Reviews (8)

Where To Find ALL of the Christy Episodes!
Just about every reviewer has expressed a desire to find the whole series...well I found it! It's on www.christianbook.com
It's a little more expesive than amazon, but it has every episode, plus a boxed set of every episode (it's $100).
Hopefully this is helpful!

The TV Show Should be on DVD!
Christy was a great show, I watched it when it first aired on CBS and I watched the reruns on Pax but unfortunately they stopped showing reruns of the TV episodes in favor of new made for Pax movies not even starring the original actors. I think Kellie Martin was great as Christy Huddeston and gave the character a wonderful wide-eyed innocence that made the character very endearing and the show was very heartwaming. The rest of the actors in this show were great too including Tyne Daley as Miss Alice and Stewart Finley McClennon as Dr. MacNeil. I would like to see the TV show get all of it's episodes put out on DVD in a boxset.

Warmth and Compassion
Once again writer Patricia Green brings to life the story of Lenora Wood's time in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee as related in Catherine Marshall's fine novel about her mother. Just as in the origional movie and series starring Kellie Martin, she has dipped her pen in warmth and wholesome substance to give this feature length movie a special glow, perfectly capturing all that was great about the book.

Kellie Martin will forever be the only Christy Huddleston to most of us, as she also captured perfectly the young and exuberant 19 year old girl who came to Cutter Gap to teach and fell in love with her children. This story takes place around Thanksgiving and winter looks bleak for the already poor families of Cutter Gap. This one is dense with interweaving storylines. A church bell that David (Randall Bantinkoff) wants to get up the mountains, and a contest for the best turkey brought to a Thanksgiving feast are just two threads to this richly textured tapestry of substantive entertainment, the likes of which we rarely get anymore on television.

When Christy's father (Robert Foxworth) comes to visit, joy turns to heartache when he suffers a stroke and her prim mother (Dixie Carter) comes to Cutter Gap also. She will not allow the doctor (Stewart Finlay McLennan) to look at him even though he could help, allowing only her family doctor to attend to him. This causes much friction between she and Christy, who must decide whether to leave these mountains and her children and help care for her father.

While all this is going on there are some funny moments as both David and Doctor Neil humourously and subtly try to get the upper hand for Christy's heart, which is still divided. The children's efforts to camouflage themselves and get that prize turkey offer some light moments also. Tyne Daly is on hand again as Miss Alice, the Quaker woman who knows both heartache and these mountains and their people. Tess Harper is fine once more as Christy's friend Fairlight Spencer.

Hope and faith in the face of despair are themes played out in a tender and loving fashion, which is what this series always did. Christy will be suprised by her mother's unexpected connection to these people, and a gesture of love will make her painful decision an easy one. A dream Fairlight has results in a blessing for all who must make it through the winter in these Smokey Mountains, and a little boy will learn to overcome his prejudice before the heartwarming conclusion to this satisfying movie.

This outstanding drama was to good to remain on television for long but this wonderful addition to the origional film with Kellie Martin, and the series that follwed, is a 'must have' for all Christy fans.

The entire series
I hope to collect each video in the series. Christy's compassionate and passionate attempts to educate children and families of Cutter's Gap, Appalachia, North Carolina is inspiring, uplifting and entirely entertaining. Performances by Tyne Daly, Kellie Martin and Christy's cast touch and tickle one's deepest senses. The series is far beyond the usual forgetable fare found on television. Christy should be a welcome addition to any home video library. I only hope that one day, someone will produce a DVD set of the series.

christy
I have 1-11 of the Christy videos..#1-3 in spanish...I love them and would like to know how many are in spanish and how many videos are there total? Does christy marry? who? #11 did not show who she decided to marry. I would LOVE to know! Thanks! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Where To Find ALL of the Christy Episodes!
Just about every reviewer has expressed a desire to find the whole series...well I found it! It's on www.christianbook.com
It's a little more expesive than amazon, but it has every episode, plus a boxed set of every episode (it's $100).
Hopefully this is helpful!

Great video for children & adults!
I have been lucky enough to have all the Christy videos, and this one is one of my personal favorites! The acting is superb, and Amazing Grace features several notable guest stars: Judy Collins and John Schneider among them! You will learn the secrets behind Alice's daughter Margaret, and get to hear Judy Collins' beautiful singing.Do yourself a favor and watch this short lived but excellent series!

Great for the family
Christy is a story full of beloved characters and rich, beautiful mountain settings. The story is about the experiences of a young girl who moves to the mountains to teach school for the mission. There hasn't been anything on tv this wonderful for families since Little House on the Pairie. Get a copy to watch over and over! (and get the book too!) ... Read more

Reviews (8)

nicky, don't lose that number...
Great Cold War intrigue with all the nifty spy vs. spy plots and subplots with the obligatory "follow that car/plane" action sequences.

Nicky (Nicholas Dalchimsky, played by Donald Pleasance) goes on a rampage calling all those ex-KGB agents with a deadly phone mantra that rekindles their brain implanted directives to blow up some antiquated American military facility.

In order to stop this madness, staid agent Charles Bronson gets hooked up with with his flighty counterpart, Lee Remick, and sparks immediately fly! This matchup provides great tension and inevitable release between the two principals. They go on a cross-country romp to try to predict the antagonist's next move. The plot gets thicker as those who control the two aforementioned agents have ideas of their own.

Tyne Daly does the screen justice with her portrayal as the nerdy CIA computer whiz, who statistically narrows down who the adversary might be.

The story line moves along at a nice pace, augmented by the varied locales that are encountered on their mission to stop this madman. A must for Cold War buffs!

Another Bronson Thriller
Wow, another Bronson thriller. Bronson as a KGB agent trying to stop a potential World War 3 after the cold war has ended some time ago. Sleeper agents are blowing up everything, and Bronson is the only one that has a chance to find the man that is setting them off with that triggering "telefon" call. Lots of action. This movie makes you think: is this really based on fiction? You never really know who is living right next door to you....do you?

Telefon
This is a great movie. It should be on DVD. It is an interesting Cold War Era Spy thriller. Bronson does a particularly good job portraying a Russian KGB agent. Buy it it is great. This is truly some of Bronson's best work. Excellent Actin throughout the film.

A Mediocre But Entertaining Charles Bronson Action Movie
In 1978, I saw this film in a theater on a double-bill with the Peter Sellers' comedy "The Pink Panther Strikes Again." "Telefon" is a forgettable yet fun Charles Bronson thriller.

Crazed Russian defector Donald Pleasence sets out to activate a group of hypnotized human-time bombs who were programmed many years earlier. Russian agent Charles Bronson is out to stop Pleasence.

"Telefon" is a so-so yet entertaining Charles Bronson picture. As a brainwashing-oriented political paranoia thriller, "Telefon" is nowhere near as witty and chilling as John Frankenheimer's "The Manchurian Candidate." Nevertheless, "Telefon" is still a fun movie. The film also has none of the sleaziness that would characterize the Bronson movies of the 1980s. "Telefon" never has a dull moment from start to finish. Charles Bronson may have been the greatest action hero of the big screen. Bronson exudes an absolutely formidable presence. Donald Pleasence, who previously worked with Bronson in the unforgettable classic "The Great Escape," is one of cinema's more underrated villains. A pre-"Cagney And Lacey" Tyne Daly has a small supporting role.

Although the film doesn't qualify as a classic, "Telefon" is for all Charles Bronson fans.

Excellent Thriller During the Cold War Era !
I just finished seeing this movie on Turner Classic Movies in Letterbox format,it looks excellent. I thinks its time Mgm does
the same thing. Its about a Russian experiment gone wrong and Bronson must do to stop the menace before war breaks out. A must for Bronson fans ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Reeve and Arquette really shine.
The plot of this survival movie is adequate. But where the movie really shines is in the relationship between Reeve and Arquette and the changes they inspire in each other. If you are a Reeve or Arquette fan then this should be a must have. If you're not a fan you may well be after watching this film.

It barely flies
If you're a Christopher Reeve fan, you'll like this movie. If not, then you're in for just another "surviving-in-the-wilderness" tale of an American mail pilot in one of the last days of flying before pilots actually carried passengers. Reeve does a good job of portraying Edgar, a former WW1 flight instructor who's trying to overcome the scars of the death of a student. He crashes in the mountains in the midst of a mail run with a brat of a girl played by Arquette. Surviving with little food, plagued by the cold, hunger and a pack of mean wolves, Reeve triumphes in the end. You didn't expect anything less of Superman now didja? ... Read more

Reviews (35)

True to the Show.
Unlike the 1963 film of the same name, this 1995 made-for-television movie of the classic musical stays true to the source. The film contains just about everything from the stage musical plus three new songs. The acting is great, the songs are a blast, and the settings/scenery capture the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio perfectly.

Tyne Daly as Mae Peterson, George Wendt as Mr. McAfee, and Vanessa Williams as Rose Alvarez are perfect.Jason Alexander is a delight as Albert Peterson, but seemed to have trouble with some of the songs and I therefore liked Dick Van Dyke's Albert from the original film better. Chynna Philips, on the other hand, just doesn't seem believable as Kim: she appeared way too old and just couldn't hit the right notes of her songs. Ann-Margaret was by far the better Kim. Also, I didn't like the fact that Hugo carried a guitar around (too Conrad Birdie wannabee, which Hugo definitely is not) and the scene at the end of the play where Kim announces her engagement to Hugo was cut. Other than that, the film really has no flaws.

This version of BYE BYE BIRDIE is far superior to the original. At just around two hours, it's just like watching the play, but in your own home.

Funny and Entertaining
This 1995 made for TV movie is millions of miles away from the tacky propaganda-filled 1963 film. This version follows the real story and doesn't leave out any key parts or songs. The casting was done well, especially Tyne Daly as Mae Peterson (hilarious) and the actor who plays Conrad Birdie--an amazing voice! George Wendt plays the role of Mr. MacAfee and not only can he sing but is a riot in the Ed Sullivan scene. However, Chynna Phillips is not a great choice for Kim--she looks too old, her singing voice is only so-so (Kim's songs have all been lowered an octave) and the way she interpreted the role made Kim seem snotty. One of the best scenes is when Ursula and co. are doing "Bye Bye Birdie" at the malt shop--their voices and enthusiasm are unbelievable. All in all, it's a great show, excellent viewing for anyone wanting to produce or direct the musical.

Fabulous!
I actually saw this version before I saw the 1963 version, and so I was used to the 1995 one. That said, when I saw the 1963 version, I was appalled. That scrawny teenager for the role of sex-symbol Birdie? Ann-Margaret, on the other hand, actually looked the part of a fifteen year old, as oppesed to Chynna Phillips. Tyne Daly, Vanessa Williams, George Wendt, the man who played Conrad, and the girl who played Ursula far outstripped their predecessors. Jason Alexander was a delight in playing up Albert's neurosis, but he just wasn't as delightful as Dick Van Dyke (but who is, really?). Speaking of delightful, I was pleasantly surprised to see Uncle Arthur from "Bewitched" in the first film. The story line of the 1995 version was also more coherently flowing than that of 1963. I absolutely loved the new songs, especially the one just coming into Sweet Apple, where Rosie and Albert were giving the press the "true" story of where Conrad came from. The big dance numbers were also so much better choreographed and filmed in 1995, particularly the "Goin' Steady" and "Sincere" numbers. To tell the truth, I could not watch all of the 1963 version, where I have seen the 1995 version at least 10 times.

Outstanding
Vanessa Williams and Jason Alexander sparkle! The music is great, particularly Tyne Daly's rendition of "Mothers Aren't Important Anymore." The movie stays with the original story line, which means you get some real depth in terms of the relationship between William's and Alexander's characters. It is funny and clever. My whole family has enjoyed it for years, and still does (my children currently range in age from 14 to 24). IT SHOULD BE ON DVD!!!!!!!!

Bye Bye Bad Movie
Ugh! I know I shouldn't compare this to the 1963 movie, but [this] "Bye Bye Birdie" is inferior to the 1963 "Bye Bye Birdie" of the same name. The older movie has more spunk, character and better singing (Van Dyke, Margret, Rydell and yes, Paul Lynde & Pearson). The actors projected more fun on the screen in the older movie than this one. Arrrgh - Chynna Phillips singing. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Rest of The Series
Every aspect of the "Christy" series is wonderful... :)

The ENTIRE series is Great
Want more info on the ENTIRE series? ........................... :)

The Christy series is full of uplifting morals and values...it's also truly inspirational in that Christy is a true heroine as she fights for what's right, even though that's not always the easiest thing to do in CutterGap! She is a wonderful role-model for all ages.

A wonderful Series
This is a wonderful family movie. It is heartwarming and delightful. I would recommend it to anyone! I would love to have the whole set.

CHRISTY-DOUBLE FEATURE
HAVING A CABIN IN THE SMOKEY MOUNTAINS, I ENJOYED THIS VIDEO TREMENDOUSLY. I ONLY WISH I COULD PURCHASE THE WHOLE SERIES--HINT-HINT!

The "Christy" videos are wonderful with great morals!
I have several of the "Christy" videos and would sure like to know where I can find the rest. I have six and from a previous review read there are 19. They are wonderful! If anyone can help me find where to purchase the remaining 13, I would be very grateful! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is a filmed play, rather than a stage piece reimagined for the movies, which is probably why the general audience never cozied up to this intense picture. But Zoot Suit has a couple of significant attractions. First, it's a landmark Latino work from the pre-indie period, directed by Luis Valdez, an important figure in Chicano theater. Valdez based his acclaimed play on the zoot-suit riots of 1940s Los Angeles, when a group of young Chicano men were railroaded into jail on a murder charge. The director later found a mainstream audience with his juicy rock & roll bio La Bamba, and perhaps a bigger budget might have garnered Zoot Suit the same kind of acceptance. Daniel Valdez, the director's brother, plays the hero and also composed the flavorful songs; but the big draw here is the sensational performance of Edward James Olmos. A brooding actor just beginning his screen career, Olmos plays a flamboyant, hectoring, all-seeing figure called El Pachuco--a Greek chorus with attitude to burn. The wild contours of the zoot suit fit Olmos as snugly as his white shirt and black tie from Miami Vice. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A Chicano West Side Story -- entertaining and informative.
Director Luis Valdez has done an outstanding job in bringing us this highly entertaining and informative picture of life in LA in the 1940's. The music, song, dance, and story in itself will make you cry, laugh and want to swing along with the film. Edward James Olmos demonstrates his many talents as he sings, dances, and plays El Pachuco, trying to convince the hero (Daniel Valdez) to use violence rather than intelligence to overcome prejudice by "Anglos" toward the Latin culture. Great theatrical props and settings along with an in-show audience makes you feel truly part of the whole production. Loved it!

Zoot Suit
I saw this on the Independent Film many years ago, very good film, revolves around Gangs but gangs in the 1940's.

Also a film about Latinos (my people) and the problems they face in the inner city.

It's much better than those terrible soap opera's in Mexico, this film is a musical but it's also a drama focusing on different Hispanic characters.

Edward James Olmos career is synomonus with these type of films
most notable "American Me", "Stand and Deliver", "My family"
a great actor who is part of the real population.

Despite the great performances the film does suffer from
its story, you know several hot headed characters with their
attitude and lifestyles are only headed downhill and their
fates are predetermined.

Still "Zoot Suit" is a good film.

Chasing "The Capeman"
"Zoot Suit" was fighting and uphill battle for my appreciation. That's because I wanted it to be something else entirely. You see, I love the idea of filming live theatre. Purists and snobs will tell you that you lose something essential by taping a performance. Namely the immediacy of the live show--the audience's involvement, right there in the moment. But, on the other hand, that loss is inevitable and unavoidable. The camera is by its nature a detached observer. But it freezes in time what would otherwise be lost forever, unless of course it is revived. And revived is the perfect term because the work is on the brink of death until dedicated actors, directors and audiences are once again ready to breathe life into the piece. I have immense respect for the stage, but if I ever have the opportunity to write professionally I hope to start with screen or print because those two media are easily preserved. Which brings me at long last to my point, I rented "Zoot Suit" because it was close in theme to "The Capeman" which I want to see with all my heart. It has been gone from the stage for years, but is preserved in an almost inaccessible archive. "Zoot Suit" is here for all to see, and it is most certainly worth a viewing. It is much better than "West Side Story." Why is it that a play, which was first and foremost supposed to be an update of "Romeo and Juliet" has instead been elevated to being the end-all and be-all portrayal of street-gang life on the American stage? Anyway, rent it, watch it, enjoy it. Keep in mind that all three are separate plays and you will be much more apt to appreciate each in their own right. Just keep your fingers crossed that someone will take a risk and buy the rights to "The Capeman." I know I am.

Una pachanga musical!
Si usted es aficionado a la cultura chicana, la música swing de los años cuarenta, o de los artistas Edward James Olmos o Lalo Guerrero, ¡esta es la película para usted! La pantalla se enciende con una avalancha de música, baile y drama. La cinta lo lleva a experimentar una noche con el Teatro Campesino del dramaturgo Luis Valdez. ¡Luzca su mejor tacuche! ¡Dele brillo a esos calcos! Póngase abusado que la pachanga va empezar. ¡Simón, carnal!

Important historical drama, hampered by stilted production
This re-telling of the so-called "zoot suit riots" that rocked the Los Angeles homefront during World War II gets the facts right, but tells them rather poorly. Part of it is the super-stagey presentation, which basically is a filming of the play this was based on (right down to the shaking props and backdrops) and which takes little advantage of the possibilities of the film medium. Plus, Edward James Olmos is absolutely insufferable as the uber-symbolic Voice of The Barrio, although Daniel Valdez and Tyne Daly (!) are okay in their respective roles as a young man railroaded by the white establishment for a crime he did not commit, and as the commie agitator who comes to his defense. Anyone interested in the time period and in Chicano politics may benefit from watching this -- I rented it while doing some reseach on the "pachucho" R&B music scene -- but in dramatic and filmic terms, this is not a first-rate production. It's hammy and ham-fisted. Latter-day star spotting: El Teatro Campesion veteran Robert Beltran (of future "Star Trek Voyager" notoriety) has a bit role as a modern-day audience member... ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Welcome, Tonto
This is the third of five "Dirty Harry" films in which Eastwood stars as a San Francisco police detective. By the time the last appeared (The Dead Pool, in 1988), Eastwood had aged and times had changed but Callahan's non-negotiaable values and unorthodox methods had remained essentially the same. What I find especially interesting in this film is the relationship which develops between Callahan and his partner Kate Moore, skillfully portrayed by Tyne Daly. Until now, Callahan has indeed been a "lone ranger," alienated (by choice or circumstance) from his superiors and fellow officers as well as from the criminals whom he pursues with deadly efficiency. Over time, Moore eventually earns Callahan's respect and trust (albeit grudgingly) as they attempt to rescue San Francisco's kidnapped mayor (John Crawford) amidst all manner of mayhem unrelated to that assignment. Credit James Fargo with keeping the narrative flowing smoothly. The supporting cast is solid, notably Bradford Dillman (Captain McKay) and Harry Guardino (Lieutenant Bressler). There is plenty of action, of course, skillfully presented. Despite its lack of much subtlety or nuance, I recommend it to those with a taste for this sort of urban adventure film. Those who enjoy it should also check out Coogan's Bluff and Bullitt (both 1968) as well as The Gauntlet (1977).

Another fine example of why they call him 'Dirty' Harry.
A group of thugs passing themselves off as The People's Revolutionary Army (or something like that) grab a stockpile of weapons and ammunition, killing Harry Callahan's friend and partner in the process. Callahan's new partner is a woman, something he does not particularly agree with, and she can barely keep up as Inspector #71 tears through San Francisco looking for the PRA. The Enforcer (Dirty Harry #3) lacks the grit and energy of the first Dirty Harry and the excessive bullet riddled body count of the second (Magnum Force). In comparison it almost seems sedate, both visually and in terms of its action content. What the movie does offer is a solid, if a bit routine, police action thriller story made better than average by its script. Harry's deathbed visit to the fading Frank DiGiorgio and his snappy relationship with rookie Inspector Kate Moore are both well done. On the action side of things, fans will no doubt enjoy Harry's unique handling of a hostage situation, a foot chase across San Francisco's rooftops, and the kidnapping of The Mayor. Recommended.

Trivia - This is the only film in the series not scored by Lalo Schifrin. He was unavailable at the time. Harry Guardino returns as Lt. Bressler from the first Dirty Harry and Bradford Dillman (playing Captain McKay here) would return as Captain Briggs in the fourth Dirty Harry, Sudden Impact. Albert Popwell makes his third of four Dirty Harry appearances. In the first Harry adventure he is the wounded bankrobber on the receiving end of Harry's famous "Do you feel lucky?" speech. In the second he plays a murderous pimp who gets more than a simple traffic stop. Here is a black militant who agrees to help Harry, for a price. In the fourth he got to play Harry's friend and partner...uh-oh. Sadly he is absent in The Dead Pool.

"Power to the People"
THE ENFORCER is the third entry to the Dirty Harry series. While a good perforance by Eastwood overall, the movie does not quite match up to the Don Siegel-directed original or MAGNUM FORCE, (which I consider his best movie). While THE ENFORCER is not the weakest Dirty Harry movie, it does have the weakest plot. Here Dirty Harry has to save the city of San Fancisco from a group of rebellious punks who are obsessed with heavy artiliary. They call themselves the People's Revolutionary Strike Force, and they are led by Bobby Maxwell, a deranged Vietnam Vet who wants to terrorize the public in exchange for ransom. After slaughtering 2 gas company employees, they break into an artility warehouse to steal the goods. Harry's partner, DeGeorgio arrives on the scene and is killed in the process. While trying to try down DeGeorgio's killer, Harry is assigned a new parter in the form of Kate Moore, (Tyne Daly), a yacking half-pint who wants to impress him in every way possible. Harry doesn't quite agree with the plan, especially when she is on the force just to coincide with the mayor's plans to be "stylish." But Moore turns out to be more valuable then he ever imagined, helping lead him to Maxwell, and saving his life twice along the way.

Of all the Dirty Harry films, this one has the most humor. The comments that Callahan makes at the personel review of Moore are hilarious. We also have him driving a car through a liquor store, (continuing with the traditon of breaking up a robbery). Another funny sequence is when he chases Henry Lee Coldwell halfway across the city and back! He follows him over fences, across rooftops, and through skylights, disturbing a porn shooting in the process! Jerry Fielding took over the musical score here, and as a result, the traditional Dirty Harry theme is nowhere to be found. This is rather disappointing and takes away from the movie's serious potential. Fielding's jazzy them is effective during the chase sequence however. These film does suffer from long sequences that really aren't neccessary. The one that will really make you laugh is when Callahan enters a brothel posing as "Larry Dickman!" Dirty Harry regular, Albert Popwell, shows up here as a leader of a black militant group.

The Revolutionary Strike Force eventually switches gears by kidnapping the mayor for even more ransom. Harry is eventually is led to Alcatraz Island, where the mayor is being held captive. The climax on Alcatraz is exciting, but I wish it didn't unfold so fast. The ending is very sad, although I will not give that away. While THE ENFORCER is not up to par with the first two movies in the series, it is still a solid chapter in the book of Dirty Harry. "Power to the People."

Interesting Film, But Questionable Message
In this interesting Dirty Harry film, Harry and company duel with a weird group of "revolutionaries." While the plot and characterization are compelling, the scenario gives rise to some questions.

How come Dirty Harry never paused from his pursuit of these terrorists, and asked himself, "Why do they hate us?" Harry seemed determined simply to wipe out these terrorists, in a unilateral fashion, as a cowboy would do. He never considered forming a coalition, or dispatching inspectors to monitor the activities of the group -- there was absolutely no mention of the United Nations. Dirty Harry, in his dealings with these terrorists, was at no time compassionate, tolerant, diverse or inclusive. He just seemed to think that killing them was the only way to stop them (which, indicentally, it WAS -- but that's beside the point). Harry did not at any time take into account any specific cultural or religious motivations which might have prompted the terrorists to kill people, and he seemed to have no regard whatever for their feelings.

Shouldn't Harry have been more sensitive, diverse, tolerant, inclusive and compassionate? Isn't that the best way, according to about half the people who participated in a national survey conducted November 2000, to deal with terrorists who want to wipe you out?

It has a certain sense of style.
While not as entertaining as the original Dirty Harry, (what could be?) The Enforcer for me was the reason you went to see Rated R Movies in the first place, violence, dirty language, a touch of skin and oh yeah, violence, whether Harry is driving a car through a store window or chasing a perp across the rooftops of San Francisco, the Enforcer doesn't disappoint. Tyne Daly puts in a solid performance as Harry's uncertain yet unwavering partner who gains not only her own confidence as the story devellops, but his as well. The enforcer also anticipates political correctness almost twenty years before that plague decended on us all. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Don't waste your time
I thought this video was going to be about a family that traveled and searched America. Not so, it was more like a family camping out with some woodstock wannabes. If that's what interests you in a movie, Hey, buy several. As for me, I wish I hadn't wasted my money.

The Yin and the Yan of Mr. Go
Actually, I wanted to make a minor correction to my review below.
What I don't think I clearly conveyed is that the film has a "parallel universe" feel to it, where the film, apparently being so effectively squelched by the makers because of it's "nontraditional" quality, that it also doesn't even seem to fit into the film histories of it's distinguished participants, both in front of and behind the camera. So, since it will never play on the Sunday Afternoon Movie, "you shouldn't even be watching it". At least that's how it seems to me.
Now if you happen to enjoy that sort of phenomena(and I certainly do), you might want to check it out.
Also, apparently the film was "doctored" by the late screenwriter Philip Yordan(JOHNNY GUITAR, THE BIG COMBO), particularly the scenes with Broderick Crawford and Robert("Inspector Henderson") Shayne.
(If you'd like to read Burgess Meredith's version of what happened to the film, and his reaction to it, check out his autobiography). Now I feel better.

A charming & promising idea from the 1960s
Obviously intended as the pilot for a series, this little TV-movie offers a charming take on "dropping out and finding yourself." When college student Jeff Bridges decides to do just that, his parents & grandmother accompany him in a rebuilt school bus (pre-Partridge Family). What's interesting about the story is that his father (Carl Betz), initially skeptical about the whole idea, soon endorses it heartily. Clearly the father has as many questions about who he is & where his life has brought him as his son does, making this an intelligent midlife story as well as the first step of Bridges' journey towards wholeness.

If the storyline offers certain cliches & is forced to conform to the restrictions of network TV, it makes the most of it. Both generations are viewed sympathetically, yet with an eye for its own flaws & self-delusions; both generations will grow & learn from each other on this journey. A pity it wasn't made into a series, as the concept was quite promising.

Still, we have this short film, which serves as a reminder of a time when it was thought important & vital to take some time off from everyday life, and to get a new perspective on where you were & where you might be going. Current culture may dismiss such ideas with a disdainful laugh, but it's still just as important. So hop on the bus & check it out!

"Black Belt in mouth Karate"
This is a excellent film. It seemed corny at first with the family of Jeff Bridges being "squares" in the classic middle class family way, but wait till they take off in the bus to meet some of son Jeff Bridges friends at a hippie rock concert. There they meet Tyne Daly of "Cagney&Lacy fame as a knocked up hippie chick who wants to do natural childbirth in their cardboard box house they built. Sal Mineo many good lines as a good hearted hippie with an attitude in his open vest and motorcycle, he gets the great honor of saying "She has a black belt in mouth karate" and at the close of this great gem Sal gives the immortal "Peace sign" to the newly enlightened family of squares as they leave hippie land and down the road to their next adventure.
I fell into an intense fondness for this film after about 20 mintues into it. I recommened it highly. This film made me feel young again. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Mimi vs. the Mob
I first saw this on Showtime when it came out as an original movie, and would try to catch it during repeats as it's quite good--not surprising since these made for paid-cable movies are usually better than their network counterparts. Mimi Rogers stars as Jackie, a middle-aged divorced mom who was once a coveted Vegas showgirl during her heyday as a beautiful young woman, but with her looks gone and the wealthy admirers that went with them gone also, the financially strapped Jackie now works a lousy part-time salesperson job at a casino shop while moonlighting as a call girl. As if this weren't enough, she also has to take care of and provide medication for her crusty mother Sarah (an alarmingly bloated but excellent Tyne Daly) and young son Adam, who has diabetes. One night Jackie manages to get what promises to be a lucrative trick named Mike, who turns out to be her worst nightmare when he humiliates her about her age and plays sadistic mind games, which culminates in a full-blown beating. Because she is a prostitute, Jackie naturally won't go to the cops and doesn't even confide in anyone as she is resigned to put it behind her and move on. Practical plan, but one problem--Mike won't let her. First, she gets fired from her badly needed dayjob when she comes in busted up (there's nothing like a black eye to turn off customers, right?). Then, when she tries to find another job she can't--Jackie later finds out this Mike guy has blackballed her. In a desperate attempt she gets in touch with Big Sam (Ray Walston), a connected guy and old flame of Sarah's, but he's too low-level to have any sway with Mike, who turns out to be a very big, bad man in town. Her life takes a turn for the better when she meets a decent young man she likes very much. But the last straw is when Mike threatens Adam, and Jackie turns into a pistol packin' mama since nobody can help her. I've never been a fan of Mimi Rogers but I thought she was fantastic since she really gets to show her stuff as she effectively goes through an array of emotions and makes one feel the humiliating experience of being a disillusioned, aging prostitute--men's eyes pass over her in favor of younger, prettier girls. I even get the feeling that Mike (and men like him) purposely summon aging prostitues every so often so he can get his kicks insulting them about their looks and age, which might not work as effectively on a nubile beauty. While not a violent movie per se, the beating scene was hard to take and the general undercurrent of violence throughout the movie is disturbing. This is ultimately a harrowing cautionary tale because once the looks, youth and opportunities are gone, in Jackie's path of prostitution there are no prince charmings or white knights and little glamour in this deceptively dazzling world of hardened competition, vindictive clients and constant humiliations.

Interesting movie
I really enjoyed this movie. It wasn't too overly violent, and it had a good plot. The acting was pretty good, Which is always an important factor. MiMi Rogers plays a wonderful roll of a prostitute who was badly beaten by a customer. Now the customer is out to ruin her life. Little did she know that he is a big name in her town, So not even the mob will help her. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Welcome, Tonto
This is the third of five "Dirty Harry" films in which Eastwood stars as a San Francisco police detective. By the time the last appeared (The Dead Pool, in 1988), Eastwood had aged and times had changed but Callahan's non-negotiaable values and unorthodox methods had remained essentially the same. What I find especially interesting in this film is the relationship which develops between Callahan and his partner Kate Moore, skillfully portrayed by Tyne Daly. Until now, Callahan has indeed been a "lone ranger," alienated (by choice or circumstance) from his superiors and fellow officers as well as from the criminals whom he pursues with deadly efficiency. Over time, Moore eventually earns Callahan's respect and trust (albeit grudgingly) as they attempt to rescue San Francisco's kidnapped mayor (John Crawford) amidst all manner of mayhem unrelated to that assignment. Credit James Fargo with keeping the narrative flowing smoothly. The supporting cast is solid, notably Bradford Dillman (Captain McKay) and Harry Guardino (Lieutenant Bressler). There is plenty of action, of course, skillfully presented. Despite its lack of much subtlety or nuance, I recommend it to those with a taste for this sort of urban adventure film. Those who enjoy it should also check out Coogan's Bluff and Bullitt (both 1968) as well as The Gauntlet (1977).

Another fine example of why they call him 'Dirty' Harry.
A group of thugs passing themselves off as The People's Revolutionary Army (or something like that) grab a stockpile of weapons and ammunition, killing Harry Callahan's friend and partner in the process. Callahan's new partner is a woman, something he does not particularly agree with, and she can barely keep up as Inspector #71 tears through San Francisco looking for the PRA. The Enforcer (Dirty Harry #3) lacks the grit and energy of the first Dirty Harry and the excessive bullet riddled body count of the second (Magnum Force). In comparison it almost seems sedate, both visually and in terms of its action content. What the movie does offer is a solid, if a bit routine, police action thriller story made better than average by its script. Harry's deathbed visit to the fading Frank DiGiorgio and his snappy relationship with rookie Inspector Kate Moore are both well done. On the action side of things, fans will no doubt enjoy Harry's unique handling of a hostage situation, a foot chase across San Francisco's rooftops, and the kidnapping of The Mayor. Recommended.

Trivia - This is the only film in the series not scored by Lalo Schifrin. He was unavailable at the time. Harry Guardino returns as Lt. Bressler from the first Dirty Harry and Bradford Dillman (playing Captain McKay here) would return as Captain Briggs in the fourth Dirty Harry, Sudden Impact. Albert Popwell makes his third of four Dirty Harry appearances. In the first Harry adventure he is the wounded bankrobber on the receiving end of Harry's famous "Do you feel lucky?" speech. In the second he plays a murderous pimp who gets more than a simple traffic stop. Here is a black militant who agrees to help Harry, for a price. In the fourth he got to play Harry's friend and partner...uh-oh. Sadly he is absent in The Dead Pool.

"Power to the People"
THE ENFORCER is the third entry to the Dirty Harry series. While a good perforance by Eastwood overall, the movie does not quite match up to the Don Siegel-directed original or MAGNUM FORCE, (which I consider his best movie). While THE ENFORCER is not the weakest Dirty Harry movie, it does have the weakest plot. Here Dirty Harry has to save the city of San Fancisco from a group of rebellious punks who are obsessed with heavy artiliary. They call themselves the People's Revolutionary Strike Force, and they are led by Bobby Maxwell, a deranged Vietnam Vet who wants to terrorize the public in exchange for ransom. After slaughtering 2 gas company employees, they break into an artility warehouse to steal the goods. Harry's partner, DeGeorgio arrives on the scene and is killed in the process. While trying to try down DeGeorgio's killer, Harry is assigned a new parter in the form of Kate Moore, (Tyne Daly), a yacking half-pint who wants to impress him in every way possible. Harry doesn't quite agree with the plan, especially when she is on the force just to coincide with the mayor's plans to be "stylish." But Moore turns out to be more valuable then he ever imagined, helping lead him to Maxwell, and saving his life twice along the way.

Of all the Dirty Harry films, this one has the most humor. The comments that Callahan makes at the personel review of Moore are hilarious. We also have him driving a car through a liquor store, (continuing with the traditon of breaking up a robbery). Another funny sequence is when he chases Henry Lee Coldwell halfway across the city and back! He follows him over fences, across rooftops, and through skylights, disturbing a porn shooting in the process! Jerry Fielding took over the musical score here, and as a result, the traditional Dirty Harry theme is nowhere to be found. This is rather disappointing and takes away from the movie's serious potential. Fielding's jazzy them is effective during the chase sequence however. These film does suffer from long sequences that really aren't neccessary. The one that will really make you laugh is when Callahan enters a brothel posing as "Larry Dickman!" Dirty Harry regular, Albert Popwell, shows up here as a leader of a black militant group.

The Revolutionary Strike Force eventually switches gears by kidnapping the mayor for even more ransom. Harry is eventually is led to Alcatraz Island, where the mayor is being held captive. The climax on Alcatraz is exciting, but I wish it didn't unfold so fast. The ending is very sad, although I will not give that away. While THE ENFORCER is not up to par with the first two movies in the series, it is still a solid chapter in the book of Dirty Harry. "Power to the People."

Interesting Film, But Questionable Message
In this interesting Dirty Harry film, Harry and company duel with a weird group of "revolutionaries." While the plot and characterization are compelling, the scenario gives rise to some questions.

How come Dirty Harry never paused from his pursuit of these terrorists, and asked himself, "Why do they hate us?" Harry seemed determined simply to wipe out these terrorists, in a unilateral fashion, as a cowboy would do. He never considered forming a coalition, or dispatching inspectors to monitor the activities of the group -- there was absolutely no mention of the United Nations. Dirty Harry, in his dealings with these terrorists, was at no time compassionate, tolerant, diverse or inclusive. He just seemed to think that killing them was the only way to stop them (which, indicentally, it WAS -- but that's beside the point). Harry did not at any time take into account any specific cultural or religious motivations which might have prompted the terrorists to kill people, and he seemed to have no regard whatever for their feelings.

Shouldn't Harry have been more sensitive, diverse, tolerant, inclusive and compassionate? Isn't that the best way, according to about half the people who participated in a national survey conducted November 2000, to deal with terrorists who want to wipe you out?

It has a certain sense of style.
While not as entertaining as the original Dirty Harry, (what could be?) The Enforcer for me was the reason you went to see Rated R Movies in the first place, violence, dirty language, a touch of skin and oh yeah, violence, whether Harry is driving a car through a store window or chasing a perp across the rooftops of San Francisco, the Enforcer doesn't disappoint. Tyne Daly puts in a solid performance as Harry's uncertain yet unwavering partner who gains not only her own confidence as the story devellops, but his as well. The enforcer also anticipates political correctness almost twenty years before that plague decended on us all. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Don't waste your time
I thought this video was going to be about a family that traveled and searched America. Not so, it was more like a family camping out with some woodstock wannabes. If that's what interests you in a movie, Hey, buy several. As for me, I wish I hadn't wasted my money.

The Yin and the Yan of Mr. Go
Actually, I wanted to make a minor correction to my review below.
What I don't think I clearly conveyed is that the film has a "parallel universe" feel to it, where the film, apparently being so effectively squelched by the makers because of it's "nontraditional" quality, that it also doesn't even seem to fit into the film histories of it's distinguished participants, both in front of and behind the camera. So, since it will never play on the Sunday Afternoon Movie, "you shouldn't even be watching it". At least that's how it seems to me.
Now if you happen to enjoy that sort of phenomena(and I certainly do), you might want to check it out.
Also, apparently the film was "doctored" by the late screenwriter Philip Yordan(JOHNNY GUITAR, THE BIG COMBO), particularly the scenes with Broderick Crawford and Robert("Inspector Henderson") Shayne.
(If you'd like to read Burgess Meredith's version of what happened to the film, and his reaction to it, check out his autobiography). Now I feel better.

A charming & promising idea from the 1960s
Obviously intended as the pilot for a series, this little TV-movie offers a charming take on "dropping out and finding yourself." When college student Jeff Bridges decides to do just that, his parents & grandmother accompany him in a rebuilt school bus (pre-Partridge Family). What's interesting about the story is that his father (Carl Betz), initially skeptical about the whole idea, soon endorses it heartily. Clearly the father has as many questions about who he is & where his life has brought him as his son does, making this an intelligent midlife story as well as the first step of Bridges' journey towards wholeness.

If the storyline offers certain cliches & is forced to conform to the restrictions of network TV, it makes the most of it. Both generations are viewed sympathetically, yet with an eye for its own flaws & self-delusions; both generations will grow & learn from each other on this journey. A pity it wasn't made into a series, as the concept was quite promising.

Still, we have this short film, which serves as a reminder of a time when it was thought important & vital to take some time off from everyday life, and to get a new perspective on where you were & where you might be going. Current culture may dismiss such ideas with a disdainful laugh, but it's still just as important. So hop on the bus & check it out!

"Black Belt in mouth Karate"
This is a excellent film. It seemed corny at first with the family of Jeff Bridges being "squares" in the classic middle class family way, but wait till they take off in the bus to meet some of son Jeff Bridges friends at a hippie rock concert. There they meet Tyne Daly of "Cagney&Lacy fame as a knocked up hippie chick who wants to do natural childbirth in their cardboard box house they built. Sal Mineo many good lines as a good hearted hippie with an attitude in his open vest and motorcycle, he gets the great honor of saying "She has a black belt in mouth karate" and at the close of this great gem Sal gives the immortal "Peace sign" to the newly enlightened family of squares as they leave hippie land and down the road to their next adventure.
I fell into an intense fondness for this film after about 20 mintues into it. I recommened it highly. This film made me feel young again. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

TENSE AND INVOLVING
Stephen Baldwin redeems himself for his lackluster performance in MR. MURDER in this tense, and involving crime thriller. Baldwin plays a cop who has recently lost his son in a tragic accident; his wife (Shawn Huff) is having extreme difficulty in dealing with her guilt and loss. Baldwin plays it stoic, but he too is harboring the pain. When returning to his work, he and his partner (Rob Knepper) are called in on a case involving the hammering deaths of several people, all seemingly not connected. Baldwin, however, believes the culprit is a grown up who wants to revisit his childhood but going to all the places he or she lived. It's a tense, complex plot and well acted. Tyne Daly does her usual good turn as a psychiatrist, and the identity of the culprit is surprising.
Well done and very engrossing.

Hammers: Not just for nails
Absence of the Good is an above average movie in the serial killer genre that has a fairly clever script, good acting, and a strong lead (Stephen Baldwin).

The story centers around Detective Caleb Barnes (Stephen Baldwin) and his struggle to find a serial killer while trying to deal with the untimely death of his son. As the body count begins to climb Barnes finds himself trying to help his wife heal while remaining focused on the case. What follows is a well executed police drama with plenty of action and suspense throughout.

I wasn't sure if this movie was going to be any good when I rented it. I decided to take a chance and was pleasantly surprised. It kept me guessing and had a twist ending that a couch detective like myself had fun solving. I recommend this film.

Spectacular
Absence of the Good is definitely a thriller. If you like movies that keep you on the edge of your seat. While keeping you in suspense then you will love this one! The plot was wonderfully done, and you will never guess who the killer is and will leave you saying WOW! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Subtitles are dreadful
This is probably quite a delightful little romantic comedy. However, the subtitles are just dreadful. And it isn't just the odd word. I found myself scratching my head to try and figure out what was really going on. I'd highly suggesting giving this DVD a wide berth.

Charming Comedy
It's often difficult to translate comedy from one language to another. A joke in one language can become a boring story when told in another. Your Place or Mine does not fall into this trap. It's a charming comedy with a simple storyline. Even with subtitles, the humour is clear and understood.

If you need a two-hour break from life's daily stress, watch this film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tyne Daly so believed in the magic of the theater that she broke herwrist after seeing Peter Pan as a child, believing she could fly. As anadult, her career became airborne, reaching a pinnacle when she played Mary BethLacey in one of the biggest TV shows of the 1980s, Cagney & Lacey. ThisIntimate Portrait--narrated by her brother, actor Tim Daly--recounts thepolitics behind the hit show as well as the careers of Tyne Daly and her ex- husband, George Stanford Brown. It also examines how show business can strain amarriage; her divorce is her "greatest regret." The child of actor parents hadplanned to "become a nun to the theater," but instead made an interracialmarriage at a time when it was still illegal in some states. Always jugglingfamily and career, she nabbed a breakthrough role with Clint Eastwood in TheEnforcer and followed her TV success with the Tony-winning lead role asGypsy on Broadway. At 50, she shaved her head to signify rebirth for thesecond half of her life. At the end of this portrait, she recites her favoritepoem, about love, for the cameras--and she's not acting. --Valerie J.Nelson ... Read more