Reviews (12)

i am from Hammond INDIANA the same place Jean shepard isfrom
Listen up people I am from HESSVILLE (HAMMOND) Indiana wich is the same place where A Christmas Story and My Summer Story takes place.its in the northwest part of indiana about 20 minutes from chicago and right next to Gary. now i wasnt around in the forties but i do know the area very well since i have lived here all of my life. and the way both movies are set up, its exactly the same then, than it is now. now i thought the movie was good and i think that jean shepard ws a brilliant man (thats why they just bult this recreationcenter and named it after him) IF YOUR ever in the area you should stop by theres alot of history here. thanks for your time

An excellent follow up to Christmas story
I wasn't expecting much when I bought this movie from all the bad reviews, but was very pleasantly suprised. I can't understand why so many have panned this movie! Its great! In some ways its better than Xmas story, I think the actors were wonderful in this one. If you've never heard of Jean Shepherd or Xmas story maybe you wont get much out of this movie, but for Shep fans like me, you WILL love it!

Awesome flick!
This movie was better than a Christmas Story! It was funnier and more focused! It is such a shame that it is so underrated by everyone! Seriously buy or watch this movie! BTW, when are we going to see a DVD of My Summer Story?! I would pay bucks for that!!

Better Than "A Christmas Story"
I thought this was better than "A Christmas Story". My daughter and I laughed all the way through. Mary Steenbergen is perfect as the mother and the story is even better. I loved the nostalgia.

It really is Indiana in the 1940s.
Charles Grodin isn't Darren McGavin, but Mary Steenbergen is great as the mother. The movie does a great job of picking up Indiana in the 1940s -- the visit by the tax assessor itself is worth the price. I'm from the southern part of the state and Jean Shepherd was from the north ('da region,' as Hoosiers would have it) and he was a little older than me -- but he has the language, situations, etc., nailed again, just as he did in "Christmas Story." ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Carl Reiner (Where's Poppa?) brought comic Steve Martin to the screen in this mostly funny 1979 movie about a relentlessly stupid but innocent man, whom we get to know from childhood (where it never occurred to him that he was white as he was raised by a family of black sharecroppers) to romance (where he doesn't quite know what to do with Bernadette Peters). Martin is game as the moron, and this is the kind of film with funny moments people still talk about. The DVD release has production notes, bios, highlights, theatrical trailer, closed captioning, full-screen presentation, and optional Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (90)

"The New Phone Book Is Here!!, The New Phone Books Is Here!"
This 1979 debut for Steve Martin is one of comedy's greatest classics. This film definitley opened the door for people like Jim Carrey and all those types of comedies. This one will forever be the granddaddy of them all. Steve plays Navin Johnson, a white man who was brought up by a backwoods family who are black. Navin realizes he's not and sets out on his own to find his own life. It's one misadventure after the next. It's also one hilarious joke after another. Along the way he meets and falls in love with Bernadette Peters. There are also appearences by Carl Reiner, Jackie Mason, and M. Emmett Walsh. The movie is so slapsticky silly that it's hilarious fun to watch from beginning to end. I won't say what happens to our good old friend Navin. You'll have to see for yourself. If only the brilliant Steve Martin would return to this type of comedy. This film is pure comedy gold sent from comedy heaven. A definite must!!.

Too Funny
The Jerk is one of the most hilarious movies I've seen. The movie is about Navin Johnson (Steve Martin) who is a white boy adopted into a poor black family. He's a little "slow" and doesn't even realize he's white. The movie opens at his birthday where he's having his favorite "tuna on a white bread sandwich and a twinkie for dessert" dinner.
His problem is that he doesn't have rythmn, and late that night, he's listening to the radio when he hears "white" music, and finds that yes! he has rythmn!
So, Navin sets off to see the world, and a hilarous journey ensues - everything from a dog named sh*thead, assasination attempts to love to riches to insanity happens to poor Navin, but it's a great journey!
***** 5 stars for this classic Steve Martin comedy

If You Ever Need Cheering Up
Then this is the movie for you. That is, if you have any sense of humor whatsoever. There are so many funny, memorable scenes in this movie - like when he's standing right outside his parents' fence hitchhiking or when the guy is shooting at him - "These cans! He hates these cans!" "The new phone book is here!" "I'm somebody now!" The Jerk is one of the best comedies ever made. If you want to laugh, if you can laugh, buy or rent this movie!

Where's the widescreen version?
A classic but demand a widescreen version.

weirdly funny
Steve Martin shows a lot of comedic flair in this, one of his first films (he later tones it down and hones it in later works, which is all I had seen up to this point, so this was very strange in how over-the-top he is.)

Steve plaves Navin, a white boy adopted by a large loving African-American family, who honestly believed he would turn black on his 18th birthday (which is when his family reveals to him that he is adopted, although they had hoped he would figure it out beforehand.)

Determined to make his way out in the world, Navin takes on a series of unrelated jobs that turn out poorly --- gas station attendant (in which he demolishes a church), carnival employee (where he has his first carnal knowledge and his first romantic love -- with two very different women), and later becomes a billionaire through some very odd means.

But at heart, he's just a simple country boy who wants to fit in back where he came from. He's not a bum, he's a jerk! All he has are his friends and a thermos. ... Read more

Description

TV Series about a Judge who gives up on the justice system after his daughter and wife are murdered. He begins to live a double life and forces the guilty defendents from his court to join a vigilante group called 'The Night Watchmen.' ... Read more

Reviews (5)

episodes contained....
I think it contains only one episode--Judgement Night, which is the last episode of the first season.

A little help?
Can someone please write a *useful* customer review describing the actual contents of the tape, please? Stating that the *show* is "awesome" or so-and-so is "hot" tells us *nothing* about the quality of the transfer itself, or the material included. Is this the pilot? The first several episodes? Several random episodes? It's certainly *not* the entire series; that wouldn't fit on a single VHS tape.

Jeff Freilich, Ken Wiederhorn are not the stars
Jeff Freilich, Ken Wiederhorn are not the stars of this movie. I know. I was in all three seasons.

More episodes produced
Wish there were more episodes of this series for sale. Especially of the second and third seasons.

haven't checked out video yet...just seen the tv show
I think Ramy Zada is sooo hot ..looks like an ex boyfriend of mine.....does anyone know where/how I can get a pic of this actor? I will be checkn' out the video Thanks ~M~ ... Read more

Description

Harrison Ford gives one of his most powerful portrayals as an obsessive inventor whose dream of creating a jungle paradise erodes into a survival-of-the-fittest nightmare.Year: 1986 Director: Peter Weir Starring: Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Harrison Ford's best work
Peter Weir's under appreciated masterpiece draws a striking comparison between religious zealotry and the utopian fantasies of technological imperialism. The smarmy Reverend Spellgood heads south into Central America to spread the Christian faith. Paranoid inventor Allie Fox does likewise, but his mission is somewhat different though no less religious in its intensity - he wants to bring ice, and by his logic 'civilization', to the locals. Both men are 'missionaries', both equally blind to the personal and social costs of the 'salvation' they bring. The cast is universally excellent. Helen Mirren is flawless as the devoted but cautious mother, and River Phoenix really impresses as the coming-of-age son through whose eyes the story unfolds. But Ford is absolutely perfect as the father. This was truly inspired casting, as it uses our latent feelings for the actor to put us in precisely the same position as his on-screen family: we want to love him - this quintessentially paternal hero - despite his destructive obsession. But in the end we have to accept that he gets exactly what he deserves. I'm surprised Ford doesn't seek out more roles like this one, rather than settling for repetitive action fare or trying to reinvent himself as Bogart. Adapted with considerable skill by Paul Schrader from an exquisite novel by Paul Theroux, this film is a rare find: a powerful, gripping, moving story with something important to say.

No Buzz for the Mosquito Coast.
After reading several reviews, the consensus is that the movie MOSQUITO COAST strays far from its original source..the book from which it is based upon. It seems those who are familiar with the book hate this movie and there is a hate it or love it attitude towards this film. With that aside,Harrison Ford gives one of his best performances as Allie Fox, a crackpot inventor disillusioned with society, particularly the American landscape. He moves his family to the rain forests of Central America to create a utopia so he can live in peace and build a ice-making machine (which he thinks would be the central core of his vision). Things are fine in the beginning, but Allie becomes obsessive and egotistical, and his family begins to become disillusioned by the whole concept. In this viewers opinion the movie is great for the first three quarters as Allie's ideas and dreams come to fruitition. He seems a little unstable, but his dreams are coming together. Then,the final phase of the film echoes the sentiments from an episode of the Twilight Zone called "Elegy" where in the final scene of this classic story, a character (an android named Mr. Wickwire) says "...because you are men, and you are here. And where there are men, there can be no peace!"; the results are almost identical in both stories. This is where the movie falls and where it will turn off most audiences. This is a tour de force acting vehicle for Ford, but the story, plot and somewhat downbeat ending will alienate audiences especially those who are used to seeing Ford playing strong and heroic characters. Good all around support cast with Hellen Mirren (CALIGULA),and the late great River Pheonix (STAND BY ME) who plays Charlie, Allie's(Ford) son. (Pheonix went on to play a young Indiana Jones in a flashback sequence in THE LAST CRUSADE; perhaps because of this role of playing the son of Ford's character.)

Book Expertly Brought To Life
Striking locations, solid acting, and fidelity to the original story make this an excellent film. In contrast to what has been written in certain other reviews, this is exactly the way in which a book should be brought to life on the silver screen.

To wit- much of the dialogue used in the film has been lifted directly from the book. The storyline follows the novel with nearly exact precision. Sure, some of the detail gets left out, but it's impossible to make a feature-length film from a full-length novel without losing some of the subleties. If they're that important to you, skip the movie and stick to the book.

Secondly, Harrison Ford's preformance as the self-destructive genius Allie Fox is beyond question. Author Paul Theroux was among Ford's biggest fans, once quoted as saying "He IS Allie Fox." Ford took the role after Jack Nicholson turned it down, and this is likely for the best - his performance, superlatives aside, is in fact Oscar-worthy. The rest of the cast offers standout performances - especially noteworthy are Helen Mirren and the late River Phoenix, as Mother and Charlie respectively.

Perhaps this film's biggest detriment is the story itself - the psychologically dark plot can be as off-putting as it is fascinating.

This film should be viewed for what it is - an excellent film version of the book and a fascinating, dark tale of self-destruction. Fans of Harrison Ford's lighter action films might not enjoy the movie because of the dark plot. This movie, however, was never intended to please all of the people all of the time; keeping that in mind, this is an excellent film.

Slow
This is a slow starter and finisher, but it has many powerful scenes and a great cast. Filmed in Beliz, it takes me back to jungle memories.

This is an unusual, yet successful, role for Harrison Ford.
Reviews are only subjective.

Ford as Allie Fox is an inventor, a genius, a man too smart for the world around him. He is a mechanical engineer who takes his family to Central America in search of Utopia, as he defines it. Of course, his family does not want to leave behind civilization and all of the comforts that home brings, but no one can resist his will. Perhaps that and his abrasive irritating manner are aspects of his insanity.

He does not expect to find another zealot, particularly in the form of Reverend Spellgood (Andre Gregory) who has determined to bring Christianity to the natives. Fox's goal is to bring his definition of civilization. The conflict and comparison between two very strong characters is part of what makes Paul Theroux's story work

River Phoenix as Charlie, the son who comes of age, and through whose eyes we see this story, is brilliant. Helen Mirrin, recently of 'Calendar Girls,' is stunning; her portrayal of a woman in love with her family, wanting to support her husband, yet protect her family is touching. John Seale's, directory of photography, work is outstanding, and reminds me of other fascinating movies brought to life by the careful use of lights, shadows, and lush, verdant scenery.

Ford's portrayal of the disintegration of a brilliant man, inventor, know-it-all, family despot is compelling, but gets lost in the slow, tedious complexities of a long journey - both mentally and the one his family travels. Yet, it has been almost twenty years since I saw the theatrical release, and I remember this film. I still think about it, wonder about motives and actions - and that is what makes this an excellent film, in my opinion.

This is one of the most difficult films to rate because it was overly long and somewhat wearisome, but it is also powerful. However, when actors, a story, and cinematography linger in my imagination and analysis processes since 1986, I must give it five stars. I know that some people will be bored because it is slow, but I will watch it many times to enjoy the nuances.

Victoria Tarrani ... Read more

Reviews (10)

This movie is great!
"She's out of Control" is the greatest movie. Tony Danza plays a great father and he reminds me of my dad. An overprotective dad who's looking out for his little girl. If you're a dad with a daughter, you are going to love this movie!!

SHE'S OUT OF CONTROL
VERY GOOD MOVIE. ABOUT A NERDY GIRL WHO CHANGES HER IMAGE AND BECOMES VERY POPULAR ESPECIALLY WITH THE BOYS, AND DRIVES HER DAD OFF THE WALL.WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER I ALWAYS THOUGHT OF MYSELF AS A NERDY GIRL, AND I HAD TO CHANGE MY IMAGE. EXCEPT, THAT WITH ME I WASN'T VERY POPULAR WITH THE BOYS . I RECOMMEND U WATCH IT WITH YOUR DAUGHTERS. I JUST WISH THEY HAD IT ON DVD IT BE A GOOD IDEA IF IT CAME OUT ON DVD. NOBODY WANTS VHS.

Great Movie for the Whole Family!
Growing up I loved watching this movie and paid more in rental charges than I would have spent on just buying the movie. Now that I am grown and raising my own family I still enjoy the movie just as much. I have to say this is probably my favorite all time film.

rather boring
Tony Danza in his usual role as the father of a growing up daughter. The story is rather boring, while the actors do quiet an ok job. Matthew Perry is in it too, but only has a minor role. Not really an evening filler and even boring for the afternoon...

Classic Teen Movie!
Keeping in mind that this is not Shakespeare, Chekov, or Ibsen here... it's a great movie! Every teenage girl should see this movie -- yes, it is a bit "old" by today's standards, but the plot is still great.

When Katie blooms into this glamorous, teen vixen overnight (with the help of her dad's girlfriend) her overprotective father is baffled and disapproving. When she first came walking down the staircase, backlit in that white eyelet dress and Frankie Avalon comes on in the background... I wanted to be that girl! Any twelve year old can appreciate this movie ;)

So... if you like lighthearted movies, this is a fun coming of age story that's worth a viewing. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

It may not seem like the most obvious kind of Huston country, but this black Mafia comedy fits perfectly with the John Huston mindset.Adapted from Richard Condon's novel, the film stars Nicholson as a none-too-bright hit man for a Mafia family who falls in love with an independent operator--a female killer played by Kathleen Turner. The two make a surprisingly funny couple, whether taking a fling at domesticity or comparing professional notes. But their romance is threatened by the woman Nicholson has jilted: the don's daughter, played by Anjelica Huston in a particularly well-etched and poisonous portrayal, for which she won an Oscar. Look for equally tasty turns by cast members William Hickey, John Randolph, and Robert Loggia. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Black Humor At Its Best
Nobody could have played Charlie Partanna like Jack Nicholson, who gives an exceptionally fine performance as a stereotypical mob hitman. Angelica Huston is wonderful in her Oscar-winning role as Maerose Prizzi, the black sheep of the family and former love-interest of Partanna's. And Kathleen Turner lights up the screen as the sexy, mysterious woman that Partanna falls for. Fine acting, great story, all in all a great film.

Star-Cross'd Hit Persons
Only after seeing this film can you be expected to believe that this is a charming comedy about two killers (PC: hit persons) who are deeply involved with mob families, fall madly in love, and then....

One is Charley Partanna (Jack Nicholson), a contract laborer for the Prizzi family headed by Don Corrado on the East Coast; the other is Irene Walker (Kathleen Turner), based on the West Coast, who accepts an assignment to kill Partanna before meeting and then falling in love with him. The romance flourishes for a time. Previously, Partanna had ended his relationship with Maerose Prizzi (Angelica Huston), the Don's beloved but volatile granddaughter. Later, Huston received an Academy Award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role. She deserved it. Although apparently quite talented in his line of work, Charley often seems somewhat dimwitted, at least when contrasted with Irene who seems highly intelligent as well as physically attractive. Watching Nicholson play a smitten, almost schoolboyish Charlie is indeed a treat. Director John Huston does a brilliant job of juxtaposing romantic comedy with mob-directed violence. Amidst all the laughter, people really do get killed. William Hickey certainly deserved his nomination for an Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role, won in 1985 by Don Ameche for his work in Cocoon. He and other members of the cast were blessed with having an immensely clever script by Richard Condon, based on his novel. Listen carefully to Hickey's reading of his lines while also paying close attention to his masterful use of body language. Don Corrado Prizzi is indeed a lovable but deadly senior citizen. Yes, this film is highly entertaining. Witty, at times zany. However, as directed by John Huston, it also has layers of subtle menace as it examines darker regions of human nature.

ALL IN THE FAMILY
The Prizzi's are the second best (celluloid) Mafia family ever to come out of New York. The script is a masterwork, the best line deadpanned by Nicholson to John Randolph: "I didn't get married so my wife could go on working (in Brooklynese, it comes out "woiking")." William Hickey, frail, onion skinned, gravel voiced is unforgettable as Don Corrado Prizzi (lovingly called Padrino by Jack's Charlie Partanna). The Oscar won by Angelica Houston was richly deserved in what was her father's last film. Always exit on top.

kathleen turner
This is a great movie. It has substance, it has style, it has humor, and it has some excellent acting (my favorites are W. Hickey in the role of the family don and A. Huston as the black sheep of the family). Nothing new about these facts, every review on this page will tell you similar things. I would like to point something else out - did anybody else notice just how extraordinary beautiful Kathleen Turner was in this movie? For example that scene where don talks to her in the garden and tells her she has to pay the other half of the money back to the family... I think, no - I am 100 percent sure, this is the most beautiful face I've ever seen in any movie.

Good but The Ending Is Disappointing!
This movie was pretty good and I liked the majority of it and thought Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner were both great but I didn't like the ending, I have to agree with the guy who said it just ended, it ended rather abrubtly and just seemed so unfinished. But that is my opinion. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Jena Malone spectacular!
Little Jena Malone was superb in her role as Ellen Foster. I've seen the movie twice on the television, and will soon be adding this video to my home library.

It opens up where she claims she lays in bed and thinks up ways to kill her daddy. He is such a mean person, especially when he's drunk. Ellen's mother is very sick, but he insists she have a clean house and supper cooked by the time he gets home from work. Ellen does the best she can to help her mother, whom she loves dearly, so her dad won't be so mad. But it doesn't matter, the poor woman works so hard that she dies and leaves Ellen alone with nowhere to go. Sometimes her dad goes off for days at a time and leaves the little girl by herself.

Ellen's grandmother doesn't want her because the grandmother hated the daddy and thought Ellen would be like him. Same with Ellen's aunt. And Ellen's girl cousin was a jealous little girl and a mama's girl. She did everything she could to get Ellen in trouble until Ellen finally ran away to find her own family.

This movie ended good, just the way I would have ended it, with Ellen finding a home. But don't take my word for it. Get the video Ellen Foster and see for yourself what a wonderful movie it is.

Powerful
Ellen Foster based on the novel by Kaye Gibbons, is a story about a girl who just wants a place to call home. It's emotional and has you crying several times througout. It's not one of the best movies I've seen but it is a good movie that leaves a powerful impact. I as a viewer would be more inclined to rent it or get it out of the library than purchase it. It's really not a movie that you can watch over and over.

Five Stars for Jena Malone
For such a young performer, Jena Malone gives an unforgettable performance as an unwanted child. She practically carries the whole movie. The rest of the characters are basically caricatures of the evil grandmother, the drunk father, noble mother, do-gooder art teacher, and insensitive aunts. She herself is a caricature of a long-suffering child but Jena more than competently erases the caricature and becomes Ellen Foster.

Jena Malone conveyed a child's depression from her situation and rising beyond the hopelessness by doing something about it. Her subtle gestures and myriad facial expressions equals the performance of an Academy Award winner.

The best part of the movie is the way her face shows sudden shifts in her emotions, the inner conflicts, the fear of rejection and a child's hope, all this in one scene near the end (a rather lame ending, too pat, but then, don't we all need endings like this after such a heart-wrenching movie?) as she talks to Mrs. Montrose.

I hope she is able to get work like this in her future, work that will show her mastery of her craft and her range. So far, I've seen her in supporting roles in big budget movies, but when she gets the starring role and an equally good script, the movie world better watch out!

Lit teachers! This is a good find!
I taught this novel to a class of high school seniors, and then they watched the movie. It was a short, yet suitable video. Although it did deviate from the book at times, the characters are very well chosen and portrayed accuratly from the novel.

Mediocre family film, but a complete disgrace to the book!
The movie was much less impactful, much less meaningful, and generally much less compelling than the book. Ellen's various guardians in the film deserve Nobel Peace Prizes in comparison to their characters in the book. Jena Malone as Ellen Foster did well for a TV-film actress, otherwise the acting was mediocre. The only people I would recommend this film to are those with kids (8-12) who can't bear the thought of reading and aren't likely to change their minds once they reach ages 13 and up; the book is a bit explicit for children under 13. Basically, you're comparing the book Oliver Twist to your typical small-screen/straight-to-video cheesy drama. Angels in the Endzone is what pops into my head, but that's just my opinion on a different film. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wise Old TV
Maybe not versatile in that transcendent sense, but after viewing this film, albeit its "dated" qualities, you'll appreciate a complex and gritty tendency in John Ritter's exploration of character. (Maybe he's always been that way.) The movie's also a sign of its time, unbridled, minus splashes of liberal detachment. This is earnest stuff; Susan Dey is wonderful; the ending reminds me of ones in flicks like Gallipoli, Mr. Goodbar, Bicycle Thief, Salaam Bombay, Tchao Pantin; but it's TV and somehow that adds to the tragedy, in that metafilmic way.

Nice Feel Good Movie!!
A washed out professional baseball player(John Ritter)finds new meaning in his life coaching underprivileged kids.This is a nice feel good movie!! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

If you are a history buff, you will LOVE this movie....
Peck is excellent. The quotes from this movie coupled with the Ed Flanders's portray of Harry Truman, coupled with the accuracy of the film historically make this probably my all time favorite film. and the darn thing is on back order! Fudge.

Good Movie
This was a good movie, it could have been a great movie but it fell short in a couple places. The performance by Gregory Peck was great (almost in George C. Scott league but not quite). The performance by the supporting actors was not bad, especially the guys that played Truman and Roosevelt.

I think where the movie fell short was that it seemed too jumpy. The scenes of his battles (both military and political) seemed short. There didn't seem to be closure on the battles other than jumping to the next battle to be fought. I've never seen the uncut version, so I don't know if that's addressed there. It seems like this movie would have been better served with another hour at least.

I would have to say my favorite aspect of the movie was his warning as he was fired. Namely that you should never tell the military to fight a war of half measures. Also, that Congress shouldn't shirk its responsibility by not declaring war.

Gregory Peck tries to make sense of Douglas MacArthur
The 1977 film "MacArthur" is well aware that there were two sides to the controversial military leader Douglas MacArthur, and you can almost see the makers of this film flipping a coin to decide which side Gregory Peck gets to show in the next scene. On the one hand there was the brilliant military strategist and leader who directed Allied forces in the Pacific against the Japanese in World War II and for the first half of the Koran War. On the other hand that was the vain and egotistical man who selected official photographs with as much care as he plained invasions and attacks. Most of the credit in this film goes to Peck's performance in making these two diverse sides fit together for the most part.

The contrast between the two is probably best captured in two scenes involving Major General Jonathan M. Wainwright (Sandy Kenyon), who was left behind in command of the Philippines when FDR ordered MacArthur to get to safety in Australia. Even though he promises MacArthur he "will be here or I'll be dead," Wainwright is ultimately forced to surrender and MacArthur goes off the deep end, insisting that Wainwright has gone insane and heaping invective on the man's name. Later in the film, on the day the Japanese signed the articles of surrender on the U.S.S. "Missouri," Wainwright arrives, a gaunt figure after years of captivity in a Japanese prison. MacArthur embraces Wainwright warmly, brushing away all apologies and assuring the man he can have his Corps back as soon as he says the word. MacArthur remains the same man, unconcerned by the obvious contradictions of his nature.

Director Joseph Sargent frames this biopic with MacArthur's famous speech to the cadets of West Point, where he extols the virtues of "Duty," "Honor," "Country." Beyond a brief look back at his early life and military career, the story of the film begins with the general and his besieged forces in the Philippines. But throughout the film we are supposed to hear those words "Duty," "Honor," "Country" resonating. MacArthur is forced to leave the Philippines, but he vows to return, and he does. The UN forces are almost forced off the Korean peninsula, but MacArthur retakes it all before the Chinese get involved. MacArthur is able to force FDR to go with his plans, but finds Harry Truman unwilling to go along, thereby ending a distinguished military career of over half-a-century.

Which sides comes out ahead? The ways Sargent tries to balance the two sides gets pretty interesting. Both Roosevelt (Dan O'Herlihy) and Truman (Ed Flanders) have their pokes at MacArthur, while it is a pair of his Japanese adversaries who speak to his military ability (scenes that are reminiscent of the Germans doing the same thing in "Patton"). The Presidents give the general credit for his military endeavors, but those accolades are buried beneath the verbal ripostes; on the political side the rebuttal comes from actual film footage of Republican Senators (e.g., Nixon of California) supporting MacArthur and blasting Truman. Even stranger, MacArthur's aides are forced to play it both ways. On the one hand they are doing everything they can for the general's public relations, but then there are also times when they basically roll their eyes at what is coming out of MacArthur's mouth.

In the end, MacArthur is not only redeemed by Peck's performance, but by having the final two scenes of the film be the famous pair of speeches MacArthur delivered when he returned to the United States. The first was the "The Old Soldiers" speech given to the Joint Session of Congress and the other the speech to the cadets. When you have a character who has been saying some pretty stupid things from time to time throughout the film and then allow him to reach such flights of oratorical elegance, it is hard not to end on his side of the ledger. "MacArthur" is not enough to allow anyone to make a reasoned judgment on the man and his career, but it should be enough to inspire those who are interested to go read some books that can provide you better evidence for really making up your mind.

"duty, honor, country"
Those that are interested in General Douglas MacArthur, and admire his qualities of courage and fortitude, will find this film fascinating; it is beautifully filmed, with marvelous re-creations of the mid 20th century, and the battle scenes are very well done.
The speeches alone are a glory to listen to, full of passion for "duty, honor, and country", and the words are so exquisitely crafted they are like the finest prose.
The film starts and ends in MacArthur's beloved West Point, on a blustery day, as he speaks to the cadets, and is among the many memorable scenes; others are the landing on Layte, and the signing of Japan's surrender, on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, which is a fabulous re-staging of the historic event.

Gregory Peck gives a monumental portrayal of MacArthur; it is nuanced and brilliant, and from the old film clips I have seen of General MacArthur, subtly captures his posture and movement, with his many different pipes. This film is one of Peck's best, and it's sad it did not have more critical acclaim, as I feel it certainly deserved it.
Other terrific performances come from Marj Dusay as his wife Jean, Sandy Kenyon as General Jonathan Wainwright, and Ed Flanders as President Truman is quite exceptional; tough, gritty, and angered by MacArthur.

An excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith and cinematography by Mario Tosi complements the well-paced direction by Joseph Sargent. If it has a flaw, I feel the film makes too much of the publicity loving aspect of MacArthur's personality. Yes, he liked to use the media to his advantage, and most people who make history feel the same way no doubt...otherwise it is a fairly balanced depiction of one of the great men of the 20th century.

It is interesting to speculate what would have happened had General MacArthur been able to do what he thought was right, and not the "capitulation" and "immoral compromise with evil" he felt he was forced to accept. Perhaps over time millions of lives would have been saved, but I'm sure many would argue otherwise.
Total running time 130 minutes.
"A soldier above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war".

Enjoyable, but a flawed portrait of MacArthur
Gregory Peck does his customary stellar job in this very enjoyable movie about General Douglas MacArthur. The film spans the time frame from the onset of World War II and the fall of the Phillipines (of which MacArthur was military commander) through the relief of General MacArthur in the midst of the Korean War. The movie is notably true to history in all respects that I could determine, and deserves kudos for that.

In my opinion the film is flawed because it goes out of its way to portray MacArthur in an unfavorable light. It ridicules his skillful use of public relations, and presents MacArthur as a demagogue and as a somewhat shallow, manipulative, and downright political General. The troops' dislike of MacArthur is overplayed--other great generals were not always popular with their men, but the fact is that MacArthur and his strategy of bypassing Japanese strong points ("island hopping") worked, and saved countless American and Allied lives. While there is perhaps some truth to the notion that MacArthur was obsessed with his image to the American people, the fact is that the country needed heros in the dark days following Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt knew it and served up Patton and MacArthur, and MacArthur knew it too. In the early days of American involvement in the war, guts and morale were about all the country had going for it.

The movie deserves praise for its portrayal of MacArthur's handling of the Korean War. I don't recall ever seeing a more insightful or accurate dramatic portrayal of what happened in this underexamined war, and the movie gives MacArthur credit for his boldness and genius, and at the same time, in a fair and evenhanded way, the film explains why President Truman saw fit to relieve MacArthur. This action was appropriate although unfortunate, and the film handles this episode fairly, in my opinion.

The movie "Patton" is probably the model for how a movie should portray the life story of a great American general. compared against "Patton" this film does not measure up. Nevertheless, this film is well worth seeing and owning despite its flaws. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

i am from Hammond INDIANA the same place Jean shepard isfrom
Listen up people I am from HESSVILLE (HAMMOND) Indiana wich is the same place where A Christmas Story and My Summer Story takes place.its in the northwest part of indiana about 20 minutes from chicago and right next to Gary. now i wasnt around in the forties but i do know the area very well since i have lived here all of my life. and the way both movies are set up, its exactly the same then, than it is now. now i thought the movie was good and i think that jean shepard ws a brilliant man (thats why they just bult this recreationcenter and named it after him) IF YOUR ever in the area you should stop by theres alot of history here. thanks for your time

An excellent follow up to Christmas story
I wasn't expecting much when I bought this movie from all the bad reviews, but was very pleasantly suprised. I can't understand why so many have panned this movie! Its great! In some ways its better than Xmas story, I think the actors were wonderful in this one. If you've never heard of Jean Shepherd or Xmas story maybe you wont get much out of this movie, but for Shep fans like me, you WILL love it!

Awesome flick!
This movie was better than a Christmas Story! It was funnier and more focused! It is such a shame that it is so underrated by everyone! Seriously buy or watch this movie! BTW, when are we going to see a DVD of My Summer Story?! I would pay bucks for that!!

Better Than "A Christmas Story"
I thought this was better than "A Christmas Story". My daughter and I laughed all the way through. Mary Steenbergen is perfect as the mother and the story is even better. I loved the nostalgia.

It really is Indiana in the 1940s.
Charles Grodin isn't Darren McGavin, but Mary Steenbergen is great as the mother. The movie does a great job of picking up Indiana in the 1940s -- the visit by the tax assessor itself is worth the price. I'm from the southern part of the state and Jean Shepherd was from the north ('da region,' as Hoosiers would have it) and he was a little older than me -- but he has the language, situations, etc., nailed again, just as he did in "Christmas Story." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent
This is my favorite Western of all time. Can't say enough good things about it.

If you ever rooted for the bad guys...
then you should get a kick out of this one! fans of the offbeat and bruce Dern should like this western.this movie plays out like kind of a chess game between pat garrete and billy the kid,with whole trains and towns as pices. kirk douglas plays the railroad backed 'all guns, guts, and glory'marshal Nightingale who at a closer look reveals a darker side.his ambition makes him even worse than pat garrette.all he really cares about is winning a election to become a powerful U.S. senator.Evidence of this is in the way he makes arrests;his professionism is thrown out the window-He uses a Janet Reno style method to catch outlaws,taking no prisioners,caring little about taking them in alive,or recovering robbery mony. The two people who see through him the most are Dern,and a local journalist,who having lost limbs in war hates railroads and ambitous people.Kind of like the old Hamilton vs Jefferson;Hamilton represnting big banking and progress-while others dont like it they know its the way of the future.Many people dident like RxR's either. Bruce Dern is the outlaw Strawhorn,with a great understanding of human nature.Evidence of this is in the scence where just after shooting someone,in front of a horrified crowd,he shuts up a barking dog by throwing him a pice of meat.always trying to cloud good and evil,one of his most memorble quotes is when he tells Nightingale:'honest men only stay honest til it stops paying,thats why your a liar and Im a theif.' Nightingales' plan is simple:elimiate strawhorns gang, and to get elected-capture Strawhorn himself- simple plan but he finds it not as simple to carry out. After a member of Nightingales own posse ponders his future because he is an indian(Indians were often hired by the white man often performing beyond expectations but once the mission was over they were left out to dry)sets the scence to the climatic ending-its Stawhorn vs Nightingale: a chess match playing itself out to the end! Another quote I liked was 'what do we pay taxes for?' If you never saw this movie before try starting it 105 minutes into the movie then watch it again. Another offbeat Kirk Douglas western I would recomend is 'Lonely are the brave' with walter Mathau as sheriff. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Dog Day Afternoon. Annie Hall. Taxi Driver. In the pantheon of classic New York films, these three take pride of place. But there are, of course, others, some of which have fallen through the cracks over the years, criminally overlooked and unjustly relegated to commercial-riddled Saturday-afternoon TV broadcasts. Joseph Sargent's The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is just such a picture. This taut 1974 thriller about four armed men who highjack a New York City subway train and hold it and its passengers for ransom may be hopelessly dated (it's loaded with ethnic stereotypes, impossibly wide neckties, and bad hairdos--and there are no explosions!), but that's part of the fun. A gruffly sardonic Walter Matthau heads a fine cast that includes Jerry Stiller, Hector Elizondo, Martin Balsam, and a perfectly villainous pre-Jaws Robert Shaw. Think you'll find a better film that depicts a nearly broke city led by an inept mayor forced to deal with armed terrorists? Fuhgeddaboutit! --Steve Landau ... Read more

Reviews (47)

One of my all-time favorites
P>It's the oldest videotape I have in my collection. .

The film has been released on DVD, and I am absolutely overjoyed, as it is one of my all-time favorites.

Theatrically released in 1974, The Taking Of Pelham 123 is about a group of four armed men (three of them played by the great actors-the late Robert Shaw, the late Martin Balsman and Hector Elizondo) whom hijack a New York City subway train on an otherwise uneventful afternoon, and hold 18 of its passengers hostage. The ransom: One Meeeeeeeellion dollars.

Ooops...that's another movie.

The ransom IS indeed one million dollars (Hey, it was shot in 1974) to be paid by the City Of New York. There are two catches.

Catch #1: The city has only one hour to pay up. For very minute that the city is late, the hijackers will execute one hostage. It is up to Lieutenant Zachary Garber (the late, legendary Walter Matthau) to stop, or at least outsmart them before they kill one. High drama, considering it takes the city FOREVER to do ANYTHING. I know...I live in New York.

Catch #2: The hijackers are underground. IF they get their money...how do they plan on getting away?

Great performances all around from a great mix of big name actors, and fine character actors. People such as Jerry Stiller, Kenneth McMillan, Dick O'Neill, Julius Harris and Tony Roberts, who plays the Deputy Mayor. But the film belongs to Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. Matthau, in a departure from his usual comedic roles, displays a tough, yet somewhat humorous demeanor as he "matches wits" with Robert Shaw (whom one year later would play his most celebrated role as Quint in "Jaws"). Shaw's performance is properly understated...which serves his character well, as he is supposed to be cold and calculating.

It's a simple story, and simple to follow...yet The Taking Of Pelham 123 is a totally engrossing thriller. And unlike "Money Train" (Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes), Pelham is fairly accurate with details about the subway and how it works (including the dead man's feature-absolutely accurate). Money Train had me scratching my head in amazement with all the inaccuracies presented in the technical details about a subway train and how it works. Don't even get me started with that movie-but I digress. Pelham crackles with excitement and humor. And the ending is %$*&@ great! The musical score by David Shire will only enhance the drama on the screen. The main title theme alone is an overlooked crime drama classic. Urgent, yet kind of funky. Yes, this film is outdated...but don't let that stop you. This would definetly be one of my "desert island" movies. In a review here on Amazon.com, I read where someone said that this film "plays like an old friend".

I concur wholeheartedly.

By the way. There was an updated TV version of this movie starring Edward James Olmos and Lorraine Bracco. STAY AWAY FROM AT ALL COSTS!!!

Top-notch action movie spiced with New York humor
A cracking good film, fast-paced, relentless in its build-up of tension, and shot through with that special New York humor. Now that it's 25 years old, some of the jokes and cameo character parts seem not to work. But Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw play the leading roles so well that it hardly matters, and, though it doesn't particularly try to do so, the movie gives a good impression of what the city, its politics and its institutions were like in the early-mid Seventies. Mostly, though, it's just a good fingernail-biter based on the bright idea of someone hijacking a subway train.

Come in Pelham 123
I was so pleased to see this released on DVD. copies are inexpensive and should be purchased without prejudice. This is an absolute classic, certainly the type of film that would never be made today. a subway highjacking with all of the classic ethinc seterotypes on board. Walter Matthau is in charge of the case at New York transit headquarters. after putting his foot in his mouth a couple of times, Matthau's leadership come through in one of the best ending to a movie ever. Fantastic

great 70's flick...
In the same way that "The Naked City" portrays New York City of the forties, "Pelham" does justice to the 70's. This is a great movie! Did anyone notice that the opening theme music was also used in the more recent Mel Gibson movie, "Payback"?

A Fine Suspense Drama
I was in high school when this film came out. I remember standing on a long line on Broadway in a snow shower to see it. It was well worth the wait. Thirty years later, it was well worth the wait to buy this DVD. While there's no give-me's on this disc (which is a shame), this action packed, and often funny, film is one of those that for some reason didn't stand the test of time or become a cult hit. Perhaps New York and America want to forget the inner city squalor of the 70s (although "Mean Streets" and "Taxi Driver" remain popular). But this film is worth watching just for Robert Shaw's chilling portrayal of a subway hijacker. The filming is appropriately dark and grainy. If not for any reason, watch a well-crafted suspense/action movie before they became completely gory, bloody messes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It made me roar
Walter Matthau was in a spate of comedies, spoofs, farces, and romantic comedies, and this might be the best of the bunch. Art Carney plays a fuddy-duddy Medical Director, with Matthau as an experienced doctor who sees himself as a romantic, Glenda Jackson as his love interest and nemesis, and Richard Benjamin as the young doctor/straight man of the team. Is it silly? Yes. Is it meaningful? No. Is it funny? Absolutely!

Wonderful Walter
Walter as a frisky widower;Glenda as his soul-mate/ nemisis;Art Carney as a bumbling Medical Director;and Richard Benjamin as the sarcastic Voice-of-Reason..plus....Walter in a babushka...all add up to a wonderfully romantic,hysterically funny look at the dating game. There will never be another Walter, so get this one and savor one of his best performances. What a sweet guy he must have been.It just shines through in this role. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very fine story line with a moral, humor and suspense
This is great movie which again reveals the tremendous versatility of Barbara Eden. Although she has played many, many roles she always comes across as in control, not letting anyone get the best of her but still very feminine. When she is taken advantage of by her boyfriend she takes appropriate action by giving him the brushoff (and getting him back). When the society women try to defeat her project she ignores them and plunges ahead and wins . Overall a great plot with the moral- watchout for guys with phoney stories.

BARBARA EDEN Stars in A Modern Day Cinderella
BARBARA EDEN Stars in A Modern Day Cinderella Story That Gets Carried Away in The Romantic Comedy NBC Made For TV Movie "The Secret Life Of Kathy McCormick" Now in VHS Video The Story Of A Woman Who Works in A Supermarket Who Always Doing Good Things For Her Customers And One Day A Wealthy Customer invites Kathy McCormick Benefit Luncheon And Kathy McCormick Goes And Has A Wonderful Time And Meets A Group Of Women Society Women Who Are All Fun To Be With And She Meets Her Prince Charming A Wealthy Millionaire Who Thinks She is A Wealthy Woman in The Stock Market END ... Read more

Amazon.com

Rock historians and hard-core Buddy Holly fans can and do take issue with director Steve Rash's 1978 biopic of the Lubbock, Texas, rocker's life: the script liberally juggles details from Holly's brief but blazing career, replacing producer Norman Petty and Holly's original bassist and drummer with fictionalized composite characters. Yet the core of the film, and the reason it's definitely worth a look and listen, is Gary Busey's lusty performance in the title role, triumphing against what might have seemed miscasting.

The burly, lantern-jawed Busey steps into the lankier, narrow-faced Holly's blue suede shoes and dances off with the movie. At a time when live rock albums thought little of overdubbing mistakes in the studio, director Rash honored Busey's nervy gamble in performing these songs live, singing in his own raw voice and rumbling through his own approximations of Holly's guitar work. What's lost in precise verisimilitude is more than compensated by Busey's conviction and a palpable, almost ecstatic terror as he charges through Holly's wonderful songs before indifferent roller-rink audiences.

Other films have nailed the period more accurately through art direction or script, but Busey's authentic energy gives this movie an emotional veracity that's just right for this chapter in rock history. Still, for musical purposes, go straight to the source, Holly's wonderful recordings.--Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Welcome to the world of Buddy Holly
The Buddy Holly Story starring Gary Busey should not be taken as a historical document. Nor do I believe it ever set out to be. What has been created is a film which gives the feel and atmosphere of Buddy Holly, his music and the USA of the day. To have been completely factual would have most probably killed the film with legal challenges and suppression. The Crickets leaving Buddy to side with Norman Petty in the split leading to the final tour and the bitter disappointment this must have caused Buddy, the actual split itself with Petty and the resultant financial complications, these happenings are really not the sort of thing to air in a movie to celebrate the life and music of one of the founders of Rock.

Instead Gary Busey has strapped on a Fender and in effect becomes Buddy Holly. The rhythm and beat, the frantic excitement, the sheer enjoyment of the music, it is all there. We actually get to experience a timeslice of a period some of us recall fondly and others would like to share. A wonderful reminder of good music for us oldies or a enjoyable introduction to a legend for others, a Rock'n'Roll legend quoted by The Beatles and a number of other major musical identities as a major influence in their music.

It's not history, but it is the authentic feel of the music
The Buddy Holly Story starring Gary Busey should not be taken as a historical document. Nor do I believe it ever set out to be. What has been created is a film which gives the feel and atmosphere of Buddy Holly, his music and the USA of the day. To have been completely factual would have most probably killed the film with legal challenges and suppression. The Crickets leaving Buddy to side with Norman Petty in the split leading to the final tour and the bitter disappointment this must have caused Buddy, the actual split itself with Petty and the resultant financial complications, these happenings are really not the sort of thing to air in a movie to celebrate the life and music of one of the founders of Rock.

Instead Gary Busey has strapped on a Fender and in effect becomes Buddy Holly. The rhythm and beat, the frantic excitement, the sheer enjoyment of the music, it is all there. We actually get to experience a timeslice of a period some of us recall fondly and others would like to share. A wonderful reminder of good music for us oldies or a enjoyable introduction to a legend for others, a Rock'n'Roll legend quoted by The Beatles and a number of other major musical identities as a major influence in their music.

One of the lesser known items about this film and the making thereof is that Gary Busey actually formed a band and toured up and down the west coast of the USA before the making of it to provide himself with the feel and practice of performing Buddy Holly songs before an audience. He actually played and sang the songs in the film rather than lip-sync Buddy's records to provide some authentic feel to the whole thing - good on yer Gary !

Gary Busey brings Buddy Holly to life!
I'm a huge fan of Gary Busey, who may not be a "star" but is nevertheless a great actor. This is by far his best performance, & I feel he deserved the best actor oscar more than Jon Voight (who won for Coming Home). Few people know that Busey was a musician before he was an actor, so in this awesome musical biography of Buddy Holly we get to see just how talented he is. The film is mostly factual, although some screen characters are actually composites of two or more people. The energy in Busey's performance is what makes this a winner. Not only did he sing, he did it while being filmed live! That's what gives this such a realistic look to it & it's why this stands out among the other musical biographies as one of the best. There was also a lot of unscripted dialogue that makes this even more entertaining. The best thing about the dvd is the hilarious & very informative commentary from the director Steve Rash & Gary Busey, which is almost as good as the film itself! This is an excellent tribute to a lengendary rock & roll icon & it won an oscar for best score adaptation. Do yourself a favor, add this great film to your collection!

Awesome, Must Have Movie!
I think this is a fantastic movie. Gary Busey did an excellent job portraying Buddy Holly. Though I am aware that not every detail of this movie is 100% factual, it still makes the audience love and care about Buddy and his music. This movie is truly a must for any music fan.

Not The Real Buddy Holly Story
This movie does not in any way portray the real Buddy Holly. It contains several inaccuracies, and, to me, Gary Busey is miscast as Buddy Holly. I have read several books on Buddy Holly in addition to having the video "The Real Buddy Holly" hosted by former Beatle Paul McCartney and the Biography video of Buddy Holly, and this movie doesn't do justice to the Buddy Holly we all loved and enjoyed. If you're looking for an entertaining movie and not concerned with accuracy then, I supppose, you will enjoy the movie. However, if you want the real Buddy Holly story you'll have to look elsewhere. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Passion? Yes
Passion Flower is Bruce Boxleitner's first movie that involved sex. He acted the part like a pro.

Great asian mysticism, photography ,music,glamour and story.
Great photography,music,clothes music,mysticism,story.DONT MISS IT! Photography by Dean Semler who did "MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME". Shot in nice hotels, clubs ,houses. Nice suits, dresses, cocktail parties, . Good music score. Great shot of 747 landing with camera capturing it moving on a fast car. Shot in exotic Singapore. A good thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat. Great scenes of Asian festivals in the background. I can't recommend it enough. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Feel Good Movie !!!
This movie is by far my husbands favorite movie! He has watched it numerous times. I can't get him away from the TV set when it is on. I really wish they would put this movie on DVD because it rightly deserves to be there. It is a great movie. It has everything a movie needs action, drama, excitement and any other words I could think of other than GREAT !!! Maybe someday they will put it on DVD and we will get a clearer picture. I definately would buy it in a heartbeat! Once you watch it you will have to watch it over and over and over again. It is a great movie!!!

Touching
I have four brothers and this movie does a great job showing a "brother's love". If you are synical and like to pick everything apart you probably won't think much of this movie but if you have a heart and like feel good movies, you'll love it!

Great Memories.
This movie is the most memorable movie in my existance. In 1985 this played on HBO shortly after its release and it has a special meaning in my life. I was 17 at the time. My girlfriend Debbie and I had a joke that everytime we turned on the TV, "Turk 182" would be on... and it was! It's a great movie, with the same passion of "Taps". Rent or buy it!

-Charlie

just for the name
think about it, maybe blink 182 got their name from this movie. If it was called turk 185, they might of called the band blink 185. Certainly not the same. God bless this movie for getting made. Im deffintly looking forward to viewing it in the future.

It's a great little film
If you're a fan of Tim Hutton.. then you already have this in your collection.. This is a great little film, with a predictable storyline, but the characters draw you in, simply because of the talented actors that bring this this quirky little tale of brotherly love to life... and its worth the price simply for Kim Catrall ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Another great comedy hit by Matthau and Lemmon

They were great in the 'seventies, weren't they? Lemmon and Matthau were a great team with the Grumpy Old Men, and in this one, too. They are good entertainment for an evening full of laughs.

This is a 1920s comedy, directed by Billy Wilder, about the ruthless editor of a Chicago newspaper (Matthau) whose immediate problem is covering a hanging. His number one reporter (Lemmon) is about to quit on him and get married, leaving newspaper life forever. The plot is complicated by a blundering sheriff (Vincent Gardenia) and a venal mayor who try to hide the fact that the convict who is scheduled to be executed the next day has been pardoned by the governor who has gone fishing, but who is not REALLY fishing--he's with a girl friend and is incommunicado, a fact which they are trying to cover up for political reasons,

This is a thoroughly enjoyable fil, with a great cast, including Carol Burnette.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Lemmon and Mathau are comic gold!!
"The Front Page" is a must-see for any fans of Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau! I bought the movie before I ever even saw it and I loved it! These two are as funny as ever in this comedy about two reporters who are on top of the hottest story in town. This is a great film to watch, although Carol Burnett's character was a down side to it, but you hardly even notice it with the rest of the fine cast. The DVD offers an overall good presentation of the film in standard (unfortunately not widescreen)format. Bottom line- it's worth buying, even if you've never seen it! Especially with the great price!

Jack Lemmon and Walther Matthau At Best
A very funny movie, if you like to laugh buy this one it is one of the best comedies you'll ever see.

A Sad Waste of Talent
Expect no sparkle from stars or script in this remake of the witty comedy classic, which has been repeatedly filmed with varying degrees of success since 1931. There is no chemistry between the male leads, and Burnette is unspeakably bad in her cameo appearance. Recommendation: see instead "His Girl Friday," starring Rosalind Russel and Cary Grant; it is easily the finest screen version of the famous stage play.

Utterly hilarious, worth watching over and over again
In terms of depicting life in a newspaper office and the part-sleazy, part-unscrupulous and (maybe) part-honorable behavior of journalists, this film is as good as you will ever get. Tetchy, growling, circulation-obsessed Walter Matthau is exactly what most newspaper editors think they should be like, while Jack Lemmon, keen to get married but ultimately more interested in a good scoop, represents everything that non-journalist women have never been able to understand about journalist men. There are moments when the movie descends into farce - as in the scenes involving the Viennese psychiatrist - and it is true that Carol Burnett's hooker is the one character part that doesn't quite work. But the script is sizzling, and the one-liners rarely falter. One of Billy Wilder's best. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It made me roar
Walter Matthau was in a spate of comedies, spoofs, farces, and romantic comedies, and this might be the best of the bunch. Art Carney plays a fuddy-duddy Medical Director, with Matthau as an experienced doctor who sees himself as a romantic, Glenda Jackson as his love interest and nemesis, and Richard Benjamin as the young doctor/straight man of the team. Is it silly? Yes. Is it meaningful? No. Is it funny? Absolutely!

Wonderful Walter
Walter as a frisky widower;Glenda as his soul-mate/ nemisis;Art Carney as a bumbling Medical Director;and Richard Benjamin as the sarcastic Voice-of-Rea