an entire season. Additionally the story is well constructed keeping the identity of the thief concealed until the climax. The major flaw present here takes place when they find the sculpture. One of the party's members offers to lasso the object that is out of reach of everyone; Kirk explains to her that it will be impossible to lasso because of the force field surrounding it. Moments later Kirk is perfectly positioned above the sculpture and easily slides his foot through one of its loops and calls for transport!

"The Terratin Incident" is equally intriguing presenting a fair mystery despite dealing with one of the most apathetic of science fiction premises, shrinking people. While investigating an ages old supernova the Enterprise communications detect an ancient S.O.S. signal used by early Earth exploration vessels. Tracing the source to a previously unexplored planet they are unable to determine if anyone is on the surface. The Enterprise is suddenly struck by a beam of unknown technology that is emanating from the planet's surface; the bombardment has disastrous consequences for the dylithium crystals reducing them to a pile of useless strips. Within a short while the crew begins to shrink slowly in size that begins to inhibit their ability to operate the starship's controls. In a desperate effort to find a way to reverse or stop the problem Kirk beams down to the planet and finds that he has resumed his normal size. Returning to the ship he discovers that the bridge crew has been beamed down to a doomed city on the planet and is being held hostage. With time running out for the starship, the city and the chances for the Enterprise crew to return to normal size Kirk negotiates with the ruler of the city. Though many of the routines seen here have been spotlighted in other similarly themed movies like "Dr. Cyclops" and "The Incredible Shrinking Man" they work to good effect here as well. And the twist dealing with the origin of the city's inhabitants is also handled satisfactorily even though it is a bit predictable. The major problem here: why did the city's ruler feel it necessary to shrink the crew of the Enterprise (or beam the entire bridge crew to the surface) when he was able to communicate with the starship - as he does with Kirk in the climax of the show? The clear reason for this is that it would have made for a short episode, but it is a glaringly obvious story flaw.

The cartoon crew of the Enterprise get small...
Another pair of episodes from the first season of "Star Trek - The Animated Series" are offered up on Volume 7. In "The Jihad" (Episode #16, January 13, 1974), Kirk and Spock join a party of aliens searching for a stolen artifact. If this sacred relic is not recovered then there will be a holy war, but one of the party is determined to sabotage the mission. Written by Stephen Kandel, this episode features David Gerrold (author of "The Trouble With Tribbles") doing the Voice of EM/3/Green. In "The Terratin Incident" (Episode #11, November 17, 1973), the Enterprise is checking out a burnt-out supernova when they discover a miniature city called Terratin. The city is a long lost Earth colony that shrank because of the radiation from the supernova and now the same thing starts happening to the Enterprise. This episode, written by Paul Schneider, is the better of the two. Hearing Spock and McCoy argue about shrinking makes the whole thing worthwhile.

Great stories of Star Trek in animation.
The Jihad; Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock join other experts from the Federation to recover of sacred artifact before the galaxy erupts in a full scale war. and the Terratin Incident finds the starship being struck by a strange ray that gradually shrinks the crew down to microsopic size, and the Captain is the only one who can stop it befoe it's too late.These are well written episodes and the animation is quite faithful to the live action Star Trek series.Episodes written by Stephen Kandel and Paul Schneider. Directed by Hal Sutherland. Excutive Consultent; Gene Roddenberry. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

My First Elvis Movie
This was the first Elvis movie I ever saw. It's definitely not the way to start out watching Elvis' movies, but it is an honest effort. You have to give it credit for having a different setting (in Europe) and for having a different type of plot than other Elvis movies.It has a basically good soundtrack,"Baby,If You'll Give Me All Your Love","City By Night","Long-legged Girl","There's So Much World To See","Could I Fall In Love","I Love Only One Girl",and "Double Trouble" are all good, with the exception of "Old MacDonald". I wouldn't say it was a "horrid rendition", but just the fact that this song is sung, period, makes it beyond ridiculous. I like, however, the fairly engaging plot, kind of a spy-spoof at times. John Williams, Annette Day,and Leon Askin stand out among the cast. Not highly recommended, but recommended nonetheless.

Double Trouble - Elvis Presley
I really enjoyed this movie! Its not one of the best and a little cheesy! but easy to watch and one of the funniest films ive seen him in!Just a shame he never got to show us what a good actor he could have been!

Elvis and spies? Typical, but enjoyable.
"Double Trouble" took advantage of the spy themes in the '60s. Elvis does his martial art moves in this picture. Unfortunately, his fighting opponent falls down a boarded-up well and...well, enough said. Annette Day tries to put her move on Elvis. He's a little resistent at first, but eventually gives in. A lot of action, a lot of comedy, and a lot of music is what is made up of "Double Trouble". Whoever said that they were the only one enjoying this picture was wrong. You're not alone. I am a true and huge Elvis fan. I love all of his movies, no matter what they stuck him in. "Double Trouble" is double fun.

I am the only one?
I feel as if I'm the only that a good time with this Elvis Presley film. If you want to see a worst Elvis Presley film, then check out Harum Scarum. There are nine songs in this film not 2. And I own both films. I own this and Harum Scarum. But Elvis Presley didn't have a choice, his manger/agent decided that instead of performing concerts. I like this better than Harum Scraum and worth giving this above 3 stars. But I would have given this 5 stars if they would have gotten somebody who had more than one or 2 film playing Elvis Presley's love in the film. As the movie opens, when Guy Lambert (Elvis Presley) heads off to Europe, little does he know that his tour will include stops aong the way with spies, counterspies, jewel thives, and two lovely foreign feemes, (newcomer Annette Day and Yvonne Romain). If you don't like this, then move out of the United States.

Slightly above average Elvis vehicle
While certainly not as good as any of his 50s pictures (or even BLUE HAWAII), DOUBLE TROUBLE is certainly more watchable than TICKLE ME or HARUM SCARUM.

The plot is typical: Elvis falls for two women (that's certainly been done before), and gets into some sort of conflict. This time it's trying to save his girlfriend from her Uncle Gerald, who is after her inheritance.

OK, the plot isn't much, but Elvis looks good in some of the outfits he wears in this picture. The songs are not much either, especially the horrid rendition of "Old MacDonald". The best songs are "Long Legged Girl" and "City By Night".

At least this is a picture in which I didn't cringe. The dialogue isn't quite as corny as some of the other pictures, and it doesn't get too boring either.

A marginal "thumbs up" from me. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Sal Mineo's drum playing is outstanding
Sal Mineo plays legendary jazz drummer,Gene Krupa,in this bio pic. This is an outstanding movie Sal's acting is superb,and his drum playing is breathtaking!Sal Mineo was one of the great actors of modern time,and this film proves it.

AWESOME! SAL MINEO ROCKS!
"The Gene Krupa" is possibly the BEST movie in which SAL MINEO was the picture's main STAR~~A huge Box Office hit in 1959! He studied the drums for 18 months(training with the real Gene Krupa) and although he is playing along onscreen to the REAL Krupa's soundtrack, Mineo's drumming is REAL and leaves you breathless. His acting in this film, as always, is amazing, and the supporting cast is awesome! Featuring the lovely Susan Kohner(who also co-starred in Sal's hit movie version of his tv play, "DINO"), James Darren, and apperances by jazz greats, Anita O'Day, Red Nichols, and Buddy Lester, this is a wonderful biopic sure to thrill jazz lovers, and inspire all generations of future drummers. It's also a wonderful treat for the Sal Mineo fan, especially to see him in something so different than his most famous Oscar nominated role in "Rebel without a cause."(Sal Mineo also was nominated for an Oscar and won the Golden Globe for "EXODUS")

FINALLY ON DVD!!!! Release more Mineo flicks on DVD!
At long last, "The Gene Krupa story" has been released on DVD by Sony/Columbia home video. Rather than review the actual film, this review concentrates on the DVD format as I am very pleased with this edition! The DVD is nicely packaged with a color picture on the front of the box. The film's glorious black and white has been digitally remastered and the clarity is just amazing. Even more important, the film is presented in full "widescreen" so you can view the film the way it was originally presented in theatres. This allows you to view the entire scope of the screen, instead of having the left and right sides of the screen chopped off into a crappy traditional "square" television format. You can see so much more as we all know how wonderful wide screen is. Although the soundtrack is still "mono," Sony has digitally remastered it, and presents it on this disc in "Dolby Digital." This makes a huge difference as the sound is deeper, lusher, and does great justice to the music. This is simply a beautiful presentation of this film. There are no "special features" such as behind the scenes or out takes, however it does have an interactive menu complete with chapter search. This DVD version of the film blows the old VHS version out of the water! For me, this DVD gave me a fresh new viewpoint of the film. The widescreen format compliments Sal's drumming so much that the VHS version could never come close to doing. I rate this DVD a 10+ on the scale of 1-10! If you love this film as much as I do, BUY THE DVD! Now, if only "Who Killed Teddy Bear" could be released on DVD..Now that would be a treat! I am concluding this review with some technical specs: Screen Formats: Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1 Closed Captioned Language and Sound: English: Dolby Digital Mono Original Release Date in theatres: 1959. Released to DVD in May, 2004

One Of Sal Mineo's Finest Performances
For jazz and music lovers "The Gene Krupa Story", is unsurpassed entertainment of the first order and contains some of the best ever work by talented actor Sal Mineo. Sal took on his first real solo starring role in this biography of the legendary Gene Krupa who as the percussionist for the Benny Goodman Quartet became the first real jazz heartthrob developing a legion of besotted fans. A major part of his legend was his innovative playing of the drums and in this film Sal Mineo manages to recreate that special magic, with some of the most amazing precussion work ever caught on screen. Having gained stardom for his sensational work in "Rebel Without a Cause", Sal Mineo was at just the right age and level of acting experience to tackle this major acting role and to his credit he manages all the stages in Krupa's life in a totally believable manner with a minimum of sentiment. Mineo's level of understanding of both the sheer genius of Krupa's ability and also his darker personal side makes for a wonderful screen performance that stays in the mind and makes "The Gene Krupa Story", a viewing experience to treasure.

The film traces Krupa's life from his humble beginnings in Chicago as the youngest child of working class parents who live by the rules of traditional life based around family and the church. We get a very early glimpse of the conflict already existing in young Gene when he brings home a set of drums which his angry father smashes as unsuitable for his son to be wasting his time on. After his father's death Gene however bows to the expectations of his family and joins the priesthood but after a year realises that it is not the life for him. He joins up with friend Eddie Sirota (James Darren) and his band and begins playing in many of Chicago's speakeasies. Eddie has a girlfriend Ethel (Susan Kohner), however soon a real attraction develops between her and Gene. Determined to succeed Gene soon pursuades Eddie to make a stab at work in New York's jazz scene. After a rough start and surviving on little money Gene through the force of his personality and sheer talent , manages to get a break which sees him climbing to stardom as the most electrifying performer in New York's big band scene. However stardom with all its adulation and material benefits also reveals its dark side as Gene begins to become involved in the heavy drug and drinking culture of the musicians world. His success also sees him begin to loose sight of the people who are important to him as he becomes alienated from Ethel who after committing herself to Gene finds herself forgotten. Best friend Eddie also drifts away as he doesn't approve of his friends free wheeling drug laden lifestyle. After being set up on a drug charge Gene's world rapidly crumbles before his eyes and he serves a jail term for possession which sees all those people, like selfish singer Dorissa Dinell, supposedly his lover abandon him in his hour of need. Upon release Gene experiences the full force of being considered a "has been", as he is reduced to performing in strip clubs and gambling houses. The hard times however refuel Gene's earlier love of music for the sheer joy of it and ever faithful Ethel comes back into his life as the steadying force she always was in the hard times. The conclusion sees Gene reunited with Eddie's band and setting out on a new life as the talented drummer that he is but this time with a more level view of what is important in life, which in his case is the devoted love of Ethel.

Sal Mineo is perfectly cast as Gene Krupa and he actually received the wholehearted blessing of the jazz legend to play him in the film. Mineo worked with Krupa to perfect his drum playing and the result on screen is sensational as Sal Mineo gives his heart and sole to his playing. The drum playing was actually recorded by Krupa however Mineo had the difficult task of matching that on screen which he does admirably. Totally devoted to perfecting his craft as an actor Mineo died far too young and sadly saw his star eclipsed long before it should have. This film along with "Rebel Without A Cause", and "Exodus", among others is this talented actors legacy to the movie going public and he will be remembered always for his great work in them. The supporting cast is uniformily fine with James Darren as Krupa's best friend Eddie, the before mentioned Susan Kohner as Ethel, and Susan Oliver in the hard driven role of Dorissa really shining and they perfectly compliment Sal Mineo's work. Appearances by real life jazz performers Buddy Lester, Red Nichols and Anita day also add an authentic ring to the story depicted. Character actress Celia Lovsky also has a memorable role as Gene's disapproving mother who is mystified by her son's obsession with the drums. The photography in "The Gene Krupa Story", is top flight with the often seedy black and white photography highly effective in particular in both Gene's pre stardom scenes and those depicted in his fall from grace when much of the action takes place in seedy "greyish", surroundings. Mineo's supreme concentration on his playing of the drums is a marvel to watch and is guaranteed to leave you breathless.

The great thing about "The Gene Krupa Story", is that you dont have to be a jazz enthusiast to enjoy the story or the music. For any lover of the drums it makes compulsory viewing and the golden age of jazz in the 30's is authentically recreated in this Columbia studios production. For me the best thing about the film will always be seeing the extraordinary talent of Sal Mineo on display. He combines strength and a touching vulnerability in his playing of Gene Krupa that leaves you rooting for him right through. I highly recommend this film to all lovers of jazz/swing and to those that like the less sentimental kind of performer film biography. Enjoy Sal Mineo at his electrifying best in "Columbia's "The Gene Krupa Story".

hooray! The Gene Krupa Story
I was stationed on a NIKE Army site between Albany and Sylvester Georgia in 1960-1961. I had the priviledge of showing the movies on our base. Due to staggered duty hours for the troops, I ran the Gene Krupa Story 3 times in one evening with the last showing at midnight. It was the only multible showing of any movie but I was more than eager to run the Gene Krupa Story as I was enthralled with the music and great drumming. Being a musician myself, it was a pleasure to offer it to my buddies no matter what time it was! Ben Shackelton ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The "Tribbles" sequel and the cloning of Mr. Spock
The writers end up being the story on this first set of episodes from the first season of "Star Trek: The Animated Series." David Gerrold, who wrote the origin classic "The Trouble With Tribbles" episode for Star Trek, not only does the script for "More Tribbles, More Troubles" (Episode #4, October 6, 1973) he does the voice of Korax. The story line has Cyrano Jones returning with his Tribbles and unleashing them on a Klingon planet. The Klingons then create a special predator to take care of the population happy little creatures and, of course, the cure might be worse than the disease. Walter Koenig does not get to appear as Chekov in the animated series so he gets his revenge by writing "The Infinite Vulcan" (#6, October 20, 1973). Kirk and Spock beam to a planet of intelligent plants ruled by a giant creature who ends up using Spock for a cloning experiment. This is an okay episode, but the Tribbles sequel is the reason for this to be the "Star Trek: The Animated Series" tape you check out if you check out but one tape of "Star Trek: The Animated Series."

More Tribbles, Less Fun; Mr. Spock very nearly undone
The launching of the Star Trek animated series was met with both skepticism and protestations by ardent fans that scoffed at the idea of their cultural heroes being reduced to Saturday morning cartoon fodder. But this much maligned and all but forgotten series deserves a second look; there were several very good stories that had the ability to be told in this format that would not have been considered for the live action TV program. Using the animated format allowed the creators to grow Spock to enormous proportions and effectively interact with his comrades; in another episode they were able to shrink each of the crew to the size of a pinky finger; still another episode featured several different alien ships replete with alien crews - something that would have been insurmountable budget-wise on the previous televised series. Additionally D. C. Fontana was prudently retained as the story editor and she was able to get a good number of literate, intelligent scripts from many of the writers that worked on the live action show.

David Gerrold wrote 'More Tribbles, More Troubles' as a sequel to his own classic original series entry 'The Trouble With Tribbles'. It was supposed to have been produced during the third season of that show's run but the director assigned to the task disapproved of "doing Star Trek as comedy" which he firmly believed it wasn't. When the animated series was in pre-production Fontana contacted Gerrold about the possibility of using it on the Saturday morning show and he agreed. This story however isn't nearly as memorable as it's predecessor though Cyrano Jones returns as the scoundrel of a trader with the Klingons in hot pursuit of him. It seems that Jones has stolen a Glommer, a prototype of a Klingon bred predator that devours tribbles, and the Klingons are in desperate need of it as their home world is overrun with the troublesome things. Once again though another shipment of the wheat grain figures in quite improbably; the odds of these two sequences of events happening again simultaneously seems more than astronomical. Also the same humor from the original is repeated nearly verbatim with a few new puns added, and many moments from the original are pictured here as well making this show seem flat and stale by comparison. There is an interesting new Klingon weapon though called a stasis field ray; rendering ships and their weapons systems (including all hand weapons) ineffective the Klingons can now easily defeat anyone. Kirk and crew manage to outsmart their foes of course and punish them righteously and quite humorously in the end.

'The Infinite Vulcan' is one of the very best shows done for the animated series and it was written by original series regular Walter Koenig who was not asked to participate in this Saturday morning revival of the show that made a household name of him. His character was replaced by the odd-appearing three legged and three armed Mr. Areks and voiced by another of the animated series regulars; apparently it was considered a money-saver to do this rather than have paid Koenig for reciting only scant dialogue. His story is quite well written and features two of the most unusual aliens the Enterprise has encountered. Beaming down to the planet Phylos the landing party discovers intelligent plant life as well as beings and an incongruous and rather large human known as Dr. Starros Keniclius 5. The giant doctor turns out to be a long missing and presumed dead geneticist who came to prominence during the Eugenics Wars, first discussed in the original series episode 'Space Seed'. He has been waiting for a perfect specimen for his pet project and it seems that Spock is the unfortunate candidate. The Vulcan is cloned and increased in size enormously and that puts our real Mr. Spock in a very sensitive life and death situation. With only minutes to spare Kirk must reason with the cloned version and save Spock's life. This is a very intriguing and good-looking show, a prime example of what the live action series could not have brought off with much success due to budget limitations.

Just a quick note: When you watch the animated episodes listen closely and you can hear James Doohan voicing several different characters. Occasionally he did as many as four or five separate voices during a half-hour show; he doesn't change his dialect only the tone of his voice so he is easily recognizable.

These are great Star Trek stories.
Especially the writing and the attention to series continunity. More Tribbles, More Troubles has the furry little guys paying a return trip to the Enterprise, as does Cyrano Jones (voiced by Stanley Adams), and once again the Klingons show why they hate Tribbles, while humans and Vulcans do not. The Infinite Vulcan offers an interesting story of a planet inhabited by intelligent plants, and a giant man who wants to clone Mr. Spock, the story and the ending are well acted out. Reccomanded for fans who enjoy the original Star Trek series, but don't care for the more recent Trek shows.

The trouble with vulcans
Of all the original series episodes the Trouble with Tribbles was perhaps one of the most loved; Enough so that it was reprised most recently on Deep Space Nine and earlier in this animated continuation of the original story line. I found it especially hilarious. certain scenes in the video still stick in my mind for example " Mc Coys phrase "these truly are safe tribbles" and the scene reminiscent of the original episode where Captain Kirk gets buried (again) in tribbles. the second episode on the tape Infinate Vulcan is an intiguing concept: combining senscient(Intellegent) plants and cloning. Over and over Gene Roddenberry and the other creators/directors of the Star Trek universe tackle issues of importance to the era they are written/shown in, and they do it in a way that is humerous and gets the point across in a memerable yet not preachy way~ imposed peace-Infinate Vulcan *conservation,instinction- Star Trek IV etc. ~

Two Great Episodes
More Tribbles More Trobles was really great and funny. The Infinate Vulcan was truly a unique episode! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A collection of vignettes, loosely based on the book by Dr. DavidRueben, written and directed by Woody Allen, Everything contains some very funny moments. It's easy to forget that the cerebral Allen excelled at the type of broad, Catskill, dirty jokes and visual gags that run amok here. It's also remarkable how dirty this 1972 movie really was--bestiality, exposure, perversion, and S&M get their moments to shine. The Woody Allen here, who appears in many of the sketches, is a portent of the seedy old Allen of Deconstructing Harry. Although the final bit, which takes place inside a man's body during a very hot date, is hilarious, most of Everything feels like the screen adaptation of a '70s bathroom joke book. Still, a must for Allen fans. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (20)

just a silly funny move
Don't listen to Adi's review, calling the film "juvenile"
Adi should watch some of today's teen exploits to find a true juvenile movie.
This film was far beyond its time, and is a SPOOF, like many comedies. If you don't believe most of the reviews, just rent it first........have a few drinks, and you'll laugh hard......

this is the one movie that made me "discover" the talent of Woody Allen, and I'm glad I did.

Some incredibly memorable funny scenes
This movie is a series of short films, which makes it mostly good and partly bad. Who can say they ever expected to see Woody Allen dressed up as a giant sperm? However, the first film set in medieval times is classic Woody Allen stand-up type humor, Woody at his best. My other favorite short film is the one about the sheep. Gene Wilder does an amazing job of acting so serious and puzzled when the man says "I am in love with a sheep" and he says "...O-hhh...." I LOVE it!

The Funniest Woody Allen Movie
This is the funniest Woody movie, hands down. With seven stand alone skits each answering a question, my personal favorite happening to be "Why do women...?" It's a movie to watch over and over again. A movie with perversions, gigantic body parts, and sheep. If you like Woody or if you hate Woody, this movie is for you.

Juvenille and not that funny...
I used to love Woody Allen's work, and I had expected great things from this movie. Unfortunately for me, I was disappointed. The humor is too juvenile to even be called childish. Yes, I do realize this movie was made 30 years ago, when the sexual standards were more conservative, but 30 years later I'm having problem understanding what's so funny about these situations.

Mine Worked
The person bellow probibly dident go into the languages section of his dvd. Mine has subtitles. Feel free to buy as you wish.

(good move--and sheep!) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

They really Go Where No Man Has Gone Before here...
In the first show, the Enterprise goes right through the center of the galaxy into another dimension where the logic is that magic works as a science, and a race of beings know how to use it. The second show finds the Enterprise crew working together with the Klingons to escape a region of space where starships have vanished since anicent times, a kind of Bermuda Triangle in space. Great stories which show animated Star Trek at it's best.

A great mix of Star Trek and WitchCraft!
The Magick's of Megastu episode was written by a Pagan aware author, and is NOT evil, but in fact a well done introduction to the Craft for beginners... It is NOT about Satan... Witches do NOT believe in Satan. This episode was a pioneer work that broke new ground for Witches and Pagans at a time when both were (and are) mis-understood and mis-characterized by a number of forces and institutions in the world. Combining the subject with Star Trek and it's inherent ability to help break taboo subjects to the public was a stroke of pure genius.

For it's time, it was a gutsy move by the network to show it, and it is a misunderstood piece of work, and it was time someone set the record straight. Magicks of Megastu also was turned into a book that I believe you can find on Amazon. The story is engaging, and an enjoyable read. It was my very first introduction to the Craft, and is a story I am very fond of, as it helped to make me the Witch that I am now.

I give it extremely high marks and am happy to own the tape and book.

Blessed Be! AJ

Star Trek Animated v-5
The weekest of the 11 volumes. I erased the first episode showing satan as a misunderstood alien. The second one is only ok. A bad link to a great cartoon series.

They were pretty good!
The one with Lucifer was a nice plot but lets not give him a good side in future writing. The second one was a great plot! I liked it, this one should have been done as a real episode. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Star Trek The Animated Series Vol 8
Ah, "Star Trek The Animated Series" probably one of the most
overlooked cartoon series of all time. Created by
Paramount, featured the original voice actors: William
Shatner, Deforest Kelley (Doctor Mccoy) and of
of course Spock (Leonard Nimoy), the series was
pretty brilliant and memorable just like the original.
There were about 22 episodes trasmitted during 1973,and
feature scifuturistic and realistic stories, blended
in with the wonderful animation done by "Funimation"
who did "He-Man". It also featured the original Star Trek
series to the letter, we had the classic intro, and we
had the "captain's log, and captain's supplemental" whenever
Captain Kirk was pitted in a serious situation. The
cartoon had a bigger budget in some parts than
the series and this was an obvious to fans.

This volume has two episodes "Once Upon a Planet" and
"Eye of the Beholder" two great episodes.

The first episode "Eye Of the Beholder" featured
the enterprise investigating the disappearence of a science
team on an alient planet. When Kirk and Team investigated
they are attacked by strange creatures including
Giant slugs. They then realize that these slugs are
tough and have telepathic powers. They also find
among other things that the slugs have made a "Scientific
Zoo" capturing alien beings and they are next on the
list.....

They are some great laughs bantering on the relationship

between Dr. McCoy and Spock:

Spock: "It is my theory that what we have seen since
we landed planet is manufactured, not created."

Mccoy: "Spock do you ever say anything straight out."

Spock: "I thought I just did."

Captain Kirk: "Please men we have work to do".

LMAO. Great lines.

This a good episode complete with themes such as not
attacking those that look different, and how to
behave in situations that are new and different.

Finally this episode has all the classic Star Trek
lines such as "Phasers on Stun!!!". Very cool.

The next episode "Once Upon a Planet" is supposedly
a sequel to an episode of the original series called
"Shores Leaves". The enterprise returns to alien planet
for rest and relaxation, but realize the planet has changed,
and the planet seems to be creating dangerous objects
coming from the planet.

Both these episodes are great. Gene Roddenberry, who
was just barely starting Star Trek a second run
in 1973, did the right decision making a cartoon
series. The bigger budget and scenarios have
given Trekkies yet another avenue to
"Boldy Go Where No One Has Gone Before".

I haven't seen the cartoon since I was kid, so
I forgot about how good it was, and to see
it now as an adult, and understanding the stories
more, helps me appreciate how great this series
is, and how much of a visionary Gene Roddenberry
was.

So what are you waiting for and check out
"Star Trek The Animated Series"!!!

A couple of below average animated Star Trek episodes
Volume 8 of Star Trek - The Animated Series, offers up a couple of episodes from the first season. In "The Eye of the Beholder" (Episode #15, January 6, 1974," the crew of the Enterprise is captured when they beam down to a plaent searching for the crew of a missing starship. Kirk, Spock and McCoy end up in a zoo, where they find that the aliens, super intelligent slug cretaures, are so much smarter that communication appears to be impossible. A neat idea, but super intelligent slugs? Then, in "Once Upon A Planet" (Episode #8, November 3, 1973) Kirk returns to the infamous "amusement park" planet they visited for shore leave in the original series and finds things are not quite as peaceful as they were when he left it. The Keeper has died and the unattended machinery is creating dangerous constructs out from the thoughts of the crew members. Essentially this rehashes the original episode so it is a less than satisfying sequel.

Star Trek Animated Adventures Vol 8
This volume's got two great episode's. "The eye of the Beholder". And a sequel to the original Star Trek's "Shore Leave" called "Once upon a planet." These cartoons have the charm of the original tv show plus the original voices of all the characters. The animation isn't bad for 1973-74. The first episode has a classic "lesson to learn" theme we find through out star trek and the second finds the crew in trouble on the shore leave planet. Classic Star Trek. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The return of "Harry" Mudd in a Star Trek cartoon
Volume 4 of "Star Trek: The Animated Series" presents another pair of episodes from the cartoon show's first season. "One of Our Planets Is Missing" (Episode #2, September 22, 1973) finds the crew of the Enterprise trying to find a way of stopping a killer cloud from destroying planets. Another sequel of sorts to a classic "Star Trek" episode is "Mudd's Passion" (#9, November 10, 1973), with Roger C. Carmel returning as the voice of Harcourt Fenton "Harry" Mudd in a story that finds the cosmic con artist selling a love potion that Kirk assumes must be a fake. However, there seems to be some compelling evidence to the contrary. Actually, I sort of like this Mudd episode a bit more than either of the live action episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Very Good!
You know because this Star Trek series was animated it could stand head and shoulders above the classic TV series in terms of effects.And the WRITING is actually as good making these episodes in particular seem more like an actual Trek
show then a Saturday morning cartoon.In "The Survivor" a shape-
shifting alien impersonates a galactic philanthropist and nearly
breaks the heart of an Enterprise crew member.In "The Lorelei Signal" Kirk and comapny are hoodwinked by a matriachal society
who live forever by draining energy from men (KINKY!) and
Uhura is featured in her COOLEST moment yet as she takes command of the Enterprise. (...) Another victory for
womens lib!I enjoyed this as a gift when I was 10 years old
(because I always liked cartoons) but I loved Star Trek more
and this has both!And I do enjoy Filmation's retro-style animation!Must for Trekkers and Trekker's to be!

The Enterprise versus a shape-shifter and planet of women
If you like to see James T. Kirk acting oddly, than this is the volume for you in the "Star Trek - The Animated Series" collection. In "The Survivor" (Episode #5, October 13, 1973), the Enterprise is patrolling the Neutral Zone when it discovers a ship manned by Carter Winston, who has been missing for five years. However, Winston (voiced by guest star Ted Knight), turns out to be a Vendorian shape-shifter who takes Kirk's place and orders the Enterprise to violate Romulan space. Then in "The Lorelei Signal" (Episode #3, September 23, 1973), the Enterprise is investigating a region of space where a starship has disappeared every 27 years. The cause turns out to be the Lorelei, a race of beautiful women who lure ships to their planet so they can feed off the energy of the male crewmembers. Fortunately, when the men start resounding strangely to the distress call, Uhura is immune to their siren song. Nice to see the Ship's Communications Officer save the day for once.

One of the best!
The Survivor has one of the best aliens of all the TAS shows. The Vendorian foreshadows the changeling Odo by 20 years. The story has a good moral too. The Lorelei Signal is classic Sci-Fi, and features Uhura taking command for the first time. I recommend this video to all interested in the animated Star Trek!

Not good enough...
This had so much more potential but bad writing and animation made it seem like a drag...just watch a rerun of the show instead of getting this..

Lt Uhura For Captain!
If you're a Lt. Uhura fan, like me, you'll love seeing her gain command of the Enterprise. The original cast give voice to the animation. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

What is worse? Orion Pirates or a Joking Computer?
Volume 10 of Star Trek - The Animated Series offers up a pair of episodes from the early part of the show's second season. "The Pirates of Orion" (Episode #17, September 7, 1974), finds the Enterprise rushing to meet up with the U.S.S. Huron carrying the only drug that can cure the disease fatal to Vulcans contracted by Spock. Unfortunately Orion pirates attack the ship and steal the drugs forcing Kirk to track them down before it is too late. But at least we finally get to see the dreaded Orion pirates we hear so much about in the 24th-century. Then in "The Practical Joker" (Episode #19, September 21, 1974), the Enterprise is being pursued by three Romulan warships when it enters a strange cloud that turns the ship's computer into a practical joker. You can never have too many good episodes about the Enterprise's computer. These are both solid episodes from the cartoon Star Trek, which makes this one of the best volumes in the collection.

Spock's life in the Balance
The Pirates of Orion; When Spock begins to suffer from a rare Vulcan disease, Jim Kirk and the Enterprise crew must battle Orion pirates in order to acquire the antidote needed to save Spock's life. But they must hurry as the disease becomes fatal in 24 hours. Another well written Star Trek animated show.

The forgotten "Star Trek"
Two excellent pieces of Star Trek lore, lost in the "official" history of Star Trek.

Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the entire classic cast live on in these episodes. I wasn't even around when these episodes were produced for NBC in 1973-1974, but managed to catch the series in reruns. Some of these stories were so good, they could have been produced as live action episodes. But unfortunately, they suffered from the fact that they were meant to be kiddie fare. I recommend purchasing these eleven volumes for your Star Trek collection. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Innocence in the face of commerce
A knowing and multi-faceted critique of big-studio filmmaking, 'The Errand Boy' is one of Lewis's very best films (it is his third; his fifth, 'The Patsy', can be considered as a sort of sequel). Morty S. Tashman is hired as a spy by the moguls of a major studio because they want to learn how their money is spent. He proves to be a destructive force: just as the prologue had exposed the trickeries and illusions on which Hollywood films thrive, the following 80 minutes show Morty disrupting a few shootings, a voice-recording session, the work of script-girls, and more. He stands as the innocence the producers have lost in trying to make money and please everybody; it is quite easy to read him as 'Lewis the artist'. By the end of the film, Morty has become a Jerry Lewis-like star, proudly saluting his new fans behind dark glasses; he thus seems to have made a place for himself in a world he had previously reduced to pieces. This dichotomy is similar to the one of 'The Bellboy', Lewis's first film as a director: in that movie, the timid, free and inventive bellboy was contrasted with the swagger, aggressiveness and confinement of Lewis playing himself. The brilliant and cyclical final sequence offers an interesting alternative: by having Morty meet a clumsy boy resembling his 'pre-star' self, Lewis assures us that even if some can't escape the studio's mercantile traps, there will always be innocence to be spread in these calculations and falsities. Intelligent, and very funny.

One of Lewis' Best
This is one of his most daring and creative ventures along with The Bellboy. Not much dialogue, just over the top sight gags and general hilarity. What do you people expect? This is Jerry Lewis in top form and it just doesn't get any better.

The only thing funnier than his movies are the ridiculous criticisms of his films. Hello people...this is Jerry Lewis OK! It's too bad that his egocentric persona alienated several generations that didn't grow up looking forward to his next project. The Errand Boy stands alone as one of the most innovative comedies of all time and anyone that can muster some objectivity will appreciate his work for what it is. I personally think this is one of the funniest movies of all time and I rank it as Jerry's best work, although the Academy may disagree. 4 toothpicks

Brilliant Mime Does His Thing
Flawed but generally successful combination of pathos and 1930s slapstick: the most insecure guy on the planet is put in charge of internal security for a (wanna-be) major motion picture company. Jerry provides some of the funniest moments ever captured on film, as he stumbles from one department to the next, first an as an "extra", then as a mailroom delivery person. His attempts to find a quiet spot for lunch are worth the price of admission. But perhaps the best scene is the quietest: he finds himself in the prop department with a miniature clown who "comes to life" - it's a beautifully acted and effectively lit scene. However, there are are numerous elaborate sequences which prove fruitless, and the movie is overlong by about 15 minutes. And the character's ultimate "discovery" by the creative powers-that-be is bizarre in light of the fact that his presence has been unintentionally recorded on celluloid from day one. Despite the lost opportunities, TEB remains on a level with "The Nutty Professor" - a very entertaining and thoughtful effort.

Beware this is an SP duplicate.
This is an SP duplicate from Video Treasures, not Paramount ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Review for Vol. 2
Enough has been said of the original Star Trek series from the 1960s, where little needs to be said of it. Same for all the 1980s and '90s versions like The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager, plus the movies from 1979 to 1991, and so on. What's often neglected are the animated series from 1973-74. I was too young to have seen these series when they first came out, but I do remember seeing them as re-runs in the early '80s, and once again in the late '80s/early '90s o