Amazon.com

Fans of Sidney Lumet and screen adaptations of 20th-century literature may want to check out The Group, a relatively faithful film version of Mary McCarthy's seminalpost-graduate "campus" novel of the same name. The elliptical and rather familiar plot follows a group of young women--all classmates, friends, and recent graduates from a certain single-sex liberal arts college--as they face the inevitable pressures to sand the rough edges off their personalities and to surrender their independence to the men in their lives and the institutions they represent. Lumet(The Verdict,Dog Day Afternoon) lends to this tale his peculiar sense of lighting, pacing, and rich, captivating color, but he directs with a ponderousness and seriousness that the source material perhaps does not deserve, and certainly cannot comfortably withstand.The wedding-funeral framing device employed here is one we've all encountered before, and Lumet does not afford his young actresses much latitude of expression or interpretation.Particularly stiff (in her first film role, and, boy, does it show) is Candace Bergen; as Lakey Eastlake, the "beautiful one" among the friends, she's asked to provide a moral center for the story, yet her scenes are wooden and rarely develop any dramatic momentum. The lovely Elizabeth Hartman fares better as Priss, an innocent whose blunt sexual initiation still feels harrowing. Amid the gravity of the proceedings, an ensemble cast (which includes, among others, Joan Hackett, Shirley Knight, and Joanna Pettet) strains to replicate the searing wit of McCarthy's prose; and, in several winning scenes, the script preserves some fine examples of her dialogue. Nevertheless, the source novel--by no meansWar and Peace--doubtlessly would have benefited from a lighter touch. --Miles Bethany ... Read more

Reviews (2)

COMPELLING ODDITY
Sidney Lumet gives this movie a glossy sheen, and it is certainly dated with a sense of pretension. However, the story, about a group of lberal-educated women in the 30s/40s, is fascinating in its truly bold depiction of issues rarely raised in the movies of the 50s and 60s. The issues these women confront as they weave themselves into ordinary life play like a prequel to Valley Of The Dolls -- with some camp intact. Jessica Walter plays her frigid society girl to the hilt, while Shirley Knight has a gorgeous glow as perhaps the most humane member of the group. The costumes and art direction are much more 50s/60s than 30s chic -- and this detracts from the story, which is infinitely more compelling and even shocking knowing that these women -- who speak freely of communism and lesbianism -- are essentially products of a Depression-era college. Still, what fun to peek into the living quarters of these Manhattanites, and watch the soap suds rise.

Enjoyable, but not great
I doubt that any film can do justice to Mary McCarthy's spicy turns of phrases or her brilliant social insights. Given this parameter The Group is an enjoyable film. It is a little prudish when compared to the novel, but I imagine that it was bold for its period. ... Read more

Description

An aging folk singer who has passed the peak of his popularity takes one last stab at regaining his superstardom. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Not too bad
This really isn't bad for someone who has never written a screenplay before, but if you don't like the style of music in the movie (which is pretty much "Paul Simon after 1970" style) there isn't much in this movie for you. A lot of his songs really do lack a hook, as one of the characters in the movies said, and this movie is categorized as a musical, which means the songs Jonah plays with his band fill up the majority of the time. I do have to credit Paul for the acting. He doesn't deserve an Academy Award but he wasn't bad at all. Overall this is a mediocre movie but if you're a Paul Simon fan and have 100 minutes to spare I'd say this is definitely worth one viewing.

Paul's not a "One Trick Pony"
Paul Simon's venture into movie-making with "One Trick Pony" is very good. I'll qualify this review by admitting I am a very big Paul Simon fan, and I believe that it shades my rating here. If I weren't a Paul Simon fan, I might be less inclined to give it such a high rating.

The movie is based on the fictional musician Jonah Levin, a folk music singer-songwriter from the 60s, still trying to make a career of music in the early 80s. Jonah's biggest hit, the war protest "Soft Parachutes," is his one trick, and everywhere he goes, it's the only song his audience knows or wants to hear, despite his insistence in not playing it. Jonah struggles with who he is, his relationship with his wife and won, being in a band, and the music industry in general.

A lot of fans have theorized that this is Paul's "what if," what might have been had Simon and Garfunkel's "Sound of Silence" been there one hit. Certainly, there are a lot of parallels between Paul and Jonah, and it's an interesting perspective on the movie.

Plenty of good music is in this movie, too. Not only does Paul put out a great album with a great band (playing themselves in the movie), with songs like "Late in the Evening," "Jonah," and "Ace in the Hole," but there are some notable appearances by other bands in the movie (Lovin' Spoonful, B-52's, etc.) In fact, you would be remiss to get the movie and not the album.

It's a very good movie, especially if you like Paul Simon. It has some interesting thoughts on people coming of age and struggling with their careers and relationships, as well as a scathing look at the music industry, as they continually try to shape Jonah and his music into what they want. If you're a fan of Paul, this is a must-have.

All time favorite
A fogotten classic. I saw this movie as a 16 year old, and loved it immediately. My copy of the soundtrack was worn out during my college years. It really gave me a good view of the life of the replaced artist, someone not at the top of their game anymore, but stil knowing they can contribute. Some great lines, including the dead rock stars game, Jonah with the groupie, and others. Don't forget this is also the last filmed performance of the Lovin' Spoonful. Also, Douglas Adams put the soundtrack as a "thank you" in one of the Hitchhiker books, saying it played constantly in his house while writing his books.

See how they shine on stage
Sure, I can see why this movie flopped commercially. Paul failed to demonstrate as an appealing actor, which nobody ever hoped he would be. I felt high with music scenes and low with non-music scenes. But I still thoroughly enjoyed seeing Paul performing with Big Apple's top jazz musicians. Most of the songs he contributed for the movie were also fitting to the respective scene. This video, nonetheless, is recommended only to devoted fans of Paul Simon and STUFF, which I was.

Great Movie
I absolutely loved(!!) One Trick Pony. It contained all elements of a great movie; a good cast, wonderful writing, and a believable plot. This movie is definitely something to add to your movie collection...especially if you're a Paul Simon fan like me!! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

ONE OF NEIL SIMON'S BEST
Excellent cast and extremely well written material. Only when I Laugh shows Marsha Mason at her best along with the late James coco and Joan Hackett. We also see a very talented Kristy McNichols. Can't wait for the DVD release of this classic!

Can't Wait for DVD
I hope they come out with a DVD of this classic soon. This is a very special movie. If they don't convert it to digital soon, I'm going to burn a VHS into DVD. They don't even have this movie in stock on Amazon anymore.

Kristy McNichol rocks in this movie. Marsha Mason did an award winning performance. If this doesn't get converted to DVD soon, I'm going to complain to the movie company that holds rights to the movie.

The Reality of Recovery
Another classic Neil Simon-Marsha Mason collaboration (when they were married), "Only When I Laugh" is aptly-titled: as Mason's character explains, she laughs only when her heart is pierced. In her case here, that happens a lot and is masterfully crafted by Simon's bittersweet perspective of his lead character's life, and Mason's flawless delivery. Her character is a recovering alcoholic, and it is her rocky road to recovery that is the benchmark of this film. On the surface, it's much too easy to assess the film as a story about alcoholism. Actually, it's about recovery. And, as most recovering addicts do (God bless 'em), Mason's character finds that life even without chemicals isn't always a bed of roses. As Mason's daughter, Kristy McNichol is the poster child for Al-Anon, and she is awesome as the child of a recovering addict. Sadly, the two strongest supporting performers aren't with us anymore, but Joan Hackett and James Coca are truly magnificent as the friends who carry Mason through the harshness of recovery and, all too commonly, her "slip." It's a timeless message about recovery, and it's a jewel made all the more remarkable by Simon's obvious knowledge about his subject.

Every Time , I Laugh.
This is a terrific movie. Marsha Mason is wonderfully funny and touching as "Georgia", the recently re-habbed actress. Written by her then husband, Neil Simon, and taken from his original stage play, "The Gingerbread Lady", it is full of witty New York theater repartee, as only Simon could write, incomprabley delivered by Marsha Mason. It starts with "Georgia's" somewhat premature (fresh out of rehab) re-immersion into the world of theater via the starring role in a somewhat biographical play, written by her former lover , with whom she had the turbulent relationship that preceded her breakdown. Through the emotion of that experience, and her relapse, she is accompanied by her two best friends, also wonderfully played by James Coco and Joan Hackett. Their 3 way friendship would be called co-dependent nowadays, then...it was just being a supportive good friend. (I think we were better off without the present definition.) You will want these kooky, dear, flawed people as your friends. Kristy McNichol projects just the right quality as the on-the-ball off-spring. Georgias attempts to re-establish a relationship and trust with her previously somewhat ignored daughter are very funny and very touching, with McNichol often ending up as the parental figure. This is just a wonderful, under-rated little gem of a movie, a sweet story in which Marsha Mason gives one of the best performances I've seen. I consider her a terrific actress, and it's a shame that, for whatever reason, she is not creating more wonderful roles. She takes a good story and makes it great. A lovely, funny film about friendship, human frailties, perseverence, and the resilience of the human spirit. LOVE it !

A Real New York movie!
Great performances from the entire cast,especially the late Joan Hackett as a gal trying desperately to hold on to her youth! Shows NYC at its best! A film to watch again and again! Kristy Mcnichols could have been a BIG STAR! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Last of Sheila is one of the great underrated films of the '70s: a bitchyHollywood whodunit and a clever parlor game (cowritten by Anthony Perkins and Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim). Several celebrity chums are invited aboardprankster James Coburn's yacht for a cruel game of "guess the deep, dark secret." Everyone has one; but naturally some are more wicked than others. Richard Benjamin, James Mason, Dyan Cannon, Joan Hackett, Raquel Welch, and Ian McShane are the odd cast of participants. However, the stakes are unexpectedly raised when murder gets added to the not-so-fun agenda. Plenty of inside jokes and red herrings in this nasty and unforgettable film. It's just what you'd expect from the twisted minds of Perkins and Sondheim. --Bill Desowitz ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A Whodunit With Superb Black Humor
The Last of Sheila is an excellent mystery with a terrific performance by the late James Coburn as 'Clinton' the wicked Hollywood producer who invites a group of 'friends' aboard his yacht for a sun filled week of games.

The game however, is not what it seems and as the character of Clinton is fleshed out, along with the other members of the cast, Mason, Benjamin, Hackett and Welch; we ultimately find out that the beautiful people under the sunny skies, swimming in the warm waters on the South of France will go to the extremes to maintain their facades and their secrets.

The screenplay was written by the late actor Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim. This adult mystery is a satirical behind the scenes look at Hollywood and the pain it creates, intentionally and unintentionally. You'll laugh and you'll be riveted by the superb story that will keep you guessing until the very end. Please stay for the Bette Midler song, 'You Gotta Have Friends', every detail was thought out for this film and this last detail shouldn't be missed. Enjoy!

This movie is excellent - Where is the DVD? Hello, Earth to Warners...

Clever and Amusing, and Justice Really Triumphs
The Last of Sheila is a clever, witty, complicated murder mystery written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. A movie mogul's wife is killed in a hit-and-run accident. A year later he gathers six friends, one of whom he suspects of being the driver, for a Mediterranean week on his yacht. There'll be sun, fun, games to play and puzzles to solve. The payoff for the mogul will be the identification of his wife's killer. Unfortunately, the mogul is murdered shortly after the games begin.

If you enjoy murder, puzzles and clever writing, you'll enjoy this. If you're amused by Hollywood and its pretensions, you'll also like it. The guests include a mediocre film writer (Richard Benjamin) and his rich, alcoholic wife (Joan Hackett), a has-been director (James Mason), a loud agent (Dyan Cannon), and a voluputous and dim movie queen (Raquel Welch) with her tough, sycophant husband (Ian McShane). James Coburn plays the mogul.

Mason is excellent among an excellent cast. He's thoughtful, a little seedy, crafty. Cannon nails her role as the self-involved but funny agent. Coburn focuses the movie. He's charming, dynamic, nasty.

The DVD transfer is fine although I found the audio a little variable, especially at first. The commentary by Benjamin, Cannnon and Welch is interesting and helps sort out the clues.

Sondheim and Perkins play scrupulously fair with the audience. There are clues all over the place. Some clues identify the nastier aspects of the guests, some help with the games being played, some help guess the method of the murders (there're more than one), and some will lead you to the murderer. You need to stay alert.

What is particularly clever is the way the murderer gets justice.

A Tale of Two Versions?
The one star is for the dvd. This 'version' as I've read in the other reviews *IS NOT* the same as the VHS that I own. There is a HUGE flaw in Chapter 18 as the Michigan viewer stated. I am not entirely satisfied as others are with this mess.

I bought my VHS from Amazon two years ago and my tape *do not* have the Chapter 18 mistake in it. So, there must be two versions - one mastered correctly and the mess with the mistake in Chapter 18. Warners needs to re-do this dvd without the mistakes that currently exists in this DVD.

A great movie done an injustice.

A lost classic!!!
The Last of Sheila is a fun, if overrated film, that sports a great title, terrific cast, and beautiful locations. Written by Psycho Anthony Perkins himself, with help from wonderful Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, I was unfortunately overtaken by the hype and expected a little too much, therefore I was slightly disappointed upon first viewing. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized how much I liked it.

The plot is a unique rendition of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, which deals with several entertainment industry insiders who are invited aboard the yacht of prankster James Coburn for a weekend of "fun & games." Unfortunately, Coburn has a secret about each and every member aboard. Apparently someone will go to great lengths to keep their secret just that...or is it for something else? Perhaps Coburn himself has taken the game too far. Or maybe we haven't heard the last of Sheila....

The Last of Sheila is a twisted little film that starts off slow but quickly picks up. Pay attention early on because the clues are everywhere and the killer could be anyone, including Sheila herself. It did what Scream did many years later with the "Everybody's a suspect" formula. There are so many twists and turns, it will be difficult to figure them all out, so don't even bother. It all works brilliantly for a chilling mystery that fits each and every scene into the puzzle, and even has a clue in the title!!!! How many mysteries can you say that about?

The cast is fantastic. Dyan Cannon is terrific as usual in her role of a loud, obnoxious casting agent who just lost 30 pounds. Rachel Welch is the sexpot actress, a role she has down to perfection, and James Coburn is creepy as the director who wants to make a movie about Sheila, or perhaps something a bit more. They are joined by Richard Benjamin, Joan Hackett, James Mason, Ian McShane, and Yvonne Romain, among others.

The Last of Sheila is recommended for mystery lovers, film buffs, or fans of the cast. Everyone else should give it a try too. Agatha Christie would have been proud! It's a lost classic that deserves to be seen!!!

Last of Shiela? Too bad!
Funny how the past sneaks up on one. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water wearing bell bottoms, smoking cigarettes, here comes "The Last of Sheila." Put aside your squeemishness on such PC topics as homosexuality, child enticement, celebrity murder, and drunken driving.

Dive in, try to figure it out, and you are missing all of the fun. Dastardly deeds are only part of the thrill. The rest is all dinner theatre audience participation. Can you find your own self in the picture? This pic bests every who-done-it because the machinations are not what is important, what matters is that we all see ourselves somewhere here, if only in our grasping consumerism. What matters to US is that you will rewind time and again to find the clues. Are the clues important? Sure, keep a scorecard to check your own Fruedian influences.

Important fact: Stehpen Sondheim collaborated with underrated writer Anthony Hopkins (check Psycho and Sweeny Todd.) Not for kiddies. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Okay for a tv movie
Reflections of Murder freely admitted it was a remake of Diabolique. It's nowhere near the classic but for a tv movie it stands up pretty good.
Tuesday Weld, the main highlight in this movie, gives a good performance as Vicky (the one Simone Signorest played in the original). But the Mia Farrow hairdo wasn't doing her any favors.
Now the only thing that really annoyed me about this movie was Sam Waterson who has never been a good actor. The movie is quite unkind to its viewer as well as it shows hideous antisexy images of him with his shirt off.
More like 2.5. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Taming the Wild West
James Garner stars as Jason McCullough in this hilarious Western spoof. This was the era of John Wayne westerns, and this movie came about at just about the right time to make fun of the western and what it had become, often scarcely more than a cookie-cutter production with a predictable plot, scowling gunfighters, and the same basic storyline. McCullough is a wandering frontiersman on his way to Australia, and happens upon a small mining town which has sprung up overnight and become too big for its laws. He decides to earn a little extra money before moving on, and takes a job as the sheriff of the town. Consequently he's forced to deal with the Danby bunch, a rancher family who's swindling and intimidating the mine owners. Between dealing with the Danbys (headed by the very funny Walter Brennan), trying to keep his prisoners in a jail with no bars, and fighting off the advances of the hapless mayor's daughter, McCullough has his hands full.

Garner is great in his role as the opportunistic, but effective, sheriff. Jack Elam co-stars as his deputy, and the antics of this pair are enough to keep anyone entertained throughout the movie. Anyone familiar with Westerns from this era will appreciate the humor of this parody on Hollywood's Wild West.

Support Your Local Sherrif
This is one of those old comedies that you can watch over and over again. My family has worn out a VHS copy, so I'm happy that a DVD release is coming up. This movie not only stars James Garner, but several other popular actors from the 60's & 70's. Walter Brennan, Harry Morgan, and Jack Elam to name a few. When Jason McColough, played by Garner, rides into town, he finds it right smack in the middle of a gold rush- and right smack in the middle of the problems that too much too soon can bring. There is fighting in the streets, gunmen shooting up the town, not to mention the revelry going on at Madam Orr's place. Needing work to finiance his gold prospecting Garner accepts the job of sherrif. The Mayor (Morgan) happens to have a pretty but accident prone daughter. Her misadventures while trying to attract the new sherrif's attention add great comedy to the plot. The sherrif's work is cut out for him when the Danby's led by pa Danby (Brennan) try to spring the youngest Danby from jail. He makes the town drunk (Played by Elam) his deputy and from there things just get funnier. When the dust settles everyone is alive and happy. Not the most complicated plot ever written, but light comedy is not supposed to be. Easy and fun to watch.

"JUST ON MY WAY TO AUSTRALIA"
IS THERE ANY THING FUNNIER THAN A STRAIGHT FACED MAN SPEWING OUT HUMOR? AND JAMES GARNER HAS A TREMENDOUS GIFT FOR BEING HILARIOUS
AND YET DOING IT IN A SEEMINGLY EFFORTLESS WAY.
BEFORE 'RAISING ARIZONA' OR 'OH BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?' THIS LITTLE PICTURE BROKE GROUND WITH DRY, OFF BEAT AND SOMETIMES CYNICAL COMEDY.

GARNER PLAYS THE ANTI HERO TO THE HILT. HE IS A SIMPLE MAN WHO IS BASICLY "JUST ON HIS WAY TO AUSTRALIA." HE FINDS HIMSELF IN A QUIRKY 'GOLD STRIKE' TOWN THAT IS DESPERATELY IN NEED OF A SHERIFF.
HIS QUALIFICATIONS "FIT THE JOB PERFECTLY" AND THE BASIC PLOT IS SET.
GARNER IS SUPERBLY SUPPORTED BY VETERAN CHARACTER ACTORS LIKE JACK ELAM, BRUCE DERN AND A HOST OF WELL KNOWN OTHERS.

THE WONDERFULLY WRITTEN DIALOGUE IS THE ABSOLUTE STAR OF THE SHOW WITH NUMEROUS MEMORABLE LINES THROUGHOUT THE PICTURE.
WHEN THE SPINELESS MAYOR SHOWS GARNER HIS HOME HE MENTIONS HIS 'DEAR DEPARTED WIFE' TO WHICH GARNER SAYS "YOUR WIFE DIED HUH?" AND THE MAYOR RESPONDS "NO....JUST DEPARTED."

THE SIDESPLITTING SCENES ARE REALLY TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION AS THERE ARE SO MANY STAND OUTS.

THIS MAY WELL BE THE BEST FAMILY COMEDIC WESTERN PIECE DONE TO DATE. RIVAL FILMS LIKE 'BLAZING SADDLES' WITH THEIR PROFANE ENUENDOS
PALE TERRIBLY IN COMPARISON TO THIS EFFORT.

THIS IS ONE YOU CAN WATCH REPEATEDLY AND LAUGH JUST AS LOUD EACH TIME.

My 2nd favorite Garner movie of all time
Boy this was hard, ranking my Favorite James Garner movies. It came down to the two Support your... movies. I had to go with the one that had the sidewinder, Susan Plesette and the X-Rifleman and Cub second baseman Swifty Morgan.

SYLSheriff came in second because he was just passin thru on his way to australia anyway.

The top of the genre
Still boyish at 41, Garner here brings a variation of his Bret Maverick character (then almost a decade in rerun-land) to the big screen and in the process spoofs almost every convention of the serious Western. As the unassuming, pragmatic, and mildly larcenous Jason McCullough, who's "basically...on my way to Australia" when he decides to pick up a little travelling money by taking on the job of taming the mining town of Calender, he proves to be rather more than he seems--and, in the process, shows once again why he was cast in so many comedies during his long career. Playing his part almost dead straight and supported by an excellent cast, he makes Jason seem like a hero even though that's the last thing Jason wants to be. In the process everyone sends up everything from "High Noon" to "Rio Bravo" and makes it all seem effortless and plausible. A movie that defines "comedy-Western" and one all audiences should enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Taming the Wild West
James Garner stars as Jason McCullough in this hilarious Western spoof. This was the era of John Wayne westerns, and this movie came about at just about the right time to make fun of the western and what it had become, often scarcely more than a cookie-cutter production with a predictable plot, scowling gunfighters, and the same basic storyline. McCullough is a wandering frontiersman on his way to Australia, and happens upon a small mining town which has sprung up overnight and become too big for its laws. He decides to earn a little extra money before moving on, and takes a job as the sheriff of the town. Consequently he's forced to deal with the Danby bunch, a rancher family who's swindling and intimidating the mine owners. Between dealing with the Danbys (headed by the very funny Walter Brennan), trying to keep his prisoners in a jail with no bars, and fighting off the advances of the hapless mayor's daughter, McCullough has his hands full.

Garner is great in his role as the opportunistic, but effective, sheriff. Jack Elam co-stars as his deputy, and the antics of this pair are enough to keep anyone entertained throughout the movie. Anyone familiar with Westerns from this era will appreciate the humor of this parody on Hollywood's Wild West.

Support Your Local Sherrif
This is one of those old comedies that you can watch over and over again. My family has worn out a VHS copy, so I'm happy that a DVD release is coming up. This movie not only stars James Garner, but several other popular actors from the 60's & 70's. Walter Brennan, Harry Morgan, and Jack Elam to name a few. When Jason McColough, played by Garner, rides into town, he finds it right smack in the middle of a gold rush- and right smack in the middle of the problems that too much too soon can bring. There is fighting in the streets, gunmen shooting up the town, not to mention the revelry going on at Madam Orr's place. Needing work to finiance his gold prospecting Garner accepts the job of sherrif. The Mayor (Morgan) happens to have a pretty but accident prone daughter. Her misadventures while trying to attract the new sherrif's attention add great comedy to the plot. The sherrif's work is cut out for him when the Danby's led by pa Danby (Brennan) try to spring the youngest Danby from jail. He makes the town drunk (Played by Elam) his deputy and from there things just get funnier. When the dust settles everyone is alive and happy. Not the most complicated plot ever written, but light comedy is not supposed to be. Easy and fun to watch.

"JUST ON MY WAY TO AUSTRALIA"
IS THERE ANY THING FUNNIER THAN A STRAIGHT FACED MAN SPEWING OUT HUMOR? AND JAMES GARNER HAS A TREMENDOUS GIFT FOR BEING HILARIOUS
AND YET DOING IT IN A SEEMINGLY EFFORTLESS WAY.
BEFORE 'RAISING ARIZONA' OR 'OH BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?' THIS LITTLE PICTURE BROKE GROUND WITH DRY, OFF BEAT AND SOMETIMES CYNICAL COMEDY.

GARNER PLAYS THE ANTI HERO TO THE HILT. HE IS A SIMPLE MAN WHO IS BASICLY "JUST ON HIS WAY TO AUSTRALIA." HE FINDS HIMSELF IN A QUIRKY 'GOLD STRIKE' TOWN THAT IS DESPERATELY IN NEED OF A SHERIFF.
HIS QUALIFICATIONS "FIT THE JOB PERFECTLY" AND THE BASIC PLOT IS SET.
GARNER IS SUPERBLY SUPPORTED BY VETERAN CHARACTER ACTORS LIKE JACK ELAM, BRUCE DERN AND A HOST OF WELL KNOWN OTHERS.

THE WONDERFULLY WRITTEN DIALOGUE IS THE ABSOLUTE STAR OF THE SHOW WITH NUMEROUS MEMORABLE LINES THROUGHOUT THE PICTURE.
WHEN THE SPINELESS MAYOR SHOWS GARNER HIS HOME HE MENTIONS HIS 'DEAR DEPARTED WIFE' TO WHICH GARNER SAYS "YOUR WIFE DIED HUH?" AND THE MAYOR RESPONDS "NO....JUST DEPARTED."

THE SIDESPLITTING SCENES ARE REALLY TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION AS THERE ARE SO MANY STAND OUTS.

THIS MAY WELL BE THE BEST FAMILY COMEDIC WESTERN PIECE DONE TO DATE. RIVAL FILMS LIKE 'BLAZING SADDLES' WITH THEIR PROFANE ENUENDOS
PALE TERRIBLY IN COMPARISON TO THIS EFFORT.

THIS IS ONE YOU CAN WATCH REPEATEDLY AND LAUGH JUST AS LOUD EACH TIME.

My 2nd favorite Garner movie of all time
Boy this was hard, ranking my Favorite James Garner movies. It came down to the two Support your... movies. I had to go with the one that had the sidewinder, Susan Plesette and the X-Rifleman and Cub second baseman Swifty Morgan.

SYLSheriff came in second because he was just passin thru on his way to australia anyway.

The top of the genre
Still boyish at 41, Garner here brings a variation of his Bret Maverick character (then almost a decade in rerun-land) to the big screen and in the process spoofs almost every convention of the serious Western. As the unassuming, pragmatic, and mildly larcenous Jason McCullough, who's "basically...on my way to Australia" when he decides to pick up a little travelling money by taking on the job of taming the mining town of Calender, he proves to be rather more than he seems--and, in the process, shows once again why he was cast in so many comedies during his long career. Playing his part almost dead straight and supported by an excellent cast, he makes Jason seem like a hero even though that's the last thing Jason wants to be. In the process everyone sends up everything from "High Noon" to "Rio Bravo" and makes it all seem effortless and plausible. A movie that defines "comedy-Western" and one all audiences should enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Disney's Lost Treasure...
Dear Amazon: I'm trying to find a copy of this Disney Classic. I saw the film in '76 when it was first released theatrically. This film is funny, thrilling, and extremely entertaining for the entire family. I hope it's re-released on video soon...

One of Disney's best kept (Treasures)
I cant believe this film is out of print. If anyone can find a copy floating around a video store - BUY IT! This is a perfect example of a great live disney film. The cast as an ensemble is even better. And the late Joan Hackett is outstanding, warm, and very funny as Lauriette. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Perkins Flick
Being a hard-core Perkins fan, this is a nice addition to anyone's collection. Very creepy and very suspensful! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Perhaps Heston's finest performance
Even more so than his Oscar-winning turn in BEN-HUR, Charlton Heston's role in the terribly underrated 1968 western WILL PENNY may well be his best ever. Frequently when he's not doing the big-budget historical epics, Heston's performances seem to be much more realistic. WILL PENNY is a case in point....

Aided by a solid script by director Tom Gries, who died too young in 1977, Heston gives a performance of real strength and character, with Hackett (who also died too young) equally fine as the lonely woman having to protect an emotionally fatherless son. WILL PENNY was primarily shot on location in the Owens Valley, at the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada, during the winter of 1967; and this results in a very cold but still panoramic movie, superbly shot by veteran cameraman Lucien Ballard. For whatever reason, Paramount originally buried it in release in early 1968, choosing to release it simultaneously with the 20th Century Fox film PLANET OF THE APES, another Heston film that got the box office glory. Now, however, WILL PENNY is rightly regarded as a minor classic--and perhaps the real crowning glory in Heston's extremely distinguished acting career.

Perhaps Heston's finest performance
Even more so than his Oscar-winning turn in BEN-HUR, Charlton Heston's role in the terribly underrated 1968 western WILL PENNY may well be his best ever. Frequently when he's not doing the big-budget historical epics, Heston's performances seem to be much more realistic. WILL PENNY is a case in point....

Aided by a solid script by director Tom Gries, who died too young in 1977, Heston gives a performance of real strength and character, with Hackett (who also died too young) equally fine as the lonely woman having to protect an emotionally fatherless son. WILL PENNY was primarily shot on location in the Owens Valley, at the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada, during the winter of 1967; and this results in a very cold but still panoramic movie, superbly shot by veteran cameraman Lucien Ballard. For whatever reason, Paramount originally buried it in release in early 1968, choosing to release it simultaneously with the 20th Century Fox film PLANET OF THE APES, another Heston film that got the box office glory. Now, however, WILL PENNY is rightly regarded as a minor classic--and perhaps the real crowning glory in Heston's extremely distinguished acting career.

Not just one of the best westerns, its one of the best films
Will Penny is perhaps the most realistic western ever filled. From the aged clothing and weapons (antiques rented specifically for the film) to non-Hollywood plot devices and ending the film is unsurpassed for realism. I recommend the DVD over the VHS because it contains a short film on that subject (more on the DVD version later). Charlton Heston's performance as ageing cowboy Will Penny is one of cinemas best and at times appears to be the inspiration for Robert Duvall's performance in Lonesome Dove. Familiar western faces in the supporting roles include Joan Hackett and Lee Majors and a who's who of westerns character actors (Ben Johnson, Slim Pickens, Anthony Zerbe, Bruce Dern to name just a few). If there is one flaw it is the inappropriate desert caravan score and jarring closing credits song. Despite this consideration it is a definite must for western fans. One DVD complaint, though the behind-the-scenes short shows clips in widescreen, the so-called "widescreen version" of the film is condensed and clipped. Paramount has a reputation for the worst transfers of any major studio and here is a prime example why that reputation exists. One can forgive the less-than-sharp picture because we have no idea the condition of the print, but if they had a widescreen version to gather long clips why didn't they use it for the film itself. Perhaps they were culled from a promotional short and the entire film no longer exists in its original theatrical format, but why market the DVD as part of their "Widescreen Collection," as it is labeled right there on the top of the front cover, when it was not? Just plain sloppy, and dishonest.

Heston Classic
I usually don't waste my time on thes matters but in responce to the reviewer "ageofanxiety", it is typical like that reviewer to "stereotype" Heston into the catagory of what the previous reviewer states that Heston is a actor that has "pompous roles" and STEROTYPES Heston as a "Conservative" in most of his films.Well, that is that person's opinion and it is wrong to put a great actor such as Heston into that catagory.Typical of today's reviewer that think they are experts in "avante cinnema garde" films or whatever that crap means. A movie is a MOVIE. Your so-called form of "art" is your OPINION and nothing else!This was a classic Heston role and if you want to see Heston really ACT, then I suggest you see his dual acting role in the classic movie "Mother Lode".

heston CAN act
after so many films of the conservative heston playing the conservative heston he finally remembered he was an actor and delivered a touching, humanistic performance. he is vulnerbale here and even uneducated, a far cry from the normal pompous roles heston specialized in. its a shame there werent more performances like this form him, but it is performance to be cherished.
the film has a sort of neo realism and its refreshing. the only false note lies in the overly melodramatic villians. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Escape Artist - Almost Gets Away!
The Escape Artist has several things going for it. Teen actor (at the time time in question) Griffin O'Neil gives an excellent performance as the "escape artist", a teenage magician skilled in such nice things as magic tricks and not-so-nice things as lock picking, burgulary, safe cracking, and pickpocketing. Movie legends Desi Arnaz and Raul Julia also have starring roles. Unfortunately, the plot sputters to a standstill midway through the movie and winds up going no place fast.

It is based on the book of the same name and follows the plot of the book very closely which leads to its fatal flaw - not enough time being spent on the screenplay adaptation. The secret in creating a movie from a book is realizing that the audience will be seeing a movie, and knowing which parts of the book to include and which ones not to. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter movies and Silence of the Lambs are excellent examples of proper book to movie adaptation.

The Escape Artist, regretfully, is not. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Lesser-known Horror Anthology - Mediocre until the End
Dan Curtis, of Dark Shadows fame, created "Dead of Night" in order to follow up on his immensely popular "Trilogy of Terror." Like "Trilogy," "Dead of Night" consists of three horror stories, and also like "Trilogy," the first two stories are only mediocre. In each film, it is the third and final story that packs the most punch (and what a punch!).

The first story in "Dead of Night" involves a young man who comes into possession of a supernatural antique vehicle. This story was very slow-paced, uninspiring, and thoroughly forgettable. I cannot even recall the title.

The second story, "No Such Thing as a Vampire," starring Patrick MacNee, is much better. MacNee portrays a jealous husband seeking revenge on his wife's "secret" lover, a revenge exacted via the beliefs of the superstitious townsfolk.

The third story, "Bobby," a teleplay penned by the legendary Richard Matheson, is, as another reviewer put it, "paydirt." This genuinely frightening story involves a guilt-ridden mother who resorts to black magic to resurrect her drowned son, and is worth the price of this rather hard to find video by itself. It's classic short-story format horror and leaves a lasting impression. Dan Curtis tried to reinvent this tale with Lysette Anthony in "Trilogy of Terror II," but the remake comes nowhere near close to capturing the dark, claustrophobic horror of the original.

In short, if you're a horror fan, "Dead of Night" is certainly worth a look, particularly for the last tale.

1945 British Horror Classic
The "Dead of Night" pictured on the cover of the box as shown is for the 1945 British anthology film, NOT the made-for-televion 1977 film as reviewed in the two reviews I just read. There is a mix-up here. Which of the two films is actually for sale? The 1945 film is excellent. It has five different stories, each told by a different character. Each story has also been handled by a different director. The characters who tell these stories are all wrapped up in a sixth story which starts and ends the film.

Worth it for the last story alone!
I'd caught the last 15 minutes of this movie on television a few years ago, and spent some time and effort tracking it down. Being 41 myself, I well remember the wonderful old "ABC Tuesday Movie of the Week" telefilms of the 70's (and Wednesday MOW's and so on). This, I guess I'd missed the first time around.

Anyway, as "horror anthology" this isn't a success at all. I understand this was the pilot for a possible series of strange and unusual tales, so it isn't all horror. In fact, the first story is an interesting romantic time-travel tale, by noted writer Jack Finney. In that story, a man who restores a classic, antique car, is taken by that car back in time to before the car was wrecked. ...

The second story, is about a man using his village's fear of vampire legends to dispatch his own enemies - not much interest or tension there.

The third story - aha! PAYDIRT!!!

This is the story worth waiting for, the story you want to see, the story like no story you've ever seen before, and that will keep you jumping throughout. I'll tell you nothing about it - you'll have to buy this video to see it yourself, and believe me - you'll be glad you did!

If You Liked Trilogy of Terror...
People who like horror anthologies should enjoy this made for TV feature. In 1975 Trilogy of Terror was a success so Dan Curtis directed this follow up although it is not as well known. There are three stories about a trip into the past involving an antique car, a vampire and a woman who brings her drowned son back from the dead. A cast of familiar faces include Ed Begley Jr, Anjanette Comer, Horst Bucholz, Patrick Macnee, Elisha Cook Jr, Joan Hackett and Lee H.Montgomery. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Brilliant film
A brilliant film with superb acting, and an absolutely fascinating exploration of the human brain and its relationship to consciousness and behavior. This is an early work, and represents the author's scientific imagination at its best.

Can I get an S...L...O...W...
Holy nun monkeys is this movie slow! I've seen molasses on concrete move at a rate faster than this. Good storyline (that's because it's based on the Michael Crichton novel) the film it self is just a tad bit dated for the times. The story as I said was good execpt the ending which left me clueless. They obviously changed it from the ending in the novel. I really don't recommend this film to anyone not even the Michael Crichton fans.

Mike Hodges is the terminal man
One has to wonder, after the success of Westworld which Michael Crichton wrote and directed, why he would allow Mike Hodges to make such a mess of The Terminal Man. At least Crichton had the sense to do his own Coma. The premise of this film is akin to Crichton's ongoing concern with the impersonality that seems to go with advances in medical technology. Here it is believed that surgery can correct violent behaviour, since it is thought that those disposed to violent acts are simply brain damaged. George Segal plays Harry Benson, a computer genius who suffers from "para-epilepsy" which has resulted him in having blackouts with uncontrollable rages. He agrees to surgery, which is untried on humans, (we never find out the effects on the animals that came before him, but presumably they are no longer "brain damaged") and has an electronic computer implanted into his brain to tranquilise and abort the violent impules. There's no prize for guessing the treatment is a failure and soon the computer is overloading stimulants and pushing Harry into regular seizures. Hodges gives such painstaking detail to the operation that we soon realise that his interest is the miniature of the surgery and not in giving his audience a good time. His hospital plays Muzak in the corridors and he otherwise has Glenn Gould playing Bach on his soundtrack. The fact that he doesn't use an action score is probably symptomatic of Hodges' inappropriate restraint. He teases us with eye through a peephole observations as Harry's mind (I think), Them on TV, and one great image of Harry running maniacally through cemetary headstones. Just when the final cemetary scene arouses your interest, with Harry fallen into an about-to-be used grave, Hodges disappoints us by turning him into a Christ-figure. George Segal has previously demonstrated his range in comedy and drama, but here his uncontrollable rages are pretty tepid. I guess when one considers who to cast as a paranoid psychotic, Segal doesn't come to mind. Hodges actually never shows him in a direct attack, and when he tries to break through a locked door a la Jack Nicholson in The Shining, I was waiting for the "Here's Johnny" gag. It also doesn't help that Segal is dressed in a ridiculous wig and white suit as if he is in a dubbed Italian movie. Playing Segal's girlfriend, before her Unmarried Woman breakthrough, Jill Clayburgh is given thankless scenes but still manages to contribute some goofiness. As Harry's doctor, Joan Hackett is also under-used. Hodges recalls the infamous photos of Frances Farmer being arrested with similar pics of Harry, and there is an objection to the surgery from someone who reminds us of how disastrous frontal lobotomies were at the time. What is unintentionally amusing is how one of the doctors on staff is played by an actor with a huge bare forehead, as if he has already been under the ice-pick. ... Read more

Description

This expressionistic work is Eugene O'Neill's classic American drama of love, revenge, murder and suicide. Set against the backdrop of a small New England town in the post-Civil War era, O'Neill's saga of family discord fueled by psychological undercurrents is from Aeschylus' "The Oresteia." The end result is one of the American theatre's most shattering epic works. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Perkins Flick
Being a hard-core Perkins fan, this is a nice addition to anyone's collection. Very creepy and very suspensful! ... Read more