Reviews (19)

this is Elvis Presley at his best and with the best
i've seen all Elvis's movies, but Flaming Star is the one film whereby his talent as an actor in a dramatic role comes forth highly convincing on the screen. John McIntyre and Delores Del Rio; superbly cast as parents of two brothers who through racial conflict pull apart, then rejoin to save the life of the other. A classic western with Steve Forrest at his best and Barbara Eden in a role you can't easily forget. Too many great actors to mention here. This movie, which I do hope will be on DVD, is not shown enough on t.v. movie networks and i believe has never received the recognition it so deserves. Elvis should have won an academy award for his portrayal as Pacer. to me, there is no other Elvis movie but Flaming Star. Get your hankies out girls; toward the end of the film, when Pacer (Elvis) rides into the hills in search of the "Flaming Star".

How much violence does it take to screw up a movie?
Parents: this film was rated from the parental rating: Objectionable for children.

Elvis Presley stars in this almost gory film. Which takes Elvis into Western movies.

Elvis Preseley plays an indian in Flaming Star. His character name is Pacer Burton.

His mother (Dolores Del Rio) is killed by a white man (Douglas Dick).

And leaves home. This is not one of Elvis best movies. I am a big Elvis Presley fan.

I have seen a lot of better movies that Elvis Presley was in. Like Jailhouse Rock. He tries to prove that he can do a lot more than singing.

And in a lot of movies, he sings. But I don't see how any Elvis Presley fan whould enjoy this movie.

I'm giving this movie 2 stars for one reason. A. He doesn't sing very much in this movie. There are two songs in this movie (and none are sung after the first 10 minutes).

He ties his brother (Steve Forrest) to a horse and joins other indians.

This movie was oringally written for Marlon Brando. And dropped out of the movie and Elvis takes his place.

I might have given this movie more than two stars if more songs was added. If Elvis wasn't suppose to sing in this movie the songs should have been cut.

this is Elvis Presley at his best and with the best
i've seen all Elvis's movies, but Flaming Star is the one film whereby his talent as an actor in a dramatic role comes forth highly convincing on the screen. John McIntyre and Delores Del Rio; superbly cast as parents of two brothers who through racial conflict pull apart, then rejoin to save the life of the other. A classic western with Steve Forrest at his best and Barbara Eden in a role you can't easily forget. Too many great actors to mention here. This movie, which I do hope will be on DVD, is not shown enough on t.v. movie networks and i believe has never received the recognition it so deserves. Elvis should have won an academy award for his portrayal as Pacer. to me, there is no other Elvis movie but Flaming Star. Get your hankies out girls; toward the end of the film, when Pacer (Elvis) rides into the hills in search of the "Flaming Star".

A Good Movie
Barbara Eden is Great in the movie playing Steve Forrest's character's girlfriend.Elvis sings the theme song and in the square dance scene he sings a song though he doesn't sing any other songs after that.The movie is a western drama and a good movie.Dolores Del Rio is in the movie also.Directed by one of the best directors Don Seigel who directed Clint Eastwood.The DVD has the original movie commercial.

A billion, trillion stars!
For the star to end all stars, Elvis, this movie is greatness among a movie career that's, well, not so great. Finally on DVD, with beautiful picture quality, I adore this movie. There is no cheese here.
This is not chock full of songs, this is not a musical, and the few musical numbers here are well-done and in context. You don't get a cheesy 1960's sounding song in this 19th century western, the songs actually sound like they belong. Again I must stress, there are only a few songs and they don't take anything away from, rather they add TO the film. That man could sing, but surprise surprise, he could also act.
He is a halfbreed. Part white, part Native American. Constantly he is torn between loyalties, but moreso from this deep desire to remain fair to all in his life. The scenes of tenderness are of the utmost affection, and the scenes of violence express the real anguish of such a life. I'm not exaggerating when I say that sometimes when I watch this movie I feel as if I'm spying on a 19th century scene, it's that convincing, friends.
There is such a magical quality about this movie. It's so different from anything Elvis had done before or since that it almost seems like he would have done the film for free...he loves what he's doing and puts his soul into it.
Note that Col. Parker scoffed at the idea of "his boy" Elvis doing a "political" film like this. The Colonel was not one who liked to stir the pot too much when he felt the mixture was just right. This is one of few occasions where Elvis went ahead and did what he thought was the right project. If anyone is curious, check into the numerous films that were offered to Elvis and refused by the Colonel. Least of which was the now legendary 1968 'Comeback' Special in which Elvis both re-invents and re-establishes his throne as the King of Rock and Roll. The Colonel wanted the 1968 special to be a cheesy xmas show with Elvis in a tuxedo singing to snowmen and Santa (which would have probably been the colonel in a red suit). What a disaster and a loss that would have been.
Anyway - Elvis shines like the bright star he is in Flaming Star. Absolutely terrific, wonderful movie that I can't say enough good things about. I have not one complaint except that there weren't more cast from this dye. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Recycling elements of My Darling Clementine and The Searchers in a bitter, latter-day light, this late Western by John Ford initiates the last, dark phase of the master's vision of the corrupting influences of the progress of civilization in the wilderness. James Stewart is introduced to the Ford stock company as a thoroughly venal town marshal, Guthrie McCabe, who's pressed into service by the cavalry to oversee the ransoming of several whites long held captive by the Indians. McCabe is concerned with nothing but making a buck on the enterprise and coming back with his scalp intact, yet against his better judgment he becomes an arbiter of social and personal justice, and a de facto one-man protest against bigotry and hypocrisy. The cinematography is bleaker than anything seen in Ford's more heroic Westerns, and the stylistic high point is a hilarious one-take conversation between Stewart and cavalryman Richard Widmark at the river's edge. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Two great actors ride together
It may seem crazy to disagree with a director's own assessment of a film but I like John Ford's "Two Rode Together" a great deal. Ford was in his mid-sixties and slipping when he made this film and some of the plot inconsistencies seem to have escaped him entirely. But the interplay between Stewart and Widmark is wonderful; this was the last great performance of Stewart's career, the best American actor who ever stepped in front of a camera. Francois Truffaut reportedly was influenced by their work when he put together his film "Jules and Jim." I also like the flat-out frankness in dealing with the Indian captive problem on the frontier, which was no little dilema at the time.

Pretty bad...especially for John Ford.
Suppose he gets a Mulligan for this one though.

I usually have a strong precognition about Westerns I've never seen or heard about-that's cause they generally [are not good]. And this one didn't disappoint. Semi-light "buddy" formula with occasional serious overtones, or in this case undertones. I don't know what to say, I'm speechless. Just a really bad movie. Only Gregory Peck's "Shoot Out" comes close to it's pure awfulnissity. Oh yeah, Woody Strode as a Commanche....right. And Richard Widmark's character takes the cake as a 45 yr. old West Point grad that is STILL a Lieutenant in the Cavalry. Apparently a symbolic demotion for accepting a role in a movie with such a pitiful script. Jimmy Stewart as a deranged bi-polar mercenary is the capper. You've been warned.

Jimmy vs. Naivete
Hey! Jimmy at his mumbling, stumbling, cocky best has a GREAT time despite the twists & turns of luck. Going from Messiah to pariah he takes it on the chin and even the surprise ending doesn't even seem to phase him. He's always got an ace in the hole somewhere and you love him every minute for it. Entertaining story of settlers who return to a US army fort in hopes of regaining their stolen loved ones. Oh, but what a dose of reality it gives them and us too. Don't miss it!

Fun for any western genre fan.
So its not oscar winning material! This movie is great for watching a trio of old Hollywood pros having a good time. Jimmy Stewart plays against type as a down and out lawman who finds a reason to change. Richard Widmark (my all time favorite actor) is great as usual as a soldier who lives his values and John Ford directs the cast with style. Enjoy!

Any Ford is better than no Ford...
This is not a great movie.It's sort of a smattering of great scenes from various Ford films of the past. On its own, however, it just doesn't quite hold together. I don't think Ford was very interested in making this movie, and it shows. But still you have those flashes of brilliance that shine forth in even the worst Ford movie.[Watch for the scene with Stewart and Widmark sitting on the river banks). Still I wouldn't regard this as evidence of the great man's decline, because the next year he bounced back with "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." Ford at his worst was still a lot better than many other directors at their best! ... Read more

Reviews (51)

FOR LEGAL BEAGLES EVERYWHERE...
This is a movie made great by Henry Fonda's compelling portrayal of an unlikely folk hero,Clarence Earl Gideon, who was the catalyst for one of the most significant changes in our legal system. The seminal case of Gideon v. Wainright ultimately saw the United States Supreme Court establish that anyone who is charged with a crime is entitled to legal representation by an attorney.

Clarence Earl Gideon was no angel. He was a four time loser, who had been arrested for the burglary of a pool room. He did, however, maintain that he was innocent in this instance and demanded a trial, as he had no intention of pleading guilty for a crime that he did not commit. When Gideon, a semi illiterate, poorly educated man, requested an attorney to represent him at the trial, his request was denied, the presiding judge being of the mind that Gideon was able to represent himself. Gideon did not have a clue and, consequently, was convicted and sentenced to a five year prison term.

Gideon wrote an appeal to the United States Supreme Court, which granted his appeal, and its justices set a new precedent with their ruling. His case was remanded to the Florida state court for a retrial. He was appointed an attorney, tried and, ultimately, acquitted of all charges, deservedly so, based upon the evidentiary weakness of the case against him. Justice delayed, however, is, as always, justice denied, as Gideon ended up serving two years in prison for a crime that he did not commit, before he was finally freed.

This is a terrific film with wonderful performances by the entire cast. Henry Fonda is superlative as the stalwart Gideon, whose innate sense of fair play and faith in the United States Constitution helped shape the legal system that we know today. This is a film well worth watching.

The drama in the coourt.
Gideon's Trumpet was an interesting movie.The movie first started out with Gideon an innocent man who thought that going to the pool hall to use the phone would have been a better idea then using it at the motel and disturbing other people. After Gideon got to the pool hall he was accused of breaking in and stealing change out of the vending machines.While he was in trial he order that he wanted an lawyer, but the judge said if he was on trial for an capital offense he could not have a court appointed lawyer.Gideon was given a 5 year sentence and while he was in prison he started to read and study about court cases and it's process. While he was reading he realized his rights and appealed to the Supreme Court and they ruled that he needed another trial and he got it. In the other trial they found out that the guy who supposively had seen him at the pool hall was the one who had done it and Gideon was set free.

It was a good learning experiance
To me the movie "Gideon's Trumpet" was an execellent illistration of how far the government has come and how far it has yet to go. Gideon who was arrested for a felony in the state of Florida was not given a lawyer. His reason for not getting a lawer was that he was competant enough to stand trail on his own. With out a lawyer he was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. While Gideon was in prison he wrote a letter to the supreme court. His letter ultimately made the judge overrlue his decision and Gideon was granted the right to a lawyer. Thus leading to his second trail. During his first trial he asked no questions of cross examination. Gideon's lawyer was able to make sense out of the previous trail and prove that he was indeed innocent. This trial proved that it really does help to have a lawyer. I look upon Clarence Earl Gideon as an important figure in our history. He made sure that everyone, even poor people that commit petty crimes are still entitled to the sixth ammendment.

Landmark Film on Land Mark Case
Fonda's performance is perfect, and the film covers all the issues without missing a beat. I use it every year in my government class.

Great Law Study Video
My law teacher showed us this film to show us how the right to have a lawer, even if you could not pay for one, was made law. It is a very good film. It does not make you feel he is innocent, lkie must law films do. You see tha facts and decide as you go along. Any law teacher should show this film. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not ALAN LADD
I PURCHASED THIS MOVIE THINKING IT WAS A ALAN lADD MOVIE BECAUSE IT WAS GIVING AS A ALAN LADD MOVIE BY AMAZON BUT THE JOKE WAS ON ME IT IS NOT THE ALAN LADD BADLANDERS SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS CRAPPY MOVIE AND HAVE TO STILL BUY BADLANDERS WITH ALAN LADD SO ALL I CAN SAY IS AMAZON SUCKS

the badlanders
good movie but not great movie. Western version of "The Asphalt Jungle" Ladd and Borgnine are stiffed by local villan Kent Smith, in unconnected incidents. when released from klink team up to rob gold mine. Granted it's not Shane, but it's a good flick. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Absolutely Delightful
When I saw this movie had not been reviewed I just couldn't resist. This is a wonderful family flick for all ages and boasts a "who's who" list of very funny character actors from the 1960's. Tony Curtis is outrageously funny and charming as Steve McClusky, a Nevada casino manager who winds up caring for Penny, a 5 year old orphan with amusing results. Suzanne Pleshette as a romantic endeavor never looked better. And Phil Silvers' portrayal as the loveable tough guy Uncle Bernie can't be topped. The "chase" scene thru Disneyland is pure fun. This movie truely is a family classic! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This is the one
I have always thought you should art by does it work or not. This works, the play is just heartbreaking, the performances all top notch, not overplayed. And I do love Glynnis O'Connor, (somebody bring back Sons and Daughters). This is so powerful I could almost not stand to see the end of it, reminds me of the end of Searching for Private Ryan. If you liked this try The Bridge Over the San Louis Rey which is just as good (not the movie, the book). I remember seeing this version of Our Town when it first came out and liking it. I read some reviews that say the lack of props bother some people, but those same people said they had trouble following the plot. I did not having any problem at all following the play, it would have hurt less if I had. Wonderful stuff. Please bring this out on DVD and drop the price so people can afford to buy it. Still worth the money though, every penny. Best thing I have seen in the last year with MAYBE the exception of City of God.

Return of the Prodigal
We had this movie on Beta. The homespun quality of the characters - HH and all of the fine cast - warms your soul. Used to seeing the play performed on step ladders, this production does not destroy the minimalism - the sets in this film version are tasteful and add a touch that I believe TW would have approved of. Now we have the movie on VHS - Return of the Prodigal indeed.

Wait for the price to drop BUT......
Moving, simple, elegant...these are the words that occur to me regarding this version of Our Town, a play which, in this video, LOOKS like a play, which makes it all the more effective. Movies are good at some things; other things, like human relationships, somehow seem more real on stage. The acting is superb, the direction unobtrusive and natural, the work itself one of those rare moments caught by an artist. Rent it, buy the laser disc, wait for it to drop in price, but see it.

Our Town
Although this is the most expensive of the Our Town videos, it seems to be the ONLY one available that is staged as a play rather than a movie. There is no scenery and there are few props and set pieces--just as Wilder meant it to be. I find this version to be the most effective for teaching students and the most interesting to watch as an individual viewer.

This Version of Our Town is a Great Pick!
Thornton Wilder's classic dramatic play comes to life on screen in this well-cast 1977 stage production. The acting is rich and the characters well-developed, and both are accented by the simple yet homey nature of the sets and backdrops. Those who have already met George and Emily in the pages of Wilder's book will be extremely pleased with this version, and those who have yet to discover Our Town will find themselves immediately intimate with the world of Grover's Corners. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

What happened....
I started to watch this movie a long time ago, and finally got the chance to finish it. I am glad that I did! This is a very good movie, and I would highly recommend watching it. It is three hours long, so be prepared!

The movie is set in the late 1920s in China. Revolution is in the air, and America is merely showing its presence with the San Pueblo (affectionately called the Sand Pebble by the sailors). Jake Holman (Steve McQueen) has just been transferred to the boat. All he wants is a position where the officers will let him do his job, which is working on the engine.

As the movie progresses, different characters will try to impose their way of thinking onto the picture. Revolution fits in no one's view. The captain (played by Richard Crenna) wants to do all for the flag. Everything should look great and fit his military view of things. Another sailor (played by Richard Attenborough) just wants to be with his love. All these characters are thwarted in their goal as China rolls towards revolution and casts out the foreign influence.

None of the characters can see this from his limited point of view. Things go from routine to chaos, and no one can explain with his personal world. Why did it suddenly happen this way? As Holman cries, "What the ... happened?"

I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

Great treatment of America's Asia Experience
The Sand Pebbles is an extremely well made movie. The ensemble cast is exceptional but the standouts are Steve McQueen and RIchard Crenna.

McQueen is outstanding as a Machinest Mate who is devoted to his machinery and has extremely limited ability to interact with his fellow crewmembers. He is perceived as an outsider by the crew of the San Pablo and a potential troublemaker by the captain of the ship. At this time in Naval history, a good man could and would stay in a single ship for years at a strectch. One who moved frequently was considered to be a problem Sailor.

Richard Crenna is excellent as a commanding officer at the this distant end of America's Naval reach. His task is to keep his men motivated to the mission at hand which is to represent American power in Asia. At the same time knowing that the missionaries in the area dislike them and the businessmen tolerate them as a required evil.

Coupled with the smallest ship being the fartherst into China, is the local unrest as various warlords are establishing local control, Communist forces are making in attempt to influence events and student unrest boils up. Is it any wonder that the crew is confused as to what thier missions are. But rather than worry, they head for the local saloons and leave the bigger decisions to the officers.

This film tells the story of not just a single man, it tells the story of generations of men who served in China. Some came and stayed when their Navy careers were over. SOme came and never left and are buried there. Others came and left and have never forgotten their time there. They did their duty and that was all the America asked of them, or at least the diplomats. I'm sure that in the 20s, very few, if any, Americans ever realized that there were hundreds of US Sailors patrolling thousands of miles of rivers and coasts to preserve America's rights in China.

The Sand Pebbles is a comprehensive movie that shows the Asisatic Sailors at their best and worst. It should be a must see movie for anyone intersted in America and China and how our present relationship developed.

A timeless classic of the time of Old China's awakening.
This film, along with The Great Escape, established Steve McQueen as a major star, but it is much more than a vehicle for McQueen. This is a wonderful story of the intersection between Western culture and Old China, in the period when China was seeking to emerge as a modern nation.

This is the story of one Jake Holman, a sailor in the American gunboat navy in China. The Navy's mission is to protect American/Western missionaries, businessmen, their lives and property. Holman serves on the USS San Pablo, known to her crew as the "Sand Pebble." Holman has a passion for engines, and sought to serve on the Sand Pebble on the notion that his engineering expertise would make him valuable and autonomous aboard. Instead, he learns that each American sailor has a Chinese servant who actually performs all of that sailor's routine duties. Holman is thus effectively prevented from performing his engineering role. Nor are the Chinese, untrained in engineering and acting by wrote, able to safely handle the ship's power plant. An undercurrent to the story is Holman's struggle to get control of the management of the ship's antiquated but essential engines.

Holman's struggles to establish his place on the ship take place against the panorama of a China seeking to throw off foreign domination and become a modern nation-state. This is the larger story, effectively presented in this excellent film.

This film is a reasonably faithful adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same name. The cinamatography is superb, and the DVD appears to be a pretty good transfer from the original film. Recommended.

"Damn your flag, damn all flags!"
Steve McQueen is the classic American loner, as one observer puts it, "As long as he obeys orders the Navy takes care of him, its a life that appeals to a certain kind of man." It is not so much the Navy that appeals to McQueen's character, Jake Holman, as it is the solitude of the ships engine room, where he is the master and commander. Upon arrival on his new ship, the San Paulo, nicknamed the "Sand Pebble", Holman is in for a surprise. In keeping with the traditions of the 1920's South China Seas US Navy, locals have been brought aboard to do all the work, including in the engine room (South China Sea vets say all with this film is accurate save that key point, the engine room would have been off limits in most cases). The world is changing in many ways. Jake tries to keep his personal world from crashing by helping a fellow sailor who has fallen for a local girl, even though he should know better, and by trying to resist his own temptations to a fresh faced young missionary in the person of Candace Bergen. Richard Crenna is excellent as a prima donna Captain who sees Holman as a threat to his system even before he comes aboard. The political world is also in flux. With the Russian Civil War at an end, revolution is spreading to China as Communists and Nationalists both try to wrest China out of the grip of warlords and foreign powers. The acting by even the most bit players is believable in every nuance and there are simply too many stand-out performances to mention, from Simon Oakland's bullying ship-board nemisis to McQueen to Larry Gates as a frustratingly idealistic missionary. From Action to Romance this movie hits the bullseye every time.

This is simply a classic of movie-making regardless of genre, era, or actors. It is top-notch in every respect. Thank goodness for wide-screen DVD, the ONLY way to watch this film. Nowhere is the non wide-screen, "pan and scan" technique more strongly indicted than in "The Sand Pebbles", I've sat through numerous viewings in that format where characters engaged in conversations can't even be seen! Widescreen DVD is the only way to go on this one.

Utterly Serious and Genuine
Steve McQueen, in one of his best performances, plays Jake Holman, an independent, outspoken, and proudly misfitting sailor with great engineering skills, who is assigned to the American Navy gunboat San Pablo, patrolling the Yangtzee River on the eve of the Chinese revolution. The Communists actively oppose the American presence, and Chiang Kai-Shek's Nationalists give a cold welcome, at best. All parties are fighting for power. Meanwhile, Holman falls in love with a young teacher, played in a surprisingly low-key way by Candice Bergen. Holman runs against the grain of the hierarchy amongst the Chinese laborers and trains a young man, played by Mako, as an assistant. Holman also butts heads with his inexperienced, spit-and-polish, by-the-book captain, played superbly by Richard Crenna.

This is an anti-war movie that does not shout at you. With its intertwining plots, repeated tragedies, and epic scope, it leaves you wondering why America was there, what was the goal, and what was the effect. This is a quietly intense, slow-paced drama loaded with meaning. It is not for the impatient viewer, nor for the faint-of-heart. It is worth owning and watching closely. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Diamond in the Rough
I caught this film the other day on Romance Classic's sneak preview on AMC. I don't ususally watch any of the Romance Classics, but being a Roger Moore fan, it grabbed my attention. I really enjoyed it. Great performances all around, and especially by Moore. I never thought that he was capable of such a subtle performance. A beautiful film just to look at the landscape. A great "slow" film. Obviously, you cannot buy it, but definitely rent it if you can. It's perfect for those rainy days when you just want to stay in. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

My first understanding of what racism is
This is one of my favorite tv movies of the seventies which is about racism in the south. The performances of the two lead actors are excellent. Patty Duke won a richly deserved Emmy Award for her role showing that her Oscar for the 'Miracle Worker' was not just a fluke. Al Freeman Jr. should of have won as well but that's Hollywood. This film opened my eyes to the real world showing me how ignorant people can really be. Unfortunately, things have not changed much since its release, however, it's still a great film to watch and analyze!

The Best TV Film of 1970
Granted, I am biased in that I have been a long-time fan of Ms. Duke's, dating back to 1962. But I am objective enough in my observations as a student of film, and a video producer myself, to realize - and highly recommend - the excellence of this splendid television production, adapted from the novel by David Westheimer.

The writing, acting, direction and production values are quite above-norm. Filmed entirely on location in Texas, the film captures the realistic flavor of the novel, which focused on the conflict naturally evolving between an uneducated, white, pregnant teenager and a black Northern attorney, drawn fatefully together by circumstances and differing forms of social prejuidice. The characters, as portrayed by Ms. Duke and Mr. Freeman, emerge as possibly one of the finest two-character studies ever produced for television.

Ms. Duke won her first Emmy award (1970) for her exceptional work in this production. Producers Levinson & Link (who were then novices),also received an Emmy for their script, as did Ed Abroms for editing. Director Lamont Johnson was awarded the coveted DGA for Best TV Director. In total, the film receive 8 Emmy nominations.

This was not only a critically acclaimed production; CHARLIE received a 31.7 rating and 48 Nielsen share. It represents a "breakthrough" effort in the TV industry arena. Due to its unprecedented success, writers and producers were encouraged to develop other serious-subject, controversial projects for the networks, vs. Hollywood. CHARLIE laid the groundwork for other TV productions, like ROOTS, THE EXECUTION OF PRIVATE SLOVIK, and many more above-par TV productions, to occur.

Although now 30+ years old, the film stands as an important work that honestly reflected our society's (still-existent) racial tensions and misunderstandings. It remains a brilliant hallmark in the evolution of better television fare.

Truly One of the Best
If you enjoy suspense, mystery and don't mind shedding a few tears, then you must see this movie. It is well written with great actors. Al Freeman, Jr. and Patty Duke are great. I have been searching for this movie for years. Amazon has made me so happy!

GREAT movie
Being a HUGE Patty Duke fan, this has always been my favorite movie of hers. It really showcases her enormous talent. Much like TV's Archie Bunker, Patty Duke plays a racist in the beginning, but the viewer soon learns that the character is not really mean, but just too ignorant to know the errors of her ways. It's a heartwarming experience, as well as a comment civil rights, that sadly, is still relevant today. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Western Hidden Treasure
Van Heflin stars as a struggling rancher who agrees to guard outlaw Glenn Ford for $200 as he is being escorted to jail in Yuma. Ford killed a stagecoach driver while robbing the coach, but he is backed by a loyal gang that everyone fears. Heflin is assisted by town drunk Henry Jones. There's a lot going on in this brief, tense western. The relationship between Heflin and Ford is really interesting, as Heflin finds more courage than we thought he had, and Ford makes his character almost likeable as he mentally works over his captor. There is also an interesting relationship between Heflin and his wife, quite complicated given their brief time together on screen. She seems to question his courage and strength of character. Director Delmer Daves gradually builds the tension, but never allows it to let-up, propelling the story to its exciting conclusion. The centerpiece of the film is the performances of the two stars. Ford, not a great actor as a rule, really digs into this character and makes him quite memorable, while Heflin, a favourite character actor of mine, is totally convincing as the beleaguered farmer, forced into the role of hero that he never wanted, but wants to prove he can handle. This may not be a very well known film, but it should be considered one of those hidden treasures that it's fun to unearth. Suspenseful, well written, with enough action and atmosphere to make it a classic western. Look for this one!

Stands equal to the very finest of the genre!
It may not display the the scenic effulgence of red painted buttes beneath a cereulian sky, as with the Searchers, or the impregnable fortress backdrop of the tetons,as with Shane, but its psychological intensity, deep character studies, and indefatigable suspense,makes 3:10 to Yuma just as praise-worthy as the former two. The austere black and white gives the film its dream-like ambiance (along with the strumming of morose guitar chordings in the background). The seemingly deserted town of contention brings a macabre feeling over the viewer,all the while the viewer builds an adrenaline rush(like one i have not even experienced with many modern thrillers.)At certain junctures of the film Daves directs the camera anglings so masterfully that the scenes are indelibly etched in the viewers mind(look for the scene in the hotel room where Ben Wade(ford)taunts and bribes Dan Evans (Van Heflin) the camera zooms in closer and closer to Evans anger contorted face.)This is a very unique western that stands out in the pletheora of oaters being produced in the 50s. Though it has been overlooked by serious western film critics (Who devote more time to the other classics of that decade: Shane,High Noon, The Searchers,Rio Bravo, and the Anthony Mann/Jimmy Stewart selections) 3:10 to Yuma deserves a closer look. Its sheer intensity and noir psychology exalt it,and i'am confident other viewers would concur, to a status worthy of one of the top ten in the genre. For me it is indubitably in the top four or five of the greatest westerns of all time. Pick this one up! Incredible!!!

Great pyschological western
3:10 to Yuma is an excellent pyschological western with a similar story to High Noon. The leader of a gang is captured by a posse after a robbery and must be transported to another town so he can be moved on the train. One of the local farmers, who is in desperate need of money, agrees to travel with him and watch him until he can be put on the train, the 3:10 to Yuma. All along the way, the outlaw plays mind games with the farmer trying to manipulate him into letting him go. There is plenty here for western fans. The dialogue between Glenn Ford and Van Heflin is the best part of the movie as they go back and forth between them while Ford plays his mindgames on the unwilling hero, Heflin.

Glenn Ford gives one of his best performances ever as Wade, the smooth-talking, calm, but ruthless gang leader. His character is perfect for this role, and could not have been done any better. Van Heflin is just as good as the poor farmer watching over Wade. It is easy to see the anger inside of him as Wade continues to push his buttons as they wait for the train. The rest of the cast includes many western actors, most notably Richard Jaeckel as Charlie, the right hand man of Wade who plays the slimy gunfighter throughout. It is great to see this movie on DVD, which includes the widescreen presentation. Western fans will love this great movie with an even better cast!

The Best Glenn Ford Film
I have been a fan of "3:10" since I was a kid. Every time it is on I have to watch it. It is compelling, beautiful and fascinating. This is a very powerful film for its time and stands up to today's standards. Glenn Ford is wonderful against type, a truly bad man, but able to charm the pants off the girls (literally) and becomes likable yet despicable. Van Heflin is excellent as well, both men play well off each other and we see without corniness the contrast between the two characters. The supporting cast includes some excellent talent, too, including Richard Jaeckle, Ford Rainey and others. This is a must see and a must own film, especially now that its on DVD, my VHS copy is all worn out...gee, I wonder why.

Seduction 101 courtesy of Glenn Ford
Well, this is how you handle women guys. (spoiler alert) First he has Felicia Farr drooling all over herself, and then while in handcuffs takes a run at Van Heflins wife. That is machismo at its best. Oh yeah, the rest of story. Well, Ford is quite simply the most charming, ruthless, manipulative, and mercurial bad guy in the history of the Western. Required viewing for Psych majors and fledgling seduction artists.

The DVD transfer is excellent in widescreen and the sound is terrific...if you fast forward past one of Hollywood's worst theme songs "...I hear a ruma, when you take the 3:10 to Yuma, you can see the ghosts of outlaws riding by, way up high, in the skyyyyyyyyyy..." Have a pie, in your eye! Jeez, pretty funny though. Great movie, I don't want to talk about the ending...I mean I really don't want to talk about it. Didn't they have a jail in that town? Otis Campbell must have already checked in or something. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

What happened....
I started to watch this movie a long time ago, and finally got the chance to finish it. I am glad that I did! This is a very good movie, and I would highly recommend watching it. It is three hours long, so be prepared!

The movie is set in the late 1920s in China. Revolution is in the air, and America is merely showing its presence with the San Pueblo (affectionately called the Sand Pebble by the sailors). Jake Holman (Steve McQueen) has just been transferred to the boat. All he wants is a position where the officers will let him do his job, which is working on the engine.

As the movie progresses, different characters will try to impose their way of thinking onto the picture. Revolution fits in no one's view. The captain (played by Richard Crenna) wants to do all for the flag. Everything should look great and fit his military view of things. Another sailor (played by Richard Attenborough) just wants to be with his love. All these characters are thwarted in their goal as China rolls towards revolution and casts out the foreign influence.

None of the characters can see this from his limited point of view. Things go from routine to chaos, and no one can explain with his personal world. Why did it suddenly happen this way? As Holman cries, "What the ... happened?"

I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

Great treatment of America's Asia Experience
The Sand Pebbles is an extremely well made movie. The ensemble cast is exceptional but the standouts are Steve McQueen and RIchard Crenna.

McQueen is outstanding as a Machinest Mate who is devoted to his machinery and has extremely limited ability to interact with his fellow crewmembers. He is perceived as an outsider by the crew of the San Pablo and a potential troublemaker by the captain of the ship. At this time in Naval history, a good man could and would stay in a single ship for years at a strectch. One who moved frequently was considered to be a problem Sailor.

Richard Crenna is excellent as a commanding officer at the this distant end of America's Naval reach. His task is to keep his men motivated to the mission at hand which is to represent American power in Asia. At the same time knowing that the missionaries in the area dislike them and the businessmen tolerate them as a required evil.

Coupled with the smallest ship being the fartherst into China, is the local unrest as various warlords are establishing local control, Communist forces are making in attempt to influence events and student unrest boils up. Is it any wonder that the crew is confused as to what thier missions are. But rather than worry, they head for the local saloons and leave the bigger decisions to the officers.

This film tells the story of not just a single man, it tells the story of generations of men who served in China. Some came and stayed when their Navy careers were over. SOme came and never left and are buried there. Others came and left and have never forgotten their time there. They did their duty and that was all the America asked of them, or at least the diplomats. I'm sure that in the 20s, very few, if any, Americans ever realized that there were hundreds of US Sailors patrolling thousands of miles of rivers and coasts to preserve America's rights in China.

The Sand Pebbles is a comprehensive movie that shows the Asisatic Sailors at their best and worst. It should be a must see movie for anyone intersted in America and China and how our present relationship developed.

A timeless classic of the time of Old China's awakening.
This film, along with The Great Escape, established Steve McQueen as a major star, but it is much more than a vehicle for McQueen. This is a wonderful story of the intersection between Western culture and Old China, in the period when China was seeking to emerge as a modern nation.

This is the story of one Jake Holman, a sailor in the American gunboat navy in China. The Navy's mission is to protect American/Western missionaries, businessmen, their lives and property. Holman serves on the USS San Pablo, known to her crew as the "Sand Pebble." Holman has a passion for engines, and sought to serve on the Sand Pebble on the notion that his engineering expertise would make him valuable and autonomous aboard. Instead, he learns that each American sailor has a Chinese servant who actually performs all of that sailor's routine duties. Holman is thus effectively prevented from performing his engineering role. Nor are the Chinese, untrained in engineering and acting by wrote, able to safely handle the ship's power plant. An undercurrent to the story is Holman's struggle to get control of the management of the ship's antiquated but essential engines.

Holman's struggles to establish his place on the ship take place against the panorama of a China seeking to throw off foreign domination and become a modern nation-state. This is the larger story, effectively presented in this excellent film.

This film is a reasonably faithful adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same name. The cinamatography is superb, and the DVD appears to be a pretty good transfer from the original film. Recommended.

"Damn your flag, damn all flags!"
Steve McQueen is the classic American loner, as one observer puts it, "As long as he obeys orders the Navy takes care of him, its a life that appeals to a certain kind of man." It is not so much the Navy that appeals to McQueen's character, Jake Holman, as it is the solitude of the ships engine room, where he is the master and commander. Upon arrival on his new ship, the San Paulo, nicknamed the "Sand Pebble", Holman is in for a surprise. In keeping with the traditions of the 1920's South China Seas US Navy, locals have been brought aboard to do all the work, including in the engine room (South China Sea vets say all with this film is accurate save that key point, the engine room would have been off limits in most cases). The world is changing in many ways. Jake tries to keep his personal world from crashing by helping a fellow sailor who has fallen for a local girl, even though he should know better, and by trying to resist his own temptations to a fresh faced young missionary in the person of Candace Bergen. Richard Crenna is excellent as a prima donna Captain who sees Holman as a threat to his system even before he comes aboard. The political world is also in flux. With the Russian Civil War at an end, revolution is spreading to China as Communists and Nationalists both try to wrest China out of the grip of warlords and foreign powers. The acting by even the most bit players is believable in every nuance and there are simply too many stand-out performances to mention, from Simon Oakland's bullying ship-board nemisis to McQueen to Larry Gates as a frustratingly idealistic missionary. From Action to Romance this movie hits the bullseye every time.

This is simply a classic of movie-making regardless of genre, era, or actors. It is top-notch in every respect. Thank goodness for wide-screen DVD, the ONLY way to watch this film. Nowhere is the non wide-screen, "pan and scan" technique more strongly indicted than in "The Sand Pebbles", I've sat through numerous viewings in that format where characters engaged in conversations can't even be seen! Widescreen DVD is the only way to go on this one.

Utterly Serious and Genuine
Steve McQueen, in one of his best performances, plays Jake Holman, an independent, outspoken, and proudly misfitting sailor with great engineering skills, who is assigned to the American Navy gunboat San Pablo, patrolling the Yangtzee River on the eve of the Chinese revolution. The Communists actively oppose the American presence, and Chiang Kai-Shek's Nationalists give a cold welcome, at best. All parties are fighting for power. Meanwhile, Holman falls in love with a young teacher, played in a surprisingly low-key way by Candice Bergen. Holman runs against the grain of the hierarchy amongst the Chinese laborers and trains a young man, played by Mako, as an assistant. Holman also butts heads with his inexperienced, spit-and-polish, by-the-book captain, played superbly by Richard Crenna.

This is an anti-war movie that does not shout at you. With its intertwining plots, repeated tragedies, and epic scope, it leaves you wondering why America was there, what was the goal, and what was the effect. This is a quietly intense, slow-paced drama loaded with meaning. It is not for the impatient viewer, nor for the faint-of-heart. It is worth owning and watching closely. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Directed by Alan J. Pakula (All the President's Men, Sophie's Choice), this is an excellent, paranoid thriller and a benchmark for films of this type from the 1970s. Warren Beatty (Bonnie and Clyde) plays Joseph Frady, an arrogant investigative reporter who witnesses the assassination of a United States senator and then discovers that other reporters who were on the scene are dying under mysterious circumstances. With the help of his editor (Hume Cronyn), Frady goes underground to infiltrate the Parallax Corporation, which uses mind control to train assassins. And Frady might be the next one in line to take a fall. Featuring a classic brainwashing sequence and laced with intensity from start to finish, The Parallax View is essential viewing for fans of the political thriller genre. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Psychological Thriller
Warren Beatty is great in this movie. So is Hume Cronyn and a host of others you'll recognize from the 1970's TV and Film. But the real star of this movie is the story ... a mystery inside an enigma wrapped up in a riddle. Born from the investigations into the assassinations of JFK, Martin Luther King Jr. and RFK and the investigations into each this story is all too plausible ... and frightenly believable. 1960's were turbulent times, with great movements and events all over the nation and the world. It's not unthinkable that some wanted to control the outcome of these events.

Towards this theory, "The Parallax View" demonstrates how bogus corporations recruit certain profiled individuals to carry out their objectives using trickery and deceit to "compartmentalize" the actor and eliminate the "target". This movie requires close attention to see all the subtle elements. If you ever thought the assassinations of America's leaders in the 1960's were "glossed over" then this movie is for you. It's a paranoia storyline to be sure, but perhaps a little skepticism is healthy from time to time.

The only thing I'm not crazy about in the film is its 1974 production. So the clothes and cars are so out of date as to be distracting from the storyline. I think this film is an excellent candidate for remake and I'l like to see a director like Ridley Scott or James Cameron look at this script.

For movies of the same genre, be sure and check out "Executive Action" with Burt Lancaster. Another 5-star effort.

The paradigm for paranoia
The Parallax View is the ultimate paranoia film, bar none. It is the standard by which all other films of this genre are judged. In other words, it is a classic. It combines stellar direction with a very believable performance by Warren Beatty to create a film that has no equal. From the opening on the Space Needle, it is obvious this movie isn't going to be run of the mill. From there, every plot line just gets bigger and bigger, until everything envelops Warren Beatty to form the film's stunning conclusion. Alan Pakula would eventually follow this film up with All The Presidents Men, that film is good, but this film is great. It stands as his masterwork, and it is the best of the 70's paranoia pictures.

NOT SURE WHAT BEATTY WAS SHOOTING FOR
"The Parallax View" was big liberal Warren Beatty's attempt to describe a conspiracy involving shadowy government agencies. It is entertaining and worth watching, but misses the mark. Beatty seems to be trying to piece together an explanation on how, or even who, killed Kennedy. "The Manchurian Candidate" may have inspired him. Beatty plays a journalist who goes undercover, allowing himself to be recruited by the Parallax Corporation, presumably a CIA front that trains assassins. His psychological profile is determined in part by watching a disturbing montage of scenes, ranging from love, sex and patriotism to war, gore and devil worship, mixed with the juxtaposition of wealth vs. need. The point seems to be that people go hungry while rich America has sex and kills people?

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM

A Classic Political Thriller!
Pakula did a great job directing this classic. I love the imagery of this film, the scene set up and the eventual consequences that take place. Warren Beatty is great as the investigative reporter. This is one great film! One of the most underrated films of the 70's!

Really good but with unintended consequence?
I was trying to think how to describe The Parallax View and I realized its the conspricy movie Oliver Stone would make if had more talent and less ego.

Since that won't happen we're left with Parallax View which is a series of events that vaguely correspond to actual occurances. The point is not to theroize about an actual asasination; its to show how a fictional conspricy might unfold.

Alas, the unintended consequence is all the single bullet/talk radio/grassy noll nuts attaching undue importance to it. May I remind you that our current government--as sinister as any I can recall--can't even fake WMDs? How would people like this create a Parallax Corporation? ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Psychological Thriller
Warren Beatty is great in this movie. So is Hume Cronyn and a host of others you'll recognize from the 1970's TV and Film. But the real star of this movie is the story ... a mystery inside an enigma wrapped up in a riddle. Born from the investigations into the assassinations of JFK, Martin Luther King Jr. and RFK and the investigations into each this story is all too plausible ... and frightenly believable. 1960's were turbulent times, with great movements and events all over the nation and the world. It's not unthinkable that some wanted to control the outcome of these events.

Towards this theory, "The Parallax View" demonstrates how bogus corporations recruit certain profiled individuals to carry out their objectives using trickery and deceit to "compartmentalize" the actor and eliminate the "target". This movie requires close attention to see all the subtle elements. If you ever thought the assassinations of America's leaders in the 1960's were "glossed over" then this movie is for you. It's a paranoia storyline to be sure, but perhaps a little skepticism is healthy from time to time.

The only thing I'm not crazy about in the film is its 1974 production. So the clothes and cars are so out of date as to be distracting from the storyline. I think this film is an excellent candidate for remake and I'l like to see a director like Ridley Scott or James Cameron look at this script.

For movies of the same genre, be sure and check out "Executive Action" with Burt Lancaster. Another 5-star effort.

The paradigm for paranoia
The Parallax View is the ultimate paranoia film, bar none. It is the standard by which all other films of this genre are judged. In other words, it is a classic. It combines stellar direction with a very believable performance by Warren Beatty to create a film that has no equal. From the opening on the Space Needle, it is obvious this movie isn't going to be run of the mill. From there, every plot line just gets bigger and bigger, until everything envelops Warren Beatty to form the film's stunning conclusion. Alan Pakula would eventually follow this film up with All The Presidents Men, that film is good, but this film is great. It stands as his masterwork, and it is the best of the 70's paranoia pictures.

NOT SURE WHAT BEATTY WAS SHOOTING FOR
"The Parallax View" was big liberal Warren Beatty's attempt to describe a conspiracy involving shadowy government agencies. It is entertaining and worth watching, but misses the mark. Beatty seems to be trying to piece together an explanation on how, or even who, killed Kennedy. "The Manchurian Candidate" may have inspired him. Beatty plays a journalist who goes undercover, allowing himself to be recruited by the Parallax Corporation, presumably a CIA front that trains assassins. His psychological profile is determined in part by watching a disturbing montage of scenes, ranging from love, sex and patriotism to war, gore and devil worship, mixed with the juxtaposition of wealth vs. need. The point seems to be that people go hungry while rich America has sex and kills people?

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM

A Classic Political Thriller!
Pakula did a great job directing this classic. I love the imagery of this film, the scene set up and the eventual consequences that take place. Warren Beatty is great as the investigative reporter. This is one great film! One of the most underrated films of the 70's!

Really good but with unintended consequence?
I was trying to think how to describe The Parallax View and I realized its the conspricy movie Oliver Stone would make if had more talent and less ego.

Since that won't happen we're left with Parallax View which is a series of events that vaguely correspond to actual occurances. The point is not to theroize about an actual asasination; its to show how a fictional conspricy might unfold.

Alas, the unintended consequence is all the single bullet/talk radio/grassy noll nuts attaching undue importance to it. May I remind you that our current government--as sinister as any I can recall--can't even fake WMDs? How would people like this create a Parallax Corporation? ... Read more

Description

Burt Lancaster, Gene Hackman and Scott Wilson play a threesome of stunt skydivers who are like moths drawn to the flame of risk... although their passion for it is beginning to fade. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of Frankenheimer's best!
"The Gypsy Moths" (1969) is fabulous! I recommend it highly if you like a movie that's both exciting and "deep." The movie shows the tension created when three skydivers mix with the locals of a small Kansas town. The skydiving stunts are quite impressive --- and real. The subtle building of tension is masterful. Yes, Lancaster, Kerr, and Hackman are very good, but so are Scott Wilson, William Windom, Bonnie Bedelia, and Sherry North. The character development and the themes of mature adult relationships, the choices we make in our lives, and a behind the scenes look at the lives of ''performers'' make the movie more than an action picture. In the DVD extras, Frankenheimer calls "The Gypsy Moths" one of his personal favorites, and says out of the 194 movies and live television shows he has done, "The Gypsy Moths" ranks in the top 2 or 3. That's high praise given Frankenheimer's resume (which includes The Manchurian Candidate, The Train, Birdman of Alcatraz, Seven Days in May, and Seconds). Frankenheimer gives a full-length feature interview on the making of the "The Gypsy Moths," including comments on his frustration when the movie was strangely dropped by MGM in its theatrical realease in a management change (because the movie "didn't fit with the kind of new 'exploitation' pictures the new management wanted to make"). Also in the DVD extras, is a thrilling promotional movie trailer, and a behind the scenes making of the movie called "The Skydivers," featuring the work by the stunt skydiving team that made over 1300 jumps to catch the aerial sequences, and interviews with Frankenheimer, Lancaster, and Kerr. All in all, "The Gypsy Moths" is a major film, and a brave one for Frankenheimer, who allows the time for the characters to develop and build the subtle tension, and then explodes it with the skydiving performance and it's aftermath. "The Gypsy Moths" has a kind of cult following, which should only grow now that the movie has been reissued on DVD and VHS, and the movie will surely become a classic.

Edgy free-fall
One of Frankenheimer's most satisfying films. I really like the spare dialogue. The acting is first-rate, and the filming has a free-wheeling feel lacking in Frankenheimer's later efforts. Bonnie Bedelia, Sheree North and Debra Kerr bracket the female spectrum in one of the few Frankenheimer films to depict women as interesting as the men.
Gene Hackman's performance is memorable. Simply terrific.

The Gypsy Moths
Three barnstorming skydivers come to a small midwestern town to put on a show. "The Gypsy Moths" has great skydiving stunts that were actually performed by a real skydiving stunt team; and the movie is so much more than just an action film. The characters are very interesting and complex, and the backstage look at the lives of "performers" makes this movie a classic! Lancaster is powerful; Kerr, Sheree North and Bonnie Bedelia provide interest and sexual tension; Hackman should have gotten an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor; and director John Frankenheimer has done a superb job of weaving the action and interpersonal drama tightly. "When the ground comes up at you like a sledgehammer, and the sweat freezes on your brow; when jumping isn't only a way to live, but a way to die, too... you're a Gypsy Moth." The ending makes this movie an existential masterpiece!

Gypsy Moths is a movie every aviation enthusiast should own!
Gypsy Moths is one of those movies that stands at the top of the pile of classic aviation flicks. From beginning to end it is packed with some of the best stunt flying and old skydiving scenes you will ever see that were done for real, instead of in a wind-tunnel in front of a blue screen, or on the computer. Another great movie you should check out if you like this one is Fandango, starring Kevin Costner, which also has some amazing flying stunts in it. ... Read more

Reviews (292)

Enjoyable sequel, no more or less
HALLOWEEN II (USA 1981): Following her terrible ordeal in the original HALLOWEEN (1978), Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is taken to the local hospital where she's pursued by the murderous Michael Myers.

Fraught with production difficulties and critically reviled upon its original theatrical release, Rick Rosenthal's entertaining sequel manages to defy low expectations, despite a ho-hum script by co-producers John Carpenter and Debra Hill. Taking place immediately after events in the first film, the movie benefits enormously from the work of ace cinematographer Dean Cundey, who transforms the wide Panavision frame into a patchwork of light and shadow. The immortal theme music (slightly reworked from the original by Carpenter and associate Alan Howarth) is beautifully incorporated into the memorable credits sequence, in which a spectral jack o'lantern dissolves into a grinning skull, followed by an episode which establishes Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) as the central character, an obsessive psychologist whose former patient is now the soulless killer running amok in small-town America. The opening fifteen minutes are terrific, an exhilarating combination of atmosphere, suspense and impressive visual technique. But the narrative quickly succumbs to rambling plot developments and a series of routine set-pieces, much of it centered around one of the most understaffed hospitals in movie history! That said, however, the movie recreates the look and feel of the first film in spades and delivers a couple of really good scares along the way. Pleasence gets most of the best lines ("We're all afraid of the dark inside ourselves"), and Curtis does her best with an underwritten role, but few of the actors are stretched by their material. The gore quotient has been upped this time around, the result of post-production tampering by Carpenter, who added extra 'kill' footage against Rosenthal's wishes, and there's a plot twist at the halfway mark which probably contributed to the movie's poor reception in 1981. Nice touches abound, however, including a ghostly flashback to Laurie's past as she comes face to face with the boy who will grow to adulthood harboring a supernatural impulse to kill her, and the tears of blood which roll down the killer's face during his final showdown with the main protagonists. For all its flaws, the movie has much to recommend the casual viewer, and was followed by the unrelated (and poorly conceived) HALLOWEEN III SEASON OF THE WITCH (1983).

Universal's region 1 DVD - which runs 92m 15s - letterboxes the wide Panavision frame at 2.35:1 (anamorphically enhanced). Picture quality is generally OK, though spoiled by faint blemishes which flicker almost constantly across the left side of the image. It's particularly noticeable during dark sequences (check 01:11:16 onwards, for example), and while it may be less of a problem on 4:3 TV's, viewers with widescreen monitors may find it distracting. Sound format is 2.0 stereo, and while the multichannel effects are generally subdued, it makes a real virtue of Carpenter's creepy music score. English captions and subtitles are provided. Extras include a trailer and production notes, along with brief biographies of the movie's key personnel.

The Terror Continues!
First of all, I've never seen the original Halloween (1978). One day a few weeks ago, I was flipping through channels on my TV. I came upon USA and Halloween II was on. I watched it, and I thought it was great. The murder sequences are truly scary, and John Carpenter's music is creepy and chilling. After being shot six times in the heart and falling off a balcony, Michael Myers was left by Dr. Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasence) for dead. But, it turns out he's alive and he's after his sister Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), who's being treated at Haddonfield Hospital. Michael gets in and starts killing everyone (the best death was when he dunked a girl's head in a hot tub and she burned) and Dr. Loomis is trying to stop the horror. Will Dr. Loomis defeat Michael before he kills Laurie? To find out, watch the movie. This is a great film, even if you haven't seen any others. Note: I've also seen some of Halloween: H20 (1998).

One Hell of A Follow Up To A Classic
Halloween 2 for me nailed the formula right again..Yes the gore was a lot more evident and it was a bit less scary but there were very subtle things in this movie that made the storyline come together..We find out that Laurie is Michael's sister, Michael breaking into the school and writing "Samhain" on the board or desk, and the scenes in downtown Haddonfield are great where you don't see Michael but you see people walking around Haddonfield on Halloween night thru his eyes, not thinking anything of him because it's Halloween, the news reports are great and the little cut in of Night of Living Dead is cool as well..I highly recommend this as part of any horror movie weekend marathon you might have planned...

Compensates for the lack of gore in 1st film. Great twist!
Halloween was a low budget horror movie and was actually opened in a few select cinemas around the US but when it received rave reviews it was released nationwide and spawned 7 ongoing sequels including this one!

We rejoin Dr Loomis and Laurie right where the original film left off. The police are now fully aware of Michael's capabilities after finding the bodies in the house across the street. Laurie is then taken to the local hospital where sadly again she is hunted by Michael who slowly kills off the staff one by one until only he and Laurie are left in the building! But in the meantime Dr Loomis reveals why Michael is obsessed with making sure Laurie doesn't make it through to see daylight!

This film is good in terms of the fact that it doesn't fall victim to sequel disease! By that I mean it isn't an exact clone of the first film with new characters. It keeps the story going and introduces many new obstacles. Sadly the fact that John Carpenter felt the need to add lots of blood and gore in this film to make up for the lack of it in the original. The shots look cheap and tacky which doesn't make sense considering the millions that the original film took in! Also the Michael that appears in this isn't as eerie as the one before and his mask clearly isn't the same one used in the first film because it looks as if it's about to fall about!

Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence reprise their roles excellently although the character of Laurie has changed in a weird way. In the first film she's a quiet bookworm who adores her friends. You'd think she'd be reeling over their deaths yet in this film she seems fine and spends her time flirting with one of the ambulance drivers! However it's not all gloom. The twist John Carpenter throws in is genious. It also makes you feel a lot more sorry for Laurie as well!

All in all a good sequel but looks tacky at times and doesn't seem to be carrying over the entire spirit of the first film. However compared to the awful 3rd Halloween film this one is a masterpiece.

I'm getting sick of those slasher fans
I'm a dork I love old Sci-fi movies and I love the work of John Carpenter. I'm getting sick of those slasher fans talking trash about every Halloween movie the only bad one to me is Resurection. Those people don't like movies the only reason those people see it because deth scenes and gore and all that the Halloween movies never have been and never wiil be slasher movies they where doing somthing stylish and fresh and unique with it and all those slasher fans don't see that and they don't care They do the same thing on Haloween 5 and Halloween The Curse of Micchael Myers They're not looking at it right. I never liked Friday The 13th because they're not inspiring they're not unique and stylish and they keep repeating the same thing in every sequel. I'll stick to John Carpenter's Escape From New York and The Thing and those amazing movies I'll stick to Halloween as well. I love this picture It's just as amasing as the original just as scary just as stylish and suspenseful there is no better halloween movie they're all incredible except for Resurection that's the one people should be trasing about. I love movies they're my life I wanna be a director someday but in the mean time I'll just sit In my room and do nothig but watch movies. This is a amazing movie never gets old It's a great story and I relate to the Laurie Strode because she's a nerd like me I feel sorry for her becuse her who's whole life is in pain because this crazy guy won't stop trying to kill her. It makes me cry when she screams out help me but nobody hears her and when she screams Michael Stop It's just kills me I don't have a crszy guy following me around but I am a nerd like her. I love this picture and people who hate it I'm not saying you have to but watch it again and look at it right You'll love it and if you haven't seen it or Halloween's 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, maybe H20 see them they're unlike anything else. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Giddy-up Jimmy!
Not the greatest Jimmy Smits movies--a bit bleak with the LA hooligan element, but some nice scenes with Jimmy and his kids. Have the 'fast forward' ready--lots of running around in the dark! But hey Jimmy--"we are your crew"! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A powerful courtroom drama on the question of obeying orders
The most important thing to remember about this Peabody Award winning production of Saul Levitt's play "The Andersonville Trial" is that it was produced in 1970, during the Vietnam War. However, the play was originally produced on Broadway