Reviews (116)

I love this movie!
Miles Kendig (played Walter Matthau) is a CIA agent who is used to doing things his way. When his new chief, the abusive and bombastic G.P. Myerson (Ned Beatty), decides to retire him behind a desk, Kendig decides that the CIA needs a house cleaning--and that his memoirs would make the perfect broom. Now Kendig is on the run from the Agency: sending out new chapters, playing hide-and-seek with old associates. It's all a game, a game of hopscotch, and Kendig needs to keep one step ahead. Will he succeed? [Color, released in 1980, with a running time of 1 hour, 44 minutes.]

I have loved this movie since it came out in 1980! It is just the perfect mix of adventure and humor. Humorous, but not a comedy movie--it's an adventure story with a sense of humor. And now for the bad news: to make his character more dislikable, Ned Beatty swears incessantly in this movie, which makes it a little much to watch in front of small children (I have two). That said, though, I do not know why this movie deserved its R rating. There is no nudity, and practically no violence. And I must add, the swearing is not too much for adult viewers; I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't break into uproarious laughter when Myerson angrily gives his opinion of what FBI stands for!

Smart, Stylish Comedy
We saw this movie back in the early 1980's and loved it, but by the time we tried to get a copy, it had gone out of print. Many thanks to Criterion for releasing it on DVD! This film is superb, well-written and directed, with a cast of very gifted performers. The actors play their roles to the hilt and have a terrific chemistry onscreen.

The plot is basic revenge, perpetrated on the CIA by one of its top operatives. Walter Matthau plays the amiable Kendig, a man who's served in the field for decades and is an excellent agent. He's smart yet still down-to-earth; his reputation among the underworld of spydom is the stuff of legends. Kendig is respected even by his enemies for his savvy decisions and sense of fair play, and his reluctance to resort to dirty tricks. His new boss, Meyerson (Ned Beatty) resents his underling's popularity and decides to neutralize Kendig's effectiveness by yanking him from the field and assigning him to a desk job as a file clerk.

To say that Kendig despises his new boss would be a gross understatement. A switched file is shredded and Kendig vanishes, fleeing to Austria and his lover Isobel (Glenda Jackson). From there, he nurses his wounds and launches on his vengeance against Meyerson and the CIA by writing a book that reveals the agency's dirty tricks and botched missions. Meyerson is livid and assigns Joe Cutter (Sam Waterston) to put a stop to Kendig by any means necessary, especially assassination. Cutter admires Kendig and is torn by his personal feelings for the man and his desire to serve his country.

The story then twists and turns as Kendig leads his former employers on a huge wild goose chase. He calls them from a phone booth right near the CIA headquarters, hides out in Meyerson's southern house---which is later demolished by the feds themselves---, and feeds chapters of the book to Meyerson to whip him into a frenzy of ineffectual rage. He plans on getting the entire book to a publisher, and his means for doing so and ensuring his own protection from future assassination attempts are ingenious.

We are very happy that this movie was released to the public once again. Matthau is superb as a real man working in an unreal world of espionage. Herbert Lom is great for the role of his KGB counterpart, and Glenda Jackson is both tart and elegant as the enigmatic Isobel, who frankly adores Kendig. Ned Beatty plays the part of the oafish Meyerson to perfection, making the viewer hate him thoroughly. Waterston is in excellent form as the good-hearted and conflicted Cutter, and shows hints of his mildly acerbic wit that would come to fruition in his later role of McCoy. The supporting players are fine, too, and the plot is well-crafted and believable.

The DVD is nicely done. There aren't many extras, but it's beautifully produced and does have a nice feature: an alternate soundtrack that deletes the foul language, so even kids can watch it with their parents. We are pleased with our investment, and highly recommend "Hopscotch" to anyone who enjoys a well-done and stylish comedy. It's also perfect for fans of Walter Matthau!

He's about to expose the CIA, the FBI, the KGB...and himself
Off the top of your head, how many funny spy films can you think of? The James Colburn 'Flint' films of the 60's? The Austin Powers movies perhaps? Or that incredibly lame Leslie Nielsen film...Spy Hard (1996)? Over-the-top silliness seems to be a common theme in these films, but Hopscotch (1980), based on a book written by Brian Garfield, also a comedy involving spies, manages to rise above, avoiding the slapsticky and crude humor, rather providing a charming and intelligent story that entertains throughout. Directed by Ronald Neame (Prudence and the Pill, The Poseidon Adventure, The Odessa File), the film stars a wonderful and accomplished cast of actors including Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, Sam Waterston, Herbert Lom, and Ned Beatty.

Matthau plays Miles Kendig, one of the CIA's top field agents who suddenly finds himself relegated to a desk job after control of the department he works for is taken over by a petty, vindictive, and less than capable man named Myerson (Beatty) who seems to harbor a personal grudge against Kendig. Unable to deal with riding his career out behind a desk, Kendig leaves the agency, and, after much thought, decides to write his memoirs, detailing all kinds of juicy, sensitive stuff about not only his own agency, but also intelligence agencies throughout the world. After being in the biz for thirty years, he certainly has the inside scoop on all kinds of things, causing his former boss to put out the order for his termination, elimination, liquidation, extermination, what have you...with the aid of a wealthy widow and love interest named Isobel who was also once in the game, played by Jackson, Kendig begins leading his former colleagues on a chase that spans halfway around the globe, always managing to stay one or two steps ahead. Will he be able to finish his book before his old agency or that of a foreign power catches up to him? Even if he does, will he live to see his work published?

Hopscotch is a wonderfully witty, light comedy with a dash of sophistication that nearly everyone can enjoy. Matthau plays his role so perfectly that after seeing the film, you could imagine no one else in the part. He's certainly got that whole irascible charm thing down, and it fits with the character very well here. I loved how his character never seemed to lose his calm composure, constantly outwitting and outsmarting his former co-workers in leisure like fashion, given that he probably wrote the book and trained half the men now chasing him. The element of Kendig using the notion of a book for revenge at first, but then once removed from the work he participated in for so long and seeing just how nasty it is from an outside perspective decides to follow through with his initial threat of finishing the book and getting it published. Jackson plays so very well off Matthau, and they create a level of chemistry that's pretty rare, in my opinion, between on screen couples. They just seem to fit so naturally together, creating a level of believability to counteract the somewhat unrealistic element that the CIA are a mostly a bunch of bumbling buffoons. Did anyone else think her hair was a bit too short, giving her the appearance of a young boy? Maybe it was just me... I really enjoyed a young looking Waterston (Law and Order) as Cutter, Kendig's competent and intelligent protégé now responsible for finding and eliminating his former mentor. I read that he'd actually come into shooting late due to the film he was working on prior, Heaven's Gate (1980) ran past its' shooting schedule, and is the reason why Waterston looks so very tired in some of the scenes in Hopscotch. Herbert Lom is also very good as a Soviet agent named Yaskov, one "who's seen Casablanca one too many times", although I felt he deserved a bit more screen time. Ned (Squeal like a pig for me, boy) Beatty is a riot as Myerson, constantly exasperated by his group's futile attempts to put a lid on the loose cannon he himself let loose due to his own petty dislikes for Kendig. Imagine someone you work with that no one likes, and then that person finally getting a little bit of power, lording over certain individuals, power tripping here and there, but mostly tripping over his own feet, and you basically have Myerson. The direction by Neame was most excellent, keeping the viewer (me) engaged throughout, with a smooth, steady pace as the story unfolded, which is a bit light in some parts, but did nothing to reduce my enjoyment of this charming, funny film.

Criterion provides a superior high-definition digital transfer here in wide screen format and a cleaned up soundtrack. The quality of the picture is really fabulous, especially when compared to my old VHS copy. As far as special features are concerned, there's not as much as I would have thought from a Criterion release, but what's here is very worthy. There's liner notes on the insert inside the DVD case by Bruce Eder, a video introduction by writer Brian Garfield and director Roland Neame along with interviews, a separate audio track, a clean version created for television broadcast along with the original version (there's very little profanity in the film, but what this is comes from Ned Beatty's character Myerson) and an original theatrical trailer along with a teaser trailer for the film. If you're looking for a smartly funny engaging comedy that only gets better after repeated viewings, then Hopscotch is for you.

Cookieman108

Ughhh! What a Waste of Major Talents!
Rarely have such major talents (Matthau, Jackson and Beatty) been wasted in a film.

Matthau plays a CIA station chief who is called back to Washington when - against CIA instructions - he allows the KGB's top agent to go free after catching him dead to rights in an espionage sting.

How does Kendig (Matthau's character) deal with being "taken out of the game"? Against CIA policy, he proceeds to sell out U.S. national security interests by writing a best-selling expose of CIA covert operations. Ha, Ha! Real funny! What a laugh riot! The entire movie is standard liberal Hollywood fare - the CIA is stupid, the FBI is stupid, the iconoclast is irrascible and superior (he must be, he loves opera), yada, yada, yada.

And what, do you ask, is Kendig's stated motive in disclosing U.S. secrets in a best-selling book? To expose CIA wrong-doing? Uh, no. Is it to expose a rogue agent in the upper reaches of the CIA? No, not that either. To quote the film, it's payback because his boss "emasculated" him. I do not kid. That's what he says. Wow! What a riot! Get back at your boss by selling out your country!

I was in the last PATH train to be diverted from the World Trade Center PATH stop and watched the buildings go down - not on TV. I have subscriptions to the Metropolitan Opera and the City Opera. I DID NOT FIND THE PREMISE OF THIS FILM THE LEAST BIT FUNNY.

"Hopscotch"..."Good Title"
was suprised to see criterion release hopscotch, but glad they did. here matthau is repremanded for allowing a wanted KGB agent to walk. matthau's integrity is too precious to take guff from even the CIA. subsequently, he does not take the news of being reassigned to the job of file clerk very well so he begins to write his memoires, leaking secret information to the opposition. the ensuing chase is slapstick, a spy vs. spy comedy with great international locations. frankly, using the cold war as a catalyst for comedy was long overdue by 1980. ... Read more

Reviews (139)

"Remember - The Spy Who Loved Me"
On July 7,1977 (7-7-77), The Spy Who Loved Me roared into theaters across the country to become one of the most financially successful Bond films of all time. The tenth in the series, TSWLM marks the begining of the big Bond films, a trend that would continue (with the exception of For Your Eyes Only) throughout the rest of the series. In this film, James Bond (Roger Moore) must join forces with Soviet secret agent XXX (Barbara Bach) as they track down two missing nuclear submarines. Their search takes them to Egypt, Sardinia, and Atlantis, a giant underwater city owned by the shipping mogal Stromberg. Stromberg wishes to use the two submarine to start World War III by launching nuclear missles at New York City and Moscow. If successful, he wishes to start a new civilization under the sea. This is a grand movie. The action, gadgetry and the sets themslves are absolutly wonderful. Two more reasons to see TSWLM: the villanous Jaws (7-foot 2-inch actor Richard Keil) and "Nobdy Does It Better" the title song is arguably one of the best Bond songs of all - it's my personal favorite. So anyway, see this movie. It's the biggest. It's the Best. It's Bond. And B-E-Y-O-N-D.

Moore's best
The Spy who Loved Me was awesome.This film had the best settings,Roger Moore performance,and musical score.Atlantis was SWEET.Stromberg gets 3 out of five stars as a villain,while Jaws gets 4 and a half.Barbara Bach was great as agent Triple X.I love the car chase on land and the part were the Lotus Espirit turns into a submarine is awesome. The trapdoor in the elevator that led into the shark room was really cool.A good pre-title sequence with the ski chase.This movie takes place in Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.I liked the part when Jaws and Bond fought in the shark room. Kind of gruesome when he kills the shark though.

Great Bond Adventure
This is the 10th film in the long-running "James Bond" series and the third to star Roger Moore as Bond. This entry is also my favorite in the series (well, so far it is as I have only seen five Bond films).

007 is on another mission to the save the world (what else?) in "The Spy Who Loved Me." A pair of nuclear submarines from England and Russia have strangely disappeared and Bond...James Bond, is assigned to retrieve a microfilm that has recorded the movements of the British sub. The Russians send their own spy, the beautiful Anya Amasova, to find the film as well. At first, Amasova and Bond attempt to outwit each other to get the film but eventually the pair are ordered to team up to get to the heart of the problem. The trail they follow leads them to billionaire Karl Stromberg who has a dastardly plan to destroy the Earth...

This Bond episode works well thanks primarily to some good direction from Lewis Gilbert. Though the film is not well paced, Gilbert makes up for that with some excellent set pieces. I thought the fighting sequences on Stromberg's boat were particularly well done. There are some other good moments too, including the chase in the Lotus Espirit (which can transform into a submersible), the opening ski-chase, and Bond's dueling with steel-toothed bad guy Jaws. The acting here was serviceable, though I felt it left something to be desired. This happens to be the first Bond film I've seen in which Roger Moore is carrying the 007 moniker. Moore gets the job done but he seems to lack the edge of the two other Bond's I've seen: Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan. Meanwhile, Barbara Bach has the looks for a typical Bond-girl but is a bit stiff in her role. Still, she gives an effective performance. One more thing worth noting is the theme song by Carly Simon, "Nobody Does It Better." I really liked it and it seems to complement the James Bond character well.

This is a great entry in the 007 series. If you're a Bond fan (or even a non-fan) and haven't yet seen this episode, then be sure you do so. This movie will be a fresh reminder that indeed "Nobody Does It Better" than James Bond.

moores franchised bond
roger moore gets knocked around a lot for the way he played bond.
now, come on, lets be frank, bond is the stuff of pulp fiction and moore knew this.
by the time live and let die was being filmed the bond movies had become a franchise (only the first three stand out as non franchise movies). connery could not co-exist in a franchise.
he was too stubborn an actor to merely be 'one of the special affects'.
when roger moore came around he decided not to take any of it seriously and he was right to do so.
it is moores little boy sense of humour that makes these movies work.
spy who loved me and for your eyes only are the best of the moores, with this one having the slight edge.it has the necessary balance to make it a mmeorable entry. classic scene:
when moore is in a van being attacked by jaws he smiles, and charms his way through a series of puns that only he, in his all too cool superficiality, could pull off.
makes for a fun night.

the underrated moore in the best of his bonds
roger moore gets picked on a bit too much as of late for making bond too cartoonish.
puleazee!
we are talking about a pulp character here.
there is no doubt that he did not have connery's edge, but. hell, connery no longer even had his edge.
the lame, bored connery of diamonds are forever is not the gritty connery of dr.no or from russia with love.
we wouldn't see that type of grit again until dalton's brief stint, which DID work, but was flawed by two films with a miami vice feel.
moore refused to take any of it seriousely and by doing so, at least for a while, he gave a new vigor to the franchise.
unfortunately, moonraker followed this, but then moore did one have one last hurrah with a more subtle performance in 'for your eyes only '(and he did prove to the producers in that film that he could take it seriousely).
but here, is moore at his best. this is His interpetation and all the elements come together to support moore in his styling of the character.
a potent remionder that moore kept this franchise alive and going and did it well for some time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Robert Donat won an Oscar for his portrayal of the humble British don in the 1939 film Goodbye, Mr. Chips--and Peter O'Toole was nominatedfor his version of the role in this lackluster musical (he, along with Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight of Midnight Cowboy, lost to John Wayne in True Grit). O'Toole is affecting as the shy English schoolteacher at a private boys' school who is brought out of his shell by the love of a good woman, then goes on to become a teaching legend after her tragic death. But the idea of turning this touching tale into a musical (with totally forgettable songs by John Williams and Leslie Bricusse) was almost as wrong-headed as having O'Toole do his own singing--or as casting singer Petula Clark as his wife. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Time For The Critics To Become Wrong
A dismall profession, that of critics. Anyone who has been exposed to massive doses of awfull musical-movie production of the 50s and 60s (usually through 70's afternoons TV features) is absolutely honest in labeling them crap from Hollywood's sadest period.

Then, as decades pass, you keep remembering scores like 'Where Did My Childhood Go', by Peter O'Toole, in this Goodbye Mr. Chips, while the whole score of Singing In The Rain goes down the drain (as you always wished it to go, despite all the hype around the crap).

I vaguely remember 'Mr. Chips, but I am pretty sure it is very cheesy. But the songs are becoming better with the years, and ABSOLUTELY non-existent in CDs. So I am buying the movie on DVD, just to hear the score.

Wouldn't it be astonishing if the movie also became better with time?

The score has definitely to be reapraised by the critics. It is very honorable of Amazon.com to criticize so heavily an item it intends to sell (I have used this candid advice many many times). But I really recomend the critics to hear to O'Tooles performance with 2000's ears (rather than with 70's TV watcher's).

A Warm and Touching Film
"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a classic, sentimental tale about a reserved British schoolmaster (Peter O'Toole) who meets and falls in love with a beautiful show girl (Petula Clark). The dour school teacher and the flamboyant show girl stand in stark contrast to one another, yet they share a love and devotion that only deepens through the years. Slowly, the classics teacher emerges from his shell to become a much beloved figure to generations of young boys who profit from his teaching and guidance at the mythical Brookfield School in England.

Peter O'Toole is a versatile actor whose range has been exhibited in his role as the driven scholar, warrior, and Messiah in "Lawrence of Arabia," as the comic and cunning art thief in "How to Steal a Million," and here, in his touching and affecting performance as Arthur Chipping, schoolmaster. Petula Clark is the renowned song stylist who adds spirit and sensitivity to her role, not to mention a brilliant, soaring voice. Together, O'Toole and Clark create a chemistry that gives the film a universal appeal, transcending time and generations. This motion picture will leave a lump in the throat and a glow in the heart.

Overlooked ignored masterpiece.
Goodbye Mr Chips (1969) always has and always will be one of my all time favourite movies. I have directed three stage versions over the years with young actors based on Terrence Rattigan's brilliant, witty, theatrical script. I am always amazed the film was not well received in its initial release. When it was released in Australia in 1970, it was a smash hit, yet its failure in the States forced distributors to pull it out of theatres and slash 30 minutes out of it. There were so many various cut versions I have seen over the years. Thankfully it was released on VHS about fifteen years ago and was restored to its original length (well almost, the song "When I Was Younger" has always been cut from the film altho on the soundtrack). I despair it has never been released on DVD and only a shortened CD exists where it is doubled up with songs from the soundtrack of "The Boy Friend:"/. I feel sure if it was released on DVD it would find a whole new audience. I watched it again recently and was amazed at how fresh and charming it is, its one of those rare movies that never date. A movie desperately needing to be re-evaluated by critics again. Also, the music is wonderful, why do people criticise Bricusse. His style is so subtle, hummable? What does that mean> These are gentle, tender love songs with a couple of theatrical showstoppers....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE someone get a full length CD (its pefect for Rhino to release) and DVD of this movie out very soon., O Toole and Petula Clarke were never better. My one criticism of the VHS is that it is a little misty (and I dont mean in the sequences that are supposed to have that effect) and not very sharp and clear. It needs to be srestored to its original 70MM brilliance.

Absolutely great film!
This is the film which is filled with affection.
This is the film that I will never forget.
Everytime I watch this film, it leaves me with warm and gentle feelings.
I have a VHS and a vinyl record.
When will they make a DVD and a CD?
The acting, music, lyrics, cinematography, everything is great.
I was dumfounded to find out how badly the critics in USA treated this film.
It was an era of 'new cinemas.'
It might have been considered nonsense or out of date for them to evaluate this kind of lovely film as a good film.
I saw this film in Japan in 1970.
The critics in Japan were sensible enough to choose this film to be one of year's best.
Peter O'toole is perfect in his role as always, you know.
Petula Clark utterly fascinates us with her voice and act.
And I believe this is the best work of Herbert Ross.
I must say it deserves to be treated more fairly.
This is a must-see film for all generation.

Why is this not on CD???
This has to be my favorite movie of Peter O'Toole's. John Williams' score is, as always, perfect. Petula Clark sings so beautifully and has wit to boot, and O'Toole brought tears to my eyes as Chips. I never care about what the critics say, I thought the songs were memorable and kinda sweet. This should have already been on DVD, if not on CD. It's sad how some of Williams' early works are not given the royal treatment as the most recent ones. ... Read more

Description

Joan Hickson stars as Agatha Christie's most beloved character, theprim and proper Miss Marple, in this classic whodunit. London's Bertram's Hotel is awell polished retreat where dowager duchesses, retired clergymen and aging generals canindulge in the comforts of a bygone era.But it's just a little too proper for guest MissMarple she feels something sinister lurks beneath the hotel's genteel veneer.And rightlyso! Society beauty Bess Sedgwick, known for her appetite for adventure and men, hasregistered at the very same time as a certain woman who happens to be her greatest rivalher daughter.When the Irish doorman turns up dead, Miss Marple launches herinvestigation and the hotel's respectable facade begins to crumble. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Muffins vs. tea cakes with raisins
It is not easy comparing movies to books, especially Agatha Christie's novels. However this one has the feel and just the right actors. There is great attention to detail.

If you have the nagging feeling that you saw Chief Inspector Fred Davy (George Baker) before it may be that he has been in at least 100 movies and shows, recently as Detective Chief Inspector Wexford in Ruth Rendell Mysteries.

Bertram's Hotel is just how Jane remembered it as a child. She soon comes to the conclusion that it is to good to be true. The Chief Inspector is of the same mind. This film has several overlying plots. However just being in the hotel will distract you from them.

So get out your muffins, sit up in bed and watch "At Bertram's Hotel." ... Read more

Amazon.com

Australian model George Lazenby took up the mantle of the world's most suave secret agent when Sean Connery retired as James Bond--prematurely, it turned out. Connery returned in Diamonds Are Forever before leaving the role to Roger Moore and Lazenby's subsequent career fizzled, yet this one-hit wonder is responsible for one of the best Bond films of all time.

In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 007 leaves the Service to privatelypursue his SPECTRE nemesis Blofeld (played this time by Telly Savalas), whose latest master plan involves a threat to the world's crops by agricultural sterilization. Bond teams up with suave international crime lord Draco (Gabriele Ferzetti) and falls in love with--and marries--his elegant daughter, Tracy (Diana Rigg). Bond goes monogamous? Not at first; after all he has Blofeld's harem to seduce. Lazenby hasn't the intensity of Connery but he has fun with his quips and even lampoons the Bond image in a playful pre-credits sequence, and Rigg, fresh from playing sexy Emma Peel in The Avengers, matches 007 in every way. Former editor Peter Hunt makes a strong directorial debut, deftly handling the elaborate action sequences--including a car chase turned road rally through the icy snow--with a kinetic finesse and a dash of humor. Though not a hit on its original release, On Her Majesty's Secret Service has become a fanfavorite and the closest the series has come to capturing the spirit of Ian Fleming's books. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (220)

Perhaps the Best Bond Story
Of all the actors to play James Bond, George Lazenby probably comes closest to resembling physically and tempermentally the character that Ian Fleming created on the page. The irony, of course, is that so many people are turned off to him as Bond. He certainly is handsome enough to play Bond in the film and undeniably fit enough for the part, too, yet his acting style--admittedly rough in parts--is no match for Connery, obviously still the reigning 007 after all these years. What's left then is a stellar production, based on, perhaps, the best Bond story, if not the most fun ("Goldfinger"), believable ("From Russia with Love") or outrageous ("You Only Live Twice"). Closely following one of Fleming's last novels (when the writer was already in poor health), "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" is a return to character-driven story for adults, where a cynical James Bond ultimately resigns as a spy to exact a personal justice on his archenemy, SPECTRE's Ernst Stavro Blofeld (a pre-Kojak Telly Savalas, solid in the role). Along the way, he rescues a suicidal countess (the magnificent and luscious Diana Rigg--by any chance, Dame Rigg, are you interested in marrying me?) who turns out to be his match in every way. As in Fleming's novel, the film effectively combines melodrama with the sturdier themes of time, love, and fate, as Bond races the inevitable, a half step ahead of the enemy. Though some of director Peter Hunt's quick, zooming cuts during fight sequences may dizzy you, he commands an ahead-of-its-time sensibility in many scenes, which are crisply photographed and capably staged (the only real exceptions being some of the rear-projection work). Add John Barry's terrific score--including a bold instrumental opening theme--topnotch production values, great moments that speak to Bond as a person rather than an icon, and Bernard Lee's wonderfully irascible "M" and Lois Maxwell's warm "Moneypenny," and the result is a flawed but still terrific 007 outting, well worth adding to a film collection.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service
After Sean Connery left after You Only Live Twice,UA needed a new actor to play James Bond.Comparing their search for James Bond to a search for Scarlett O' Harra, Albert Broccoli finally chose an unknown Australian actor named George Lazenby.Lazenby wasn't very good Diana Rigg was.Telly Savalas is my least favorite Ernst Blofeld because Ernst Blofeld is NOT supposed to be a strongman who can beat up OO7 and walk all around and wear a blue jacket.Charles Gray is my favorite Blofeld in Diamonds are Forever but Donald Pleasance was good too in You Only Live Twice.Another flaw is that OO7 does not recognize Blofeld.However,in Diamonds are Forever,Bond does not say anything to Blofeld about killing his wife.The plot is kind of lost in the movie.But incredible action sequences such as a super exciting ski chase, a great fight where OO7 battles Blofeld on a speeding bobsled and where Draco's men and Bond attack Blofeld's allergy clinic.The instrumental by John Barry was excellent as was the score.The setting high in the Swiss Alps was gorgeous.The cinematography wasn't very good though.Sean Connery ended up returning in Diamonds are Forever.An interesting thing is that the name for The World is Not Enough came from Bond's family motto which is mentioned in this film.This is also the only Bond movie in which OO7 gets married.

On His Lazenby's Secret Service
The most underrated movie in the biggest film franchise of all time,OHMSS is highly regarded by 007 movie fans as the best movie.One of the reasons it hasn't topped Goldfinger ,due to the fact James Bond was not portrayed by Sean Connery, but an Australian model in his first acting job.
George Lazenby took on the role of 007 when Connery exited after You Only Live Twice (1967).Although lacking Connery's charisma (like the later Bond actors), Lazenby was a superb choice and did a wonderful job despite filling some big shoes.
But what really makes this movie so great is the story itself.Based from one of Ian Fleming's last Bond novels,It deals with Bond taking a leave from MI6 to track down Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savales).He teams up with Italian crime boss Draco (Gabriele Ferzetti) who offers to help Bond in exchange for him to marry his daughter Tracy (Diana Rigg).Bond goes undercover to Blofeld's mountaintop lair in Switzerland to uncover Blofeld's new plot of world domination,all the while in an uncharacteristic move, he falls in love with Tracy and marries her.
OHMSS spectacular scenes includes chases on skis, cars and bobsleds,as well as the destruction of the villian's lair.The most disturbing image of all Bond movies is the end scene after Bond and Tracy's wedding.
Although a hit at the box office in late 1969, it didn't perform as well as previous Bond films.Lazenby also departed the role, fearing that Bond pics would disappear after a while (!!!).Connery would return for one last time in Diamonds are Forever(1971), while Lazenby became a footnote in the Bond legacy.Many have wondered if Connery would've stuck it out to play in OHMSS (or Lazenby doing DAF).Either way,OHMSS will always be the most debated if not the most spectacular Bond film of all time.

Ian Fleming shaken, not stirred
This was the first Bond movie I ever saw in the theater, Dec.31, 1969. For a young kid like me, it was the greatest way on earth to usher out the Sixties. Years of Bond hype, Bond toys, and Sean Connery worship finally came to a head. Yet this was the new guy, a somewhat blasphemous situation to be in. Still, no one ever entered a movie theater with higher expectations.

Let me just say this: from the opening credits I was transported to a wonderland of excitement and delight. The music, the villain, the fights, the women, and especially George Lazenby made it a great, great, great Bond movie. To this day, I regard it as possibly the film I have enjoyed more than any other I have seen. Briefly, let me dissect what made it such a great 007 film:

1.The Villain-Telly Savalas should have been Blofeld many more times. He is menacing and a good physical opponent for Bond. Savalas was doing many villains at this time in his career (Dirty Dozen, etc.) mainly because he was so good at it. Telly's Blofeld is very true to Ian Fleming. Along with Robert Shaw and Gert Frobe, I rate him among the best of the Bond villains.

2. The fights-the editing is outstanding, creating fast, violent brawls. Lazenby is quite formidable and believably dangerous-the way Bond should be and hasn't been since. The best Bond fight scene that stands alone is certainly with Oddjob, but the numerous fights in OHMSS are the most realistic and violent.

3.The Women-Diana Rigg (need we say more)-a real actress and the fantasy of every pubescent boy watching The Avengers. Also plenty of eye-candy in the chalet of Blofeld. And throw in Frau Bunt who seems resurrected in the Austin Power movies-she's a pure Fleming character: an evil sexless matron.

4.The music-definitely high-style John Barry. It is a departure from his earlier Connery films and very original. It's just great adventure music and the main title is damn dangerous to be listening to when driving your car. For fun, my kids and I have synchronized it to driving the mountain route in Sega Gt 2002-it's the perfect soundtrack. As an Album alone OHMSS is a proud possesion in my record collection.

5.Finally, (and ladies and gentlemen, I could go on and on about this) dear Mr. Lazenby. How anyone could be at the top, with the highest profile movie persona in the world, and then drop to almost total obscurity is lamentable to the most Shakespearean proportions. George was so young (stil in his twenties!) during OHMSS, he could have been Bond into the mid-nineties. I saw him playing a Bond-like character in some cheap John Stamos movie and he was still exciting to watch-too bad Stamos was the star. Bond must provoke intrigue, sophistication, sex, and violence. George Lazenby had it all. To you, Mr. Lazenby, wherever you are, I lift my glass in a toast to your James Bond of OHMSS.

I promised to be brief and so I end with so much unsaid about this terrific movie. New Year's Eve 1969 was an unforgettable movie experience. How many films can you remember the exact date you first saw them?

The weakest ending for any Bond film
It's no surprise there were no other Lazenby Bond movies. This one almost makes you root for the bad guys. The ending is idiotic and displays a total lack of creativity on side of the producers. ... Read more

Book Description

One of that handful of fictional characters whose names have passed into common usage, Little Lord Fauntleroy embodies the author's belief that "Nothing in the world is so strong as a kind heart."

Young Cedric Errol lives in poverty in New York with his mother. On the death of his English father -- disinherited for marrying an American -- Cedric is summoned to the family castle by his grandfather. There the crotchety Earl plans to transform the boy into a docile, traditional lordling.

But Little Lord Fauntleroy does the converting. Through his goodness and innocence, he wins the hearts of his English relatives, who welcome his mother warmly. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Little Lord Fauntleroy - Ricky Schroeder version
I remember seeing this show when I was very young and was very disappointed to find it unavailable. If one every became available, I would purchase it immediately.

The New World comes to the Old World
This delightful story has a reputation for being very sentimental, and it is, but it is also filled with humour. Cedric Errol, an all-American boy, discovers to his dismay that he is the heir to an English earldom, and has to go to England to live with his stern old grandfather, who despises Americans (he must have been reading the Guardian, I suppose). Gradually they learn to like each other, and the grandfather even comes around to liking Cedric's American mother. There is a melodromatic sub-plot involving a false heir, but the story is really interesting enough without it. The best character in the book is Cedric's friend Mr. Hobbs, a staunchly Republican grocer who despises earls "I'd like to catch one of em inside here; that's all!" he tells Cedric, before he knows Cedric is one of them "I'll have no graspin tyrants sittin round on my buiscuit barrels!" By the end of the book though, he has become so attached to Cedric that he sells his grocery business and settles in England, where he becomes an avid follower of aristocratic doings. He says he'll never return to America "It's a good enough country for them that's young and stirrin - but there's faults in it. there's not an aunt-sister among em - nor an earl!" Which pretty much sums up how I feel about America too.

Wow: is the only thing that I can say...
This is an excellent book. The man who wrote the book is called F.H.Burnett (Francis Hodgson Burnett).
I read this book because my sister was telling me all day long to read it. Now I have to say thanks to her, because it's a great book, what's more, is one of the best books I've ever read.
It is about a boy called Cedric Errol. He's not only intelligent but also kind and beautiful. He used to live with his father and his mother, but his father died, so he started trying to make his mother happier.
One day, he was in the corner with her close friend Hobbs (he is a man, not a boy), when the woman that works in his house, Mary, went to the corner to tell to Cedric that he have to return to his house. There he saw a man... This man was called Mr.Havisham, he was the lawyer of Cedric's grandfather. This man was there to go with Cedric and his mother to Dorincourt (that was the castle of his grandfather). Cedric would become a Lord, Lord Fauntleroy. At first, he doesn't like that but then...all the things change.
The lawyer of his grandfather gave him a lot of money to do what he wanted. The surprise was that Cedric, instead of buying things for himself, decided to help other people. For example: he helped the old woman that sold apples in the street to buy a shop.
When Cedric met his granfather, he thinks that his grandfather is the kindest man in all the world, but this opinion is not the same that the poor people that lives there have.
Cedric and the countess become very close. But suddenly, a woman appeared telling to all the people that her son was the real Lord Fauntleroy. This new Lord was very stupid and he was not what we can call "beautiful". Obviouslly, the countess doesn't accept that this stupid boy was the son of his son, and he starts investigating.
Here I have to stop, if not I will tell you all the book, no?. Well, I recommend this book, it is really amazing!!!
Andre (=_0)

Classic Role for Shirley Temple
This story is admittedly sentimental and even syrupy, but admirers of Frances Hodgeson Burnett won't care! If you've enjoyed The Little Princess and The Secret Garden, you surely will want to read her third famous children's classic. The seven-year-old American protagonist is simply too sweet and good-natured to be true; his widowed mother is a study in patient suffering.

Suddenly informed that her son is the heir to an Earldom in England, the mother gives up her homeland to restore her son to his rightful legacy. But his crusty old grandfather
(who cast out his youngest son when he married a mere American) proves mean and selfish-universally hated by his tenants. Now this unexpected grandson may be his last chance--not only to continue the family name and honor, but more importantly, for the old man's personal growth.

It's a challenge for American readers to understand the dialogue which Burnett often presents in dialect, while ignoring the distinction between New Yorkese and British peasant slang. Neverthless, this book is a gently told tale which will touch those unjaded readers who remain. The underlying theme may be that of the restorative power of innocence.

Little Lord Fauntleroy
I am also looking for a copy of Little Lord Fauntleroy with Ricky Shroder and Alec Guinness. I have seen all the other films of this title and none comes close to the wonderful feeling you get when you watch this version. I also wish it would come out on DVD. I would buy it in a minute. I lost my VHS version due to a flood and of all things I lost I miss this one the most. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Fine Action Movie With A Great Performance From Moore
This film took me off guard. Being a big Bond fan, I watched it only for Moore. Not only was this one of his best performances ever, this film was a damn good action movie. James Mason and Anthony Perkins add great support. How could you not like a guy who loves cats and hates women? Ffolkes is the man!

Truly spectacular.
There's very little I can say about "ffolkes" that hasn't been said before (and better) by others, but I'll try my best.

In a complete departure from Bond, Moore portrays Lord ffolkes, an arrogant, eccentric, chauvenistic diver who leads a crack mercenary commando diving team in the employment of Lloyd's of London. Opposite him is Anthony Perkins as Kramer, one of the most dementedly amoral villains I've ever seen on film. Both actors give spectacular, over-the-top performances, which may seem corny and unbelievable if not for the larger-than-life aspect of the film.

People who grew up reading Action Force in Marvel's "Battle" magazine will find a lot of similar qualities among the plot and dialog of "ffolkes." It's hard for me to pin down a word to describe that styling, unfortunately..

Overall, this is a classic suspense-thriller, not too tense but not too predictable, with satisfyingly intense (yet relatively bloodless) action sequences.

The only downside is that "ffolkes" never spun off into a post-Bond franchise for Mr. Moore..

A True Gem!!!! A fine performance by Roger Moore!!!!
"ffolkes" is an under appreciated and little known film starring, then current James Bond, Roger Moore. For those critics that always felt that Moore was only a "tailor's dummy" standing in for Sean Connery, this script proved that Moore could indeed give a convincing performance as someone other than James Bond or Simon Templer.

Just as much as the "Tailor of Panama" was a departure from Bond for Pierce Brosnan, "ffolkes" provided just such a vehicle for Moore. While the distributing company advertised the movie as a 007-style, action adventure piece, it really is more of a hostage drama and showcase for the remarkable character that is Rufus Excaliber ffolkes. To say that Moore makes a believable misogynist and all-around grump is an understatement, yet Moore fashions a very likable and sympathetic character who is entertaining to watch in action. Whether ffolkes demands to speak directly with the Prime Minister (stating that ..."she seems to have some grasp of the situation") or comments that he has never taken "10 minutes" to complete a Sunday Times crossword puzzle, the movie offers some great moments. It is a shame that "ffolkes" (also known as "Assault Force" and "North Sea Hijack") did not really find an audience and offer Moore a chance to reprise this role. Anthony Perkins makes nasty villain, who has some good lines of his own (such as stating to the chief British Government negotiator that the admiral makes it sound as though the "ransom is coming from his and the Queen's joint bank account.").

I am grateful that this movie, one of my favorites, is finally available on DVD and hope that people will find it enjoyable and discover that Roger Moore can really act.

Excellent movie, finally on DVD!
This has long been a favorite of mine, and I am thrilled to see it on DVD. A totally opposite, non-Bond role for Roger Moore, he plays it to the hilt. Anthony Perkins is also very good.

It's about time!
Ffolkes is one of my all-time favorite movies. A while back, I purchased the VHS version and it looked like it was an old bootleg! The picture and audio quality was the worst I had ever seen on an official release! Needless to say, I was very happy to hear that it was going to be released on DVD, and I can imagine that the picture and audio quality will be up to DVD standard. As far as the film goes, it has a great cast and a great mix of drama, action, and humor! In a role which is very different from his James Bond persona, Moore pulls off the grumpy, cat-loving action hero perfectly! Also watch for outstanding performances from the late Anthony Perkins and James Mason. The story revolves around a group terrorists (headed by Anthony Perkins) who hijack a boat in the North sea, and threaten to blow up a couple of oil rigs if the British government do not meet their demands. Ffolkes (played by Roger Moore) is brought in to thwart the hijackers' plans. The story is a unique twist on the terrorist/hostage theme which has become so commonplace in recent years, and being made in 1980, this movie can only be viewed as a true original which should not be missed! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I Like This Movie!
This is a good movie and I think Alyssa Milano from Charmed was super and so was Sir John Gielguld (Not sure if I spelled his last name right.

If you are a fan of Alyssa or John Gielguld you will probbaly like this movie too!

The John Gielgud/Alyssa Milano Version!
This is not the old 1944 Charles Laughton Canterville Ghost movie but the 1986 modern retelling of the story and it stars John Gielgud, Alyssa Milano, Ted Wass and Andrea Marcovicci and is about an American family who inherit an old English castle that is haunted by a ghost who does not want to share his house and trys to scare them away but he discovers that the young daughter of the new owner is not afraid of him and soon they become friends and she wants him to scare off her new step-mother. I thought that this movie was really cute and it had a great cast, especially John Gielgud and Alyssa Milano and I highly recommend this movie and I'm hoping that it will be put on DVD! FYI: The Canterville Ghost is based on a story by Oscar Wilde.

What a great movie!
I also remember watching this movie as a child. Every once in a while our local TV station would play it (always on Sunday afternoon).
Charles Laughton does a wonderful job as the Ghost. Robert Young and the very young Natalie Wood delight the viewers as well, thus contributing to the production of a movie that you can play for the entire family...even today!
I recommend it highly!

Best film Ever Made!
I saw this film on English Tv when I was 6 I loved it and for about 5 years we had half of it on tape though I could still remeber all of it, I eventually got it and I must say it is fantastic and I will always be A fan of Sir John Gielgud, I would recomend this wonderfull film to anyone I met. I have wanted this video for over 15 years but it hasalways aluded me, until now. At Last I have a copy even if it is American and does not play properly on my English video recorder, I would never part with it for anything in the world.

Best movie of all time
The Canterville Ghost WAS my childhood..I have watched it so much and never tire of it..the quotes from the movie are like those from Starwars..me and my brother would constantly use them. "Deeds of blood..Murder! Walk abroad" I never knew Alyssa Milano was Jennifer until recently..this really is a great cast..Guildgud (sp) is the unrivalled star and makes the movie for me. He is superb..he really puts in depth to his character. Turning him from a tyrant, to a sad ghost with hints of comedy thrown in. I don't think it's that scarey..I was 8 when I first saw it..I was more scared my 'Polterguiest' at the time..but when you're a kid scarey movies are the best movies to watch. Everyone should own this and everyone should watch it. It's a classic. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If Little Lord Fauntleroy is a crusty, curmudgeonly sort of book, the BBC film adaptation is even crustier. For here, among these 100 overstarched and often overacted minutes, are more frown lines, furrowed brows, and pasty complexions than you can shake a Victorian walking stick at. It's not that the story isn't compelling. True to the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic, a humble and kindly 10-year-old boy living a hardscrabble life alongside his widowed mother in 1870s New York is dispatched by England's Earl of Dorincourt, his dreary and shrunken-hearted though fabulously wealthy grandfather, to claim his title--he shall be Lord Fauntleroy. This is to the old man's distaste, as he is of the opinion that unmannered scum dwells across the pond. Worse for young Cedric, his mother is relegated to a cottage outside the castle, where he is to live. Predictably, the ingenuous lad, a real gee-whiz kind of a kid, soon lights a fire beneath his grandfather's frosty heart. Right when things begin to feel warm and fuzzy, though, another foul American, this one a shameless social climber and pretender on her son's behalf to the lordship, elbows her way in, aiming to conquer the castle. Fortunately, a couple of good ol' boys from back home bust a move to blow her cover. Morose moods aside, what whacks away at the modern viewer's funny bone is the cast's brittleness. Everyone's too cut and dried, too black or white, either beaming beatifically or incapable of cracking a smile. Still, don't count this version out if you're a big Burnett fan, or if certain children in your family display drama queen or king tendencies. -Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Little Lord Fauntleroy - Ricky Schroeder version
I remember seeing this show when I was very young and was very disappointed to find it unavailable. If one every became available, I would purchase it immediately.

The New World comes to the Old World
This delightful story has a reputation for being very sentimental, and it is, but it is also filled with humour. Cedric Errol, an all-American boy, discovers to his dismay that he is the heir to an English earldom, and has to go to England to live with his stern old grandfather, who despises Americans (he must have been reading the Guardian, I suppose). Gradually they learn to like each other, and the grandfather even comes around to liking Cedric's American mother. There is a melodromatic sub-plot involving a false heir, but the story is really interesting enough without it. The best character in the book is Cedric's friend Mr. Hobbs, a staunchly Republican grocer who despises earls "I'd like to catch one of em inside here; that's all!" he tells Cedric, before he knows Cedric is one of them "I'll have no graspin tyrants sittin round on my buiscuit barrels!" By the end of the book though, he has become so attached to Cedric that he sells his grocery business and settles in England, where he becomes an avid follower of aristocratic doings. He says he'll never return to America "It's a good enough country for them that's young and stirrin - but there's faults in it. there's not an aunt-sister among em - nor an earl!" Which pretty much sums up how I feel about America too.

Wow: is the only thing that I can say...
This is an excellent book. The man who wrote the book is called F.H.Burnett (Francis Hodgson Burnett).
I read this book because my sister was telling me all day long to read it. Now I have to say thanks to her, because it's a great book, what's more, is one of the best books I've ever read.
It is about a boy called Cedric Errol. He's not only intelligent but also kind and beautiful. He used to live with his father and his mother, but his father died, so he started trying to make his mother happier.
One day, he was in the corner with her close friend Hobbs (he is a man, not a boy), when the woman that works in his house, Mary, went to the corner to tell to Cedric that he have to return to his house. There he saw a man... This man was called Mr.Havisham, he was the lawyer of Cedric's grandfather. This man was there to go with Cedric and his mother to Dorincourt (that was the castle of his grandfather). Cedric would become a Lord, Lord Fauntleroy. At first, he doesn't like that but then...all the things change.
The lawyer of his grandfather gave him a lot of money to do what he wanted. The surprise was that Cedric, instead of buying things for himself, decided to help other people. For example: he helped the old woman that sold apples in the street to buy a shop.
When Cedric met his granfather, he thinks that his grandfather is the kindest man in all the world, but this opinion is not the same that the poor people that lives there have.
Cedric and the countess become very close. But suddenly, a woman appeared telling to all the people that her son was the real Lord Fauntleroy. This new Lord was very stupid and he was not what we can call "beautiful". Obviouslly, the countess doesn't accept that this stupid boy was the son of his son, and he starts investigating.
Here I have to stop, if not I will tell you all the book, no?. Well, I recommend this book, it is really amazing!!!
Andre (=_0)

Classic Role for Shirley Temple
This story is admittedly sentimental and even syrupy, but admirers of Frances Hodgeson Burnett won't care! If you've enjoyed The Little Princess and The Secret Garden, you surely will want to read her third famous children's classic. The seven-year-old American protagonist is simply too sweet and good-natured to be true; his widowed mother is a study in patient suffering.

Suddenly informed that her son is the heir to an Earldom in England, the mother gives up her homeland to restore her son to his rightful legacy. But his crusty old grandfather
(who cast out his youngest son when he married a mere American) proves mean and selfish-universally hated by his tenants. Now this unexpected grandson may be his last chance--not only to continue the family name and honor, but more importantly, for the old man's personal growth.

It's a challenge for American readers to understand the dialogue which Burnett often presents in dialect, while ignoring the distinction between New Yorkese and British peasant slang. Neverthless, this book is a gently told tale which will touch those unjaded readers who remain. The underlying theme may be that of the restorative power of innocence.

Little Lord Fauntleroy
I am also looking for a copy of Little Lord Fauntleroy with Ricky Shroder and Alec Guinness. I have seen all the other films of this title and none comes close to the wonderful feeling you get when you watch this version. I also wish it would come out on DVD. I would buy it in a minute. I lost my VHS version due to a flood and of all things I lost I miss this one the most. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Mediocre, lavish but empty but compelling
George Cukor's impossibly ambitious version of Lawrence Durrell's superb "Alexandria Quartet" (of which "Justine" is only the first volume) is quite mediocre, lavish but empty, but compelling in a strange way. It is garish kitsch but just when you want to totally discount it, the performances pull you in. It is colorful, well-cast and generally well acted: Ana Karina is actually quite wonderful as the belly dancer Melissa; Dirk Bogarde (Pursewarden) , Philipe Noiret (Pombal), and John Vernon (Nessim) are equally good. Look for those fine actors Michael Dunn and Abraham Sofaer in tiny roles. Filmed in Tunisia, Cukor took over from the feckless Joseph Strick who destroyed Henry Miller's "Tropic of Cancer" only the year before.

A trio of fine performances!
Distilling Durrell's complex novel was an impossible task, as Cukor's attempt shows. The renowned Hollywoood director inherited the project from Joseph Strick. Not quite the unmitigated disaster some critics claim it to be. Anouk Aimee is beautiful to look at, but it is the triad of Dirk Bogarde, Philippe Noiret and Anna Karina which stands out. Karina is especially touching as the doomed bellydancer Melissa--a performance overlooked by Oscar voters in 1968!

argh! no don't!
ok it was an almost impossible task to reduce the brilliant quartet to the screen, but this was just so disappointing. more than anything, it felt, well, cold and claustrophobic. END ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this sequel to The Secret Garden, set in 1946, an American orphan named Lizzie (Camilla Belle) gets to live at Misselthwaite Manor in England courtesy of Mary Craven (Cherie Lunghi), who grew up there. It's now an orphanage and Martha Sowerby (Joan Plowright) has become headmistress. Although the garden is no longer secret, neither is it as lush as it became under Mary's care. Because Lizzie also has a green thumb, Miss Sowerby allows her to work on it during Sundays, but it's off limits to children the rest of the week. Lizzie just can't stay away, so she breaks the rules and gets in trouble. By the end, she has found a way--with Miss Sowerby's permission--to make the garden bloom again. Although this film lacks the suspense of The Secret Garden, it's faithful to the spirit of the original and is suitable for the whole family. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (6)

very good like the 1st
I don't know that there is a second part of the secret garden. but when I see the DVD I was happy that they make this movie !!!
I'm from austria and here it's not possible to get this movie, because they didn't translate it. After this I by DVD's only in the original language because ther are much better, as you can see at "BACK TO THE SECRET GARDEN" If its possible this movie gets 10 STARS **********

As good as the original
I have this recorded on a DVD and have watched it many times. I actully think I like it better than the 1993 version of The Secret Garden. I never did buy the uncle character in the first one and that kinda ruined the movie for me. All the characters in this movie are buyable to me, and the movie is lighter than the kinda dark original. The scenery is just as good as the original, the colors even more brilliant. The magic is still there and this has as many moving moments as the original does. Camilla Belle's part is as good as Kate Maberly's part was and she plays her role as good as Maberly did. They bring back a few of the people from the original which is always good to see, though I don't know about Mary being married to Collin in this one, they were blood relatives in the first. If you liked the original you should like this too.

The Garden needs help.
A great sequel to the many originals. It was great to see returning characters. Though the Garden may have shrunken a little if you're a fan of the Kate Maberly version, but the Magic is still there. When Miss Mary must leave Misstlethwait manor, the garden door disappears. Martha Sowerby, the house keeper, tries looks for it, but even with all the ivy covering it, she knows it's not there. No one knows why, but the Vibrance of the once gorgeous garden, is gone, and the plants are dying. But when a little orphan girl named Lizzie Buscana from America comes to live in the large orhanage, she realizes the garden needs her help. Dickon may not be here to help, but all by herself, Lizzie can bring back the magic just by using her own instincts. Martha, now much older, and wiser, starts to realize, that Lizzie may be the only one who can save the garden now. With a little help with some animal friends, a lot of tender loving care, and friendship, the kids of Misstlethwait can bring the garden back to life by just being themselves. It was a great adition to the secret garden collection. Some people say that the secret garden all by itself was fine, and that this movie wasn't needed, but watching this movie shows adults that kids need to play. In this case the garden wanted to be played in. Just sitting there in the middle of a field makes you feel alone. With the garden returning, and 5 star acting, you can make this another addition to your secret garden collection.

You don't have to be a child to love this movie
I just saw this today on pay-per-view. It's an absolute treasure of a movie. Why do the Brits do so much better at children's movies than we do? This has atmosphere, beautiful scenery, a talented cast, and is lovingly photographed. What a joy to see David Warner in this; he is probably the most under-rated actor of the 20th century. He is always believable, always a delight to see. I certainly intend to buy this movie, and watch it again and again. You will be drawn into this movie's wonderful universe at once, and never want to leave. These days, we all need a little magic, and this movie is a powerhouse in the magic and charm departments. When you've really arrived, you don't have to shout about it. This movie speaks softly and carries a big stick. A very delightful and welcome addition to any film library. The color is ravishing. I think that is why the Brits do better than we do; they understand visual impressions, sounds, colors, and children.

Back to the Secret Garden
Back to the Secret Garden is a wonderfully done film. And just for clarification, I gave five stars for the movie, not the DVD. The DVD comes with only two options, Play and Scene selection. It would be nice if it had some more options, but it's still more than worth it.

This movie has an excellent atmosphere to it. And I didn't expect to see David Warner in it. It really is to bad that its theatrical release was canceled.

Now what else can I saw about this movie? Oh yes, it stars Camilla Belle. Camilla is a very talented rising actress. You may remember her from her small, yet important role in Jurassic Park 2. She was the young girl attacked at the beginning of the movie. Or you may have seen her staring in the Disney Channel movie, Rip Girls. Had Back to the Secret Garden been released in theaters, as it was intended, it would have been Camilla's first staring role on the big screen. And for that reason alone it is a pity that it went straight to TV. ... Read more

Reviews (116)

I love this movie!
Miles Kendig (played Walter Matthau) is a CIA agent who is used to doing things his way. When his new chief, the abusive and bombastic G.P. Myerson (Ned Beatty), decides to retire him behind a desk, Kendig decides that the CIA needs a house cleaning--and that his memoirs would make the perfect broom. Now Kendig is on the run from the Agency: sending out new chapters, playing hide-and-seek with old associates. It's all a game, a game of hopscotch, and Kendig needs to keep one step ahead. Will he succeed? [Color, released in 1980, with a running time of 1 hour, 44 minutes.]

I have loved this movie since it came out in 1980! It is just the perfect mix of adventure and humor. Humorous, but not a comedy movie--it's an adventure story with a sense of humor. And now for the bad news: to make his character more dislikable, Ned Beatty swears incessantly in this movie, which makes it a little much to watch in front of small children (I have two). That said, though, I do not know why this movie deserved its R rating. There is no nudity, and practically no violence. And I must add, the swearing is not too much for adult viewers; I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't break into uproarious laughter when Myerson angrily gives his opinion of what FBI stands for!

Smart, Stylish Comedy
We saw this movie back in the early 1980's and loved it, but by the time we tried to get a copy, it had gone out of print. Many thanks to Criterion for releasing it on DVD! This film is superb, well-written and directed, with a cast of very gifted performers. The actors play their roles to the hilt and have a terrific chemistry onscreen.

The plot is basic revenge, perpetrated on the CIA by one of its top operatives. Walter Matthau plays the amiable Kendig, a man who's served in the field for decades and is an excellent agent. He's smart yet still down-to-earth; his reputation among the underworld of spydom is the stuff of legends. Kendig is respected even by his enemies for his savvy decisions and sense of fair play, and his reluctance to resort to dirty tricks. His new boss, Meyerson (Ned Beatty) resents his underling's popularity and decides to neutralize Kendig's effectiveness by yanking him from the field and assigning him to a desk job as a file clerk.

To say that Kendig despises his new boss would be a gross understatement. A switched file is shredded and Kendig vanishes, fleeing to Austria and his lover Isobel (Glenda Jackson). From there, he nurses his wounds and launches on his vengeance against Meyerson and the CIA by writing a book that reveals the agency's dirty tricks and botched missions. Meyerson is livid and assigns Joe Cutter (Sam Waterston) to put a stop to Kendig by any means necessary, especially assassination. Cutter admires Kendig and is torn by his personal feelings for the man and his desire to serve his country.

The story then twists and turns as Kendig leads his former employers on a huge wild goose chase. He calls them from a phone booth right near the CIA headquarters, hides out in Meyerson's southern house---which is later demolished by the feds themselves---, and feeds chapters of the book to Meyerson to whip him into a frenzy of ineffectual rage. He plans on getting the entire book to a publisher, and his means for doing so and ensuring his own protection from future assassination attempts are ingenious.

We are very happy that this movie was released to the public once again. Matthau is superb as a real man working in an unreal world of espionage. Herbert Lom is great for the role of his KGB counterpart, and Glenda Jackson is both tart and elegant as the enigmatic Isobel, who frankly adores Kendig. Ned Beatty plays the part of the oafish Meyerson to perfection, making the viewer hate him thoroughly. Waterston is in excellent form as the good-hearted and conflicted Cutter, and shows hints of his mildly acerbic wit that would come to fruition in his later role of McCoy. The supporting players are fine, too, and the plot is well-crafted and believable.

The DVD is nicely done. There aren't many extras, but it's beautifully produced and does have a nice feature: an alternate soundtrack that deletes the foul language, so even kids can watch it with their parents. We are pleased with our investment, and highly recommend "Hopscotch" to anyone who enjoys a well-done and stylish comedy. It's also perfect for fans of Walter Matthau!

He's about to expose the CIA, the FBI, the KGB...and himself
Off the top of your head, how many funny spy films can you think of? The James Colburn 'Flint' films of the 60's? The Austin Powers movies perhaps? Or that incredibly lame Leslie Nielsen film...Spy Hard (1996)? Over-the-top silliness seems to be a common theme in these films, but Hopscotch (1980), based on a book written by Brian Garfield, also a comedy involving spies, manages to rise above, avoiding the slapsticky and crude humor, rather providing a charming and intelligent story that entertains throughout. Directed by Ronald Neame (Prudence and the Pill, The Poseidon Adventure, The Odessa File), the film stars a wonderful and accomplished cast of actors including Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, Sam Waterston, Herbert Lom, and Ned Beatty.

Matthau plays Miles Kendig, one of the CIA's top field agents who suddenly finds himself relegated to a desk job after control of the department he works for is taken over by a petty, vindictive, and less than capable man named Myerson (Beatty) who seems to harbor a personal grudge against Kendig. Unable to deal with riding his career out behind a desk, Kendig leaves the agency, and, after much thought, decides to write his memoirs, detailing all kinds of juicy, sensitive stuff about not only his own agency, but also intelligence agencies throughout the world. After being in the biz for thirty years, he certainly has the inside scoop on all kinds of things, causing his former boss to put out the order for his termination, elimination, liquidation, extermination, what have you...with the aid of a wealthy widow and love interest named Isobel who was also once in the game, played by Jackson, Kendig begins leading his former colleagues on a chase that spans halfway around the globe, always managing to stay one or two steps ahead. Will he be able to finish his book before his old agency or that of a foreign power catches up to him? Even if he does, will he live to see his work published?

Hopscotch is a wonderfully witty, light comedy with a dash of sophistication that nearly everyone can enjoy. Matthau plays his role so perfectly that after seeing the film, you could imagine no one else in the part. He's certainly got that whole irascible charm thing down, and it fits with the character very well here. I loved how his character never seemed to lose his calm composure, constantly outwitting and outsmarting his former co-workers in leisure like fashion, given that he probably wrote the book and trained half the men now chasing him. The element of Kendig using the notion of a book for revenge at first, but then once removed from the work he participated in for so long and seeing just how nasty it is from an outside perspective decides to follow through with his initial threat of finishing the book and getting it published. Jackson plays so very well off Matthau, and they create a level of chemistry that's pretty rare, in my opinion, between on screen couples. They just seem to fit so naturally together, creating a level of believability to counteract the somewhat unrealistic element that the CIA are a mostly a bunch of bumbling buffoons. Did anyone else think her hair was a bit too short, giving her the appearance of a young boy? Maybe it was just me... I really enjoyed a young looking Waterston (Law and Order) as Cutter, Kendig's competent and intelligent protégé now responsible for finding and eliminating his former mentor. I read that he'd actually come into shooting late due to the film he was working on prior, Heaven's Gate (1980) ran past its' shooting schedule, and is the reason why Waterston looks so very tired in some of the scenes in Hopscotch. Herbert Lom is also very good as a Soviet agent named Yaskov, one "who's seen Casablanca one too many times", although I felt he deserved a bit more screen time. Ned (Squeal like a pig for me, boy) Beatty is a riot as Myerson, constantly exasperated by his group's futile attempts to put a lid on the loose cannon he himself let loose due to his own petty dislikes for Kendig. Imagine someone you work with that no one likes, and then that person finally getting a little bit of power, lording over certain individuals, power tripping here and there, but mostly tripping over his own feet, and you basically have Myerson. The direction by Neame was most excellent, keeping the viewer (me) engaged throughout, with a smooth, steady pace as the story unfolded, which is a bit light in some parts, but did nothing to reduce my enjoyment of this charming, funny film.

Criterion provides a superior high-definition digital transfer here in wide screen format and a cleaned up soundtrack. The quality of the picture is really fabulous, especially when compared to my old VHS copy. As far as special features are concerned, there's not as much as I would have thought from a Criterion release, but what's here is very worthy. There's liner notes on the insert inside the DVD case by Bruce Eder, a video introduction by writer Brian Garfield and director Roland Neame along with interviews, a separate audio track, a clean version created for television broadcast along with the original version (there's very little profanity in the film, but what this is comes from Ned Beatty's character Myerson) and an original theatrical trailer along with a teaser trailer for the film. If you're looking for a smartly funny engaging comedy that only gets better after repeated viewings, then Hopscotch is for you.

Cookieman108

Ughhh! What a Waste of Major Talents!
Rarely have such major talents (Matthau, Jackson and Beatty) been wasted in a film.

Matthau plays a CIA station chief who is called back to Washington when - against CIA instructions - he allows the KGB's top agent to go free after catching him dead to rights in an espionage sting.

How does Kendig (Matthau's character) deal with being "taken out of the game"? Against CIA policy, he proceeds to sell out U.S. national security interests by writing a best-selling expose of CIA covert operations. Ha, Ha! Real funny! What a laugh riot! The entire movie is standard liberal Hollywood fare - the CIA is stupid, the FBI is stupid, the iconoclast is irrascible and superior (he must be, he loves opera), yada, yada, yada.

And what, do you ask, is Kendig's stated motive in disclosing U.S. secrets in a best-selling book? To expose CIA wrong-doing? Uh, no. Is it to expose a rogue agent in the upper reaches of the CIA? No, not that either. To quote the film, it's payback because his boss "emasculated" him. I do not kid. That's what he says. Wow! What a riot! Get back at your boss by selling out your country!

I was in the last PATH train to be diverted from the World Trade Center PATH stop and watched the buildings go down - not on TV. I have subscriptions to the Metropolitan Opera and the City Opera. I DID NOT FIND THE PREMISE OF THIS FILM THE LEAST BIT FUNNY.

"Hopscotch"..."Good Title"
was suprised to see criterion release hopscotch, but glad they did. here matthau is repremanded for allowing a wanted KGB agent to walk. matthau's integrity is too precious to take guff from even the CIA. subsequently, he does not take the news of being reassigned to the job of file clerk very well so he begins to write his memoires, leaking secret information to the opposition. the ensuing chase is slapstick, a spy vs. spy comedy with great international locations. frankly, using the cold war as a catalyst for comedy was long overdue by 1980. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Fine Action Movie With A Great Performance From Moore
This film took me off guard. Being a big Bond fan, I watched it only for Moore. Not only was this one of his best performances ever, this film was a damn good action movie. James Mason and Anthony Perkins add great support. How could you not like a guy who loves cats and hates women? Ffolkes is the man!

Truly spectacular.
There's very little I can say about "ffolkes" that hasn't been said before (and better) by others, but I'll try my best.

In a complete departure from Bond, Moore portrays Lord ffolkes, an arrogant, eccentric, chauvenistic diver who leads a crack mercenary commando diving team in the employment of Lloyd's of London. Opposite him is Anthony Perkins as Kramer, one of the most dementedly amoral villains I've ever seen on film. Both actors give spectacular, over-the-top performances, which may seem corny and unbelievable if not for the larger-than-life aspect of the film.

People who grew up reading Action Force in Marvel's "Battle" magazine will find a lot of similar qualities among the plot and dialog of "ffolkes." It's hard for me to pin down a word to describe that styling, unfortunately..

Overall, this is a classic suspense-thriller, not too tense but not too predictable, with satisfyingly intense (yet relatively bloodless) action sequences.

The only downside is that "ffolkes" never spun off into a post-Bond franchise for Mr. Moore..

A True Gem!!!! A fine performance by Roger Moore!!!!
"ffolkes" is an under appreciated and little known film st