Amazon.com

James Stewart reunites with his Harvey director, Henry Koster, in this 1962 comedy, which is charming enough even though it doesn't seem quite up to the level of talent involved. (The screenwriter is the legendary Nunnally Johnson--writer and director of The Three Faces of Eve, among many other titles--and the music is by Henry Mancini.) But it is pleasant, summery entertainment with Stewart and his screen wife, Maureen O'Hara, taking their urban family to a crumbling, seaside house for a vacation. The film was calculated to pull in older fans with Stewart as well as draw in a younger crowd that would enjoy the fairly extensive beach scenes with pop-star Fabian. Stewart is deft with the easy jokes about bad plumbing and such, and golden in several nice moments where he gets to play an attentive dad to his kids. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Very funny movie.
This is an enjoyable movie, with some very funny scenes and lines. One of my favorite lines takes place in the scene when Jimmy Stewart's shy daughter is at a dance, being the wallflower, and none of the boys ask her to dance. He asks Fabian to ask his daughter to dance (for a $5.00 fee). While they are dancing, Maureen O'Hara (his wife in the movie) asks "How did you find that boy?" and Jimmy Stewart answers "I yelled out 'Joe' to a group of boys. There is always at least one Joe in a group!"

Very Funny!
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation and Harvey are two of the funniest Jimmy Stewart movies. Vacation is especially fun because of the relationship between Maureen O'Hara and Jimmy. You will not be disappointed with this movie.

cute movie!!!
My wife loves the scene in this movie when Lauri Peters and Fabian sing "cream puff,shortcake" at the pizza place.Lauri is so cute trying to hide her braces.

Wonderful Jimmy Stewart at his comedic best!
I am still amazed at the number of people who haven't seen this movie! Mr. Stewart even narrates, here and there, throughout the story, this wonderful tale of his summer vacation with his family at a rented beach house, along with the family maid. There is a running gag throughout the picture about the plumbing and the maid misunderstands the English language, and Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs try very hard to understand their adorable teen-age daughter (Lauri Peters) who falls in love with an adorable boy (played by none other than Fabian!), who shows up at the local dance and then there's a son who prefers to watch westerns on TV all day and night. There's a sexpot neighbor that lives in a nearby beach house who attempts to read War and Peace, and later the Hobb's daughters show up with the misbehaving grandchildren and want nothing to do with "Boompa", otherwise known as Mr.Hobbs! Don't miss the scene when Jimmy Stewart bird-watches with his son-in-in-law's boss and learns "the proper walk". The chemistry between Maureen O'Hara and James Stewart is so wonderful, it's no wonder they were so successful in several films together! She is so convincing as the jealous wife, especially when Jimmy innocently tries to help his son-in-law's boss's wife (Marie Wilson) while she is in the shower and runs into trouble........don't miss it, you'll laugh all the way through this marvelous movie. Let's hope Twentieth Century Fox soon gives us a widescreen DVD version with extras, like an interview with Maureen O'Hara & Lauri Peters!

Very cute family movie
You can enjoy this with the kids and everyone. Good clean funny entertainment, that will make you laugh and remember a more innocent time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Delmer Daves's movie about ex–army scout Tom Jeffords's one-man peace mission to the Apaches, and the diplomatic partnership he formed with Cochise, has a child's-storybook clarity to it. That applies to not only its lovely Technicolor compositions but also its scenario, characterizations, and still-arresting mix of violence and delicacy. Broken Arrow wasn't the first Western to express sympathy for the Indian side in the frontier wars (Devil's Doorway came out earlier in 1950 and filed a more scathing brief on the Indians' behalf), but it was Daves's picture that had a decisive impact on popular consciousness and effectively amended the ground rules of the genre. James Stewart's Jeffords may be less compelling than the troubled Westerners the star would soon be playing for Anthony Mann, but there's real tenderness and vulnerability in the performance. Jeff Chandler scored a supporting-actor Oscar^® nomination for leavening the dignity of Cochise with sly humor. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Encounter between two worlds.
I've seen Broken Arrow when I was just a kid. The power of the images of this film remained in the back of my mind. In the near past a collection of the best Far West movies was edited in Argentina. This was the first title I run to buy. I wasn't disappointed with what I found.
One of the first films, if not the first, to show common human traits in both Native Americans and Pioneer Americans. Both are shown alternatively as brave, cruel, ruthless, honorable, truthful, and wicked. A true kaleidoscopic round of basic human attitudes.
James Stewart impersonates Tom Jeffords a historical character, known for opening the postal trail thru Apache's territory. This story is shown in the movie, with the logical and expected changes that a commercial product implies. Nevertheless it depicts the relationship of trust developed between Cochise the Apache leader (Jeff Chandler) and Jeffords. They represent the better of two different worlds and work together to give peace a chance (as Lennon said). Peace is not an easy goal to reach; both of them had to pay a high price in order to obtain it.
A very young and beautiful Debra Paget, playing the role of Morningstar, contributes to give the romantic accent to the film. Jeffords was actually married to an Apache woman, but I'm not certain that the events were as shown here.
There is enough action for the epic lovers, a very good photography in Technicolor and a solid script to backup the story.
One more thing, the Apache characters are, mostly, performed by Native American actors, contributing to make the story more credible.
I think this movie deserves, in justice, to be called a classic. Enjoy it!!!.

A more accurate portrayal of the West
Broken Arrow was truly one of the first western flicks to portray the conflict between native Americans and white men with sympathy to the plight of the Indians. The story revolves around the conflict with the Apache tribe in Arizona in the 1870's.

Brooklyn born Jeff Chandler, aided by gobs of make up does a very respectable job playing Cochise. James Stewart in his genre playing Capt. Jeffords is sympathetic to the rights of the Apache to inhabit their territory. He learns the ways of the tribe to broker a piece treaty between Cochise and the untrustworthy U.S. military. While living among the tribe he falls madly in love with the ravishing Indian maiden Debra Paget (who was 17 in real life at the time of filming) and eventually marries her.

Cochise agrees to peace despite the objections of a splinter group of renegade Apache lead by Geronimo (played by a pre-Tonto, Jay Silverheels). The peace is a shaky one but eventually holds even through an attempted ambush of Cochise which results in the killing of Paget.

Blood brothers of the Southwest
This film classic is one of the few westerns that explores the Indian point of view, in war and in peace, and is the story of a proud people led by Cochise who wages a savage 10-year war with the Americans that finally ends with an honorable peace on his terms. The story is also about the courage of Tom Jeffords who is able to persuade Cochise to allow mail riders to pass through Apache country in safety. The two men form a bond of friendship and goodwill that stands the test of treachery, intolerance, racism, and betrayal from both red men and white men and teaches that a worthwhile peace cannot be achieved without cost and sacrifice. The film also depicts a tender love story involving Jeffords and an Apache girl. Their relationship blossoms in spite of a strict Apache code of courtship and Jeffords and Sonseeahray are drawn to each other immediately in spite of the hatred and mistrust between the Apaches and white men. The movie has fine action scenes that are filmed in lush Technicolor but stresses the personal relationship between Jeffords and Cochise and their struggle to bring peace to Arizona.

A Classic Western That Deserves DVD Release!
This is really intended for Amazon--please convey to whomever that a market exists--we're all waiting for the remastered DVD!!!

If you agree, please cast your vote here!!!

A fine Western
An engrossing, enjoyable Western dramatizing the Native American leader Cochise, who led the Apache nation in a struggle against white settlers in the Southwest border region. Jimmy Stewart, still young and electrifying, plays the sympathetic "Indian lover" who makes peace with the Apaches possible. The plot is very socially conscious and civil rights oriented (the director was actually on the McCarthy blacklist, working under a fake name...) and while it's a little stilted, it's also quite fun. Recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Frank Capra's 1938 populist spin on the George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart play about a family of happy eccentrics is a great deal of fun, though it significantly rewrites the original work and doesn't represent Capra (Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) at his best. Jean Arthur plays a member of the blissful Vanderhof household who falls in love with a rich man's son (James Stewart) and brings him into her nutty home. Lionel Barrymore, who played such a bad guy eight years later in Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, is the wonderful Grandpa Vanderhof, who addresses God during the dinner prayer as "sir" and speaks plainly and beautifully of why it's good to be alive. Capra took this opportunity to rail against big business and champion the common man, but the overall tone of the film--typical for the director's comedies--is buoyant and snappy. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Frank Capra + Moss Hart & George Kauffman = ??
A fine Frank Capra comedy featuring Jimmy Stewart at his most boyish and gangly, and Jean Arthur as the girl of his dreams. It's a comedy of mismatched lovers: Stewart plays the son of a cold-hearted business tycoon (Edward Arnold) who looks forward to the coming world war as a way to make a killing on the stock market. In the path of Dad's capitalistic machinations lies a family of carefree bohemian kooks, whose open, life-affirming attitude holds together the neighborhood where Arnold hopes to build his next munitions factory. And guess what? Surprise...!! Jean Arthur's character also just happens to be the object of his son's affections. Into this "Dharma & Greg"-like scenario, add Lionel Barrymore as her saintly, eccentric father, who was once a businessman but then dropped out and now spends his days smiling at life, following his passions, and encouraging others to do the same.

In all honesty, although the film is charming, it isn't Capra's best work -- adapted from a stage play by George Kauffman and Moss Hart, it shouts out its kookiness, and has the feel of an off-Broadway production gone awry. The scenes that are meant to show how wacky her family is often play out too broadly, with shouting and grand gestures and a flurry of chaotic action -- dancing, xylophone playing, cooking, painting, newspaper rustling, fireworks going off -- and all of it happening at once. It's too obvious and dramatically weak... Plus, Stewart really hasn't found his feet yet as a star actor. On the other hand, both Barrymore and Arnold give delightfully strong performances, and Jean Arthur is *always* easy on the eyes. Even when slightly muddled, Capra is still better than practically anything coming out comedywise from Hollywood today. A charming 'Thirties comedy.

Classic Capra Comedy!
The rich young son of an esteemed banker (Jimmy Stewart) falls in love with his secretary (Jean Arthur). His family disapproves, but graciously agree to meet with his girlfriend's family. Jean Arthur wishes to plan the meeting as an elegant dinner with her family's eccentricities somewhat constrained. When her boyfriend and his parents show up on the wrong day, all hell breaks loose. Jean Arthur's wise grandfather and patriarch of the family (Lionel Barrymore) helps sets things aright with his harmonica and a little sound advice. This hilarious classic pits an eccentric middle class family against their snobbish upper-crust potential in-laws. You'll roll on the floor laughing at Stewart's "scream" scene, the Russian ballet teacher, the jail-cell and courtroom sequence and more. One of Frank Capra's best!

Great film, Poor DVD
First of all, this film is great, and deserves to be owned by any classic movie fan. It has some of the greatest stars that have ever been on-screen, together! This is easily a favourite of mine, with Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore AND Frank Capra, you cant go wrong with watching this.

This film easily deserves the 5 stars, but I take one away because of this very disappointing release from Columbia on DVD. Many of Columbia's releases of classic movies on DVD have been poor ('Awful Truth' comes straight to mind) while others have great releases ('It Happened One Night' for an example).

I will start with the picture quality. It is full of scratching, throughout the film, and in all honesty, it does kind of look like a video. Still, saying this, it is actually watchable, but what a poor effort.

Now for the sound. Ok, this is the real problem. The sound is really quite bad. It is full of hissing, and becomes annoying. Its listenable, but oh, they could have done a lot better here.

The extras. Well, there isnt much to say really, is there? There are nothing for you on this disc.

This DVD is worth getting, but I only say this because of the film itself. What a poor release for such a wonderful film. Hopefully, Columbia will re-release this soon, with a better print, better sound, and some decent extras. If only this could have been more like their release of Capra's other classic, 'It Happened One Night'.

Dont avoid this DVD, but just dont expect much.

PLEASE NOTE: Since I am in England, I own the Region 2 release. It appears to be no different to this Region 1 release though.

very good movie
I'm playing a character in the play that this movie is based on, and so I watched this DVD to get a hint of what it could look like. First, the story is excellent! Do what you want in life; don't work your whole life doing something you hate! That is basically the Sycamore family's philosophy. But when the younger daughter in this household falls in love with the son of the wealthy Kirby family, trouble brews, landing the Kirbys and Sycamores both in jail! In the end, Kirby Sr. learns that maybe the Sycamores have something and gives the young couple his blessing, leaving everybody happy. The play is a little different from the movie, but with the addition of a simple harmonica, the movie is able to give the viewer a wonderful feeling in the end and reinforces the fact that everyone should do what makes him or her happy in life! I will say that the quality of the movie is not the greatest at times, but that's to be expected since it is an older movie. Other than that, it's great!

Warm & Wonderful
This is a gem of a movie. It's all madness & mayhem on the surface, and warm & cozy underneath. Like most of Frank Capra's movies, this is a morality play. The filmaker continues his favorite theme, downplaying the materalistic and embracing the things that really matter, love, both romantic & platonic, friends & family. This type of material might be a preachy bore in the hands of a person less skilled than Frank Capra, but he makes it work. Not only does it work, but the movie is hilarious. The cast is excellent, starring Lionel Barrymore, I would say at his best, but I never saw anything he was in where he wasn't great. Jimmy Stewart plays one of his nice guys here to the max & is terrific also. The rest of the cast is excellent as well. I especially loved the "mad Russian" played by Mischa Auer. Eddie Anderson steals every scene he's in whether he's speaking or not.
All in all, it's a fine ensemble cast, everyone is very good. Do yourself a favor, if you have an opportunity to see this, please do! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

"When I'm Calling Youuuuuuuuuu..."
Considered by many to be the best of the Eddy/MacDonald cannon, "Rose Marie", while not my personal fave, is nevertheless quite good and makes for an excellent introduction to their films. MacDonald is a tempermental opera diva with a soft spot for her criminal brother (James Stewart) and Eddy is a Canadian Mountie sworn to capture said brother. They end up searching for him together through the Rockies, making time to sing the famous "Indian Love Call".

Other songs include "The Mounties", snippets of "Tosca" and "Romeo et Juliette" and the title song. The music is good, the costumes are stunning, and the secenery is, well, scenic. Jeanette and Nelson have great chemistry as always, and there are plenty of light moments to offset the angst. We also get to see a very young Jimmy Stewart and a huge Indian tribal dance number. What more could you want?

If you like "Rose Marie", be sure to check out "Naughty Marietta" (my favorite Nelson/MacDonald) and the tragic "Maytime". Jeanette and Eddy made a total of eight films together, most of them wildly popular. Watch "Rose Marie" and know why. GRADE: A-

Dead or Alive, We Are Out to Get You, Dead or Alive...
Now, you mightn't think those are particularly catchy lyrics, yet that's the song I enjoyed most from "Rose Marie", this proud boast of the Canadian Mounties, led of course by Nelson Eddy. I would be remiss not to mention, however, that two other much better-known songs come from this movie, "Oh Rose Marie, I Love You" and the mega hit, "When I'm Calling You--Indian Love Call". One time they played a bit of that number on the Oscars, and I was sad to see the audience hoot at the rendition. I guess they had gotten beyond simple love stories from a simpler time like this one. The story line is a tad unusual: Jeanette MacDonald, a famous opera singer, races up to Canada to try to find her fugitive murdering brother--very young James Stewart--before the Mounties do (that's where their theme song comes in handy). Well, they somehow manage to carve out a happy ending from this unlikely premise, but that's what movie magic is all about!

Entertainment at its best
Rose Marie has it all. Wonderful music, a great story. Good clean entertainment. As for acting, this is Jeanette's and Nelson's best. It is also the first movie Jimmy Stewart was in.
2 of my favorite scenes is when Jeanette and Nelson are in the canoe and he is singing to her. They other scene is she is hungry and he his cooking beans. The looks on their faces are perfectly acted.

Has resonance even today.
Rose Marie is one of my favorite films. America's Sweethearts go to a Pow Wow! Wow! Being part Apache myself, it's fun to watch the strange way Indians, in this case Canadians, are portrayed in this film. I was not offended. I don't even mind that the "half-breed" character was played by a Greek actor. There's too much to like here. A little romance blown up to universal proportions is fun sometimes. There's always something new on each viewing. I hope we're not too jaded and cynical today to get lost in a little light romance.

Oh, Genevieve Annabelle Caroline Rose-Marie - I love you!
I don't know what kept me away from this movie so long. I'd seen it so many times browsing the shelves at the library, but had no idea who was in it or what it was about. Then I saw The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met, got entranced with baritones all of a sudden (yes, me the tenor fanatic), and decided to see some of Nelson Eddy's movies... the first one was The Phantom of the Opera, which I have reviewed separately, then I saw The Chocolate Soldier and I Married an Angel, which I shall review separately later, and then this one. Besides the fact that Nelson cuts a dashing figure in the spiffy uniform (okay, so the britches ARE a bit weird), I found it an incredibly touching, sweet little story, and also enjoyed all the songs. Coming from me that says a lot, because I am not in the least a musical fan - there are very few musicals I count as favourites.

Nelson and Jeannette have the ability to be very spontaneous in dialogue and work very well together, even depsite the fact that Nelson can be rather stiff at times - his singing more than makes up for it.

One thing I found particuarly striking was the scene toward the end when Jeannette is singing "Tosca": she is literally cracking up. We can hear what she hears - Nelson's Indian love call - and feel the discord between it and the words she must sing on stage. It reaches a pitch and then she faints.

I also felt that for a lightweight piece of "fluff" the character development wasn't half-bad, either - Right from the beginning it's well-established that as far as Jeannette is concerned the entire world revolves around her, so as the movie progresses it's good to see how Jeannette turns from a selfish, slave-driving diva to a sprightly, energetic, loving human being. Not everyone has the opportunity to cross the Canadian mountains with a mountie (unfortunately!), but I'm sure that figuratively there is something like that in each person's life, some backwoods experience that creates real character because of the necessity of facing adversity, learning what sacrifice and love are all about, and that life isn't all "me", and sometimes we have to eat bacon...

I found the totem pole dance scene rather amusing as well. I was very into Indians for a long time as a child, and learnt quite a bit about them, so it struck me funny that this tribe had it all - the totem poles of the Pacific Northwest, the feathered headdresses and tipis of the Plains... Still, it was an interesting sequence, despite the fact that it was very 1930's Hollywood and far from authentic.

James Stewart's small role as Jeannette's brother was fine as well - it was interesting how he really was only on screen for a few minutes, but all through the film, you were seeing the wanted posters and thinking about him to a point where he was really a main character.

I recommend this film very much, along with The Chocolate Soldier, which is another truly delightful musical. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

The best romantic comedy ever!
This is my all-time favorite romantic comedy (and I am a veteran film fan). YOU'VE GOT MAIL is OK, but the modern film makers had to upgrade Hanks' character to make him rich and threw in unnecessary sexual complications for both characters, thereby detracting from the main plot. IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME, the Judy Garland musical version of the same plot, has the acrimony between the two main characters so strong that it is completely unbelievable when they suddenly fall in love. Only this movie has the perfect touch throughout. The makers of the stage musical, SHE LOVES ME, wisely stuck with the SHOP AROUND THE CORNER plot and produced a most delightful show.Stewart and Sullavan make a superb team, with just the right balance in their developing relationship to make the ending not only possible, but even inevitable. The supporting cast is nearly perfect, especially the always excellent Frank Morgan. Felix Bressart, as Pirovich, and Joseph Schildkraut, as the arrogant but slippery villain, are a delight to watch.Don't just rent this movie--buy it! You will want to watch it again and again. And each time will seem as fresh as the first, because there isn't a false note in the whole film.

James Stewart at his best
I'm a big fan of you've got mail, but i'm an even bigger fan of the SHop around the Corner.

The story: Stewart works as a head clerk in a store in eastern Europe. A new woman comes to work at the store and spoils Jimmy stewart days. At the same time, they are both involved in writing anonymous letters to each other and slowly fall in love with each other.

The movie is full of ironic situation and the entire cast that support Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan do a great job. Unlike you've got mail that tends to drag, this movie is full of energy and you can't see time go by.

When the two main characters finally discover their love for each other, it is the most poignant romantic scene i've ever seen. Any girl would want to be in Jimmy Stewart's arms at this point. He had a gift for really making you feel what the characters were going through, and in this case, you really feel the passion he feels for this woman.

I'm not into romantic comedies too much but if there's one to watch, this is the one, regardless of how old it is, the romance in it is timeless.

Honest & Heartfelt
Here's a movie with charm in spades, and a beguiling premise. A man and a woman begin a correspondence, and through this correspondence they fall in love, while in real life despising each other. And what two better to do this sort of thing than Jimmy Stewart (Alfred Kralik) and Margaret Sullavan (Klara Novak). The setting is an odd goods shop in Budapest, staffed by a superb supporting cast, each tossing into the storyline their own minor dramas. Mr Matuschek with his bothersome home life, Mr Pirovitch who serves as Alfred's confidante, Mr Vadas who holds a clandestine affair, Miss Novodny and her gentleman friend ~ who is he? ~ that presents her with lavish gifts, Pepi with his heart of gold, and my favorite, the mousish Flora who devotes her life to her mother, and whom you just know is dreaming of a romance of her own. It is said that Stewart and Sullavan held a deep personal respect for each other off screen, and this makes for a genuine on-screen chemistry between them. This chemistry is of the intellectual variety, and ~ to this viewer at least ~ their sparring conversations and confrontations are greatly more interesting and engaging than any purely physical romance could ever be. Sullavan is terrific, wavering between what she reads in books and thinks she ought to believe, and what her heart is prompting her to feel. Stewart is marvellously put out by all of this, sniffy and sulky, yet finds himself drawn to the prickly Klara despite himself. Everyone is impeccable in their roles, the wit and the banter sparkles. Here's a film that shall grow on you, that shall take you in completely, and will demand repeat viewings ~ and possibly the use of a tissue or two. Intelligent and heartwarming, and infused with a kind of a quiet magic, 'The Shop Around the Corner' ought melt any heart, save the most unmeltable. A romantic masterpiece. Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, who also did 'Eternal Love', 'Ninotchka', and the original 'Heaven Can Wait'.

Wonderful
I loved this DVD I really sudgest it to any classic Romantic

The Shop Around the Corner
1940's THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER has been remade twice; in 1949 with Judy Garland and Van Johnson in the musical adaptation IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME, and again in the late '90s in the internet-based YOU'VE GOT MAIL with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. They can remake it another dozen times. It's hard to believe any will ever better this gem from director Ernst Lubitsch.
Jimmy Stewart stars as Alfred Kralik, chief clerk at Matuschek's, a gift shop in Budapest. Margaret Sullavan is Klara Novak, a feisty new hire. Klara and Kralik seem to have only one thing in common - a vocal dislike for each other. Of course they share one other thing - they are anonymous pen pals who have fallen in love with each other through the mail.
THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER is based on the play 'Parfumerie' by Hungarian playwright Miklos Laszlo, and its pedigree as a product for the stage shows. Almost all action takes place within the shop. It is visually static enough to assume that this probably would have made a successful radio production. That said, Lubitsch comes across with one beautiful shot that would have been impossible to duplicate on radio or in a theater. Shot from the inner side of the post office boxes we see #38 being opened and a gloved hand feeling around the empty interior. The hand is removed and Margaret Sullavan's disappointed face appears, framed by the open box.
Lubitsch also has fun with the wonderful character actor Felix Bressart, who plays the wise and timid clerk Pirovitch. The thunderous and intimidating owner of the shop, Hugo Matuschek (Frank Morgan - the wizard in THE WIZARD OF OZ), turns to Kralik a few times in the first half of the movie and begs his honest opinion on this or that. Terrified that his opinion may be asked next, Pirovitch makes like a mouse caught out of the cabinet and Lubitsch catches him scurrying off-screen time and again. This business sets us up for a later scene when Pirovitch confronts Matuschek and gives an unsolicited opinion in defense of his out-of-favor friend Kralik. It's an ennobling moment, one of many in this fine movie.
Stewart and Sullavan are convincing as a couple unknowingly throwing barbs at the object of their tenderest affections. They are average enough looking to make the whole thing plausible - a couple of glamour pusses, say Cary Grant and Rita Hayworth, would have thrown the whole thing off. The story needs a boy and a girl-next-door type.
The dvd's extras include cast and crew biographies, a trailer, "A Great Story is Worth Retelling" (background story of the making of THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER in written text) and the short subject "A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound," which doesn't have much to do with the movie it's bundled with but is delightful nonetheless. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Otto Preminger turned this 1959 courtroom drama, based on the popular novel, into terrific adult drama. James Stewart stars as a small-town lawyer who defends an army officer (Ben Gazzara) accused of murdering a bartender who assaulted his wife (Lee Remick). The taut script, large performance by Stewart, and then-daring elements of the story (words like "panties" are spoken in the context of discussing a sex crime) give the action a certain immediacy--which you don't find very often in today's movies about jurisprudence. Nice work by Remick and Gazzara, as well as George C. Scott, Arthur O'Connell, and real-life judge Joseph N. Welch, who plays the judge in this film. A very good experience all around. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (48)

One of the finest courtroom dramas ever filmed.
Anatomy of a Murder is one of the finest courtroom dramas ever filmed -- on a par with Witness for the Prosecution and Inherit the Wind. Jimmy Stewart gives one of his finest performances as a small town attorney defending an army officer who has coldbloodedly killed a man alleged to have raped his flirtatious wife. The rest of the cast is uniformly good, especially Lee Remick as the beautiful sexy wife and Ben Gazzaro as her jealous husband on trial for murder. Stewart's character is assisted by his old friend, an alcoholic former attorney convincingly played by Arthur O'Connell -- an outstanding character actor whose work, unfortunately, is often overlooked. A young George C. Scott (in one of his first films) plays a skilled and implacable prosecutor. This is movie making at its best; a true classic.

Good movie, if you haven't read the book. Otherwise, lousy
I had the great misfortune of reading the book before watching the movie. The book was a masterpiece, arguably the best piece of courtroom fiction ever written. John Grisham's a head of lettuce compared to Robert Traver's brilliant, accurate portrayal of the controversial (fictional) trial of Frederic Manion.

But if you've read the book, DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE. It will be a massive dissappointment.

You will be put off by the Duke Ellington soundtrack. Sure, it's good music, but this is the story of rural northern Michigan, not the nightclubs of NYC. Duke's jazz does a disastrous job of complementing the setting of the film, and seems quite jarring in spots.

You will be put off by the inaccuracies, like Biegler's ability to play the piano, which never happened in the book (and which only happens in the movie to make Duke's score fit). You will feel that the story could have happened anywhere, anytime, whereas the book was distinctively Upper Peninsula in atmosphere.

You might agree with me that Jimmy Stewart was miscast. Sure, he does a great acting job as always, but whenever I looked at the screen, I saw Jimmy Stewart: Jimmy Stewart is talking to the bartender, Jimmy Stewart is arguing in a courtroom--as opposed to seeing Paul Biegler. It's like watching a movie where Jimmy Stewart's the lawyer, not Paul Biegler. Jimmy Stewart, defense attorney.

The only real highlight, what saves the movie, is the superb acting job by George C. Scott, whoever played the Irishman, and others. If it weren't for them, I'd be giving this movie a one-star review.

Perhaps if you haven't read the book you'll delight in the movie. It's a good stand-alone movie. It's fairly enjoyable despite its faults. But if you've read the book first, you'll hate it. And if you haven't read the book, I highly recommend you read it now. It's far superior to the movie in every way.

Think of it as a Courtroom Film Noir
The excellence is Anatomy of a Murder lies is how it doesn't try to cram itself down your throat. The movie takes its own sweet time telling an intelligent and challenging story. There really aren't any good guys here and there are no easy answers. That's the point of film noir. Everyone is bad in some way, everyone has motives, and happy endings rarely take place in real life. Very direct for a movie made in the late 50's. A woman's alleged rape and the murder of her alleged rapist by her husband is described repeatedly and in detail. James Stewart is surprisingly effective as a weary cynic who takes the case not because he thinks the accused is innocent or a swell guy but because he thinks he can win and get the guy off. After Stewart returned from the horrors of WWII, he turned away from the cheerful harmless fare of his younger days. It can be fairly said that he had two careers. His post war career is much more serious and mature. Introspective characters. Deeply troubled men. Obsessed men. Men of dubious morality and hard bitten practical values. Stewart never made a WWII movie. He didn't need to, he lived it.

"I beg the court...let me cut into the apple"
This film hooks you in the first minute with Saul Bass' brilliant titles and Duke Ellington's music, and then has you caught for the duration in the next few scenes; the dialogue is sharp and intelligent, and at the age of 50, Jimmy Stewart gives one of the best performances of his illustrious career, as Paul Biegler, an attorney who would rather be fishing than getting fees for his work. Stewart is so natural, so real, and so immensely likable. He's the kind of guy you wish you could have in your family, but wily enough to argue a good defense in court.

Lee Remick has just the right amount of provocative sensuality as Laura Manion to make one wonder what exactly happened on the "fateful night" in question.
After playing Southern belles in both "A Face in the Crowd" (1957) and "The Long Hot Summer" (1958), Remick was offered the role of Laura because Lana Turner, who was supposed to play the part, refused to wear an "off-the-rack" wardrobe, and wanted dresses designed by Jean Louis (hardly what a Army wife would be wearing). It was a big break for Remick, and she makes the most of it.

The entire supporting cast is superb: Ben Gazzara as the intense Lt. Manion, Arthur O'Connell as Biegler's assistant and friend, Eve Arden as Biegler's loyal secretary. George C. Scott is Dancer, the Assistant State Attorney, and Joseph N. Welch, who gained fame for being the Special Counsel for the Army in the Army-McCarthy Congressional hearings, is a delight as Judge Weaver. Duke Ellington makes a cameo appearance as Pie Eye, and even Muffy the beer drinking dog does a great job. Otto Preminger's direction flows at a lovely pace, with a balance between the dramatic tension and thoughtful scenes tinged with humor.

There were Oscar nominations for Best Actor, Supporting Actor (both O'Connell and Scott), Picture, and Editing (all losing to "Ben Hur"), as well as Sam Leavitt's beautiful b&w cinematography (lost to "The Diary of Anne Frank") and Wendell Mayes marvelous screenplay adaptation of the Robert Traver best-seller (lost to "Room at the Top"), proving that 1959 was a great year at the movies.
I love courtroom dramas, and this is one of the best ever made; it's unpredictable, with a very authentic feel to it, perhaps because the author, using the pen name of "Robert Traver", was actually Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker.
Total running time is 160 minutes.

A legendary film
Otto Preminger was one of the most creative and brave directors of the american cinema in the fifties and sixties.
His works were loaded with a ravishing realism , they were very expilict , challenging and disturbing .
Imagine what it means the plot around the adultery commited by the wife of an officer in that age . You can reply me with From here to the eternity but this film is more shocking , and overcomes in dramatic punch to From here ...The other examples you may think is Baby doll and Dial M for murder in the fifties, but this one wins the match.
The powerful sequence in the Court has only a serious match in The Nuremberg judgement . Never before there was not a previous film so disturbing like this that film who explicitly turned around the bitter and awful consequences about the adultery .
The plot is overwhelming , magnificient built , without any hole . The cast is incredible . Consider these giants actors as Ben Gazzara , George C. Scott , Arthur O'Donell, James Stewart and Lee Remick in her screen debut .
This film was nominated as the best film but was unlucky , because Ben Hur literally won all the prizes and somehow that fact stroke the undeniable virtues of that superb work.
However the time seems to set in the right place this picture.
Acquire this one.
One of the most remarkable films in the american cinema story.
If I could give this film ten thousand stars , I 'd do it . ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1970 film teams director Gene Kelly with two veteran Hollywood actors in a light romp about two over-the-hill cowboys who inherit a bordello. Henry Fonda and James Stewart dusted off their spurs to team up in this appealing if formulaic western comedy. The two Hollywood legends play aging cowpokes who seem to do nothing but get on each other's nerves as they travel aimlessly through the West. They finally hang their hats at a new home--Stewart's newly acquired bordello, presided over by Shirley Jones. Theirs is an uneasy alliance, as they set up shop and have to deal with the women and their needs. There are some light comic moments as director Gene Kelly keeps everything breezy, so that even the obligatory gunfight at the film's end isn't what one would expect. This is not a classic on the order of other Westerns featuring Stewart and Fonda, but a chance to see two old pros spoofing their own legendary careers and having some fun in the process. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Stewart's Timing and Fonda's Wit
Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda provide more than a few laughs in the Gene Kelly-directed film "The Cheyenne Social Club." John O'Hanlan (Stewart) and Harley Sullivan (Fonda) are longtime friends and dungy cowboys who set off across the West to O'Hanlan's newly inherited business: a bordello in Wyoming. There they encounter a brood full of women lead by Shirley Jones (of Partridge Family fame). Thus begins a comic romp through the lighter side of the Old West.

Stewart and Fonda spend a great deal of this movie injecting flawless comic timing and delightful wit into a script that might otherwise be nothing but a disreputable spoof of greater films. Every encounter with the bordello women leaves Stewart's character in slack-jawed befuddlement while Fonda wiles and charms his way into their hearts and bedrooms.

This film will never be picked as the greatest Western of all time and is not the finest showpiece from Stewart's and Fonda's careers. It is, however, a wonderfully crafted story that brings together two of the greatest actors the silver screen has ever known. Stewart is his old reliable, sensible self with just enough grit and keenness to make him the perfect straight man. Fonda's non-stop ramblings and rugged charm make him the consummate counterpart. All in all, this is a movie well worth owning and laughing over again and again.

Stewart Fonda and Jones are winners here
If you want to sit down and enjoy a movie and LAUGH this movie is for you. Stewart and Fonda are great foils for each other, (I think you could have had a series of picture with these two as these characters and it would have worked.) All the performances are played well, the plot is a great one and frankly the Fonda character (who just can't shut up at times.) just kills me. (In fact the two long speeches at the begining and end were added to the script to give Fonda more lines. It made the character.) Stewart frankly plays his honest honerable stock character, but it is a good stock character and with the right foil (Fonda) the character remains earnist but fun. Not a classic in the true sense of the word (It's no BROKEN ARROW or THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE) but it doesn't try to be. It is what it is and that's an entertaing movie.

A lesson learned.
This is the story of two cowpoke and their relationship with life. One comes into an inheritance and plans to become a man of property. He starts acting so. Will success spoil John O'Hanlan? And will their friendship last the strain? If James Garner and Jack Elam played the two characters, this movie would just go down in history as another cowboy spoof. However it is James Stewart and Henry Fonda that are sparing with a little Sue Ane Langdon to boot. It is quite funny and fun to watch.

The calming influence of Stewart and Fonda.
No matter how many movies teamed Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda, it was not enough. Gene Kelly directs the pair here in a simple story of long-time friendship in the Old West, familiar ground, sure, but a story that always brings a smile to my face.

When John O'Hanlan (Stewart) discovers that his long lost brother has died, he's surprised to find that he has inherited a business. Enthusiastically he crosses the country from Texas to Cheyenne to become 'a man of property', just what he's always wanted.

But the Cheyenne Social Club, his business, is a brothel. The premiere brothel in this boom town, sure, but that's not exactly what O'Hanlan had in mind. Thankfully his riding partner Harley Sullivan (Fonda) has tagged along, Harley may have his own point of view on most things, but he does smooth out many of the rough spots they encounter along the way.

Story is predictable, the climax is anti-climatic, but, who cares when you get to see these on-screen buddies in a buddy movie defined.

Enjoyable western.
Stewart and Fonda take over a cathouse and ham it up. A bunch of cowhand yucks, and lots of great corset shots. There's worse ways to spend a couple hours. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Staid, secure publisher James Stewart leads a quiet life until he meetshis bewitching downstairs neighbor, Kim Novak. John Van Druten's lighthearted Broadway comedy becomes a lush if lightweight romantic vehicle for Stewart and Novak, who would reunite for Hitchcock's Vertigo the next year. Novak is at her best as a Greenwich witch halfway between the worlds of magic and mortals, looking after her dotty aunt (Elsa Lanchester) and mischievous warlock brother (Jack Lemmon) as they keep their skills in practice. Novak's specialty is making men fall for her, but it's a one-way street: when a witch falls in love, she loses her powers. Director Richard Quine gives the witches an almost beatnik sensibility, a real Greenwich Village subculture hanging out in underground clubs and smart curio shops. Elegantly photographed in rich, glowing colors by James Wong Howe, Bell, Book and Candle is a fantasy world in New York set to a funky bongo-laced jazz score by George Duning. Quine's gliding camera is somewhat marred by abrupt editing, but his handling of actors is superb, in particular Novak, whose mysterious beauty masks inner turmoil and romantic yearnings. Ernie Kovacs appears as a wry author whose specialty is the supernatural, and Hermione Gingold is suitably florid as a witch elder with a penchant for theatricality. For once in his life Stewart is actually upstaged by the slyly comic performances around him. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Charming, colorful, quirky.....bewitching.
Adapted from the stage comedy of the same name, Bell Book and Candle stars Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak, fresh from their successful teaming in Hitchcock's Vertigo. Novak plays Gillian Holroyd, a genuine, bonafide witch who runs a south seas antiquities shop. Falling in love with her neighbor, publisher Sheperd Henderson (Stewart), Gillian casts a spell on him. With help from her aunt (Elsa Lanchester), she obliges him to dump his fiancee, and ex college rival, and rush to her side. All of this goes against the grain of Gillian's Endora-like mentor Mrs. DePass (Hermione Gingold), who does her best to counterract the love spell. Meanwhile, Gillian's wacky warlock brother Nicky (Jack Lemmon) courts disaster by coauthoring a book on black magic with Sidney Redlitch (Ernie Kovacs). Legend has it that a witch can neither cry or fall in love. If she falls in love, she will lose her powers....can you guess what happens?

Rumor has it that this is the inspiration for the televisions series Bewitched. There are several striking, undeniable similarities. This film was released in 1958, and I find it just as enjoyable today as I'm sure it was then. Memorable performances by Novak as the icy-cool Gillian and Stewart in his last "romantic leading man" role drive the film. Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester add a lot of quirky flavor as Gillian's spell casting family. Fast pacing, clever writing, great costumes and fabulous eye-popping technicolor make this a film worth watching over and over. It's sure to cast a spell on you too.

The Magical Ms. Novak
"Bell, Book and Candle" ( BBC ) is a very pleasant comedy, given an enormous boost from a formidable cast. In fact, much of my four-star rating is based on the actors involved, and their performances. Notwithstanding many glowing reviews, this is not a classic film and all of the key actors have made better movies.

I understand that BBC is based on a play. I hope that the stage version also had a strong cast, because the plot is really very slight. Jimmy Stewart is a book publisher who doesn't know that his apartment building is inhabited by a couple of witches played by the gorgeous Kim Novak and her nosy "aunt", Elsa Lanchester. When Kim finds that she is attracted to Jimmy, and discovers that his fiancee is a nasty former school mate, she decides to seduce him. Don't worry Mom and Dad--this is 1958--the "seduction" is totally "PG". We also meet Kim's "warlock" brother in a local night club--a bongo-playing Jack Lemmon, as droll as ever. Then we have Ernie Kovacs as an author with a big interest in witchcraft and booze, not necessarily in that order ! Such a shame that Mr. Kovacs passed away at an early age--a major loss for film and television comedy. Finally, as the "grande dame" of witches, Hermione Gingold steals scenes in her gloriously theatrical way.

I'm convinced that Jimmy Stewart could have read a telephone book for two hours, and still be watchable and entertaining. His character is required to look befuddled, perplexed, indignant and incredulous--qualities that Mr. Stewart could raise to an art form. He also has a number of scenes where he is "required" to kiss Ms. Novak passionately--and to think he got paid for this as well ? !

Many beautiful women became movie stars in the 50s--Marilyn Monroe is a legend--Elizabeth Taylor--Ava Gardner--Rhonda Fleming--Grace Kelly--it's a long list. For this reviewer though, Kim Novak was the most stunning woman on screen. In this film--and others--her presence is electric. Jimmy Stewart doesn't have a chance ! I should add that Ms. Novak was a recent guest on "Larry King Live"--yes, guys--she is still a knockout !

The DVD is nice, rather than outstanding--the colours exhibit some haziness here and there--mono sound, of course. This is not a great film, but if you want to spend a couple of pleasant, undemanding hours with this delightful cast--Stewart, Lemmon, Kovacs, Lanchester, Gingold and the truly magical Ms. Novak--you will not be disappointed.

An Entertainment
James Stewart and Kim Novak star in this movie about a publisher (Stewart) who crosses paths with a witch (Novak) who is looking for some excitement. There's nothing serious about this film but it is great fun to watch two good actors with chemistry at work. Though the film was release in the late 1950's, the set and some of the language definitely lets you know that the 1960's aren't far away. If you're looking for some lite entertainment and something different, give Bell, Book and Candle a try.

Kim Novak Enchants in this Bewitching Romantic Comedy
Kim Novac is wonderful as the 'good witch' falling in love with mortal James Stewart. The special treat with this film is that there is a complete 'underground society' (literally) of witches and warlocks, of whom we get to know Elsa Lanchester and Jack Lemon, both recommending Kim Novak quickly forget her romance with the mortal man.

This film is a visual feast with some tidbits of 1950s Jazz music in the score. Complete with black cat, spell-book and magic tricks. Who can blame Jimmy Stewart for falling for Kim Novak's spell? Don't miss this bewitching piece of light entertainment!*****

Love this movie!!!
Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and an beautiful cat.....I absolutely love this movie. It is usually shown on television around Christmas time, and I have watched it every year since I discovered it. I'm so glad to see it is out on DVD! I'm going to purchase it right now! Don't miss this one! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Hollywood's first great sequel!
"After the Thin Man" is the second of five sequels in "The Thin Man" series. It was released in 1936, two years after the original movie, and literally takes up where the first one left off - aboard the Sunset Limited headed from New York to California.

Having had their Christmas holidays in New York interrupted by a murder mystery [much to Nick Charles' dismay and wife Nora's delight], the couple is looking forward to a quiet New Year's Eve at home. This is not to be. Their house, it seems, has a huge cocktail party going on in it. And - you guessed it - there's another mystery brewing. Nora's cousin's husband has gone missing, and scandal threatens her stuffy, socialite family. Nick could care less. He has no use for his holier-than-thou in-laws. Nora is concerned - and not a little thrilled at the prospect of another adventure.

William Powell and Myna Loy are, as always, Nick and Nora. They are one of the great screen couples of all time. Their relationship is often hysterically funny, sometimes touching, and more than a little complicated. A very young James Stewart has a meaty supporting role. The star quality is easy to see. Selma Landis is in top form as the neurotic cousin who is under the thumb of her frightfully domineering mother.

"After the Thin Man" [great sequel title!] is only slightly less entertaining than its predecessor and is certainly superior to most of the comedies of today. That superiority is due to great screen writing, true star power and a genuine zest for life that rarely is seen today - at least in the movies.

By the way, there IS no thin man!

A Worthy Sequel
Although it lacks the sharp edge of the original, AFTER THE THIN MAN is a worth sequel to THE THIN MAN, with the famous William Powell and Myrna Loy chemistry as intoxicating as one of Nick Charles' famous cocktails.

The sequel finds Nick and Nora Charles newly returned to their home in San Francisco in the wake of Nick's successful handling of "the thin man" case--only to find Norah's formidable aunt Katherine determined to keep the family name out the papers re cousin Selma's wayward husband, who has been missing for several days. Nick is accordingly summoned to track him down as discreetly as possible. But where Nick and Norah go, both murder and publicity is sure to follow.

AFTER THE THIN MAN boasts a cast equal to the original, most notably a young James Stewart as cousin Selma's former love, Jessie Ralph as Aunt Katherine, and a truly delightful Penny Singleton as Polly, the hard-knocks cabaret singer who leads wealthy husbands astray. The story is a bit convoluted, but the complications never get in the way of the film's witty dialogue, and while many may find the killer a bit obvious it doesn't prevent the film from being a great deal of fun. Recommended.

Best of the 6 THIN MAN movies!!!
The very first THIN MAN movie was so popular due to love bickering relationship between Nick and Nora. It was no doubt a treat to see a married couple pick at each other and all the while the love they shared for each other was evident to all. The murder mystery almost takes second place to the bickering between Nick and Nora. Not so in AFTER THE THIN MAN.

AFTER THE THIN MAN devotes the bulk of the story to the murder mystery. Nick, who is still supposedly retired from detective work, gets lured into another case. A relative of Nora's needs Nick to prove her innocent. The case seems iron clad and Lieutenant Abrams, portrayed by Sam Levene is sure who the killer is. Only Nick seems to be able to sift through all the circumstantial evidence and get to the real evidence. Nora dogs his every step as she attempts to convince her family Nick is a good man even if he wears a "blue" collar.

James Stewart, prior to becoming famous, does well as the rejected love interest of the accused murderer. He will do anything to help her...or will he? Penny Singleton, prior to her role as Blondie Bumstead in the BLONDIE movies and her providing her voice as Jan Jetson on the JETSONS, has an interesting role as 1930's sexy street sassy blonde. As she would tell you, she's not illiterate because her parents were married at city hall.

So, while the original THIN MAN was fresh and new AFTER THE THIN MAN has all the dents and dings banged out of the script. It is a much better and much more interesting film. It is my favorite of the six THIN MAN films.

The DVD edition of this film is long overdue.

MORE BRILLIANCE FROM NICK AND NORA
The second in the series of Thin Man films and the second best one, just a notch below the first. The story begins just days after the first movie. Nick and Nora have returned to their very luxurious home in California from New York.

They arrive home to find a house full of (uninvited) guests who are there to welcome the couple back home. They attend a Dinner party at Nora's very uptight socialite Aunt. Hilarious watching Nick interact with these old, wealthy step-relatives.

Soon, though, Nora's cousin Selma is accused of murdering her estranged husband and Nick and Nora have to step in to investigate.

This time the Charles celebrate New Years Eve with plenty of drinks at the night club of a small-time hood named Dancer. Nick is joined by a table full of his less than savory past friends who tell Nora "I don't like Dames who get mouthy afte a couple of snorts!"

Sam Levine is very funny making his first of two appearances as Lt. Abrahms. A young Jimmy Stewart is also along as the unrequited love of Selma.

As with the first, the drinks flow freely, particularly in the night club scenes where Nick finds himself the object of affection of a drunken young lady, much to the chagrin of her boyfriend.

Fantastic banter between the two stars as usual. Their chemistry was second to none. Asta is along too.

This was also, I think one of the better mysteries of all the Thin Man movies. Where is the DVD????

Still Meaningful After All These Years
Great periscope view of the thirties. Everybody wears a mustach (except the women). Humor still valid. And cocktail- drinking? sheesh! Humor still valid. Good acting. And where does one find a marriage like this? Wonderful. Take me back (altho I wasn't even a gleam yet). ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Unhappy Landings !
I'm sure that many movie buffs will remember this fine, suspenseful thriller from the 60s. Jimmy Stewart is flying a cargo plane with an interesting assortment of male passengers across the Sahara desert, and he decides to battle through an oncoming sandstorm. The sandstorm wins ! The plane crash-lands in an ocean of sand--not without casualty--and our heroes are stranded, with limited supplies, under a brutal sun. The men waste several precious days on the assumption that help is on the way. They eventually realise that survival will depend on their own resilience and ingenuity.

Of course, we have one of the finest American actors in the lead, but Mr. Stewart is ably supported by a blue-chip international cast, including Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch, Hardy Kruger, Ernest Borgnine and Ian Bannen. As the sun gets hotter and with no rescue party in sight, this unfortunate group displays all of the human qualities that arise in desperate situations--resentment, fear, arrogance, assignment of blame, madness, cowardice and courage.

Richard Attenborough is the sensible voice of reason and compromise, which makes the scene where he finally "loses it", even more compelling. Peter Finch is the typical British "stiff upper lip " officer--stubborn and brave-- though I doubt that this role was much of a challenge to such a talented actor. Ernest Borgnine gets to chew up a little scenery as a guy who is pretty unhinged even before the plane crash--that blazing sun doesn't do him any good at all ! Well--it's 1965 and you need someone to play a brainy, cold, arrogant German--Hardy Kruger, come on down ! The other actors are excellent--Ian Bannen, in particular, is effective as a guy who would get under your skin even at the North Pole !

As another reviwer has noted, the film is perhaps longer than it needs to be, although it does give the characters plenty of time to interact with one another, and display the psychological aspects of the plot. After a while, you--the viewer--will also start to feel that oppressive heat and sand, and the tension of being trapped in this hell-on-earth. I can't really comment on the feasibility of the plan that Hardy Kruger's character comes up with to save everyone--I'm not an aeronautical engineer ! It certainly gives the film an exciting climax though.

I found the DVD picture to be beautiful--the sound typical for an almost 40-year old film.

"Phoenix" gave Jimmy Stewart another great role, later in his career, and with the supporting cast--and a liberal amount of suspense--this nice DVD could appeal to a variety of viewing tastes. Recommended.

GREAT CAST...great adventure
One of the great adventure movies of all time. I'm kinda surprised it hasn't been remade...it's a perfect little movie. Basically, we see the trevails of the survivors of a plane crash into the dunes of the Sahara. Their quest to find a way out is only part of the adventure...the human quarrels and intersecting interests are just as fascinating.

The movie has a slightly dated "manly" feel...there are no women, but it isn't a "tough guy" movie, a la, THE DIRTY DOZEN, let's say. These are military men, mostly, each with his own idea of how to escape. How all these efforts play out is at the heart of the movie.

Everyone is very good. Richard Attenborough is very good, and Peter Finch even better. What a underrated actor he was. He is certainly someone who should have had more work. Hardy Kruger is very fine...and his character holds the key to possible escape (and a VERY BIG humdinger of a surprise too!!). And James Stewart is at the top of his game. We so often remember him in romantic comedies like PHILADELPHIA STORY, and impersonators have done him no favors with their stammering, slightly dim-witted approach. When he was a mature actor (not an older, more feeble man)he could be very strong, and very unlikeable if need be. This is one of those roles. He is a convincing tough guy...not just a bland hero, but a hard-headed, sometimes wrong, leader. I put this right near the top of my Jimmy Stewart list.

If you haven't seen this movie, and you are an adult viewer who doesn't require lots and lots of noise and special-effects to have a good time...you MUST see this film. It is a nearly forgotten classic, in my estimation, and one that bears up very well with repeated viewings.

A gripping story of survival (and Jimmy stewart in the lead)
Any film with Jimmy Stewart in a leading role is sure to be a hit and Flight of the Phoenix doesn't disappoint.
A plane crash in the desert follows into a gripping two hour film of survival and hope. Led by Jimmy Stewart, the crew which include great acting talents like Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch and Ernest Borgnine courageously try to survive the desert heat, lack of water, and high tempers between crew members.
When all hope of a rescue is gone, an idea by a German model plane maker, to rebuild the crashed craft, initially not taken seriously by Jimmy Stewart, is eventually seen as the only option of survival and the movie climaxes into a gripping story of team effort and a race against time to get the plane flying. This is a highly recommended film that will have you on the edge of your seat right to the end. The film got 4stars because the UK DVD lacked even the simplest extra, like a trailer.

Flight got shortened
I had seen this movie probably half a dozen times over the years, and had always loved it. When it finally came out on DVD this year, I had to get it, but was VERY disappointed when I watched the DVD. As I was watching it, I kept saying to myself "this doesn't seem right"....and then I realized that there were quite a few shortened and even missing scenes from the original. Some of the missing scenes are quite significant. There is a scene where the group is moving the wing with the pulleys, and Capt. Towns stops them for no good reason, just to show that he is in charge. The whole scene where Towns and Dorfman have a silent standoff is missing, leading up to Dorfman asking the whole group "who is in authority here". I can go on and on with missing or shortened scenes. Very disappointing to me.I have read 35 other reviews and no one else has mentioned the shortened scenes. I am going to purchase the old VHS, to see the original version.

A forgotten classic?
I've seen this movie maybe half a dozen times and I'm pretty sure each time was a Sunday afternoon when I should have been doing homework. I think I made the right choice!

A decent cast for this movie, set in the unbearable heat of the central Sahara desert. Plane crashes and there is seemingly no way out. Someone has the idea of cannibalising the damaged plane to build another airplane to get them out of there as the only other way out is to walk and the surrounding natives are none too friendly. The design of the plane is undertaken by Hardy Kruger, who claims to have designed airplanes before. Unfortunately the only designs he has done are for children's model planes. Nevertheless, Attenborough, Stewart and the gang dig deep and finally make something flyable. But do they have enough cartridges to get the engines started? Watch and find out.

A gripping movie suitable for most ages. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

It's always a small surprise to revisit this movie and realize what a subtly dark performance James Stewart gives as an alcoholic who claims he keeps company with a six-foot-tall, invisible rabbit. As Elwood P. Dowd, the actor emits a faint whiff of decay and spirits, yet Stewart also embraces Dowd's romanticism and grace with splendid ease. Based on a hit play and directed by Henry Koster, the film is terribly funny at times, especially whenever Elwood decides it's only polite to introduce Harvey to complete strangers. The supporting cast can't be beat. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Pookah Power!
Loving Veta thinks her brother Elwood has a problem. But Elwood feels he doesn't have a problem at all! Okay maybe he drinks a little, but when he is bothered by something he can always turn to his best friend, Harvey. Where is the problem in that? The problem stems from the fact that Harvey is a six foot three invisible rabbit. From this simple concept spins a most charming story about psychoanalysis.

The film was adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name and it never falls far from those roots. The entire film carries most of the dialogue and farcical scenes that thrilled theater crowds. The cast is stellar but the strongest performances come from Josephine Hull as Veta and from Jimmy Stewart's surprisingly dark turn as alcoholic Elwood P Dowd.

The DVD has a special audio introduction by Jimmy Stewart recorded just before his death. As it was shot, the film is in a pristine full-screen black and white and will keep purists happy. However, younger children may find the stage-like pacing and lack of color nothing short of deadly. Otherwise, this is a great family film sure to spur some interesting discussions.

Aren't We All A Little Crazy?
Jimmy Stewart stars as Elwood P. Dowd, a very ordinary man except for the fact he sees and talks to a large white rabbit (a pooka, actually). His overwrought sister Veta can't take it anymore, since he is ruining the chances of her daughter Myrtle Mae finding a suitable husband. She wants to get him committed to the Chumley Sanitarium. And that's when things begin to get very complicated for all concerned. As comedies go, Harvey isn't one of those riotous, laugh out loud howlers. It does have some laugh out loud moments, mostly supplied by the inimitable Josephine Hull as poor Veta. She's extremely funny, with her quavering, fluttery voice, and expressive eyes. The comedy is more gentle and rooted in human nature. Stewart hits all the right notes as Elwood, a terminally calm and happy man who seems much more at peace with himself and the world than the apparently sane people around him. He and the film leave you questioning what the harm is in a man who sees a big white rabbit, but loves life and making friends and who really disturbs no one. After all, don't we all have our own oddities and quirks - myself excepted, of course ;) .

One of James Stewart finest...
Elwood P. Dowd's (James Stewart) best friend is an invisible 6-foot rabbit named Harvey with whom he likes to spend his time with in bars drinking. This is something most people in Elwood's hometown find disturbing so his sister attempts to put Elwood in a mental institution. However, Elwood is perfectly happy with his situation and with Harvey. Harvey is a story that depicts two sides, one pessimistic and one optimistic. The gloomy side presents problems such as alcoholism, isolation, and cynicism. However, these negative issues are presented through light comedy and Elwood's positive view of life, which is a result of his friend Harvey. This story offers a blissful journey, which presents moments of self-reflection and amusement.

"Harvey and I warm ourselves in these golden moments."
Mostly everyone has had an imaginary friend at one time or another when growing up. Henry Koster's "Harvey" posits the notion that perhaps some imaginary friends are not imaginary after all. Yep, according to this film, it just might be true that there are invisible entities among us who are in actuality playful spirits. Therefore, think twice about dismissing the next person you see talking to no one in particular.

Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) is a simple man who is befriends everyone he meets. However, he does have one eccentric characteristic about him - his constant companion is an invisible rabbit who is over six feet tall named Harvey. Elwood always is keen to point his friend out but no one can see or has ever seen Harvey. Concerned about his mental health, Elwood's sister, Veta Louise Simmons (Josephine Hull) decides to have her brother committed to a sanatorium. The plan goes awry when the sanatorium staff mistakenly commits the wrong person and releases Elwood. A chase ensues when the situation is sorted out even though Elwood hasn't the slightest clue about what all the fuss around him is about.

"Harvey" is a cute film on one level and an insightful commentary on perception and sanity on another. Yet, it is a one-joke film that gets more and more tired as it goes along. Stewart brings much conviction to his role but his trademark charm is not enough to save the production. The screwball-comedy-inspired sequences at the sanatorium are amusing but are nothing people familiar with the genre have not seen before. "Harvey" is unfortunately too simple a film for adults and too slow for children. It boasts a great Jimmy Stewart performance but is one of the mid-tier films in his filmography.

Say Hello to Harvey
True insight comes from within-and it doesn't hurt to have an oversized friend giving you some guidance. Just ask Elwood, an eccentric bon vivant who has just that- a seldom seen, but often heard ( through Stewart ), six-foot-plus Rabbit friend, named Harvey.

Some in town just don't get it, and others even want to lock Elwood and Harvey away, so that they are out of view. Our two protagonists take it all in stride and teach those around them about the value of seeing the good in everybody instead of the bad.

Elwood is having too much fun to let life get in the way. Timeless film about societal concern of keeping up one's image, over substance and true friendship. One of James Stewart's best screen performances. ... Read more

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A little-known gem, No Highway in the Sky is an interesting hybrid of U.S. and British film production. Most of the cast is British, as are the look and feel of the film, but the lead actor and the budget are both American. James Stewart plays aeronautical engineer Theodore Honey, the quintessential absent-minded professor: eccentric, forgetful, but brilliant. His studies show that the aircraft being manufactured by his employer has a subtle but deadly design flaw that manifests itself only after the aircraft has flown a certain number of hours. En route to a crash site to prove his theory, Honey discovers that he is aboard a plane rapidly approaching his predicted deadline. Marlene Dietrich costars with Stewart, while the balance of the cast comprises British stars, notably Glynis Johns and Jack Hawkins. Stewart is excellent, while a young Janette Scott steals her scenes as Honey's precocious daughter. --Mark Savary ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A film where intelligence, integrity and courage triumph.
I'm writing this review only becuase other reivews have not yet given credit for this suberb story to its author - Nevil Shute. Aviation buffs will appreciate this movie as Shute was an aeronautical engineer, so knows the technical aspects well. But, he was also a great author of novels about human dignity and courage. A Town Like Alice, and On the Beach are classics of his that most people will recognize.

Shute had an uncanny ability to create characters who are so human in their frailty, passion, and courage, that one can immediately realate to them and empathize in their situations. Of course, those are the perfect kinds characters to be portrayed by the likes of Jimmy Stewart, Marlene Dietrich and and Glynis Johns in this film. They play very believable ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And don't overlook Janette Scott as Jimmy Stewart's daughter in the movie. A talent in her own right, she went on to star on stage and in many other British films like Helen of Troy and Day of the Triffids.

Great story, drama, action and acting, add up to a great film. You will want this one for your video library.

It's Jimmy Stewart! So You Know It's Good!
James Stewart gives yet another fine performance in "No Highway In The Sky" (FOX / 1951 / B&W / 98 minutes). Stewart's character here (a scientist by the name of Theodore Honey) is very well-written. Many facets of Mr. Honey's personality come to light during the film, including his tender association with a fellow airline passenger (Marlene Dietrich). Mr. Honey is determined to convince everyone around him that the newest commercial airliner (the "Reindeer") is in grave danger of cracking up due to metal fatigue after a certain amount of time.

This is one of those motion pictures that, after watching it for the first time, makes you say to yourself ..... "Hmmm, I wonder where this flick's been hiding all these years!"

Saturday Night Movie
That's how I first saw it, back when this was still considered a major movie for TV. It is still the best time to watch it (other than on a big theater screen, of course).
Something in it for the whole family. Great characters played by a magnificent cast. One of those movies that manages to capture the book exactly. Having navigated airplanes when I grew up, "the point of no return" always had a special ring to it after having seen this movie in my youth.
Make some fresh popcorn, pour some cola drinks, get comfortable, dim the room lights, and enjoy.

An underappreciated gem ¿ with a perennial message!
This work really deserves 3.5-4 stars, not just the meager 3 awarded it by the respected Martin & Porter. It is one of the better, more humanly and socially interesting, and philosophically more important of the 83 films in which Stewart acted, although its aeronautical engineering focus, and British understatement or civility, must understandably account for its neglect by the public and presumably by critics. Stewart's acting style or personality in this film was unusual even for him, or in the extreme to which it took one of his many canonical roles and manners, say that of a charming eccentric (but who in this case is also a brilliant scientist). The film is ultimately a celebration of conscience and integrity, differentiated from what at first appears to be merely idiosyncrasy or dangerous insanity.

Unforgettable Scene
The scene in which James Stewart retracts the airplane's landing gear while it's parked on the ground is absolutely classic -- brief but memorably stunning. It must have been astounding on the big screen in 1951. ... Read more

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Demonstrations of classic military tactical procedures and excellent footage of vintage air