Reviews (18)

Inspiring and well-made
Highly enjoyable tale of the life of Marty Maher, the Irish immigrant who rose from humble waiter to become West Point's beloved athletic trainer and football coach for more than 50 years. Despite personal tragedies, and through two World Wars, Maher inspired generations of young men who came through the distinguished Army officers' academy, including future legends like Omar Bradley and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Tyrone Power is excellent and compelling as he portrays Maher from young idealist to elderly sage, Irish accent intact all the way. The scenery and West Point pageantry is fun to watch (although some of it looks like it was filmed inside a studio -- but much else looks like it may have been filmed at the Military Academy). Interestingly, there's not really all that much football in this film -- there's a little, but it's mainly the story of Maher and his family, and the young men he came to love like his own sons. With the flame-haired Maureen O'Hara as Maher's Irish wife Mary, giving a radiant performance. Sentimental in that '50s way, of course, but the legendary director John Ford (working with a cast made up of many of his favorites) always puts a bite behind the sweetness.

Long Gray Line
My wife and I stumbled across this rare gem a few days ago on AMC. It began late in the evening, but we were unable to stop watching. It is a truly wonderful story, based on what I've come to learn is a book entitled BRINGING UP THE BRASS that was based on Technical Sargeant Martin Maher's life. The movie has all of the classical elements of John Ford including humor and poignancy, and I shall heartily recommend this film to my family and friends. It's nice to see patriotism and honor on film, even though it was 45 years ago!

Dulce et Decorum...?
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" -- "Proper and sweet it is to die for the Fatherland." These words from Vergil's "Aeneid" apply in spades to "The Long Grey Line." Beneath the film's overt message of patriotism, honour and glory lies one constant, recurring theme: It's a good, grand and glorious thing for young men to be so filled with dreams of militaristic "glory and honour" that they are ready to die for "The Reich." And it's a good, grand and glorious thing as well for the loved ones they leave behind in mourning.

Am I being a touch judgemental? Darn right. So why did I give it four stars? First, any film with Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Ward Bond and the score of other fine actors (and an actress or two) is already worth at least three stars in my book. Secondly, the film is so over-the-top in its melodramatic depiction of "fantasy patriotism" that I wonder whether its creators didn't mean to suggest the folly of militaristic utopianism through the expedient use of a near lethal overdose of hyper-pious hands-over-hearts whenever Old Glory passes by, the ultra-dramatic portrayals that "my tragic loss is really my strength and glory," and the continuous flag-waving, death-worshipping and militaristic sentimentalising that saturates this film from start to finish.

On the one hand, the war-sentimentalisers who have always sent and who continue to send young men to early graves for the sake of political and/or corporate interests will undoubtedly see this film in one light. One that appears to validate their own far-from-honourable interests and agendas. On the other, those who despise the fantasy of militaristic glory may well see a brilliant portrayal of the waste of young lives, a waste that brings the hero of the film to sanctimoniously mark the deaths of his former youthful cadets with a black ribbon in the appropriate yearbook. In either case, the message will be in the eye -- and prompted by the true nature of the heart and soul -- of the viewer.

Whatever the case, I recommend that any viewer of this classic film follow up with a sobering shot of "Taps." And that in viewing that rather different presentation of military school cadets special attention be paid to the professional soldier who accuses his own honour-enraptured cadet son of being "in love with death."

Super movie no matter who you like
Pay no attention to Pine Hurst reviewer. I like Jane Fonda and I like this movie. Everyone in my family is a Jane Fonda fan (including my father who was 20years in the Marines), and we all like the film. It's story telling at it's best. One of Tyrone Power's best performances and Maureen O'Hara is simply radiant. It made me want to know more about Martin Maher and his Mary. See this, and you won't be disappointed.

BEST FORD WITHOUT WAYNE
I first saw this movie at our local in the late 50`s here in the U.K. The Memory of Marty Maher never left.. Looking through Amazon one evening i noticed it was available. Well done it arrived in 6 days. Some things you order locally take longer than that.After all these years since i last saw it it`s still a great movie and still brings a tear to the eye. Tyrone Power was perfect, sadly nearing the end of his life as Marty Maher. Nothing against John Wayne who i understand was the first choice but this was`nt his part. Maureen o Hara is wonderful. Ward Bond as "That blackhearted master of the sword" as Marty calls him and Donald Crisp as Marty snr. Its a long movie covering 50 years but never you loose interest. Its perfect. John Ford wanted to be remembered as the man who made westerns. Well he made other great movie`s as well. In my opinion this is an equal to The Quiet Man....The Long Gray Line. The best Ford without John Wayne. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of Jimmy's Best and Brian Keith!
Jimmy Stewart had a habit of making good movies and this is one of them. It tells the story of introducing hereford(or herford) cattle to the united states and it does it partly lighthearted and partly serious. Brian Keith shows up as well as absolutely wonderful former scottish highlander soldier who's taken up ranching in the west. Keith is just great as the old cantankerous scottsman. The herford bull(named vindicator) is cleverly portrayed as well without being silly.

Huh..? What...??
A discombobulated cowboy comedy in which an aging (over-the-hillish) Jimmy Stewart locks horns and then falls in love with an eccentric, headstrong English woman, who is determined to introduce Hereford cattle into Texas. The livestock angle dominates the plot (yawn -- who cares?) and the most likeable character turns out to be her prize bull, Vindicator. I thought this was kind of a snoozer, with a somewhat brittle feel overall. Kind of a dud.

Fine Performances By Stewart and O'Hara
THE RARE BREED is a film about the delivery of a white-faced Hereford bull from England to the Texas range for breeding purposes. The man responsible for the task is James Stewart. The women who own the bull are Maureen O'Hara and her daughter played by Juliet Mills. THE RARE BREED is a fairly good Western with strong performances by Stewart and O'Hara. A fine supporting cast includes Brian Keith, Don Galloway and David Brian.

Andrew V. McLaglen directed many other good movies such as MCLINTOCK and SHENANDOAH.

Stewart's worst outing in a Western
I'm still in shock at just how truly bad this one really is. I should have known better, thought this one fell through the cracks or something and it did...for good reason.

Weak story is dragged down even further due to almost the entire film being shot in a studio. Some of it is comical, but not quite as comical as Brian Keith's wildman bagpipe playing Scot cattle baron. Hoot mon! You've been warned.

Rare Breed
Classic Western with good acting (some minor exceptions)by classic actors. The story is true western, but not trite. If you like westerns, you'll like this one. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Stupid ... just like a Fox
To phrase this as kindly as possible ... the folks at Fox Home Entertainment are dumber than dirt, especially when it comes to their library of classic movies. They've pulled off some spectacular marketing fiascos over the years ... such as releasing the 1939 box-office smash "Jesse James" on laserdisc in a faded, washed-out print back in the early 1990's; and more recently, pushing their (badly) colorized versions of several Shirley Temple classics into the marketplace on DVD instead of the glorious black and white originals.

But the DVD edition of "To the Shores of Tripoli" represents a new low for the company. This movie received an Oscar nomination for Edward Cronjager's and William Skall's gorgeous candybox TECHNICOLOR cinematography. The title frame of the film itself says: "'To the Shores of Tripoli' in TECHNICOLOR." The DVD box itself says, "1942, COLOR, 86 minutes" under the advertising blurb; and then proclaims "Photographed in TECHNICOLOR" in the credits area. But guess what?!!? The DVD was mastered from a BLACK & WHITE re-release print, and not the original Technicolor negative! Hello, 11th-Century Fox! That churning sound you hear is former studio head Darryl F. Zanuck spinning 'round and 'round in his grave. Unfortunately, this movie is just not worth watching unless you get to marvel at Maureen O'Hara's beautiful tresses in all their flame-colored glory!

But that's not the only blunder on this disc or its packaging. In the box describing the DVD's features, the aspect ratio is correctly noted as 1.33:1, Full Frame Format. However, the last line on the bottom of the box's back panel notes: "WIDESCREEN VERSION: Presented in a letterbox format preserving the aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition." Huh! Who proofreads this stuff? And while I'm on a rant ... the actress featured on the front of the DVD looking soulfully at John Payne - and who is also featured in a scene still on the back of the box - is none other than fourth-billed Nancy ("The Bad Seed") Kelly, who played the distaff second lead in the film. NOT that you would know from reading the DVD box, since Fox didn't bother to give the future Oscar-nominee even a small feature credit.

Fox Home Entertainment, get it together! At this point, you're the laughingstock of the industry, despite having some of the best classic films ever made in your library ("The Grapes of Wrath", "The Ox-Bow Incident", "Laura", "Leave Her to Heaven", "Pinky", "A Letter to Three Wives", etc., etc.). We're waiting patiently for these goodies ... and praying you won't screw them up too badly when you finally get around to releasing them.

The DVD version is misrepresented.
I bought a copy of the DVD version of this movie which I had seen in the theatres many years ago. When I started the movie I noticed it was in black and white, not in color as the movie was photographed in and what the DVD jacket said it was in. Thinking the DVD was defective, I returned it. I then went to another place and bought another copy. It too was in black and white. I sent e-mails to Fox asking what was wrong and never received an answer. I strongly recommend that you do not buy the DVD version. Too bad, the movie actually is very good.

DON'T BUY THIS DVD!!!!!!
This Technicolor film received an Academy Award nomination for best color cinematography. So what did Fox Home Video do? They put out the film on DVD in a BLACK & WHITE PRINT!!!!!!

The way it really wasn't
Playboy John Payne joins the Marines, makes time with pretty nurses, beats up Randolph Scott, his DI, (how we all wished we could have but never dared), gets out, hears about (Japanese) attack on Pearl Harbor, sees old outfit marching to the troop ship, decides right there and then to re-enlist. Only during the War would a movie like this have been made. I loved it and so will any Marine. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Forgotton but not forgetable
Errol Flynn leads a great cast including Maureen O'Hara, Anthony Quinn and Mildred Natwick in his last true swashbuckler.

Flynn plays an English officer going undercover to infiltrate a pirate haven. He crosses swords with both O'Hara & Quinn during the spectacle. Though Flynn is the star the interplay between O'Hara & Quinn is at least as interesting as the play between her and Flynn.

O'Hara handles a sword well and is believeable as a lady pirate. I always felt that in the battle of strong women (O'Hara vs Hepburn) O'Hara would win. It is the rare movie when she plays the fem fatale (I think I remember one picture with Tyrone Power.)

Flynn is older and subdued in comparison to his Captian Blood days, but he pulls off his role with style, and Anthony Quinn shows why he was an active actor right until the end, (it would be 40 years later when he would finally win O'Hara in ONLY THE LONELY.)

A very hard movie to find, but worth the effort.

Forget "The Duke"!--Tough-gal Maureen can match any pirate!
Rousing 16th-century adventure on the high seas that demonstrates the aging and deteriorating Errol Flynn could more than hold his own against newer counterparts in the swashbuckling genre--granted there wasn't much heavy competition in the 50's with lightweight contenders such as Tony Curtis(!) and Cornel Wilde (Burt Lancaster was a pleasant exception but made only two pirate pictures), but in this film Flynn shows why he wasn't the King of Swashbucklers for nothin'--sorry Douglas Fairbanks fans! In this unjustly overlooked classic, Flynn still displays some of his magic as Brian Hawkes, a Royal Navy officer who goes "undercover" on "secret mission" for the British in their quest to combat unscrupulous Madagascan pirates, who have been strong-arming the Indian trade. Hawkes gets himself condemned for desertion, after which he successfully infiltrates pirate circles by presenting himself as a British turncoat upon his escape. Flynn's sometime co-star Anthony Quinn makes a worthy adversary in his menacing performance as Captain Roc Brasiliano, a ruthless and cunning pirate leader whose merry gang Flynn joins, but unfortunately his powerful persona is somewhat overshadowed by the two leads. Providing the love interest is the unbelievably beautiful Maureen O'Hara as a ravishing redhead by the appropriate name of "Spitfire" Stevens, a glamorous and spirited buccaneer who can more than hold her own with any pirate, as demonstrated by her way with words and skill with the sword, and whose affections are vied for by both men. Along the way Hawkes arouses Spitfire's quick temper and jealousy when he saves a beautiful young Mid-East royal named Princess Patma (Alice Kelly) from slave traders on a captured ship, and she is understandably grateful but adoring as well--much to Spitfire's chagrin. But Spitfire proves she's still true blue by helping her man when Brasiliano leaves Hawkes for dead, upon which the two join forces to successfully combat their nemesis and uncross swords long enough to fall into each other's arms. Also good is that prolific and veteran character actress Mildred Natwick, as Princess Patma's chaperone Mrs. MacGregor. Although this is a hard to find movie and is never on TV (at least not that I know of), try to view it sometime as this is a must-see for anyone who's a fan of Flynn or the swashbuckling genre with its invigorating combination of breathtaking swordfights and derring-do (yes, that was Flynn and O'Hara themselves--no stunt doubles here!), dynamic actors, enlivening performances, and beautiful scenery of the coastland, high seas and exotic lands in gorgeous color!

good fun and exciting action
Errol Flynn is his usual devil may care self and gives a performance that is pure fun to watch, almost as good as The Adventures of Robin Hood. Maureen O'Hara is funny and feisty as the pirate girl who captures Flynn's heart. The fighting is amazing that no one was really hurt soing this film. It's great fun and I wish it was available to purchase. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Colorful Escapism
One of Douglas Fairbanks Jr.'s best films, "Sinbad the Sailor" (1947) is a lavish Technicolor adventure that resurrects the exuberance of his father's swashbuckling classics. The action sequences are worth the price of admission -- particularly Doug Jr.'s acrobatic escape from villain Anthony Quinn (who meets a rather fiery end). Fairbanks is perfect in the title role, with Quinn, Maureen O'Hara and Walter Slezak rounding out an excellent cast. Terrific fun for viewers of all ages!

Unintentionally amusing
Leonard Maltin says that this is a tongue in cheek adventure flick. I think you could enjoy it today if you were, say twelve years old or younger. For more mature viewers, the film can be an unintentional howl. The overacting by Fairbanks is a hoot. Maureen O'Hara as a smouldering Moslem woman is hilarious. George Tobias, as the comic sidekick, is simply pathetic. Anthony Quinn as a heinous Arab villain and Walter Slezak as an Asian are ludicrous. In short, a lot of fun for juveniles and the sophisticated film goer.

Sinbad the Sailor
I would like to purchase on of these in VHS/PAL system, as i live in australia, any leads?

Great, Old-Time, Comical Fun
This movie is a great flick, with the clean comedy of some older movies. Almost all the actors are great! Sinbad and his first mate are funny, and the "heroine" (which she is in the end) is well-acted. Worthwhile for anyone who likes clean fun, sword fights, and a bit of mystery and romance.

A REAL BLAST FROM THE PAST
THIS IS WHAT ALL THE NEW GUYS TRY TO DO AND JUST CAN'T QUITE MEASUREUP TO. THIS IS WHY WE CALL THESE MOVIES "CLASSIC". THIS IS WHY THERE ARE NO MORE GREAT ACTORS AND ACTORS IN HOLLYWOOD TODAY. HOW CAN YOU EXPECT SOMEONE LIKE SEAN PENN OR BRAD PITT TO DO A MOVIE LIKE THIS AND DO ALL HIS OWN STUNTS? FACE IT, FOLKS, WHAT WE CALL ACTORS TODAY JUST DON'T COMPARE TO THE REAL THING FROME A FEW YEARS BACK. WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CALL IT "THOSE THRILLING DAYS OF YESTERYEAR?" ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Colorful Escapism
One of Douglas Fairbanks Jr.'s best films, "Sinbad the Sailor" (1947) is a lavish Technicolor adventure that resurrects the exuberance of his father's swashbuckling classics. The action sequences are worth the price of admission -- particularly Doug Jr.'s acrobatic escape from villain Anthony Quinn (who meets a rather fiery end). Fairbanks is perfect in the title role, with Quinn, Maureen O'Hara and Walter Slezak rounding out an excellent cast. Terrific fun for viewers of all ages!

Unintentionally amusing
Leonard Maltin says that this is a tongue in cheek adventure flick. I think you could enjoy it today if you were, say twelve years old or younger. For more mature viewers, the film can be an unintentional howl. The overacting by Fairbanks is a hoot. Maureen O'Hara as a smouldering Moslem woman is hilarious. George Tobias, as the comic sidekick, is simply pathetic. Anthony Quinn as a heinous Arab villain and Walter Slezak as an Asian are ludicrous. In short, a lot of fun for juveniles and the sophisticated film goer.

Sinbad the Sailor
I would like to purchase on of these in VHS/PAL system, as i live in australia, any leads?

Great, Old-Time, Comical Fun
This movie is a great flick, with the clean comedy of some older movies. Almost all the actors are great! Sinbad and his first mate are funny, and the "heroine" (which she is in the end) is well-acted. Worthwhile for anyone who likes clean fun, sword fights, and a bit of mystery and romance.

A REAL BLAST FROM THE PAST
THIS IS WHAT ALL THE NEW GUYS TRY TO DO AND JUST CAN'T QUITE MEASUREUP TO. THIS IS WHY WE CALL THESE MOVIES "CLASSIC". THIS IS WHY THERE ARE NO MORE GREAT ACTORS AND ACTORS IN HOLLYWOOD TODAY. HOW CAN YOU EXPECT SOMEONE LIKE SEAN PENN OR BRAD PITT TO DO A MOVIE LIKE THIS AND DO ALL HIS OWN STUNTS? FACE IT, FOLKS, WHAT WE CALL ACTORS TODAY JUST DON'T COMPARE TO THE REAL THING FROME A FEW YEARS BACK. WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CALL IT "THOSE THRILLING DAYS OF YESTERYEAR?" ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Rio Grande finest of much vaunted "Ford Cavalry Trilogy"
Rio Grande, shot in glorious black and white, is in a way the most colorful of the three cavalry movies that John Ford made with John Wayne. As in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" Wayne is in the starring role but a fetchingly mature Maureen O'Hara is able to hold her own with Wayne and become as powerful a figure in the story. Much of the fun of watching this picture is the on screen chemistry of Wayne and O'Hara, they are totally believable as lovers and as equals. It must be duly noted that they are supported by the John Ford stock company and they are seldom showcased as well as this. Of particular note are superb efforts by Harry Carey, and Ben Johnson who carry their parts in an easy and natural style, and Victor Mclaglen who reprises his Sgt. Quincanon from "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon". The DVD edition was digitized from the original negative and it is indeed beautiful. The soundtrack is also clear although a trifle shrill at times. Wayne, with mustache and crumpled hat never looked better, Victor Young's score is rousing, and Ford is at his sentimental and poignant best in this "must see" western classic.

A John Wayne Western Only A Woman Could Love
The director John Ford and the actor John Wayne made three of the most remarkable Westerns ever made. Critics refer to them as the "Calvary Trilogy and they center on the life and times of horse soldier Nathan Brittles, who "Never apologizes because it's a sign of weakness" but does manage to make amends to the wife he wronged (O'Hara) in spectacular style. The chemistry between Wayne and O'Hara is amazing, all the more so because they kiss only twice in the film. Both are middle-aged when they meet again, but communicate a passion and sexuality which puts any modern screen pairing in the shade. The film is remarkable because O'Hara is truly Wayne's equal, a feminist in hoop skirts and even more suprising, not the only one in the film. Rounding out the cast are Ford's "stock company" a group of some of the finest character actors ever to grace the screen. If you're female and you've never been able to get into Westerns, this is the one that will get you there. It's funny, touching and features a female lead who is far from passive and years ahead of her time.

THE TRILOGY'S SUNSET RIDE
RIO GRANDE nicely finishes off the John Ford Cavalry Trilogy. While not as intense as FORT APACHE, or touching as SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON, RIO GRANDE earns its stripes with the trademarks of the trilogy: luminous direction, straight forward story telling and solid work from The Duke, Maureen O'Hara and of course, Victor McLaglen, who steels the first 20 minutes of the film. "Welcome home, darling," he bows to O'Hara as she's escorted into the fort by The Duke, to which she replies: "I see you still have that ox with you." Pappy and The Duke have the regular Ford/Wayne troop still with them and it works. The Sons of the Pioneers offer a new song book, but the band still plays "The Girl I Left Behind Me" when the cavalry marches out. There's a lot to be said for the old ways.

A Trilogy Completed
This is the third of Ford's films which focus on the U.S. Cavalry and its violent encounters with the Apache. Wayne's role in each is quite different. He is a subordinate officer in Fort Apache, a commanding officer about to retire in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and again a commanding officer in this film but estranged from his wife Kathleen (Maureen O'Hara), and son Jeff (Claude Jarman, Jr.) among the men he commands. Lieutenant Kirby Yorke (Wayne) resembles Woodrow F. Call in Lonesome Dove (played by Tommy Lee Jones) who refuses to show any favoritism or even affection whatsoever to his son. (In fact, Call denies his fatherhood.) Of course, Ford ensures that husband and wife are reunited by the end of the film; also, that father and son become close after Trooper Yorke plays a key role in helping to rescue children captured by the Apache and thereby earns his commanding officer's (and father's) respect. A similar relationship exists in Red River except that the conflict is resolved without a brawl. Personally, I would have preferred less reliance on Irish ballads, the focus on Yorke's marital conflicts, and what I view as the macho element of which Ford was so fond. Nonetheless, Wayne's performance is outstanding and the sequence by which the children is rescued is brilliantly portrayed. In additional to much improved sound and image, this DVD version also offers several excellent supplementary features which include a scene-specific commentary with Maureen O'Hara, a mini-documentary "Along the Rio Grande with Maureen O'Hara," and "The Making of Rio Grande" hosted by Leonard Maltin.

John Ford's Triumphant Conclusion to Cavalry Trilogy!
'Rio Grande', the last of director John Ford's 'unofficial' Cavalry Trilogy, has often been unfairly judged the 'weakest' of the three westerns. Certainly, it lacks the poetic quality of 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon', or the revisionist view of a thinly-disguised reworking of the events surrounding the death of George Armstrong Custer ('Fort Apache'), but for richness of detail, a sense of the camaraderie of cavalrymen, an 'adult' (in the best sense of the word) love story, and a symbolic 'rejoining' of North and South conclusion that may have you tapping your toe, 'Rio Grande' is hard to beat!

It is remarkable that 'Rio Grande' ever got to the screen; Ford hadn't planned to make it, but in order to get Republic Pictures to agree to his demands for 'The Quiet Man' (he wanted the film to be shot on location in Ireland, and in color), he had to agree to do a 'quickie' western that would turn a quick profit for the usually cash-strapped studio. This is, perhaps, a reason why the film is held in less esteem than it deserves. 'Rio Grande' may have not been born with high expectations, but with John Ford in the director's chair, and John Wayne and the Ford 'family' in the cast and crew, the potential for something 'special' was ALWAYS present!

A few bits of trivia to enhance your viewing pleasure: Yes, that IS Ken Curtis, singing with The Sons of the Pioneers, in the film...while uncredited, he made a favorable impression with Ford, and soon became a part of his 'family'...Ben Johnson, Harry Carey, Jr, and Claude Jarman, Jr, actually did their own stunts while performing the 'Roman Style' riding sequence (Carey said in interviews that they were all young, and didn't think about the danger of it; a production would lose their insurance if they 'allowed' three major performers to do something as risky, today!)...Did you know that O'Hara, playing Jarman's 'mother', was barely 14 years older than her 'son', and was only 29 at the time of the filming?...Harry Carey barely had any lines in the script; most of what you see in the film was ad-libbed!...the popular ditty, 'San Antoine', sung by Jarman, Carey, Johnson, and Curtis, was, in fact, written by Mrs. Roy Rogers, herself, Dale Evans!

Whether you're viewing 'Rio Grande' for the first time, or have sat through many viewings, the film has a richness and sense of nostalgia for a West that 'may never have existed, but SHOULD have'. It would be a proud addition to any collector's library! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

CHANDLER gets my VOTE any day
Pretty mediocre stuff here. The best asset of this movie is the presence of Jeff Chandler. Chandler gets my vote any day, but not this film. If you like costumes deserts and horses you might otherwise enjoy this film. Gossamer filming at its best. Jeff Chandler was an American icon. Jeff Chandler was a rugged, virile leading man characterized by his steel gray wavy hair, high cheekbones and a muscular physique. He starred in action films from the late 1940s into the early 60s, often as American Indians, hoodlums and cavalrymen. Not an obliging star, Chandler often rebelled against Universal's mediocre action projects he was often relegated to and was suspended on several occasions. Chandler deserved better roles than he was given in the likes of "SIGN OF THE PAGAN" and "YANKEE PASHA." In his best roles Chandler was the introverted enigmatic and stoic leading man of high uncompromising character. This can be seen in his performances in "AWAY ALL BOATS," "FOXFIRE," "RAW WIND IN EDEN," "THE JAYHAWKERS," "RETURN TO PEYTON PLACE" and "MERRILL'S MARAUDERS." He left us much too early at age 42. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Timeless and haunting -- my favorite
I am a big fan of Richard Paul Evans, and the news that his classic "Christmas Box" had been made into a movie was enough to send me scurrying. As they do with his books, video snobs will dismiss this movie for its spiritual and emotional message, but I say pooey to them. This is one of the best movies I've ever seen.

The ever-loved Richard Thomas ("Good night, John boy!") plays Richard Evans, a young man with a wife and preschool daughter who is overworking himself, because "I want you [wife Keri] and Jenna to have EVERYTHING!" As a result, he is always late and always preoccupied with his ski-supply store and impending expansion.

Tired of being the apartment manager, Keri convinces him to answer an ad, placed by an old woman with an enormous house. The old lady, Mary Anne Parkin, gives them a trial period in her home (Keri does some cooking and cleaning, and Richard does a bit of yardwork) and soon befriends Jenna and Keri. Richard, however, finds her weird, cryptic, and rigid. He's also having strange dreams abou an angel beckoning to him. But as Christmas approaches, changes for the family and for Mary will alter their lives forever, with the secrets of Mary's past and the underlying question, "What was the first gift of Christmas?"

Every scene of this movie is excellent scripted and filmed; scenes ring extremely true, such as the scene where Mary finds Richard drinking straight from a pitcher of orange juice--their expressions are priceless. Richard Thomas perfectly fits the overachiever yuppie who shies away from certain questions and concepts--perhaps because he's afraid of them. Annette O'Toole is equally great as his wife, who is sick of their personal lives playing second-fiddle to business; Kelsey Mulrooney is remarkably good as Jenna, occasionally experiencing flat moments (such as times when Jenna's ashamed) but overall above-average for child actors. Maureen O'Hara is pure gold, playing Mary to perfection; you can see the shell melt away during crucial moments, her eyes shining with warmth.

The camerawork is excellent: the apartment looks cramped and overcrowded, compared to the airy spaciousness of Mary's house. Which, BTW, is gorgeous--I'd love to know where they shot it, because the house is truly beautiful, old and ornate, but with just the right amount of lived-in atmosphere.

I don't watch this movie just at Christmastime--it's far too good to be restricted. If you're in the mood for a beautiful movie, this is truly for you.

(My only questions: When will they put this out on DVD, and when will they also put out the sequel?! I'm waiting for a copy of "Timepiece" people!)

My favorite Christmas Movie!
Though this was, I believe, a made-for-TV event, it is probably my favorite Christmas movie.

In the movie we meet a young entrepeneur (Richard Thomas) who is striving to become a success -- and his business is doing great! At the same time, his wife (Annette O'Toole) and daughter struggle to cope with his long hours and obsession with work. He cannot seem to understand their dissatisfaction with what he is doing for their family...

With the urging of the wife, the family accepts an offer to move into the elegant home of a stately, elderly women (Maureen O'Hara -- perfect casting for this role) where they take on light housekeeping and maintenance duties. This puts additional stress on the business-minded husband.

Soon after they move into the house, Thomas starts having a strange, disturbing, recurring dream about an angel. At the same time O'Hara begins a quest of sorts to help Thomas realize the need for perspective and balance in his life. That quest focuses on a single question posed by O'Hara to Thomas, "What was the first gift of Christmas?" It isn't until the discovery of "The Christmas Box," and meaningful relection by Thomas that things fall into place.

The story tugs at the heartstrings...strings that need tugging now and again. The story is engaging, and the sentiments ring true to today's over-commercialization of Christmas.

The story, the sentiments, and the main message strike home for me when I think about Christmas and its place in today's world.

I recommend this movie highly. You'll be glad if you give it a look.

You'll be interested to know that there is a prequel to this story as well, it is called "TimePiece." I don't know if it is available yet though.

Well, Merry Christmas!

Alan Holyoak

Heart Warming Christmas Tale With Mystical Overtones
"The Christmas Box", based on the well respected book by Richard Paul Evans offers in some ways an interesting alternative to alot of the traditional viewing offered during the festive season. While the story contains a number of expected yuletide elements like learning to give rather than receive and to show love to your neighbours despite their faults, it offers an interesting spiritual element that is not applicable to any one religion. This does succeed in making you think differently about the holidays and those people around us that we see everyday. The almost "supernatural" element to this movie as depicted in a reaccuring dream where angels beckon also gives this charming little story an extra element of originality as for a large part of the film it is not clear as to why this is occuring. The Christmas Box of the title which is another element that reappears throughout the story, is the item that ends up explaining most of what has been occuring and ties in all the threads of the story leading to its suitably touching conclusion.

Veteran television actor Richard Thomas plays rising young businessman Richard Evans who with his partner has set up a ski shop business. The business is thriving and begins to take up more and more of his time and energy much to the dismay of his wife Keri (Annette O'Toole) and his young daughter Jenna. Things go from bad to worse with Richard coming home late every evening and Keri sees her marriage beginning to unravel. She takes matters into her own hands as she sees the family coming apart. She answers an advertisement in the local paper for a live in couple to help out with maintenance work and home duties for an elderly widow Mrs. Parkin (veteran actress Maureen O"Hara), who lives in another part of town. Despite Richard's reluctance to get involved they get the job and move to their new home. Mrs Parkin, first comes across as a cold and stern older woman and Richard and she clash on a number of occasions. However strange things begin to happen soon after their arrival that in particular haunt Richard. He hears strange music coming from the closed up attic where he finds a lovely old antique Christmas box filled with old letters, and he also begins to have recurring dreams filled with the same music, of floating angels that appear to him and beckon for some unexplained reason. Slowly Mrs. Parkin warms to Kerri and her daughter and begins to take an interest in all their lives. Soon she is allowing them to call her Mary and takes a grandmotherly approach towards Jenna, insisting that Richard forget his work for one afternoon and accompany them to buy a beautiful Christmas tree for the house. She both mystifies and intrigues Richard now as she continues to ask him the same puzzling question, "What was the first gift of Christmas?". Following Mary one day on one of her excursions from the house Richard discovers the truth about Mary's past when he sees the grave of her long dead little daughter and finally understands that the letters in the attic are not adressed to an old love but instead to her sadly departed daughter. Mary however is suffering from a heart illness and prior to Christmas she is hospitalised and eventually dies but not before reuniting the shattered little family that came to her unhappily months before and passing onto Richard what the answer to her repeated question to him was which was simply...... Love. The finale sees the family enjoying the real gift that Mary has passed onto them at Christmas which is the universal one of putting family before profit and love for one's family and friends above all else.

The message of this film is a truly beautiful and timeless one and is delivered convincingly by the wonderful cast of this television movie. Richard Thomas is the central character of the story and he is excellent as the hard working businessman with all the best intentions in the world who however has lost sight of the things in life that are really important. Veteran Hollywood actress Maureen O'Hara came out of a twenty year retirement for this part and her presence and sure delivery is the heart and soul of "The Christmas Box", story much the same as her wonderful work was in that earlier Christmas classic "Miracle on 34th Street" in 1947. She works especially well with Richard Thomas and their love hate relationship in the story gives the film it's whole focus. Despite this film being a Christmas story their work together is never simply sentimental or obviously set on having them as rivals from the first scene. The writing and direction by Marcus Cole gives their relationship a sharp realistic ring to it despite the mystical elements present in the story. Annette O'Toole is also excellent in her role as Richard's loving wife who finds herself drawn to Mary and who witnesses the poignant attachment that Mary forms with Jenna who in a way becomes the young daughter that Mary tragically lost all those years ago.

In short "The Christmas Box", is a typical story of hope always existing in at first glance not very promising circumstances. While the story does focus on Richard's family learning from the more experienced Mary I believe the learning here was a two way street with Mary herself learning that at no matter what age you are it is still possible to love and to move on from earlier tragedies you may have experienced. Mary's death near the film's conclusion is not entirely a play to the audiences heart strings I believe but instead is a clear sign that Mary was ready to rejoin her love ones and that a life without love is no life at all. "The Christmas Box", presents all this message in a very beautiful but straightforward manner which makes it totally satisfying viewing during the festive season. The acting by Richard Thomas and Maureen O"Hara in particular puts this Christmas story a cut above most of the television fare we see today so enjoy the simple joys of memorable "The Christmas Box".

A cherished story in our home!
Our family has loved The Christmas box since the first time we saw it!
It has become a tridishion for us to watch it every year.
Very heartwarming and touching.
Every time we watch it the story as well as the ending brings us to tears.
It is truly a wonderful movie!

Not Totally Faithful to the book!!
First of all I love the chistmas box the book. I have read it and re-read it. I also liked the other 2 books in the series. But i was dissapointed with this movie. I am not saying that its a bad movie but i think that it took most of what was special and magical and left it out. And also the book didn't take place in the 90's it took place in the 1940's. The acting was average nothing else. the only one to live up to the charater in the book was ms. O'toole as keri. I hope they someday make a more faithful movie also they changed little things that they had no reason to change. richard owned a formal wear co. not a ski company, and they didn't move from seattle. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The last and least memorable of John Ford's famous cavalry trilogy (following Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon), Rio Grande nonetheless has an interesting continuity about the gentlemanly rules of military conduct. Here the focus is on the family. While creating a heated controversy over his handling of the Apache war, John Wayne must also contend with disgruntled wife Maureen O'Hara and estranged son Claude Jarman Jr., a new recruit trying to earn his father's love and respect. Ford seems to suggest that there are two conflicting codes of honor in every cavalry officer's life, the personal as well as the professional, and that it takes an act of heroism to maintain both.It's fascinating to observe Wayne's progression throughout the trilogy, as his personal stakes intensify. Also, this is the first of five onscreen appearances between the Duke and O'Hara, each filled with a competitive spirit and stormy sexuality. --Bill Desowitz ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Rio Grande finest of much vaunted "Ford Cavalry Trilogy"
Rio Grande, shot in glorious black and white, is in a way the most colorful of the three cavalry movies that John Ford made with John Wayne. As in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" Wayne is in the starring role but a fetchingly mature Maureen O'Hara is able to hold her own with Wayne and become as powerful a figure in the story. Much of the fun of watching this picture is the on screen chemistry of Wayne and O'Hara, they are totally believable as lovers and as equals. It must be duly noted that they are supported by the John Ford stock company and they are seldom showcased as well as this. Of particular note are superb efforts by Harry Carey, and Ben Johnson who carry their parts in an easy and natural style, and Victor Mclaglen who reprises his Sgt. Quincanon from "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon". The DVD edition was digitized from the original negative and it is indeed beautiful. The soundtrack is also clear although a trifle shrill at times. Wayne, with mustache and crumpled hat never looked better, Victor Young's score is rousing, and Ford is at his sentimental and poignant best in this "must see" western classic.

A John Wayne Western Only A Woman Could Love
The director John Ford and the actor John Wayne made three of the most remarkable Westerns ever made. Critics refer to them as the "Calvary Trilogy and they center on the life and times of horse soldier Nathan Brittles, who "Never apologizes because it's a sign of weakness" but does manage to make amends to the wife he wronged (O'Hara) in spectacular style. The chemistry between Wayne and O'Hara is amazing, all the more so because they kiss only twice in the film. Both are middle-aged when they meet again, but communicate a passion and sexuality which puts any modern screen pairing in the shade. The film is remarkable because O'Hara is truly Wayne's equal, a feminist in hoop skirts and even more suprising, not the only one in the film. Rounding out the cast are Ford's "stock company" a group of some of the finest character actors ever to grace the screen. If you're female and you've never been able to get into Westerns, this is the one that will get you there. It's funny, touching and features a female lead who is far from passive and years ahead of her time.

THE TRILOGY'S SUNSET RIDE
RIO GRANDE nicely finishes off the John Ford Cavalry Trilogy. While not as intense as FORT APACHE, or touching as SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON, RIO GRANDE earns its stripes with the trademarks of the trilogy: luminous direction, straight forward story telling and solid work from The Duke, Maureen O'Hara and of course, Victor McLaglen, who steels the first 20 minutes of the film. "Welcome home, darling," he bows to O'Hara as she's escorted into the fort by The Duke, to which she replies: "I see you still have that ox with you." Pappy and The Duke have the regular Ford/Wayne troop still with them and it works. The Sons of the Pioneers offer a new song book, but the band still plays "The Girl I Left Behind Me" when the cavalry marches out. There's a lot to be said for the old ways.

A Trilogy Completed
This is the third of Ford's films which focus on the U.S. Cavalry and its violent encounters with the Apache. Wayne's role in each is quite different. He is a subordinate officer in Fort Apache, a commanding officer about to retire in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and again a commanding officer in this film but estranged from his wife Kathleen (Maureen O'Hara), and son Jeff (Claude Jarman, Jr.) among the men he commands. Lieutenant Kirby Yorke (Wayne) resembles Woodrow F. Call in Lonesome Dove (played by Tommy Lee Jones) who refuses to show any favoritism or even affection whatsoever to his son. (In fact, Call denies his fatherhood.) Of course, Ford ensures that husband and wife are reunited by the end of the film; also, that father and son become close after Trooper Yorke plays a key role in helping to rescue children captured by the Apache and thereby earns his commanding officer's (and father's) respect. A similar relationship exists in Red River except that the conflict is resolved without a brawl. Personally, I would have preferred less reliance on Irish ballads, the focus on Yorke's marital conflicts, and what I view as the macho element of which Ford was so fond. Nonetheless, Wayne's performance is outstanding and the sequence by which the children is rescued is brilliantly portrayed. In additional to much improved sound and image, this DVD version also offers several excellent supplementary features which include a scene-specific commentary with Maureen O'Hara, a mini-documentary "Along the Rio Grande with Maureen O'Hara," and "The Making of Rio Grande" hosted by Leonard Maltin.

John Ford's Triumphant Conclusion to Cavalry Trilogy!
'Rio Grande', the last of director John Ford's 'unofficial' Cavalry Trilogy, has often been unfairly judged the 'weakest' of the three westerns. Certainly, it lacks the poetic quality of 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon', or the revisionist view of a thinly-disguised reworking of the events surrounding the death of George Armstrong Custer ('Fort Apache'), but for richness of detail, a sense of the camaraderie of cavalrymen, an 'adult' (in the best sense of the word) love story, and a symbolic 'rejoining' of North and South conclusion that may have you tapping your toe, 'Rio Grande' is hard to beat!

It is remarkable that 'Rio Grande' ever got to the screen; Ford hadn't planned to make it, but in order to get Republic Pictures to agree to his demands for 'The Quiet Man' (he wanted the film to be shot on location in Ireland, and in color), he had to agree to do a 'quickie' western that would turn a quick profit for the usually cash-strapped studio. This is, perhaps, a reason why the film is held in less esteem than it deserves. 'Rio Grande' may have not been born with high expectations, but with John Ford in the director's chair, and John Wayne and the Ford 'family' in the cast and crew, the potential for something 'special' was ALWAYS present!

A few bits of trivia to enhance your viewing pleasure: Yes, that IS Ken Curtis, singing with The Sons of the Pioneers, in the film...while uncredited, he made a favorable impression with Ford, and soon became a part of his 'family'...Ben Johnson, Harry Carey, Jr, and Claude Jarman, Jr, actually did their own stunts while performing the 'Roman Style' riding sequence (Carey said in interviews that they were all young, and didn't think about the danger of it; a production would lose their insurance if they 'allowed' three major performers to do something as risky, today!)...Did you know that O'Hara, playing Jarman's 'mother', was barely 14 years older than her 'son', and was only 29 at the time of the filming?...Harry Carey barely had any lines in the script; most of what you see in the film was ad-libbed!...the popular ditty, 'San Antoine', sung by Jarman, Carey, Johnson, and Curtis, was, in fact, written by Mrs. Roy Rogers, herself, Dale Evans!

Whether you're viewing 'Rio Grande' for the first time, or have sat through many viewings, the film has a richness and sense of nostalgia for a West that 'may never have existed, but SHOULD have'. It would be a proud addition to any collector's library! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A forgotten movie that shouldn't be. O'Hara steals the show.
This movie has all the makings of a winner. A plot that is identifiable to almost any moviegoer, (everybody knows somebody in this situation.)A cast consisting of a fine comic lead, good supporting characters and two Hollywood legends. And a script that fits each actor like a glove.

John Candy pleases in this low key role of a lonely police officer tied too tight to his mother (O'Hara) who has very strong opinons about almost everything and who plays the mother guilt card like no other as he is pursuing his interest in an equally lonely lady (Sheedy). I watched this with my own mother who is O'Hara's age and saw her nodding in agreement all over the film. (until her full blooded Siclian fists clenched when O'Hara's character described us. The look on her face was worth the price of the movie alone.)

The story is plesant and worth your money, Candy & O'Hara work well together (who would have thought she would outlive him!) but the real power of the film is her interaction with Anthony Quinn. Classic film buffs like myself will get a real charge out of Quinn once again persuing O'Hara, but this time without an Errol Flynn as a rival. That sub plot is at least as interesting as the main one and for my money is better. It is classic Maureen O'Hara, the strong woman who is chased by the strong man and frankly is a great contrast to the the exact opposite situation between Candy & Sheedy.

In the end to nobodys surprise love conquers all and Candy's final immagined scene (contrasting with several ones eariler in the film) gives him closure. That final scene is my favorite and show O'Hara playing a character she has always excelled at. Considering the events of 9/11/01 the ending has even more meaning as we see a member of "The Greatest Generation" setting an example (albert a fictious one) that would be bravely followed in reality 10 years later.

I've said little about the good performances by Sheedy and Belushi, not to mention several other supporting characters in minor roles, they all add to the picture, but the stars make this film. Buy it.

Subtle comic role really allows John Candy to shine
John Candy turns in a wonderful performance as Chicago police officer Danny Muldoon, in his late-30s and still living with his mother. He tries to pursue a relationship with a young girl working as a makeup artist in a funeral home, but his Irish mother won't seem to let go. Quite a charming story, with a few jolts coming from Danny's imagined fears of his mother being harmed when he's not there for her. The way Chicago is represented is hit-or-miss, possibly due to licensing issues for some of the more well-known Chicago images (most notably, the Chicago policeman's uniform and the design of the Chicago squad car), but those flaws notwithstanding the movie still has a Chicago feel to it. There actually are still a few remaining store-front funeral homes in Chicago, and of course the plentiful Irish pubs are captured perfectly. Probably the unheralded star of the movie is old Comiskey Park, which for 80 years was the home of the Chicago White Sox. The filming took place after the final baseball game was played there in 1990 (and a few months before its fateful date with the wrecking ball), and the first-date picnic on the playing field was a wonderful and touching sendoff for the old park. After going to many White Sox games there since age 5, it sure was nice to see the fireworks from the scoreboard one last time!

When is This Going to get to DVD?
I have always liked this movie. I liked Only the Lonely when I saw it in a movie theater and I liked it when I watched it on HBO. I even taped it off of HBO but taped over it and I now regret doing that. I think this is a cute movie and I think John Candy, Anthony Quinn and Maureen O'Hara were wonderful even though her character was so mean. Also good are Milo O'Shea, Ally Sheedy and the rest of the cast and being Irish-American I loved the Irish and Irish-American characters and I loved the love story with John Candy and Ally Sheedy's characters and I think they had some great chemisty and I would love to see Only the Lonely transferred to DVD in a nice widescreen edition!

Silly film, but Candy is enjoyable
A spinster who makes up corpses to look like movie stars and a cop who lives with his overbearing mother. A match made in heaven? Maybe, but there wasn;t much chemistry between Ally and John here. His mother does a good job and the neighbor nearly steals the film. not something to go out of your way to see.

I saw the Movie on Pax tv.
I saw the movie on Pax tv, channel 16 here in Salt Lake City and it was very good. I like Maureen O'hara, she played in Miracle on 34th Street, I have that video. I am going to order Only the Lonley because it is very moving and entertaining, I thought that it was interesting when Maureen O'Hara "Tells it like it is" to John Candy's girl friend and almost ruins their plans for getting married. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Du Maurier.....Laughton.....O'Hara.....Hitch!
This review refers to the Laserlight(Special Edition)DVD of "Jamaica Inn"...

The talent combined in this 1939 film is immense. Based on a novel by Daphne Du Maurier,Alfred Hitchcock skillfully directs an extraordinary cast, all turning in strong performances, that bring the characters depth and the story to life.Marueen O'Hara is amazing in her first feature role, showing us way back then what made her the great star she has been all these years.It also stars other great British actors Lelsie Banks,Emlyn Williams and Robert Newton. But it is the legendary Charles Laughton who you can't take your eyes off of in this thriller. The depth with which he portrays his multi-faceted character is simple awesome.

The story is set off a rugged coastline.A group of dangerous cut-throats are misguiding innocent vessels, causing them to crash into the rocky terrain,so they can loot all the cargo.When young and beautiful Mary(O'Hara)is on to them, she risks life and limb to try and stop them. She turns to the only one she can trust..Sir Humphrey Pengallan(Laughton)for help. But yikes!... has she even endangered herself further with this move? He may be the most deranged of all!

Where's Hitch?....Although he made an appearance in the one before this one("The Lady Vanishes"/1938) and the one after("Rebecca"/1940), he seems to have eluded us in this one!

There are a couple of DVD editions of this film available here at Amazon. And while this one is not immaculate,showing it's age at nearly 65 years old, and there does seem to be something missing in a transition to a scene, I did not find anything about the view that took away from the enjoyment of this Hitch classic. I read the reviews of the other edition, which by the way costs more than three times as much as this one, and I didnt see anything better about that transfer than this Laserlight edition.The black and white images seemed clear and bright, and even the darker scenes were perfectly distinguishable. Very occassionaly, the sound did come and go, but was audible for the most part. This edition also includes an intro by Tony Curtis, and a fun trailer of "The Birds", introduced by the master himself. The DVD will automatically go straight to the film, so be sure to press menu to see the intro by Tony first. There are subtitles in Spanish, Japanese, and Chineese, all very clear and are even available for the introduction.On the case it also shows these as languages to view the film in, but I did not find this feature on the menu. This may not be the best print,but it is a decent transfer and for the price this is the best way to go for the Hitch enthusiast.This film may also be purchased as part of several Hitchcock sets offered here at Amazon.

Get the popcorn ready for this one and enjoy...Laurie

Five stars for Charles Laughton's best character-acting
Charles Laughton is at his peak as the vain, self-indulgent, skirt-chasing, shifty-eyed Squire Humphrey Pengallan. He manages to combine the arrogance and explosive temper of Captain Bligh (MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY) with the twinkle-eyed, corpulant humor of Sir Wilfred Robarts (WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION), and he has a great straight-man in the person of his harried butler Chadwick.

Maureen O'Hara is lovely and she screams well, but she's a little too drippy for my taste in this film.

More excellent comedic-villian acting is provided by the minor members of the shore-dwelling wreaking-gang, and their leader, played by Leslie Banks, is terrifying. This movie makes me suspect that the young Robert Newton, who plays a soft-spoken good-guy, may have learned from Banks the ferocious glare and menacing body-language he was later to use so effectively playing murderers like Bill Sikes (OLIVER TWIST) and Long John Silver (TREASURE ISLAND).

Warning! Buy Kino Video DVD instead!
Attention all admirers of Hitchcock films! This is the great forgotten Hitchcock film, along with Under Capricorn! 2 must haves for every admirer of Hitckcock films. Both very different than the usual suspence/wrong man Hitchcock film, but both brilliant and beautiful. I'm actually writing this review to warn the buyer NOT to buy the "Laserlight" version, because it is missing about 10 minutes from the film (from the scene right after Mr. Tremain reveals to Squire Pengalen who he really is, to the scene where they show up together at Jamaica Inn). Buy the "Kino" version instead! I can't say enough about both of these 2 films, but I'll leave it up to you, lovers of great cinema, to discover them for yourselves. Especially is you're a fan of Charles Laughton and/or Joseph Cotten and Ingred Bergman. It's worth every extra penny of the difference in price to have the full version of the film. Take a chance, my friend. Be astounded and amazed by these lost treasures, and rejoice at their salvation (and yours!)!

Not the best
Wether this verson has been updated and cleaned up, doesn't really matter.
What I've seen is a very poor recording, very bad sound (that makes it hard to hear what is being said),
and bad picture quality.
A film from the master of suspence should be given the recognition it deserves.

Laughton & Hitchcock are a winning team
Charles Laughton is delicious in this classic Hitchcock thriller as the stuffy, regal Humphrey Pengallan, a psychotic country squire who decides the best way to meet the high costs of royal life is to indulge his immodest talents as a criminal mastermind. Unbeknownst to his friends and peers, Lord Pengallan has assembled a grimy band of cutthroat thieves which he secretly directs to wreck and loot merchant ships on the rocky Cornwall coast. He is of course thwarted by plucky newcomer Maureen O'Hara and her goodlooking beau, an undercover policeman whose cover is blown after one of their heists seems a bit light. Some Hitchcock fans apparently find this film less than satisfying, but it's as classy and as offbeat as any he's made; perhaps it's because the film is a period drama that folks are thrown off track. At any rate, this is vintage Hitchcock, and the character acting is typically impressive, particularly Emlyn Williams as Harry, the most menacing of the pirate crew... his is one of the most sinister screen villains you're likely to see. Laughton, of course, brings his tremendous range to bear, appearing at first as an overbearing aristocratic boor, then modifies himself to become in turns magnanimous, ruthless and finally so homicidally crazed and delusory that he takes on an almost pathetic air. And O'Hara, in her screen debut is both beautiful and full of pluck -- no helpless female here, as she stops the brigands almost single-handedly. An offbeat film, and definitely worth checking out. ... Read more

Reviews (97)

A Fun, Spirited Adventure Starring Hayley Mills
In the original movie, The Parent Trap, Hayley Mills stars, twice! As twins, not knowing about each other's existence, who meet at a summer camp where they immedietly dislike eachother, until, of course, they discover that they are twins. In the course of all this, they switch places in attempt to reunite their parents, played by Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith. A fun movie to watch. Though perhaps not quite as colorful as the new version, it is a nice addition to your video collection, especially to compare to the new one. A must see movie that your whole family will enjoy.

"Let's Get Together,Yeah,Yeah,Yeah!"
"The Parent Trap" tells the story of two girls at summer camp: Sharon McKendrick and Susan Evers(both played by Hayley Mills). Their parents got divorced and took both of them separately. Maureen O'Hara plays Margaret McKendrick,and the late Brian Keith plays Mitchell Evers. The song that Hayley sings in the movie was a # 1 hit for her in 1961: "Let's Get Together" is written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman,who also wrote the title song sung by Tommy Sands and Annette Funicello. Hayley Mills also reprised the roles of Sharon and Susan in "The Parent Trap II" (1986),"The Parent Trap III"(1989),and "The Parent Trap Hawaaian Honeymoon"(1989). Lindsay Lohan took Mills' roles in the remake of "The Parent Trap"(1998).

Help, I'm seeing Double........
I love this movie. Both versions arwe great. The first one, with Haley Mills, has the song,"lets get together yeah yeah yeah, why don't you and I combine.." and the second one with Lindsay Lohan, has the song "There She Goes" And there are some other diffrences. Like in the new one, there is the lizard fiasco. I'm pretty sure that wasn't in the old one. But they are both good. if I wer you I wouldn't chose. I'd get both.:)

Hayley to the Rescue
This was the highest grossing box office success in America in 1961 and if there isn't a statue of Hayley Mills in Disneyland there oughta be. Her successive hits for Walter and Roy Disney bailed them out of a tight spot financially. Ms. Mills effortless adolescent charm is backed by two first rate performers in Brian Keith and Maureen O'Hara and neither was ever better. The plot about separated twins is older than Shakespeare and doesn't bear too close examination, but the theme of a re-kindled love and re-united family is one very few of us can resist. Highly recommended.

Special features are wonderful
Of course this is a wonderful Disney family film. I'm in my twenties, and I can remember watching this movie since I was a toddler. Since I'm sure you know how great the movie is and can read other reviews for that, I'll concentrate on the special features of this DVD, some of which aren't even mentioned above.

• "Caught in the Act: The Making of the Parent Trap" is a good documentary (about 30 minutes), including interviews with Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, director David Swift, Joanna Barnes, and more. It provides a lot of background details on how the idea for the film came about, selecting the cast, fine-tuning the screenplay, etc.

• "Disney Legend: Hayley Mills" is a 25-minute feature all about Hayley, and it's quite good. It includes photos and home movies from her childhood as well as interviews with Hayley, Maureen O'Hara, Dean Jones, Kevin Corcoran, David Swift, Nancy Olson, and others she worked with at Disney. Hayley talks about her family, her experiences at Disney, and her departure from that Disney image in the late '60s.

• "Seeing Double" is a short feature on the split-screen technology that allowed viewers to see two images of Hayley Mills side by side at once. This technology was quite innovative and experimental at the time, but it worked beautifully.

• The Sherman Brothers featurette is a short but interesting bit of facts and trivia on two men who wrote songs for many memorable Disney films, including "Mary Poppins" and "The Parent Trap."

• "Lost Treasures: Who's the Twin?" is an interesting feature about Susan Henning, the girl who played the double for Hayley Mills in the film (in scenes with the camera over her shoulder or to her back). Now that I know to look for her, I can plainly see in several profile shots that the other twin is NOT Hayley. Watch the fight scene at the dance closely too. Henning is a warm presence and gives some little-known facts about the film and about Walt Disney.

• "Let's Get Together" is a music video of the two Hayleys singing the song from the movie.

• The Donald Duck animated cartoon, "Donald's Double Trouble," is a Disney short filmed a few years before this movie, but it's a cute bonus.

• Other special features include theatrical trailers, TV spots, radio spots, a lengthy Parent Trap photo gallery, and a 1961 Disney studio album.

• The film's audio commentary by Hayley Mills and director David Swift is also a great feature. Hayley reveals many interesting tidbits about her experiences on the film, her relationships with her costars and Walt Disney, and how she views the film today. Swift offers his own recollections on Hayley's performance and other background information on the film. For example, the scene where Brian Keith finds the bra hanging on his shower was almost censored!

The widescreen transfer is wonderful. I'd never seen this film in its original aspect ratio, so this was a treat. The abundance of special features make this DVD edition truly wonderful. (I had no problems with it playing in my DVD player, either.) This is simply a fun family film that you can watch over and over. I know, because I have for the past 20 years. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Big John quiet? well, when you're a great actor...
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. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I USUALLY HATE WESTERNS!
I usually hate Westerns, but I love this film! Maureen O'Hara is as feisty as ever. The only sad part is knowing that Jim Bowie dies in real life!

Outstanding scenery!
This movie was filmed in Sedona AZ which has grown somewhat since 1950 but the scenery is almost as beautiful now as it was then! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Immortal Sergeant
This is one of the early World War II movies(1943). It is very well done and extremely entertaining. The story of the mild mannered soldier that is forced to take command in a very difficult situation is presented in such away that the viewer is enthralled with the character. Henry Fonda was perfect for the role and he brought the transformation from a weak timid man to a heroic soldier off with great finese. I loved this movie. If I had been in the audience in 1943, I would have rushed out and bought the war bonds that were advertised at the end of the film. ... Read more

Reviews (67)

This 1947 Thanksgiving / Christmas TRADITION now on DVD!
This Original 1947 "Miracle on 34th Street" is the one Holiday Tradition starting with the "MACY's THANKSGIVING PARADE" to Christmas Day.

Natalie Wood (is unforgetable & adorable) plays, Susie Walker an 8 year old grown-up who questions everything which is not factual or real. Her holiday skeptic single mother (Maureen O'Hara - is fantastic!) Doris, is a MACY's Junior Executive and Parade Coordinator. Prior to the Parades start Santa is fired for being drunk at the last minute. Miraculously a mysterious white bearded volunteer (Edmund Gwenn - delightful (won an Oscar))appears and saves Doris and the Parade. Hired on the spot this volunteer becomes / is Santa. Is he really Santa? Some believe he is not so he is put on trial to determine his true identity and the greatest tale since "Yes Alice there is a Santa Claus" begins.

Summary: Santa wants to prove he is real and uses Susie & Doris as his challenge to bring the holiday spirit back. If they are converted he has succeeded in bringing back the Christmas Spirit.

The actors are the best and the story is a timeless classic. A true HOLIDAY TRADITON to watch every year (or when you want to be inspired).

The "Miracle" is, the entire family can enjoy the spirit of Christmas together!!

This Black & White digitally restored FULLSCREEN DVD (before Widescreen) is beautifully reproduced.

Yes, Susie, there is a Santa Claus.
Delightful Christmas fantasy of a charming old man who believes he is Santa Claus, and the wonderful change he brings to the people around him. This perennial holiday classic is on many short-lists of the all time great Christmas movies. The film just oozes with warm-hearted humor. Very young Natalie Wood sparkles as Susan, who learns to stop being so grown up, and enjoy childhood, with all its wide-eyed wonder. Edmund Gwenn plays Kris Kringle, and lives the role. He totally connects with the kiddies who visit "Santa" at Macy's department store. The brief scene with the little Dutch refugee girl is a definite emotional high point in this movie. The combined reaction of relief and wonder in the child's face as she visits Santa and finds he speaks her language is memorable. Gene Lockhart as the harried judge, and William Frawley as his street-wise political advisor provide the needed comic relief to keep the court-room segments from becoming too overwhelmed by lawyers and their tactics. Even Jack Albertson shows up as an ingenious postal clerk who helps Kringle solve his legal problem. The on-location scenes filmed on the streets of New York assist the viewer in suspending disbelief. An enthusiastic cast, crisp direction by George Seaton, a sentimental holiday message, and great humor make this movie a solid holiday treat for the entire family. Multiple viewing only enriches the rewards. Beware remakes! ;-)

Don't let the heartwarming plot fool you...
Don't let cute little Natalie Wood and the heartwarming plot fool you... this is a wickedly funny comedy that is easily the best Christmas movie ever made.

Maureen O'Hara is wonderful as the scorned woman (isn't it funny how a female character in a romantic comedy from the 1940's is so strong and independant, while nowadays the romatic leads are usually scatterbrained flaky blondes?), and Natalie Wood steals the show as the perfectly well brought up little girl who confuses imagination with schitzophrenia ("it's when you think you see something that isn't there" she tells Kris Kringle).

I remember loving this movie as a child, but it is actually a grown-up movie. Politics, pop psychology, and commercialism all take a wicked beating... if you are looking for treakly magical endings, you might be surprised at the motives behind what finally 'saves the day.'

If you've never seen it, or if you've only seen the 1994 sacharine-sticky-sweet remake, then you must see this movie. It is great for all ages: the kids will see the heartwarming plot, and the teenagers and adults will understand the delightful cynisism that crops up in the most surprising places.

Rx - - - Revisit Annually
Unless you live under a rock, you have seen this annual favorite every Christmas. A wonderful heartwarming story to rekindle the tiniest doubter about faith and goodwill. Kris Kringle (Santa Claus) goes on trial to prove his sanity after a run in with a Macy's store psychiatrist and has to prove to the world who he is. Events will make you laugh and even cry as you feel the government come to his rescue and little Suzy's (Natalie Wood) coming of age. See the movie!!!

This Perennial Classic Shines Like New On DVD!
1947's "Miracle On 34th Street", starring the great Maureen O'Hara and Edmund Gwenn, is a motion picture that can be watched over and over again without losing one bit of its original flavor. And its flavor is quite tasty, in my opinion!

A very spunky 8-year-old Natalie Wood helps to make this movie an even bigger treat. Natalie shows an acting talent in this film that belies her tender age. She gives one of the best performances by a child actor in a film I've ever come across. "34th Street" was Natalie's 4th screen appearance, in a successful career that would eventually span 52 films before her sudden and tragic death at the age of only 43.

Miss Wood seems well-suited for her good-sized role as "Susan Walker" in this movie. She blends perfectly with the other actors, and her scenes with Gwenn (who, of course, plays the part of "Kris Kringle" to utter perfection) are highly memorable.

Could the studio have possibly found a better choice for the part of "Kris" (Santa) in this motion picture? Well, perhaps. But ONLY if the REAL Santa Claus were to have taken a break from his duties at the North Poll and played the part himself. Oh...wait...Gwenn turns out to BE the REAL Santa, doesn't he? LOL! :)

Yes, Edmund Gwenn actually DOES become "Santa Claus" for the 97-minute running time of this movie. He's *that* believable in the role. Gwenn was so good here that he won an Oscar for his memorable performance (Best Supporting Actor).

This is a perfect movie to show your children. It must be a lot of fun watching a child's reaction to seeing Mr. Gwenn's very realistic portrayal of the portly fur-clad Christmas-time gift-giver. To a child that still does believe that Mr. Claus visits his or her house every December 24, this movie must be quite an eye-opener.

This 20th-Century Fox DVD version of "Miracle On 34th Street" brings us the film in its intended (original) screen ratio of 1.33:1 (Full Frame); and the picture looks just dandy! The film, which was shot in "glorious black-and-white", exhibits outstanding clarity on this DVD. I can't spot a bit of grain or "noise". An absolutely beautiful digital transfer. Especially considering the age of this flick.

The audio comes via an English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono soundtrack. The audio comes across nice and clean, with just a small amount of background "hiss" present. There's also a foreign-language track here, too (French). This French track (which is also 2.0 DD Mono) sounds a bit on the "muffled" side. Not nearly as clear-sounding as the English track. There are subtitles in English and Spanish.

There's not a whole lot to talk about in the way of "Special Features" for this DVD release. But there is the Original Theatrical Trailer and a short "TV Spot" advertising the movie (which is a bonus *not* shown on the DVD's packaging). Plus: there's also a small text-only area on the disc, featuring "Cast Credits".

I *must* say, however, even though we don't get many bonus extras with this title, I'm very pleased that the Trailer is included. This Theatrical Trailer is one of the very best, and most innovative, I think I've ever witnessed. It's a relatively-lengthy trailer, which features a studio executive bumping into multiple actors while on the FOX movie lot. He asks several of these actors what they thought of the just-released picture, "Miracle On 34th Street". And what he receives in return (naturally) are glowing reviews for the film.

It's a very well-done trailer, and doesn't seem overly "hokey" or staged. And it's very fun to see stars the likes of Rex Harrison and Anne Baxter pop up here, promoting "34th Street". Harrison even speaks briefly in this trailer of his then-current work on "The Ghost And Mrs. Muir", which, ironically, also featured young Miss Natalie Wood as one of Rex's co-stars. This trailer is a real treat. And it's in remarkably good shape too. Very good video quality. The audio for the trailer is in DD 2.0 Mono, and sounds just fine.

Menus .... I like a good (and simple) Menu design. And this disc has just that. The Main Menu is a "static" one, with separate links to other Sub-Menus (such as Language Selection, Chapter Listing, and Supplements). When you select any of these three items, you'll be treated to a very short (but fun and well-designed) animated transition, which then dissolves into the chosen sub-menu screen. These short "transitions" are all slightly different, with each one featuring a Christmas tune playing as "background" music as the screen fades from the Main Menu to your desired selection. This themed music seems as though it's being played over a Department Store's P.A. system (which is appropriate for this DVD, since we often hear the soft playing of Christmas tunes during the "Macy's" scenes in the film). One menu transition also features a "snowflakes falling" visual effect, along with the music. Very cleverly done, IMO.

Additional Disc Information for this title ..............................

>> Enclosures? .... Yes. There is one here. A one-page Chapter List insert is included (21 chapters), with an excellent promo picture of actors Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood, and John Payne on one side; and on the "Chapter" side, an image of "Kris" (Mr. Gwenn). I particularly like the fact that FOX Home Entertainment used a different picture for the insert than what we see on the front cover (normally on DVDs, the two pictures are identical). I might also add, in case one or two picky people might be interested in such trivial matters, that this insert is made out of better-quality (thicker) paper than what we usually see for such paper enclosures.

>> Region? .... This is a "Region 1" (NTSC) disc. Single-sided.

"Miracle On 34th Street" is one of those films that deserves to be seen more than once, and not only in the month of December either (IMO). It holds up very well even in the summer months. And this clear-as-a-bell DVD from FOX Home Entertainment makes viewing this 1947 classic an even more enjoyable experience -- no matter if it's in December, March, or August. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Du Maurier.....Laughton.....O'Hara.....Hitch!
This review refers to the Laserlight(Special Edition)DVD of "Jamaica Inn"...

The talent combined in this 1939 film is immense. Based on a novel by Daphne Du Maurier,Alfred Hitchcock skillfully directs an extraordinary cast, all turning in strong performances, that bring the characters depth and the story to life.Marueen O'Hara is amazing in her first feature role, showing us way back then what made her the great star she has been all these years.It also stars other great British actors Lelsie Banks,Emlyn Williams and Robert Newton. But it is the legendary Charles Laughton who you can't take your eyes off of in this thriller. The depth with which he portrays his multi-faceted character is simple awesome.

The story is set off a rugged coastline.A group of dangerous cut-throats are misguiding innocent vessels, causing them to crash into the rocky terrain,so they can loot all the cargo.When young and beautiful Mary(O'Hara)is on to them, she risks life and limb to try and stop them. She turns to the only one she can trust..Sir Humphrey Pengallan(Laughton)for help. But yikes!... has she even endangered herself further with this move? He may be the most deranged of all!

Where's Hitch?....Although he made an appearance in the one before this one("The Lady Vanishes"/1938) and the one after("Rebecca"/1940), he seems to have eluded us in this one!

There are a couple of DVD editions of this film available here at Amazon. And while this one is not immaculate,showing it's age at nearly 65 years old, and there does seem to be something missing in a transition to a scene, I did not find anything about the view that took away from the enjoyment of this Hitch classic. I read the reviews of the other edition, which by the way costs more than three times as much as this one, and I didnt see anything better about that transfer than this Laserlight edition.The black and white images seemed clear and bright, and even the darker scenes were perfectly distinguishable. Very occassionaly, the sound did come and go, but was audible for the most part. This edition also includes an intro by Tony Curtis, and a fun trailer of "The Birds", introduced by the master himself. The DVD will automatically go straight to the film, so be sure to press menu to see the intro by Tony first. There are subtitles in Spanish, Japanese, and Chineese, all very clear and are even available for the introduction.On the case it also shows these as languages to view the film in, but I did not find this feature on the menu. This may not be the best print,but it is a decent transfer and for the price this is the best way to go for the Hitch enthusiast.This film may also be purchased as part of several Hitchcock sets offered here at Amazon.

Get the popcorn ready for this one and enjoy...Laurie

Five stars for Charles Laughton's best character-acting
Charles Laughton is at his peak as the vain, self-indulgent, skirt-chasing, shifty-eyed Squire Humphrey Pengallan. He manages to combine the arrogance and explosive temper of Captain Bligh (MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY) with the twinkle-eyed, corpulant humor of Sir Wilfred Robarts (WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION), and he has a great straight-man in the person of his harried butler Chadwick.

Maureen O'Hara is lovely and she screams well, but she's a little too drippy for my taste in this film.

More excellent comedic-villian acting is provided by the minor members of the shore-dwelling wreaking-gang, and their leader, played by Leslie Banks, is terrifying. This movie makes me suspect that the young Robert Newton, who plays a soft-spoken good-guy, may have learned from Banks the ferocious glare and menacing body-language he was later to use so effectively playing murderers like Bill Sikes (OLIVER TWIST) and Long John Silver (TREASURE ISLAND).

Warning! Buy Kino Video DVD instead!
Attention all admirers of Hitchcock films! This is the great forgotten Hitchcock film, along with Under Capricorn! 2 must haves for every admirer of Hitckcock films. Both very different than the usual suspence/wrong man Hitchcock film, but both brilliant and beautiful. I'm actually writing this review to warn the buyer NOT to buy the "Laserlight" version, because it is missing about 10 minutes from the film (from the scene right after Mr. Tremain reveals to Squire Pengalen who he really is, to the scene where they show up together at Jamaica Inn). Buy the "Kino" version instead! I can't say enough about both of these 2 films, but I'll leave it up to you, lovers of great cinema, to discover them for yourselves. Especially is you're a fan of Charles Laughton and/or Joseph Cotten and Ingred Bergman. It's worth every extra penny of the difference in price to have the full version of the film. Take a chance, my friend. Be astounded and amazed by these lost treasures, and rejoice at their salvation (and yours!)!

Not the best
Wether this verson has been updated and cleaned up, doesn't really matter.
What I've seen is a very poor recording, very bad sound (that makes it hard to hear what is being said),
and bad picture quality.
A film from the master of suspence should be given the recognition it deserves.

Laughton & Hitchcock are a winning team
Charles Laughton is delicious in this classic Hitchcock thriller as the stuffy, regal Humphrey Pengallan, a psychotic country squire who decides the best way to meet the high costs of royal life is to indulge his immodest talents as a criminal mastermind. Unbeknownst to his friends and peers, Lord Pengallan has assembled a grimy band of cutthroat thieves which he secretly directs to wreck and loot merchant ships on the rocky Cornwall coast. He is of course thwarted by plucky newcomer Maureen O'Hara and her goodlooking beau, an undercover policeman whose cover is blown after one of their heists seems a bit light. Some Hitchcock fans apparently find this film less than satisfying, but it's as classy and as offbeat as any he's made; perhaps it's because the film is a period drama that folks are thrown off track. At any rate, this is vintage Hitchcock, and the character acting is typically impressive, particularly Emlyn Williams as Harry, the most menacing of the pirate crew... his is one of the most sinister screen villains you're likely to see. Laughton, of course, brings his tremendous range to bear, appearing at first as an overbearing aristocratic boor, then modifies himself to become in turns magnanimous, ruthless and finally so homicidally crazed and delusory that he takes on an almost pathetic air. And O'Hara, in her screen debut is both beautiful and full of pluck -- no helpless female here, as she stops the brigands almost single-handedly. An offbeat film, and definitely worth checking out. ... Read more