Reviews (30)

A MAGICAL CHARMER .
This unforgettable film is for lovers of love stories. THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE contains the message that true love is etched in the human heart and beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Young is an embittered, suicidal and facially disfigured WWI veteran who meets McGuire, a girl so plain that no one would look at her twice. They eventually marry and move into a secluded cottage which is enchanted by the love found within its walls by its previous occupants over the years: it is a Honeymoon cottage of which Natwick knows to contain a legendary spell. Slowly and miraculously, through their love for each other, the couple find each-other immensely attractive to each other: Young has regained his youthful handsomeness and McGuire is blossomed into a great beauty. The film's theme of love's triumph over adversity was cruelly attacked by many critics in 1945, but the story is beautifully handled, written and tastefully acted. Young and McGuire underplay their roles which would easily have been labled histrionic in less capable hands. In supporting roles, Mildred Natwick and Herbert Marshall are fine. First filmed as the silent FOREVER in 1924 with Richard Barthelmess and May McAvoy, this was Robert Young's personal favourite of all his movies.

A classic love story that uplifts the heart.
The kind of movie you can watch with your teenage children and not squirm because of nudity or offensive language. The story is set during WWII when Oliver Bradford, played by Robert Young, joins the Air Force before his planned wedding and is disfigured and partially crippled in action. When he returns, his fiancee is shocked and turns away. He retreats to the cottage where they were to have spent their honeymoon and encounters a homely young woman who is its housekeeper. They find solace in each other's company, and the enchantment of the cottage turns their companionship to love. In love, to each other they become perfect and beautiful, and believe they have physically changed until Oliver's mother, in the moment we have been dreading, bursts the bubble. But true love sees beyond the surface and triumphs touchingly at the conclusion.

Wonderful performances from the film's cast which includes Dorothy McGuire, Herbert Marshall, Mildred Natwick, and Alec Englander.

If The Enchanted Cottage were re-released on video, I would buy a dozen copies as Christmas gifts.

Serendipity Cinema #2
A Recommended Film You May Never Have Heard Of, But Should See. Trust me. Some will call it a "Chick Flick," others just a "Romantic Love Story" and some might even call it "Fantasy," but this film is about the power of hope, the magic of love. With magnificent performances and simple honesty, it paints a picture that would never be attempted today. It is glorious, and will leave no one who sees it unchanged. If you have a romantic bone in your body seek it out, and you will thank me for pointing you in its direction.

"The inner eyes of the imagination."
"The Enchanted Cottage" is the story of the redemptive power of love. The setting is the early 40s. Plain Laura Pennington (Dorothy McGuire) accepts a job as a maid at a cottage that has a rather interesting history. The owner of the cottage, Abigail Minnett, agrees to rent the cottage to future honeymooners Oliver Bradford (Robert Young) and his snotty, but beautiful, sweetheart, Beatrice Alexander. But WWII intervenes, and both the wedding and the honeymoon are postponed. Oliver later returns to rent the cottage, but he is alone and disfigured due to an accident.

It becomes clear to both Laura and Mrs Minnett that Oliver is hiding himself--and his disfigurement--from the world. Oliver Bradford's dreadful, insensitive parents and fiancee Beatrice come to visit. Rather than being grateful that Oliver is alive, Beatrice cannot accept the disfigured Oliver, and her horror is punctuated with tears of pity for herself and what's she's lost. And so Oliver retreats even further into a lonely shell of bitterness and self-pity.

Oliver's pain and loneliness is slowly penetrated by Laura's quiet, patient kindness and by the blind--but understanding presence of fellow injured WWI pilot Major John Hillgrove. "The Enchanted Cottage" is primarily a love story. The message that love is indeed blind is not a new one, but it is delivered in this black & white film with sweet honesty and purity--displacedhuman.

The Eyes of Love
The Enchanted Cottage is one of the most beautiful and fondly remembered films of the 1940's. John Cromwell's direction and a lovely score from Roy Webb give this sensitive and tender film about true love and real beauty the perfect atmosphere. Adapted from a Sir Arthur Pinero play by DeWitt Boden and Herman J. Mankiewicz, it is a film held close to the heart by all who have ever seen it.

It begins at a cocktail party as blind composer John (Herbert Marshall) awaits the arrival of Laura Pennington (Dorothy McGuire) and Oliver Bradford (Robert Young). As they wait, he tells their magical story of love that inspired his latest work. It revolves around a Noblemen's estate burned to the ground long ago, only a wing untouched by the flames. Over the centuries, only newly wed couples have stayed there, etching their names in a window. All who have stayed there have been happy, feeling something special at the cottage. According to Laura, the cottage is not haunted, but enchanted.

The chain of happy couples was broken by Mrs. Millet (Spring Byington) when her husband was killed in WWI, and only when Laura returns to the cottage to work as the maid does she begin to feel the cottage come to life again. For Laura, who is plain and homely, the cottage is a place to belong, somewhere she can live out her dreams of happiness on the inside, beneath her unexciting exterior.

Plans to rent the cottage are made by Oliver and his shallow fiance, but the second world war interrupts and the scarred and disfigured Oliver, shot down over Java, returns alone. John befriends the lonely Laura and the frightened and bitter Oliver, watching them find the beauty inside each other as the cottage works its magic once more and they begin to fall in love.

When a miracle occurs and they are no longer plain or disfigured they can not wait to tell their friends and family. To relate the chain of events that follows their decision would ruin the impact of the films moving message about love.

The cast is stellar, especially Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire. Their inner angst and loneliness, and their feelings of joy as they are transformed are brought forth in a tender and real manner. Every couple should see this wonderful film together at least once, as a reminder that true love lets us see the more important and real beauty of the heart. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Blarney and bliss, mixed in equal proportions. John Wayne plays an American boxer who returns to the Emerald Isle, his native land. What he finds there is a fiery prospective spouse (Maureen O'Hara) and a country greener than any Ireland seen before or since--it's no surprise The Quiet Man won an Oscar for cinematography. It also won an Oscar for John Ford's direction, his fourth such award. The film was a deeply personal project for Ford (whose birth name was Sean Aloysius O'Fearna), and he lavished all of his affection for the Irish landscape and Irish people on this film. He also stages perhaps the greatest donnybrook in the history of movies, an epic fistfight between Wayne and the truculent Victor McLaglen--that's Ford's brother, Francis, as the elderly man on his deathbed who miraculously revives when he hears word of the dustup. Barry Fitzgerald, the original Irish elf, gets the movie's biggest laugh when he walks into the newlyweds' bedroom the morning after their wedding, and spots a broken bed. The look on his face says everything. The Quiet Man isn't the real Ireland, but as a delicious never-never land of Ford's imagination, it will do very nicely. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (136)

John Ford's gentle and loving salute to Ireland.......
From all reports "The Quiet Man" was a very personal and passionate undertaking from director John Ford, and his company of players (most of Irish ancestry)....and what sweet fruit their passion bore...

This is a film of such warmth, tenderness, humour and beauty that it just sparkles from beginning to end.

Irish-born, American boxer Sean Thornton (John Wayne) returns to his place of birth after accidently killing another man in the ring. Seeking to find peace and happiness in the lush green country side, Sean is enraptured with the fiery Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara in a wonderful performance) but incurs the wrath of her bully of a brother Red Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen) because of Thornton's purchase of local land. Failing to abide by the customs of Irish courtship as advised by resident matchmaker Michaleen Flynn (Barry Fitzgerald) and Father Peter Lonergan (Ward Bond)...it's not long before the whole county is in a spin about this big Yank in their midst !!

Amidst the lopsided courtship and Red Will's refusal to pay the dowry, Thornton & Danaher square off in what must be the most entertaining and longest on screen fights in cinema history...much to the amusement of the entire town that turned out to watch !!

"The Quiet Man" is such a wonderfully enchanting film, that it is as enjoyable for all ages today, as it was nearly 50 years ago. Truly, a film for those young at heart and those who can appreciate such a warm hearted and lovingly prepared ode to the magic of Ireland.

A Movie You'll Watch Over And Over
A true masterpiece, this movie captures the heart and soul of Ireland. That said, not only the Irish will love it. It tells the story of an American, coming home to his mother's beloved Irland. There he meets and falls in love with a beautiful colleen, only to find that her brother is against the affair and basically, out to get him. Shot on location in Ireland, the view is gorgeous, and the plot has everything from exciting fights to tender love scenes. ( My favourite scene is their famous first kiss, when he kisses her in the storm and then she slaps him. Btw, Maureen O'Hara fractured her wrist doing that!)

"The Quiet Man" was John Ford's favourite film, and also his most personal one. He cast his favourite actors in it, and it shows. John wayne is just great -whoever thinks he only played himself in every role should see his performance here. For his love interest we have Ford's kind of a woman, the breathtakingly beautiful Maureen O'Hara.She gives a magnificent performance as Mary Kate, and in my opinion should have won the Oscar for it. (She Wasn't even nominated!) Sparks flew when this couple met on screen, and the result is out there for you to witness.

Don't wait till the next St. Patrick's Day -see this film now. I promise you won't regret it.

A romance almost out of time and place - wonderful cast
Anyway, the story is an idyll that is really out of time and place. Apparently it takes place in the early 20th century in Ireland. It seems to be after the Irish Revolution, but before the First World War. I say before the war because the movie never references the awful loss of life that traumatized every European nation that experienced it. Any later than that and you would wonder where the planes and cars would be.

It is a good love story, but the whole concept of dowry and the stubborn character shown by the whole Danaher clan would be mysterious to the younger American generation, as would the purpose of a matchmaker and the formal courting rituals that the movie sends up.

John Wayne is quite fine in this role as is the whole cast. It is a very enjoyable film with a lot to recommend it for the family. It will certainly spark some discussion with the kids that might be helpful and broaden their cultural horizons.

One of the great classics of world cinema
Everything about this film is first rate. The storyline, cast, the directing, the cinematography. You can't go wrong with this one.

Restored ? Huh !
I'm going to keep this short. The Quiet Man is a classic, so why treat it like crap. I have VHS copies of old Disney Afternoon cartoons that are a million times better than this. The transfer is so bad I finally just messed with the color on my set and decided it would be better in black and white.
Theatrical Trailers? That's what the box says, but there are only three "trailers" on the disc, and none are theatrical. they are all commercials for other Artisan discs, which makes no sense as anyone who sees what a terrible job they did to this classic will be very wary before they ever pick up another Artisan disc. Can you imagine the outcry if they did this to Wizard of Oz or any ohter film classics. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Delicate and Delightful
This movie is just as the character Tammy herself, charming, kind, and good natured. It isn't driven by heavy, complicated themes, but does everything have to be? There is something of great value in simplicity and honesty. I much prefer them to arrogance and cruelty. When I think of a young girl in love, I will always see Debbie Reynolds at her windowsill, bathed in moonlight, singing Tammy. Tammy and Bachelor is a delightful, delicate movie, well worth watching.

A Sweet Movie in Need of a DVD Release!
I saw Tammy and the Bachelor on American Movie Classics and I think it is a very nice movie. Tammy was such a nice sweet girl and Debbie Reynolds did a fantastic job playing her. The rest of the cast is wonderful too but especially Leslie Nielsen as Pete and Mildred Natwick as his eccentric aunt. I'm surprised that this movie hasn't been transferred to DVD yet and I think that a sweet movie like this should definitely be on DVD! I would love to see it get a nice widescreen edition and hopefully commentary and interviews with Debbie Reynolds and Leslie Nielsen.

Values.........with Ike and Mamie then [and Now?]
A period of great innocence, beautifully reflected in this really sweet little tale about a Country Girl [Debbie at her most charming] mixing with those City Folk and finding true love [bit of a journey, but she gets there]. AND it somewhat all plays for real and pulls you in! THERE IS ALSO Debbie's hit song. Leslie Nielsen is perfect as the love interest, great casting.

NOW, if only Miss Carrie Fisher could pen a sequel ... I'm sure that Debbie and Leslie would instantly accept. Along the lines of "Tammy, was it True?"; "Tammy 2002?", you get my drift......

GREAT MOVIE CLASSIC!
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE WITH MY MOM A FEW YEARS AGO.. AND I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE AN OLDER MOVIE.. BUT THIS ONE IS SO GOOD THAT I WILL WATCH IT ANY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! DON'T BE AFRAID TO BUY THE VIDEO.. YOU WON'T BE RETURNING IT UNLESS YOU JUST DON'T LIKE ROMANTIC MOVIES. I RECOMMEND IT! AND DON'T FORGET TO GRAB THE BOWL OF MUNCHIES TOO!

Great Fifties Fun with Debbie Reynolds!
This is perhaps the only romantic comedy that Leslie Nielsen ever made, and he does a great job of it. He was a real hunk in his younger years! I'm also a big fan of Debbie Reynolds' movies from the Fifties and Sixties, and this is one of her better ones. It was a big box-office hit in 1957 and continues to wear well as a romantic comedy, though, of course, the attitudes toward women and African Americans will seem very paternalistic to many people today (though very accurate to the times).

Tammy Tyree is an uneducated orphan living on a riverboat on the Mississippi with her moonshiner grandpa (Walter Brennan) when a private plane crashes near them. While nursing its pilot, Pete (Leslie Nielsen), back to health, Tammy falls in madly in love with him. But Pete sees Tammy as a child (she is 17 and he is about 30). He does promise her grandfather that if anything ever happens to Grandpa, Pete will take in Tammy.

Soon after Pete leaves, Tammy has to take him up on his promise, because Grandpa is caught red-handed operating his still and hauled off to jail. After a long, tiring walk, tugging her goat behind her, Tammy is amazed to encounter the, to her, opulent lifestyle of Pete and his parents and aunt, who live on a rundown Southern plantation. She is terribly disappointed to discover Pete is engaged, but the relationship is rocky, because Pete wants to grow prize-winning tomatoes and save the plantation, while his fiancée wants him to move to the big city and work at her rich daddy's corporation. Meanwhile, Pete's best friend has been in love with Pete's fiancée for years, and begins to make moves on both her and Tammy while Pete is preoccupied with his tomatoes.

The song, "Tammy's In Love," sung very pleasingly by Debbie Reynolds in the film, was a big hit the year the film came out. Debbie was probably in her early twenties at the time and very pretty and perky. I found it fascinating to see Fay Wray of King Kong fame playing Pete's fifty-something mother. She looks beautiful. Mildred Natwick, a delightful comic actress, plays Pete's aunt and adds a lot to the story. I love Walter Brennan, a hugely talented comic actor. His portrayal of Grandpa was both warm and funny. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

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

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

Reviews (12)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (46)

The House without A Christmas Tree
I was 13 when this movie first came out. It touched me deeply and still does. I noticed one reviewer said the filming was terrible. You have to understand that this was filmed inexpensively, in the 70's as a childrens special.It was based on the book by Gail Rock and so it was as though looking at the illustrations in a book. We didn't have all those fancy technical affects they have now. And, even if they did, that's not what the movie was about. It was about family, emotions, the simpler times. That's what touched us.It tugged at our emotions and our heart strings. We didn't need great technical affects to entertain us. And if the feeling isn't there when you view it. It never will be. So, if you're looking for fantastic special effects, this isn't the movie for you. There are plenty out there, devoid the emotions. If your looking for a movie,that will touch your inner self, then this is the movie for you. I also am pleased to have the video sequels "The Holiday Treasure" and "The Easter Promise". I only wish they'd make available on video. "Addie and the King Of Hearts". I'm hoping it can be done as there are many of us that would love to own it on video.

Gifts from the Heart
I'm another one who has waited a very long time for this nostalgic feature to be released to video. This film illustrates the true spirit of Christmas in a multi-act live drama/play form. It's not about the gifts that are bought, wrapped and boxed but rather the gifts of the spirit and the heart. It's a real tear jerker about a family and the power of Christmas gifts of love, compassion and understanding (remember those?) in a time of holiday grief. Excellent performances by Lisa Lucas, Mildred Natwick and Jason Robards as the "Grinchy", sour and emotionally distant father.

In additon to excellent acting and a heart warming story, this movie is also very well presented. There are some very artistic, yet simple visual transitions that separate each act as the narrator recounts her story of a Christmas so memorable. The painted pictures and real life image transitions creatively bring this story to life and also capture the memories for all generations to enjoy during the holiday season and all year round.

You will feel the empathic power of this holiday treasure.... and even more if you have ever lost someone you loved. If you have any Grinches in your family, this is the perfect gift.

A Warm, Televised, Childhood Memory!! I Love Gail Rock!!
This is a WONDERFUL movie...!! I remember this movie from my childhood. The watching of this movie was as much a part of our family traditions as was trimming the tree or waiting in our jammies (anxiously in bed), for Santa.

Ms. Rock has given us a tender (and sometimes bitter), look into a "yester-year" Christmas..one that was real, alive, simple and without all of the high-tech trappings of today.

It was a wish of mine that someday I would be able to watch this wonderful movie again and was THRILLED when I was able to purchase it...by the way, two other movies were released as well 1. The Holiday Treasure (purchased from Critic's Choice Video) 2. The Easter Promise (Look For Used Copies At Auction Sites Or You Can Try Critic's Choice Videos. The Holiday Treasure was originally named The Thanksgiving Treasure when it aired on television..this was Ms. Rock's title for the Thanksgiving offering. Another wonderful addition to the life of Addie (Gail Rock), Mills is a sweet offering titled Addie Mills And The King Of Hearts...This has never been released for consumer purchase....I wish it was!!

These stories are so warm and real....I am collecting the videos, the first-issue hardcovers and paperbacks of as many of the titles as I can find...I suggest that you do the same!!

Wonderful material for the entire family!! THANK YOU GAIL ROCK! WE LOVE YOU...AND ADDIE!!

A Place I love to go to
I have owned "A House Without A Christmas Tree" for several years and I watch it year around.I just watched it again.
I feel like I have gone back to my house, as a child. I was born in 35 and Addie was born in 36. Her home and school look much like mine did.
I liked the post war years and the simple Christmases that we had.
I have watched this with my grandchildren and they compare me with the grandmother and call me a smart old character.
I love everything about the movie. I love the home, the family, the Christmas season, but, my favorite part is the relationship that Addie has with her grandmother.
Who is narrating this movie?

A special place in my heart and on my video shelf
I was thrilled to get a copy of this video. It was filmed at a house across from my grade school. I remember we got to sit outside and watching filming...but our teacher told us we had to be as quiet as mice. We were. My school is also featured in the movie. I'll never forget the experience, or the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS LOOKING DVD OF THIS JOHN FORD CLASSIC
"She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" is one of those glorious westerns, luminously photographed by director, John Ford. It stars, John Wayne, as a widower living at a military outpost with the cavalry and features some of the most gorgeously photographed exteriors ever captured on film. Monument Valley becomes a place of quiet, stoic beauty and the duke never gave a more impressive performance than he does here.
My hat off to the good people at Warner Home Video. This is a truly amazing looking DVD and one that should definitely be on every film buffs wish list to own. Colors are fully saturated, well balanced and incredibly life like. Contrast levels are on pitch as are black levels. There is a hint of edge enhancement and pixelization but really - it's just a hint. Chips, scratches and imperfections inherant in the original camera negative are kept to a bare, bare minimum. The audio is mono, as originally presented, but extremely well balanced, with low to non-existant background hiss in most scenes. No extras: a shame! One craves a documentary on either the making-of this movie or John Ford himself. We get neither. Still, it's hard to fault such a near pristine looking transfer.
BOTTOM LINE: Get this one before it goes out of print!

Yellow Ribbon
This is the second and ,as many have said, best in John Ford's famed cavalry trilogy. I go further in claiming for it high status in the genre of western films, it is one of the finest. Wayne wears makeup that ages him 20 years and his acting performance transforms him into that older man Captain Nathan Brittles, soon to be retired from the U. S. Cavalry. Captain Brittles talking to his late wife at her grave ,while he waters the plants he has placed there, with Monument valley in the background is one of the more moving scenes. This and "The Searchers" are Wayne's finest acting performances.
"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" won an academy award for it's color cinematography and it was well deserved. This is one beautiful film. Ford shot many of his westerns in Monument valley, this is his definitive Monument valley western, you really see alot of the landscape and clouds and it's glorious. The special features on this dvd has a short home movie of Ford and Wayne flying down to Mexico and hanging out back in the forties.
Own this one because it's one of those rare films you can, and will want to, watch over and over.

THE SECOND LEG OF GREATNESS
SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON is the second leg of greatness in the John Ford Cavalry Trilogy. Cinematography-wise SWAYR is the jewel in the crown, it's much heralded Oscar winning celluloid images are breathtaking. All three films have their own moments of greatness, here it's John Wayne as Capt. Nathan Brittles, in make-up aging him 20 years no less "making his report" graveside to his wife and daughter; His receiving his silver watch from his troops ("Lest we forget,") and his negotiating Victor McLaglen's retirement ("A man of a thirst like that can't survive on less than a sergeant's pension!"). Of course there is the cavalry's march to their 3 theme songs: "Garry Owen", "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" and "The Girl I Left Behind Me" (a constant in the trilogy). Sterling performances across the board. SWAYR is an all time classic.

John Wayne in his element
When this film was released I was six years old, living in grey, cold, bankrupt post war Britain, a world of food and clothing rationing. Cinema was pure escapism and I thank my parents for taking me there every week. Westerns were big in those days. They had titles such as "Broken Arrow" or "Winchester 73". As my love of cinema was slowly nurtured "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" left an indelible impression on my psyche. I loved every bit of it. The odyessic story, with its lack of 'white man good' 'red indian bad' stereotyping. The sophistication of Ford's direction with its cool appreciation of America's big country. The actors - Wayne, of course, towering above all, and decades before he blotted his copybook with his embarrasing gung-ho roles, to Victor McLagen's 'Oirish' knockabout sargeant, via the under-stated work of Joanne Dru and John Agar. "Never apologise, son. It's a sign of weakness." A simply unbeatable movie.

"Lest we forget!"
Capt. Nathan Brittles (John Wayne) is near retirement and looks at it with an unsure and heavy heart. After years in the U.S. Cavalry it is all he knows and is not sure what will become of him when he leaves it. Brittles knows that the Army and life will go on, but what will his role in life be, since he lost his wife years before. This is the second and best film in the John Ford cavalry trilogy. As it Brittles is not very keen on handing over command to younger soldiers who are yet to prove themself in leading other men and in combat. For all it's worth he has little to no say about what will happen to those who take over and what will become of the indian tribe that he has worked with and delt with for so long. Victor McLaglen is a great supporter in the film as he also faces retirement and enjoys his whiskey and fights along with the other men. A story about trust and service along with changing times, it features one of Wayne's best performances. An Oscar winner for best color cinematography (Winton C. Hoch) that features Monument Valley, this is a film to see as it is a western and war film wraped into one. It is simple yet not boring and it get's to the point when needed. Grade: B+ ... Read more

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Devotees of Neil Simon's repartee, such as in his Goodbye Girl and Brighton Beach Memoirs, will enjoy this earlier tale of domestic dispute between newlyweds.Corie (Jane Fonda) is the young housewife trying to keep life exciting while making a home for her and her husband, Paul (Robert Redford), on the fifth floor of a Greenwich Village walkup apartment. He's working hard at starting his career as lawyer; she's eager to be romantic and spontaneous; and the two have plenty to squabble about. The film suffers a bit from Corie's excessive perkiness and the odd lack of chemistry between the two actors. But those who find the dramatic conventions a bit stiff (some of the dialogue and action seems more suited for stage than screen) may still smile at the dated look (circa 1967) at home life. Mildred Natwick is superb as Corie's mother, and Charles Boyer milks his role as the elderly bohemian neighbor upstairs. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (25)

"SHAMMA SHAMMA!"
This is a great romantic comedy it has the charm of woody allen and billy crystal's films and it has the humor of its writer Neil Simon. The story takes place in the mid 1960's and involes a young newlywed couple played by Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.
After spending six "wonderful days at the Plaza" as miss Fonda so well put it they go home to start the marrige. They move into a one room apt. on the east side of new york and it's a walk up six flights. in the film we meet some very funny charecters like Victor Volasco and Corrie's mom who happend to still the hole film. This is a great sit at home date movie and im sure you'll love it! "Shamma Shamma"

Just a delight!
An old friend (and fan of goofy romance) recommended this film to me. It took 6 months and I finally got around to seeing the DVD. The DVD has the original trailer and looks great. The sound is solid, but you aren't buying this DVD for the effects. You are buying this for the film.

Pauline Kael called this film, "a trifle and almost amusing in a harmlessly, pleasantly stupid way" (5001 Nights at the Movies). She missed the whole point of the film. You don't take a movie like this seriously. You let the charm of Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, and the bouyant Charles Boyer take you away. You just laugh and enjoy. The story of two young newlyweds is age old. You can see where Dharma and Greg get their inspiration, and the 90 minutes of this film are far better than any episode of that show. I immediately fell in love with Fonda's Corrie.

Charles Boyer steals the movie. At times it is a bit dated (like Corrie's mom's advice about making a happy marriage), but that is no matter. If you want to smile and fall in love, see this film.

It looks great on DVD. Do yourself a favor, ignore the junk playing at a theatre near you and enjoy this one at home as winter comes.

Charming
What a neat little movie. Goes by in a flash. Jane Fonda is fun and has never looked better. Fun. Silly. Predictable. Harmless. A small quiet gem.

I Love This Movie!
Barefoot in the Park is one of my favorite movies, I taped it when it was shown in Letterbox Widescreen on TCM and when I get around to it I'm going to buy it on DVD. This is a very charming movie and has a wonderful cast! Jane Fonda is absolutely charming as spunky, fun-loving newlywed Bride Corrie Bratter and Robert Redford is very good as her uptight husband Paul but also good are Mildred Natwick as Corrie's mother and Charles Boyer as eccentric neighbor Victor Velasco and I highly recommend this charming movie!

Best of Neil Simon Romantic Comedy
My two favorite Jane Fonda movies are "Sunday In New York" and this one. Redford & Fonda are super. Great soundtrack. ... Read more

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Though it's impossible to gauge just how much of it is true, this endearing family comedy (based on the book by their children Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey) is inspired by the true story of the husband-and-wife efficiency experts Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and their adventures raising 12 kids at the turn of the century. Director Walter Lang takes a loping pace through the episodes of family life: the kids descend upon the new school in force while Dad (fussy Clifton Webb) offers his unsolicited views on education; Dad takes his oldest daughter (wholesome Jeanne Crain) to the school dance and becomes the hit of the ball; a mass tonsillectomy becomes an opportunity to document the ordeal as an experiment in efficiency. Myrna Loy almost steals the film in her one standout scene, holding back a smirk while a birth-control advocate (played by Mildred Natwick) solicits this mother of 12 to speak at a rally, but her martini-dry comic deadpan is criminally underused in this picture, which is dominated by Webb's stern, military-like parenting and Crain's adolescent crises. Though this sometimes overly sentimental classic never builds to any real dramatic plateau or comic highlights, it maintains an even tone of good humor and warmth throughout, capturing a bygone era through the travails of a loving family. A charming sequel, Belles on Their Toes, followed two years later. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A throwback to family values and an all-around great movie!
I was one who hounded the powers-that-be that this movie (that pre-dates ME by a good 23 years!) be released on DVD. I was thrilled when I received notice that it was being released and I just received it today (funny since I just happened to catch it on TV two days ago!). It's a timeless classic with a fantastic (and woman-empowering)plot based on a true story. I still can't imagine how they managed with 12 children but it gives me the courage to deal with my two (who sometimes make the mess of 12!). A great story for homeschoolers too- the importance of education could not be more delightfully presented.

I was worried that the quality of the DVD might not be up-to-snuff but it was great (unlike the other classic-movie DVD I just purchased, Life with Father, another favorite movie but the quality is quite poor).

By the way, I haven't seen the Steve Martin adaptation of Cheaper by the dozen but I've heard/ read that the storylines have close to nothing (other than 12 children) in common. Instead, invest in this classic and you'll be very pleased.

If I could give it more stars, I would!!

A Real Treasure of a Classic!
The wonderful story of a unique real-life 1920's family with 12 children. Myrna Loy the mother of this close knit family, will steal your heart with her dry, deadpan humor. In one scene she sits patiently in her living room listening to an unsuspecting birth-control advocate spew over-population nonsense in an attempt to get her to join their nefarious group! The father is an efficiency expert and runs his household accordingly, but not without a lot of unavoidable laughs and surprises. Very entertaining film you and your family will love. Takes you back to the wonderful time of 1910's and 1920's pre~Depression era America. The way a family ought to be. You'll simply love this classic treasure.

Cheaper by the Dozen -Clifton Webb
This is by far better than the remake. A definite must see. For a collector it is a must have. I really enjoyed all the problems that cropped up and were solved ingeniously.

Funny! Intelligent! Down-to-earth!
This movie is an absolute delight all around, content and production quality included! Pro-lifers will especially LOVE it! There's a very funny moment concerning that issue. Also, be sure to watch the "Special Awards" extra featured on the DVD menu. Fascinating to learn that this movie was attended by more people in 1950 than any other movie, according to Ernestine Gilbreth.
The cry from most today is just as strong as it was then - "We want wholesome family movies that are intelligently made." It takes a lot of EFFORT, a lot of THINKING to produce those. But, if Hollywood makes them, we will spend our money to see them, and also add them to our personal libraries. Wholesome movies are a good investment in the health of our society. Love those Gilbreth's!

AS WONDERFUL AS THE FIRST TIME :)
I saw this movie years ago, on television, and liked it then. I enjoyed it just as much when I watched the DVD of it I recently purchased. The DVD came in a timely manner, and was in perfect condition. I would buy from this seller again. ... Read more

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This is a surprisingly winning little comedy, though hardly a hit. Extrapolated from Bruno Barreto's Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands, the film stars Sally Field as a woman about to embark on her second marriage after her first husband, a charismatic Broadway director and choreographer (James Caan), has died. But as she plans her wedding to the likable but unexciting Jeff Bridges, Caan returns from the dead. Though only she can see him, it's a formula for disaster: She begins to doubt her plans and wonders whether she'd be happier with Caan's ghost than with Bridges's live body. Meanwhile, everyone else begins to doubt her sanity because she's talking to a dead man. Better than critics gave it credit for being, although you'll probably enjoy it more if you've never seen the original. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (9)

funniest movie you will ever see
I saw this movie years ago and it is still one of the most consistently funny movies I have ever seen. You can watch it over and over!!! I just wish they would put it on DVD!!!

FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW...
This is a delightful, little known, romantic comedy. It focuses on the prospective second marriage of Kay Villano (Sally Field), who three years prior had become a widow, when her then husband, Jolly (James Caan), met with an accidental death. Her fiance, Rupert Baines (Jeff Bridges), is a quiet, academic sort of man, the antithesis of her dead husband, who was a flamboyant philanderer and well known Broadway choreographer.

When Kay decides to reopen their old home and have the wedding there, she gets an unepected visitor, the ghost of her long dead husband. Unfortunately, only she can see or hear him. She now has to choose whether to linger over the memories of the dead or embrace the idea of creating new memories with the living.

Sally Fields is absolutely delightful as the tormented Kay. Her comedic timing is great, whether as the comedienne or as the comedic foil for James Caan. James Caan takes to the role of Jolly with unsurprising ease. Jeff Bridges is, unfortunately, somewhat wooden and stiff in his role. He could have been better. The rest of the supporting cast, which includes Claire Bloom and Mildred Natwick, however, is excellent.

This film, which brings to mind the likes of Noel Coward, is a funny, well acted film. It is a light, frothy, romantic comedy and has no pretensions of being anything more. It also features a song sung by the late, great Dusty Springfield as an added treat.

A GREAT FILM--Even for a Guy who HATES Chick-Flicks
This romantic comedy has been one of my long-time favorites. I have literally watched this film twice in one day and laughed out loud both times. The perfect blend of chemistry and comedy, it will work for both men and women. Once when watching this movie, my younger brother began to protest, "I hate girl movies!" I asked him to give it a chance and briefly explained some of the plot. He laughed so hard that he cried at the film's conclusion and then said the magic words "You were right." This is a great little movie that thought it could....if you can muster the open mind, you won't be disappointed. It's romantic without being overly sentimental--funny without overacting--bittersweet and perfectly played. My only regret---it's not on DVD yet. This movie also features a great song by Dusty Springfield, which found at both the introduction and conclusion. BUY THIS!!!!!

Where have all the good movies gone?
Quite an early look at Jeff Bridges. This movie was hilarious Sally Field and Jeff Bridges were so cute. I sooo miss movies like this. The actor who plays Sally's Father is so funny there are scenes he's in that you have to pay attention to because they are subtle funny.

James Caan was okay, I was much more impressed with Jeff's performance in this one.

Happy Viewing

Kiss me Goodbye
Sally fields is very funny along with her co-stars.
Intresting movie from beginning to end. Never get tired of watching it. ... Read more

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Danny Kaye spoofs Robin Hood and Scaramouche in this inventive slapstick swashbuckler. Portraying the clownish but good-hearted entertainer Hawkins, he infiltrates the court of the corrupt Basil Rathbone (up to his usual brand of cruel villainy) disguised as the legendary king of jesters, Giacomo. After a court sorceress hypnotizes Hawkins into believing he is also a legendary assassin, Hawkins has more identities than he can keep straight, and Kaye zips back and forth between them at, literally, a snap of the fingers. Comic highlights include a wonderful sword fight with Rathbone in which he constantly switches identities, and the classic "chalice from the palace/vessel with pestle" wordplay as Hawkins plays "hide the poison" and forgets where it is. With comely Glynis Johns as his spy-in-arms love interest, Angela Lansbury as the scheming princess, and Mildred Natwick as the dotty spellcaster, this is Danny Kaye at his comic best. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Charming and Hilarious Re-telling of the Robin Hood Story
I am not a great Danny Kaye fan, but this movie is one the the very funniest I've ever seen. Everything about it is excellent, from the production values to the songs & lyrics, from the fine quality of actors to the charm and wit of the dialogue and the story. There is literally nothing wrong with this movie. It is fit for all audiences, from the youngest to the oldest members of your family. I remember the first time I saw it, being struck by the fact that all the actors seemed to be having an absolutely marvellous time. Particularly during the Jester's first call at entertaining the court...unforgettable and sheer delight. Every single person on camera looked like they were having a wonderful time just being there. I hadn't seen anything like such a fine emsemble cast since 'All About Eve.' I think it must have been because there were no bad lines, no bad parts, no scenes that didn't work, and everyone had a chance to shine. Having a good material to work with really does make a world of difference. Stars Danny Kaye, Angela Landsbury, Basil Rathbone, and a host of marvellous British actors whose names are right now escaping my memory. Buy it. Keep it. Enjoy it for years.

The Brew that is True...
If one is tired of baudy bathroom humor of the typical comedies one finds today, perhaps "The Court Jester" will satisfy your comical thirst. Set in England during the time of chivalry and knighthood this musical comedy stars Danny Kaye as a ne'er do well circus performer who ends up out"fox"ing the dastardly villains, getting the girl and saving the real king's butt (so to speak). Glynis Johns plays Maid Jean whose stunning beauty and big eyes just make you melt (wow, I wish I'd been born earlier). Basil Rathbone is his typical bad self as the evil Ravenhurst playing it to the hilt! This film pulls out all the comical stops from tongue twisters to hypnosis, magnetism and even a Zorro sword play spoof with Rathbone! This is Danny Kaye's finest and funniest comedy! A must see movie!

Comedy Could Not Better Be!
In the history of the movies, fewer things are more amusing than watching Danny Kaye behave as Danny Kaye. Watching his films was a wonderful part of my childhood,and I remember being at home from High School on the day of his passing. I'm very glad for the legacy he has left us to enjoy.
In "The Court Jester" he couldn't be more in his element as he amuses us with his usual patter numbers clever, tounge-twisting lyrics and sword play, and moves us with his loving care of the orphaned infant heir to the English throne. The scene of his lullabying the baby was shown as a tribute to him at the end of "Entertainment Tonight" the weekend after his death and it was a fitting tribute to him, his love of children, and the childlike sense of wonder he brought to all of his films.
As Kaye's love interest, Jean, a charismatic Glynis Johns is highly complimentary.She is not the sterotypical woman of medeival times, but having been raised as a boy, has a lot of cunning, ingenuity, and an occassional bit of brawn as the leader of those in rebellion against Cecil Parker's evil King.
Angela Lansbury's Princess Gwendolyn longs for true love rather than an arranged marriage. She is firm and decisive in many ways, as she helps bring the tale to a positive conclusion.
As the sourceress, Mildred Natwick leads into some of the film's funniest scenes, including the notorious "Pellet with the poison is in the vessel with the pestle" routine that has become a classic.
Hubert Hawkins' cleverness in seizing the real Court Jester,(John Carradine, a man whom I could never really think of as funny) who was very arrogant, disguising himself in his clothes, and using his tounge-twisting dialogue with the King to cover his tracks is also a riot.
Basil Rathbone as the evil henchmen is a refined villian. It's amusing the way Kaye kept pushing his name out of the way during the opening credits, and I have wondered how often Hawkins' accelerated knighthood ceremony had to be rehearsed before those on the set could stop laughing.

Although the film overlooks the fact that a person can't be hypnotized against their will, the way Hubert Hawkins is, the comedy is generally light, and goofy, doesen't get any saucier than the exposure of an infant's backside, and children will love it.
And as Hawkins reassures us at the beginning,"What starts like a scary tale ends like a fairy tale, and life couldn't possibly better be!"

So funny your cheeks will ache from laughing!!
This is one of Danny Kaye's best. He was so talented and his comic timing is impeccable. The "chalice from the palace" scene is so funny that I have not forgotten it over the years. This movie will get you out of the blues in no time.

You will go and buy this movie and do it like that (snap)!
This is my favorite movie of all time. When I was a kid Danny Kaye movies played every Sunday morning and we would wait the few months until it came around again.

I have never stopped laughing at the scenes, the funny interplay between Danny Kaye and the court and his continual buffonery.

Even kids will love this movie. It starts with a dance routine which is almost like Robin Hood Men in Tights. That is quaint, yet the next scene will take you in and take you on the funniest rides of all time.

Kaye, disquised as an old man who is hard of hearing having a scream fest with the captain of the guard. This few minutes is one of the funniest scenes I have ever witnessed. Then there are just funny scenes that will make you split your sides with laughter from there on out.

The wit it took to bring together this cast and the concept of the movie seems that it will never be outdated.

What Danny Kaye and the rest do here is ascend age and time making this movie appeal to any age group, young or old. I have seen a young family start off thinking this was a silly movie then, taken by the first comedic interaction, launch into continuous laughter. I laugh getting a kick out of watching everyone else laugh too.

This movie is a must for any DVD or VHS library. Share it with your friends, watch it when you are a little too stressed out to do anything else to lighten up your day.

The plays on words, the different fast paced situational scenes that will have you thinking; 'how clever...,' even when you think that Hawkins/Giacommo is at his end, then it gets even funnier. The Chalis with the poisly has the pellet with the pesly......

This movie is so fast paced that you cannot believe you have sat there and laughed for the better part of 90 minutes. The great thing about the DVD, you do not have to worry about watching this over and over again and wearing it out.

This movie has great color and scenery. The imagery is wonderful. You wonder if they really were in a castle.

Laugh and love this movie......I recommend it for school, church and family activities. It is a classic that may become more well known with time. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Disappointing Experiment
Hitchcock wanted to do something different this time around, but THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY is uneven and tedious at times. Shirley MacLaine is terrific in her screen debut, Edmund Gwenn is great, as usual, and even Jerry Mathers (no, NOT as the Beaver) gives a good performance. But, at 100 minutes, it's overlong and the endless unearthing and burying of poor Harry grates after a while. However, it's a beautiful film, with superb color and a great score by the always wonderful Bernard Herrmann.

A Pesky Corpse
The trouble with Harry is, among other things, that he won't stay buried. It's a bizarre concept, and I imagine that a lot of people will find this movie to be strange. The humour is dark and a little dry, and it's not what an unsuspecting viewer might expect from Alfred Hitchcock. Personally, I like the film, because the humour appeals to me, as do the performances. John Forsthye, Shirley MacLaine, Edmund Gwenn, and Mildred Natwick make a great foursome trying to dispose of the corpse that just won't go away. A very young Jerry Mathers shows up, too, as MacLaine's son, and it's amusing to see him in this film. If you like your humour a little dark and dry, and you can deal with a Hitchcock film that is not typical Hitchcock, than this film is for you. However, if you can't go for that, than this film is probably one that you should skip.

Hitchcock's very "off center" black comedy
In the classic "Twilight Zone" episode "Five Characters in Search of an Exit," viewers are introduced to just that: a ballerina, an Army officer, a clown, a tramp, and a bagpipe player seeking to escape from a cylindrical prison. At the end of the show, it is revealed that they are actually dolls that want "out"" from their round "home".

While the four major characters in "The Trouble with Harry" are not dolls, they are definitely trying to "escape" from a prison of sorts, a prison of guilt over Harry's death of which they feel responsible. In a series of coincidences/mishaps stars Edmund Gwenn (a former ship captain), John Forsythe (a painter), Shirley MacLaine (single parent), and Mildred Natwick (a spinster) either "kill", "bury", or "resurrect" the dearly departed. But, Harry proves to be an illusive corpse.

None of the eccentric characters shows much remorse because Harry wasn't a very likeable person; in fact, there is a lot of witty repartee between them as they discuss that to do with him.

While this is far from one of "The Master's" best, it benefits from delightfully droll performances, a light-hearted Bernard Herrmann score, and post card-like images of New England, the film's setting.

Rounding out the cast are a pre-"Beaver" Jerry Mathers as MacLaine's son, Mildred Dunnock as a local shopkeeper, and Royal Dano as the shopkeeper's police deputy son.

Dano had a long career as a character actor and can be heard as the voice of Abraham Lincoln at the Disney theme parks' "Hall of Presidents".

Good.
'The Trouble With Harry' is yet another fantasic mystery from Alfred Hitchcock. Although I don't remember the storyline too much, I remember liking it enough to give it a four-star review.

Harry just lies there
Gerry Mathers is playing in a field and some shots are fired. Soon he comes up on a body. We are now prepared for suspense and mystery. Turns out pretty formula; everybody and nobody could have done it. At first it seems slow and weird as no one acts normal even for a movie character. They are all slow, nonchalant, and distracted. Harry gets dragged around and buried in controversy. Soon you can really get warped up in the story and anticipate the end. The movie never picks up you just have more loose ends to keep up with. No one cares who bumped Harry off as along is it does effect him or her.
The draw to the movie now days and maybe then is the cast of characters and the introduction of Shirley MacLaine. Edmund Gwenn looks pretty old here and is remembered also for his performance in "Outward Bound" (1930) 25 years earlier. There is still a Hitchcock feel. So sit back and enjoy it for what it is. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Reliving the horrors of the Bus Tour
If you've ever gone on a whirlwind bus tour, you'll find a lot to identify with in this hysterically funny send-up of the tourist business. We see all the things that can and do happen, especially the funny (peculiar?) people on the bus with you. Suzanne Pleshette is the cute American tourist on the bus who falls for the dashing tour guide, played by Ian McShane. He has a girl in every port and happily adds the naive Suzanne to his list.

The tour group is made up of some great character actors (especially Norman Fell and Reva Rose) who take too many pictures, talk too much, steal everything from the hotels, and generally make Americans look sily. The scenery is great as the bus speeds from England to Italy in just a few days. The film is quick-paced, with lots of sight gags and a little romance, too. A great popcorn movie.

An hidden gem. Very funny and clever film
This is a very funny movie about a diverse group of American Tourists who are going to see 9 countries in 18 days. Suzanne Pleshette is lovely as a Yank business woman and Ian McShane is very nice as the 'seen it all' British tour guide. There is a WWII vet on the Bus, and in a very funny scene at Bastonge, Belgium, he is describing how they held off the German attack (during the Battle of the Bulge) then, they cut to, a German vet, talking and gesturing as if holding a machine gun, how they held off the American attack, they pass each other by without noticing one another, it's very clever.Also, there is one quiet Tourist, who takes a bunch of souvenirs from wherever he is. He gets the morning wake up call, says meekly, "thank you." Then, cuts the phone line and takes the hotel telephone as a souvenir.This film really is an overlooked gem. There are no sexual scenes ..., unless you find Miss Pleshette wearing only a mans shirt to be risque.

Somewhat amusing
One of the other reviewers called this a good "popcorn movie," and I agree. It is an amusing bit of fluff with some romance thrown in. At a breathless pace we are introduced to a diverse bunch of ordinary American shmoes who are about to take a whirlwind bus trip across Europe. Their charming British tourguide is mostly interested in the young women he has waiting to meet him for one-night stands at various ports of call, until he suddenly falls more deeply for one of the tour members, a young Suzanne Pleshette. At first she rebuffs him but eventually the loneliness and atmosphere (and some booze) make her fall for him. These two characters are never given very much depth, actually, but I guess that's kind of the point - a whirlwind, summery romance (which reminds me of a better movie called "Summer" about Katherine Hepburn wandering around Venice). The other characters thrash about having ridiculous adventures, including an almost accidental Italian wedding and a visit to a Swiss hippie pad where Donovan strums guitar. I didn't find much of it very funny, except for one guy who happens to be a cleptomaniac. So, while the idea is a good one - the misadventures of ugly Americans abroad - the film seems a bit dated now in much of its dialogue, the comedy is faint, and the romance isn't especially touching. This is not to say that this is a bad film; as I say, it's worth seeing once with a bowl of popcorn handy.

Deju Review
I came upon the middle of this movie the other night right after writing of my experiances, while stationed in England in the late 60's. It was if I was transported back to more enjoyable times.

The viginettes of each couple and their adventures while traveling from place to place are light hearted and laughable. I enjoyed the tet a tet between the two main characters, but expected a different ending.

The movie moved along with a deliberate pace, and I anxiously awaited each new adventure before it came along.

If looking for a light hearted, funny movie, with laughs galore, then you will enjoy this one!

If It's Tuesday...This Must be a Great Film
A forgotten comic gem that's very understated and low key. A satire on European vacation packaged tours, IF IT'S TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE BELGIUM is almost a precursor to tv shows like the LOVE BOAT as groups and/or individuals meet and then go off on their separate (mis)adventures. As stated, the comedy is very low key and understated, and the characters and individual adventures are very funny with Susan Pleshette and Ian McShane in lead roles as tourist and tour guide respectively on a european bus tour. The most memorable sequence is, of course, when a WWII vet Mike Harmon (Micheal Constantine -MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING) is reminiscing at a battlefield site memorial with one of the women passengers, of the battle confrontation. At the same time, a German tourist with his wife is reminiscing the same confrontation. The two pass each other simultaneously making machine gun fire noises. However, one of the funniest sequences is with tourist John Marina (Sandy Baron - Mr.Klompus on SEINFELD). While in Venice, he visits distant relatives and winds up on a receiving end of a shotgun wedding with a girl he doesn't even know. He escapes out a bathroom window and jumps into the Venice canals for a narrow escape. Other cast members include Norman Fell (THREE'S COMPANY), Murray Hamilton (THE GRADUATE, JAWS), Marty Ingalls,Peggy Cass,and cameos with the likes of John Cassevetes, Robert Vaughan,Joan Collins,and 60's pop star, Donovan. Overall, very entertaining and fun. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Holiday Treasure
I well remember being a young child and looking forward to the movie on TV every year. Jason Robards has always been one of my favorite actors and Mildred Natwick is an adorable Grandmother. Young Addie brings much reality to the way many children would react in similar circumstances. An excellent choice for a movie as well as the other movies with the same cast.

Sweet Memories!
I remember watching this and "The House Without A Christmas Tree" when I was a little girl and it holds wonderful memories! I am a teacher now. I ran across "The Thanksgiving Treasure" book and read it to my class. They loved it and I am excited to share the movie with them after we finish the book before Thanksgiving. -Too bad they don't show these movies on regular T.V. anymore!

Memories
I remember watching this on t.v. when I was a kid, and I really enjoyed it. Addie had the same love of horses that I had at the time. I also love the small town feel of the movie. I remember wishing I lived there, and had adventures with Addie. I just wish the movie was also offered in CD format. I watch it every year around Thanksgiving. I really hope to share this movie with my daughter one day. I hope she enjoys this one, and the "House Without A Christmas Tree", as much as I did.

Holiday Treasure
This is an old-fashioned Thanksgiving movie about the real meaning of the season.

the thanksgiving treasure
(...) i am 50 years old and just can't get enough of this movie. its music brings floods of memories and i feel like i am addie. i can't believe cbs has not shown it since 1983. i believe america needs more and more of these programs to offer our children before they are lost forever. ... Read more

Reviews (79)

a real class act
DANGEROUS LIAISONS is a fantastic character study of the twisted and obsessed. The classic novel translates perfectly to the screen in this adaptation by Christopher Hampton which was taken from his acclaimed stage play.

Glenn Close is mesmerising as the seductive and manipulative woman who challenges the cruel Valmont (John Malkovich) to seduce her naive niece (Uma Thurman). However, Valmont also wishes to seduce and disgrace a remote beauty (Michelle Pfeiffer), totally uncaring and unaware of the tragic outcome that will envelope them both.

The stellar cast also includes Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX, PARENTHOOD), Swoosie Kurtz (LITTLE GIRLS IN PRETTY BOXES, REALITY BITES) and veteran Mildred Natwick (THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY).

The DVD transfer is gorgeous and has a dynamic 5.1 sound mix that shows off the beautifully dramatic score by George Fenton.

Remade as VALMONT (starring Colin Firth and Fairuza Balk) and CRUEL INTENTIONS (starring Ryan Phillippe).

The Game as You have never seen it....
You wouldn't necessarily think that an adaptation of an albeit famous 17th century French novel would make a relevant and fascinating piece of cinema... but it does.

The first thing that strikes you is how well the film is lit and shot. The period locations and costumes are visually sumptuous and perfect. Better yet, the acting entirely matches the skill of the direction that takes its method from the theatre - emotions are conveyed by expression and not dialogue. Glenn Close gives her best performance on celluloid as the scheming Madame de Merteuil, amorally hellbent on bending everyone to her will, no matter the method or the cost, and John Malkovitch is her perfect foil as the cynical hedonistic but world-weary Valmont. Michelle Pfeiffer engages our empathy as the tortured and manipulated target of Malkovitch's desire and Close's plotting.

The film is basically a morality tale, but one that fascinates in its exposure of ego, vanity, intrigue and the war between the genders, subjects that are timeless in their relevance, despite the period setting. The storyline, which sticks faithfully to the original novel, remains compelling throughout as we watch deceits within deceits take their tragic course. Whole-heartedly recommended - take your time over it, and enjoy.

A wonderful film
Dangerous Liaisons is a lush and lavish glimpse into the lives of the 18th century French aristocracy. The Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont used to be lovers and are now close friends, a powerful but restrained attraction still simmering between them. They are both twisted people who enjoy manipulating everyone around them, but the foundation of their demise is laid when they make a bet - if Valmont can seduce the virtuous Madame de Tourvel, a married woman of unimpeachable morals, the Marquise will give herself to him for one whole night of romance. What neither anticipates is that Valmont will fall in love with Tourvel, and that the Marquise will become victim to a destructive jealousy.

Glenn Close is marvelous as the depraved Marquise, and ever so subtly reveals to us the insecurities behind the noblewoman's coldly smiling facade. Malkovich proves that a man does not need to be conventionally handsome in order to be seductive; he exudes serpentine charm and masterfully acts out the Vicomte's slow and astonishing change of heart. The dialogue is witty and stirring, and the costumes are candy for the eyes. This was a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Dangerous Liaisons
Some reviewers spoke of the poor dvd quality. I was too young to see this film in the theaters when it came out, but is it possible that it could have been made to look like that? Sometimes a special filter is used on the camera to give the picture a specific look. I thought the haziness and soft, pastel colors presented in the movie mirrored the rococo style of the period perfectly.

This is my favorite John Malkovich movie. His looks are irrelevent to his portrayal of the Viccomte. Malkovich completely embodied the sinister and seductive Valmont, and every time I watch this film, I fall under his spell, too.

Fabulous
From an earlier review...

"Great Potential Ruined By Mediocre Actors"

Oh, now THIS is rich...

THREE Oscar-nominated performances, and one of those is an example of "mediocre" acting? Gimme a break.

This is without doubt a fine film... Wicked, delightful, and delicious even for this guy's guy (forget that "chick flick" nonsense, any man who doesn't wish to take Malkovich's place in "educating" a very young Ms. Thurman is delusional). Five stars, a modern classic.

Superb cinematography, acting, costumes, dialogue, etc. Highly recommended. ... Read more