Reviews (34)

A movie I can watch over and over again...
Although David Suchet's Poirot is, I think, more faithful to Christie's vision of him, I have always enjoyed Ustinov as the famous Belgian sleuth. Evil under the Sun appeals to me because of the quality of the cast, as well as its small size, and the gorgeous location (a small island in the mediterranean). The movie is infused with light and some of the best Cole Porter music. Diana Rigg is an absolutely odious Arlena Marshall, and Maggie Smith's Daphne Castle is wonderful as her erstwhile rival. Roddy McDowell's fruity Rex Brewster is probably my favorite. Jane Birkin is the fragile nagging wife of Arlena's toy boy Patrick Redfern (Nicholas Clay), and is wonderful in the staircase scene at the end of the movie. These and a few other characters congregate on Daphne's Island, for a sunny holiday, that is very quickly interrupted by murder. In order to avoid dealing with the inept local police, Daphne calls on Poirot's 'colossal brain power' to solve the crime for her. Poirot takes on the case, and is soon faced by a seemingly insurmountable problem...(and you'll have to watch the movie to find out what it is).

"Everyone automatically comes up with a watertight alibi"
Evil Under the Sun is an unfortunately abysmal rendition of Agatha Christie's novel of the same name. The very English environment and upper-middle class social milieu that Christie was so adept at creating has been mangled beyond recognition. Instead of the English seaside, the action has been removed to an island in a laughably fictional kingdom somewhere in the Adriatic. However, this does provide one of the few saving graces of the film - some absolutely stunning coastal scenery.

Peter Ustinov is a very passable Poirot (even if some of the things the director and screenwriter have got him doing are highly unlikely). When an aging actress is murdered whilst on holiday, there are no shortage of suspects amongst the other guesthouse residents. But all would appear to have cast iron alibis, so Belgian sleuth supreme Hercule Poirot must call on his "little grey cells" to distinguish fact from fiction. The other characters are portrayed with a highly developed sense of camp, and indeed the film ends up feeling like a parody that doesn't quite manage to pull it off. Watch however, for some fabulous verbal sparring between Maggie Smith and Diana Rigg.

It is only at the last, when Poirot is expounding his theory on the identity of the murderers that the movie regains some credibility. Despite the awkwardly connected sub-plots concerning a missing jewel and a murder on the English moors, the loose ends are tied up, and the viewer shares the guests' indignation as it appears that the perpetrators of the crime are going to get away with it. In conclusion, watch it if you must, but don't let it put you off seeing other (largely far superior) screen adaptations of Christie's stories.

Peter Ustinov returns a second time as "Poirot".
This is the second film with Peter Ustinov as Belgian Detective, Hercule Poirot, since his first, DEATH ON THE NILE (1978). Once again, an all-star cast and a mystery who-done-it. I won't reveal any of the plot. But the delightful Maggie Smith (Murder By Death [1976], California Suite [1978], Death On The Nile [1978]) plays a resort hotel owner on an island of Spain where she banters with Diana Rigg with dislike. It makes the film much more enjoyable. The cast also includes: Jane Birkin, Colin Blakely, Nicholas Clay, James Mason, Roddy McDowall, Sylvia Miles, Denis Quilley and Emily Hone. Other films followed with Ustinov as "Poirot", Thirteen At Dinner (1985-tv), Dead Man's Folly (1986-tv), Murder in Three Acts (1986-tv), Appointment With Death (1988). This DVD also includes the Theatrical trailer, a 16-minutes featurette "The Making of...", and Talent Bios.
For a lighter comedy, may I suggest MURDER BY DEATH (1976).

Mystery galore...
Agatha Christie's Evil under the sun with it's all star cast keeps your interest to the end. My wife and are especially caught up with Peter Ustinov's character mixing in with all of the rest to make this video a must for all mystery buffs.

Murder is 'just one of those things'
Agatha Christie's murder mystery, 'Evil Under The Sun' is brought gloriously to life, in this movie from the early 80's. It features Peter Ustinov in his second showing as the legendary Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot along with a cast of actors who camp it up for all they are worth.

The plot follows the classic Christie template (see Death on the Nile, Murder on the Orient Express) of a group of people gathered together, with one being particularly nasty and unlikeable and (surprise, surprise!!) is murdered, with all of the remaining characters having a motive for putting this person out of the way. While this movie doesn't move too far away from the template, it rewards the viewer with an intriguing yet fun couple of hours.

The performances from all of the actors on board are excellent - yes they are over the top (especially Roddy McDowell's bitchy Rex Brewster and Sylvia Miles's droning Myra Gardener) but that makes them all the more endearing. Maggie Smith is obviously having loads of fun as the hotel proprieter, Daphne Castle, and her scenes with Ustinov have great energy. However Diana Rigg all but steals the film as the "ageing" actress, Arlena Marshall, a prize and completely ostentatious vamp. Ustinov is again on fine form as Poirot and relishes the chance to add his stamp to a character already memorably portrayed on screen by Albert Finney.

This film offers a great opportunity to actors out of their normal milieu (the aforementioned Smith and Rigg, as well as the luminous Jane Birkin) and is almost worth watching for that alone. Added to that is a great soundtrack of Cole Porter numbers which indelibly places this movie in the 1930's. While it does deviate from the setting and characters of Christie's source novel, that doesn't detract it from being an superb addition to the canon of Christie films. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

50'000 brides can't be wrong
Synopsis:
Jimmie Shannon (Chris O'Donnell), an unabashed bachelor asks his girlfriend Anne (Renee Zellweger) to marry him. But his uncertainty about the change in lifestyle causes him to botch the proposal so badly that she refuses. Soon after, his grandfather dies leaving him 100 million dollars in assets, with one catch. Jimmy must be married by his 30th birthday or he won't get a cent. The bad news is, his 30th birthday is in 24 hours. From there begins a rush against time, first to find his girlfriend and try to change her mind, and then when that fails to find any eligible woman who will agree to marry him on short notice. Will Jimmie realize that he wants to get married after all, and will he get the girl he actually loves?

About the Movie:
In many ways, The Bachelor is an utterly delightful movie, despite its flaws here and there.

One of the most refreshing things I found in this movie was the positive view that was eventually given to marriage. O'Donnel's character goes from a single man who enjoys his single and somewhat philanderous lifestyle to a man who understands the joy of committing heart, soul and body to another person. He comes to realize that some things in life are more important than money or sex. The neatest part about all this is how he comes to this realization. It comes partly through his attempts to find a wife on short notice, but mostly it comes in the voice of a role model that is almost universally denigrated in movies these days... a priest. I found that to be a nice change.

Plotwise, this film is standard romantic comedy material. Boy loses girl, boy seeks girl, girl makes things difficult, boy gets girl. What makes this movie special is the offbeat way the whole situation is presented and eventually resolved. It's just plain fun, especially that memorable chase scene near the end.

The supporting cast (which includes Hal Holbrook, Artie Lang, James Cromwell and Edward Asner) is excellent in this film, though at times a little overplayed. James Cromwell's priest is downright charming and O'Donnell plays his role as the uncertain bachelor rather convincingly. Together with the rest of the cast they make for some great and entertaining comedic moments that are laugh out loud funny.

The only really low spot as far as acting goes is Anne. Renee Zellweger is ok in her role as Anne, but as an actress, I feel she has a tendency to come off as a ditzy blond. Her character suffered a little from that, making her, at least for me, a lot less appealing as the female lead than she could have been.

Like many comedies these days, the Bachelor also suffers from the sex syndrome so prevalent in modern movies. Jimmie has clearly slept around a lot in the past, and it's implied that he and Anne are 'intimate.' Just once I'd like to see a romantic comedy without any sex involved, with a guy who's saving himself for the one he wants to spend his life with. I guess that's too much to hope for. But, I suppose in this movie, the lifestyle fits why he's not so eager to abandon it.

The other issue with this film is the language. The language in The Bachelor is often unnecessarily crude (usually sexual references or unfortunate potty colloquialisms) pushing the rating up to PG-13. It could have been a better, more family friendly film had they kept some of the language a little tamer and less earthy. It hurt the movie, and it didn't have to.

In the end, some of this film is a little clichéd, but overall it holds together pretty well, and makes the payoff at the end definitely worth it. Over all, the Bachelor is a fairly entertaining movie that makes a great date film (if you can overlook the language).

About the DVD:
The Bachelor comes in a cardboard snap case on a single-sided DVD in Widescreen and fullscreen formats with Dolby Digital 5.1 or regular stereo surround sound. This movie's audio tracks are only available in English, and the subtitles only come in English as well. There are no foreign language subtitle or audio tracks on this DVD.

The picture on this DVD is exceptionally clean, even on high resolution screens. This is what DVDs are supposed to look like. The sound is decent, though nothing that will knock you out of your seat.

The special features on this DVD are what you normally see on budget DVD releases, the theatrical trailer for the movie and a cast filmography section. This DVD release has the added bonus, however, of being a PC DVD-ROM with extra features when played on a computer. These include a script to screen feature, access to the original theatrical website and a links to wedding resources.

I've always found the script to screen feature on DVD's to be fascinating. While it's really only any interest to those who enjoy the finer points of film making, it's interesting to read the script while the movie plays. I do have a complaint however. The Script to screen feature forces you to watch the movie in fullscreen while reading the script. As a fan of widescreen, I found that restriction a little annoying.

Bottom Line: A fun film with some flaws on a budget DVD release with one significant extra. I'd give it 3 Stars.

The life of a bachelor
For men, marriage is often thought of as a major subtraction. Men feel it's all about surrendering their freedom to their new wives, not being able to hang out w/the guys anymore & having to ask for permission to do stuff that they used to do routinely. Wild bachelor parties are typically a symbolic gesture of the guy's last night of happiness and freedom before his autonomy is erased.

For women, on the other hand, the institution of marriage is often thought of in fairy-talesque ways. The prince marries the princess and they live happily ever after. The gentleman chooses the most romantic locale and the most perfect day to pop the question. Then, when he does ask for her hand in marriage, he does it with a poetic eloquence that would rival Keats.

The present movie pokes fun @ both men and women for their pre-conceived notions about marriage. Chris O'Donnell plays a happy-go-lucky independent male who has not yet hit 30. He has seen his friends get "picked off" one-by-one by the marital epidemic.

Meanwhile, the ultra-adorable Renee Zelwegger plays a young woman who has been bred on all the popular fiction about how "perfect" everything will be when she gets married. She's also expecting a breathtakingly perfect evening in which her man will offer her the rest of his life.

As you have probably guessed, these two protaganists fall in love but their different viewpoints cause a great deal of friction. The result is nothing short of a hilarious satire on the differences in how men & women look over a lifelong bond.

There are some zany twists & turns in the plot, but that is the main gist of the storyline. If you like Romantic comedies, this one is a dandy. I'd recommend this film for anyone who has ever been married. And, if you've never been married......I'd recommend this DVD even more!

could have been better
This movie just felt so cheesy and its so pathetic how this guy asks every woman to marry him. Its a fun date movie but that's all, nothing special. I just felt that the whole movie was recycled and I'm one of those people that wants a little more originality to movies. Besides it reminds me of those cheesy reality tv shows that they have on tv. It just didn't work for me.

Stereotypical... but lots of fun!
The Bachelor is a hilarious movie about a man that is afraid of committment, but has already found the woman of his dreams. It's how extreme circumstances, make him discover what he wanted a bit earlier than he was ready to. It's lots of fun, and the ending is extremely hilarious!! It is, however, a bit stereotypical in all the men in the film stress how marriage is the inevitable ball and chain... and all the women in the film, are ready for the committment, which is such a joke. However, the film is hilarious and all the crazy escapades that occur just had to the hilarity of it all. Highly recommended!

Chick movie that guys can enjoy!
I totally thought this was going to be a movie that only women could enjoy, which didn't bother me since I am one, but my husband and his friend watched it with me and they laughed many times and enjoyed it. I guess they enjoyed watching Chris O'donell get himself into trouble. I also enjoyed it, it wasn't so weet that it would give you a toothache, but it was enjoyable, and funny and I thought Renee Zellwigger and Chris O'donell gave great performances. If you enjoyed this movie, also try the wedding planner with Jenniefr Lopez, I liked that one even better! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Endearing children's story
Much like THE SNOWMAN, you will find this video does much with very little words. You will be transported into this child's world where she and her beloved Granpa explore wondrous adventures together. A choir of 40 children accompany a spectacular orchestra to add the moving music to this treasured story. The animation is wonderful, the colors soft and easy on the eyes. In 30 short minutes this program will sensitively handle tough topics for children; a perfect film to watch with your kids and invite grandparents too!

A lovely, lovely story for all ages!
I bought this for my daughter who adores it. This is a lovely story and wonderful for all ages. Every time I watch it, I get teary-eyed! It's a treasure!

Beautiful art and story
Drawings are reminiscent of Beatrice Potter. Wonderful story of playing with Granpa and of learning to deal with his absence or death. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful, brilliant!
Peter Ustinov was wonderful as the interviewer of some of the most influential people in the history of the Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformation. It was uniquely done and well worth seeing.

Excellent, vivid, and well done.
Using costumed actors to portray the historical characters from ancient Rome to Luther and beyond, this video brings to life the fascinating stories of the Vatican and St. Peters in Rome. Add to that the beautiful photography . . . a must for any history buff, especially those interested in Christian history. Here, truth is truly stranger--and just as interesting--as fiction. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

TWO GREAT MEN
I AM A GREAT FAN OF LUCIANO & PETER. I AM THEIR COMTEMPORARIES SO I CAN USE THEIR GIVEN NAMES. OF ALL THE PERSONALITIES IN CLASSICAL & OPERA WORLD,A DIFFERENT INTERVIEWER WOULD NOT HAVE 'BROUGHT IT OFF'. JSWILKOF'S review IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY. I FELT I WAS THERE ENJOYING PASTA WITH THEM. THE VIDEO IS PERFECTLY CAST AS MOST VIEWERS,(IF THEY DID NOT KNOW THE SUBJECT) WOULD WONDER WHOM IS INTERVIEWING WHOM.JUST US INTERLOPERS SEEING TWO FRIENDS PARRYING AS FINE SWORDSMEN, BUT NOT WANTING TO ONE UPMANSHIP EACH OTHER. RESPECTING EACH OTHERS VIEWS AND 'TRADIZIONE'. I ORIGINALLY VIEWED PORTION ON PBS, AND AMAZON WAS THE ONLY SOURCE AVAILABLE.THIS IS A GIFT I WILL CHERISH AND VIEWED SAME TWICE IN THE SAME DAY. THANK YOU ANDREA &FRED.

A marvelous blend of music, humor, food, & philosophy!
In this one hour visit, Peter Ustinov interviews Luciano Pavarotti at Pavarotti's summer home in Italy. It is an absolutely capitivating, enchanting experience, as the two men share their thoughts and philosophies on acting, food, art, tennis, music, and life in general. At the risk of using a cliche, the two have a marvelous "chemistry," and it is apparent that each has great respect and admiration for the other. The viewer is treated to glimpses of Pavarott's performances, and of Peter Ustinov's wit and varied dialects. The kitchen scene involving Ustinov observing Pavarotti preparing dinner is worth the price of the video! The discussion of philosophy and the feeling of the two men as to the beauty of "silence" is an insight into the souls of these two great performers, and I cannot recommend this video enough. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A british Mel Brooks film
Marty Feldman proves that he learned well from the master parodist Mel Brooks with this humorous spoof of BEAU GESTE. Recommended primarily for fans of raunchy humor, and fans of British comedy. This film has several hilarious bits: the used camel salesman, clips from the old BEAU GESTE films, and Jack the Ripper ("We ask no questions here."), and Feldman's tribute to silent comedy.

A bizarre comedy, good sight gags & every British comedien!
I like it! From the opening gimmic of the 'finger in the sky', which we've all dreamed of, to the 'Damn this thirst' ending it's a feast of the odd-ball. Mr Malten is right, Spike Milligan is superb as the butler but I think the scene stealer is Peter Ustiniov's horse! If you have an interest in British comic talent (yes there is some) then just about all British comedians do a cameo here. The original movie cops a hit as well and why not? This movie is best viewed with normality suspended and the ability to laugh at the absurd jammed on full. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Peter Ustinov returns as "Poirot".
Peter Ustinov returns for the third time as Belguim Detective, Hercule Poirot, since his portrail in DEATH ON THE NILE (1978) and EVIL UNDER THE SUN (1982). Thirteen At Dinner is a 1985 tv-movie. The cast includes Faye Dunaway and Lee Horsley (Matt Houston tv series). Poirot is interviewed by talk show host David Frost, who has just interviewed Lee Horsley as "Brian". A surprise on the talk show is Horsley's co-star Jane Wilkenson (played by Faye Dunaway). But after a few dramatic lines, we find out it is an impersonator. The real Jane Wilkenson (also played by Faye Dunaway) is at home watching this live on television. She invites them to her house for dinner, including the impersonator. The real Jane Wilkenson is also known as Lady Edgeway by marriage. She wants a divorce from her husband. later that night, Horsley confides to Poirot a strange woman has been following him. The next morning, we find out that Lady Edgeway's husband has been murdered last night. On the movie set, we se Lee Horsley in his "Matt Houston" role (listen for the in-joke). Horsley thinks Lady Edgeway did it and , of course, must be replaced on the movie.
Folks, if you do not have this one figured out in less than 10 minutes, you were into your ice cream. Okay, I'll give you 24 minutes. If you are too good, you have been watching "Columbo".
Followed by, with Peter ustinov as "Poirot": Dead man's Folly (1986-tv), Murder in Three Acts (1986-tv), Appointment With Death (1988).

'Thirteen At Dinner' will make you rush for dinner!
Horrible! Completely and utterly horrible! Horribly horrible!!
Why did they make this movie? For passing time? Wouldn't they rather have read a book, or gone jogging?
-->The negative aspects:
1. A cabbage placed in place of each actor, would have acted more impressively!
2. The sound recording makes you wonder why silent films are catching on again!
3. The dullness and dreariness are very genuine!
4. The music (meant to be eerie and have a mysterious air) really makes one scream...for other reasons, though!
5. Peter Ustinov (!)
6. The sets are very convincing...convincingly lousy!
7. The plot has been shown so clearly that one could easily mistake this movie for Bambi! (no offense meant for Walt Disney).
Please note: This list could continue endlessly!

-->The positive aspects:
1. A true depressent for one in extremely high spirits!

Poor actors, bad script from bad choice of book to dramatise
This dramatisation is based on Agatha Christie's book "Lord Edgeware Dies" where the murder suspect is obvious but the evidence and alibis etc puts her in the clear and casts suspicions on other characters.

Readers would have immediately jumped to the conclusion that if actress Jane Wilkinson was seen to have entered the study of her husband Lord Edgeware the night he was murdered, at the same time she was supposed to be miles away attending a dinner party of 13, then her look-alike Charlotta must have been involved.

What made the book worth reading was how Poirot untangled the web of deceit to produce hard evidence to convict the murderer and clear the innocent. And that is something that would have been difficult to transpose from the printed pages into the screen.

Not impossible, but it would take an experienced team, with lots of patience into the art and a willingness to extend the show beyond the 80 minutes or so.

Unfortunately, the producing team failed to do just that and as a result, the entire film was a flop (I didn't buy this video, borrowed it from the library). Another unforgivable error was that while the book had been published in 1933, the film producers set it in 1970s-80s. Viewers can immediately sense the awkwardness, even those who had never read the book would feel it too. Crucial dialogues from the novel was thoroughly mutilated in the script or in the setting. It is not impossible to dramatise Christie's work on a low budget, some of her stories would have been just right, but this is not one of them.

Despite the unfaultable performances of the cast - Peter Ustinov, Faye Dunaway and Lee Horsley, the whole film was a disgrace, far from the fantastic work done by Peter Ustinov as Poirot in Death on the Nile and Evil Under The Sun. I suppose the cast regretted ever making this one, but it's the producers who ought to be shot.

Has Dunaway Done Away with Her Husband?
Lady Edgeware (played by Faye Dunaway) is estranged from her husband and wants a divorce. If she can't have a divorce, she says she'll just have to kill him. Shortly after making this pronouncement, Lord Edgeware is murdered. Lord Edgeware's servants testify that Lady Edgeware drove up to the home in a cab, walked into Lord Edgeware's study, and left after a brief period of time in the study. Shortly afterward, the servants find Lord Edgeware dead in his study.

This is as true-to-life a murder scenario as ever came from the pen of Agatha Christie. In 27 years of prosecuting and defending murder cases, I've had several that followed this plotline.

But Christie isn't going to allow things to be that simple. It seems that twelve unimpeachable witnesses are all prepared to testify that Lady Edgeware was with them at a formal dinner at exactly the time of the murder. Poirot finally unravels the mystery, and in the denouement proves quite satisfying.

Peter Ustinov is an unlikely Poirot. He's too large, too unkempt, too greyheaded, and not nearly foppish enough. David Suchet, of the A&E series, has become the archetypical Poirot against whom all other Poirots must suffer in comparison. It is all the more amusing that in this show, Suchet plays an unconvincing and unsympathetic Chief Inspector Japp. It is a wonder how he could get Poirot so right and Japp so wrong. Faye Dunaway's characterization of Lady Edgeware is right on the money. She plays the part with gusto and is a delight to behold. Watching her, I could not help but remember her excellent portrayal of an affluent murder suspect on a "Columbo" episode from the 70's.

This made-for-TV movie suffers in comparison with the A&E series starring Suchet, but mediocre Poirot is far, far better than no Poirot at all.

Apples and oranges
I will not dispute all of the negative reviews on this film. However that is like picking on someone for having red hair. This movie was not made or intended to be one of those beautiful epics with dazzling color and wide screen. It is a made for TV movie. It does follow the book closely. The few variations were probably due to time constraints in getting the information out. I have to admit I also was about to press the fast forward button. I do not think thy will ever try to put Poirot in the 80's again. What you missed was David Suchet playing Inspector Japp with the worst English accent I ever heard. So what is his real voice? And Faye Dunaway did not dominate every scene. The Colonel Hastings (Jonathan Cecil) was to pansy to be in any army I know. Still it had its moments; like when Hercule turned to Japp and said "Get used to the fact that wherever you go, it is on our way." And by the end of the movie you get over the initial shocks and can enjoy it for it's self. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Probably the best of the family of films with this title
The 1978 version of The Thief of Baghdad is probably the best of the family of films under this title. Unlike the Sabu (1940s) and Reeves (1960s) versions, this film takes a fairly serious attitude to the story. A made-for-television movie, this film has fairly good special effects for its era. The flying carpet and genie scenes convey the excitement of the quest to find the All-seeing Eye and rescue the Princess Jasmine from the evil Vizier. Roddy McDowell's rendition of the amiable thief/street magician, Hasan is pleasant relief without the slapstick found in earlier versions of the film. The test of the Temple of Truth and the final scene in which Prince Taj smashes the Vizier's soul (found hidden in a giant egg) is a combination of The Arabian Nights and European folklore. Great stuff! I enjoyed watching this film as much now as I did back in 1978.

A good classic for the collection...
This movie is an excellent addition to any film buffs collection. Although it cant compare to the first and original piece, it combines extraordinary film techniques and backgrounds, (especially for its time) And shows an arabian adventure for the ages. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A well-made, timeless British propaganda film
One of Our Aircraft Is Missing is a British propaganda film from 1941; leaving aside the propaganda aspects, it is a well-made motion picture that was nominated for best original screenplay as well as best special effects at the 1942 American Academy Awards (Casablanca took best picture). It also did quite well at the box office. The British bomber Bertie takes a hit during a nighttime bombing raid over Stuttgart, Germany, and her six-man RAF crew is forced to parachute to safety over German-occupied Dutch territory. Five of the men are discovered by some friendly children and are taken to town where an English-speaking schoolteacher helps facilitate their escape. The men are furtively passed along the sixty or so miles to the North Sea through a veritable underground railroad of Dutch resistance, eventually linking up with the pilot they feared had been lost. Interestingly, the most heroic assistance comes from women like the schoolteacher Els Mertens and the truly remarkable Jo de Vries. De Vries supposedly hates the British for having killed her husband in an air raid and works closely with the local German forces whom she secretly despises; this makes her the perfect final contact for the English airmen seeking to return home by sea. The final stages of the great escape do prove somewhat harrowing, but the RAF men do honor to the ancient creed of "being British" throughout the most dangerous moments. De Vries delivers a stirring ovation for the resistance and war efforts, and any Englishman or American who didn't already hate the Germans would have been more than willing to take up arms immediately and rush off to The Netherlands to free this remarkable woman and her friends in the Dutch resistance from Hitler's nefarious grip. One of the more interesting aspects of the film has to do with the Dutch resistance in general; the Dutch have a way of obeying German orders in a way that never fails to get under the occupying soldiers' skins. One of Our Aircraft Is Missing proves that propaganda can sometimes have a completely positive connotation, and the story itself is well-presented and quite timeless in its appeal.

"W" for Wonderful
In some ways, this is even better than that other great Powell-
Pressburger-Portman film, "49th Parallel." The casting here is
uniformly perfect. All of the stars act with a natural grace
that is a joy to watch. The propaganda is not too obvious, nor
forced. And the sly humor of certain scenes is fun (don't miss
Frank in a dress). Eric Portman is wonderful is usual, but the
entire cast is terrific. Yes, that is Peter Ustinov as a priest!
Don't miss this wonderful gem.

Never have so few done so much for so many.
During the Allied Bombing offensive of World War II the public was often informed that "A raid took place last night over ..., One (or often more) of Our Aircraft Is Missing". Behind these sombre words hid tales of death, destruction and derring-do. This is the story of one such bomber crew who were shot down and the brave Dutch patriots who helped them home.

Classic Propaganda
This war-time production by the Archers Studios and the famous writing/directing team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger is classic war time adventure. The crew of the British bomber, "B for Bertie" bails out over Nazi occupied Holland. The resistance finds the crew members and aids them in returning to England. Like their now out-of-print classic, 49th Parallel, the directorial team of Powell and Pressburger was assigned to make propaganda films to aid the war effort, what they produced were adventure epics. This film made such an impact that it was remade (presumably for the American audience) as Desperate Journey in 1942 with Errol Flyn and Ronald Reagan.

Not Gore but Camaraderie
This is a wonderful movie because it was done during the war. Movies about the war at this time did not focus on the horror of the war but how people were working together to solve and win the war conflicts. This movie is a fun way of portraying a war with out all the bad aspects. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A masterwork!
If you are slightly cerebral, decadent and love the autumn color of Ireland and the personal stories based on the analisys of the subtle feelings instead of "special effect" and action, this is a film for you not to be missed.
I'm sure you'll love.
Great soundtrack and photography!
I consider it a neglected masterwork.
Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great
This is another Christie classic.There are great performances by Peter Ustinov,Lauren Bacall,Piper Laurie,Hayley Mills,and John Gielgud.Another great movie with Ustinov as Poirot.I recomend this.

Peter Ustinov's last as "Poirot".
After the success of Death On The Nile (1978) and Evil Under The Sun (1982) and three tv-movies Thirteen At Dinner (1985-tv), Dead Man's Folly (1986-tv), Murder In Three Acts (1986-tv), Peter Ustinov returns as Belgian Detective, Hercule Poirot for the sixth and final time in this motion picture, Appointment With Death (1988). Piper Laurie is a wealthy, well-to-do woman at the reading of a will by her attourney (David Soul, original "Starsky & Hutch" tv series) of her dead husband. There are two wills. One will means less money to the widow and the step-children get an amount. In an act of blackmail, the attourney is forced to destroy one of the wills. Why does this woman put her "medicine" in a poison glass bottle. David Soul, the attourney, is having a romance with one of the widow's adult step-children. Cast also includes: Lauren Bacall, Carrie Fisher, John Gielgud, Hayley Mills (The Moonspinners), Jenny Seagrove, Nicholas Guest. Filmed in Israel, London and Italy.

He's bacccccccccck
I really enjoyed "Evil Under the Sun" and "Death on the Nile". However, this one was a very big disappointment. Not much of a story, not a good cast, poorly written with a horrible sound track. There was no suspense and no characters I really care about (except the doctor and Gielgud who would be interesting if he just stood there). It was hard to stay with it but I did. Ustinov looks tired and the rest look bored. Sorry to say, unless you are a collector who wants all of the film Ustinov endeavors (as I did), you will not be missing anything if you dont buy it.

The Murder of a Matronly Matriarch
The matriarch of a brood of ineffectual children lords it over them and bullies them almost beyond enduring. They put up with their stepmother because their father's will left everything to her (or did it?) and the children are such wimps they cannot support themselves. Did I mention that the matriarch was once a matron in a women's prison? By the time ...gets bumped off, the viewer will be ready to cheer. But every child has a motive (the money), the means (access to mom's medicine for the overdose), and the opportunity (nobody has an alibi). There are even a few bystanders with ample motive. Not to fear, the redoubtable Hercule Poirot is on the scene to untie this whodunnit's Gordian Knot. He eavesdrops on everyone's conversations, rakes everyone over the coals with his scathing interrogations, and handily exposes the killer.

This all happens in the Middle East, as Poirot vacations in the Holy Land. The environs of Jerusalem provide some beautiful background, and the viewer visits the dusty digs at Qumran, the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The movie follows the book pretty well, but I was disappointed that the producer moved the scene of the murder from Petra to Qumran. The beautiful architecture of Petra would have made for more satisfying visuals than the excavation holes of Qumran. Remember the fabulous building in the side of the mountain from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?" That's Petra.

Peter Ustinov serves as a passable Poirot, but he's too big and too unkempt to capture the charm of Christie's Poirot. David Suchet, star of the A&E Poirot series, sets the standard against which all other video Poirots must suffer. Lauren Bacall almost stole the show with her rendition of an American-born M.P. who tried to out-English the native born English.

poorly acted adaptation
Ustinov doesn't look remotely like Christie's Poirot, but never mind that. It is the ensemble cast that trashes this film, a group of summer actors who read their lines like they are reading graffiti on the rocks. The figure that should provide the menace of the book -- the evil Mrs. Boynton -- is laughable.

Skip it. Wait for a more modern adaptation or just reread one of the classic Christies. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A Gentle, Romantic Period Piece
This new A&E production on the lives of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert was simply told and well-acted.It does not oversentimentalize the relationship of the couple, and the major events of their lives are reenacted without much sensationalism.
Victoria Hamilton, who may well be one of the Queen's many namesakes, captures the petite size of Britain's longest reigning monarch, making her an endearing character in the eyes of the viewer, even though many of my own forebears suffered under her regime. Jonathan Firth's Albert is potrayed as a gentle, decent, thoughtful man, made to leave his homeland and struggle to find acceptance in an entirely different country. But in the scene where this devoted father of nine comforts hs wife during labor while nearby, his critics suggest that he should be at a men's club instead, we see that, by following the German tradition on dealing with childbirth, he is a man ahead of his time. One of the more delightful moments ofthe film is when, during their courtship, he and Victoria play a duet together on the piano. One of the saddest, is when the Christmas tree, a custom Albert introduced to England, arrives a few days before his death on December 14,1861. It was nice to see a grown-up
Kate Mayberly in films again. She plays the couple's second daughter, Alice, who followed her older sister into marriage in the German Nobility, became the mother of Russia's last Czarina, and died of diptheria at the age of 35.The relationships of the Queen and her cabinet members is touched upon, as is the relationship with her overbearing mother. Peter Ustinov has a certain strained charisma as the Queen's predecessor, who is still aware of his sister-in-law's antics despite ill health. Diana Rigg is understated and dignified as the young Queen's devoted Lady-in-Waiting. The whole cast did a fine job. This elegant miniseries brings the chief players of the Victorian Era down from the oil-painted canvases and resurrects them quite nicely.

The Art of Personification
One of the reasons I love so many of the BBC productions is because they can turn someone foreign in concept, like in this case the incredibly famous Queen Victoria and her almost forgotten husband Prince Albert, into characters you bond with and are sad to leave. For one of the first times in recent production history BBC has created a film about real people, and made it touching and incredibly interesting.

Authentically costumed, scripted, and filmed, this incredibly well acted film brings to life two of history's most influential characters and makes them human. Something hard to do when they lived in a different time, place, and are in that untouchable zone of fame. It's a love story of an arranged and somewhat accepted marriage between Victoria and Albert, and how they grow to love, respect, and ultimately need each other in life and politics. They shrink 20+ years of history into 4 hours quite nonchalantly and in a captivating and bright manner. It also makes for a very interesting history lesson. I daresay I never knew that much about Albert, and he really impacted our world and what is known as the Victorian era (hey, we wouldn't have Christmas trees without him!)

This story is sweet, poignant, runs smoothly, and though very different, is a worthy descendant of it's BBC predecessors. You'll be hesitant to leave it.

A royal cinematic feast
"Victoria and Albert," directed by John Erman, stars Victoria Hamilton and Jonathan Firth as Britain's Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert. The superb supporting cast includes an impressive band of acting veterans, among them Peter Ustinov (as William IV) and Diana Rigg (as young Victoria's governess). The film follows the courtship and married life of this royal couple.

V&A is a visually stunning period piece, but ultimately it's the fine performances that really make the film work. There is a wonderful chemistry between the two leads, who furthermore capably rise to the challenge of portraying the pair over a long span of time. It's an onscreen relationship that is complex and tender. The supporting cast is great--Ustinov is especially entertaining as the cantankerous King William. It's a juicy role that Ustinov plays with relish.

Although it's a period piece, V&A seems remarkably timely in light of the continuing saga of the British royal family. The film raises a number of intriguing issues--the politics of royal marriage, the relationship between the royal house and the citizenry, etc. This is a classy, well-made film--a must for those interested in British royal history.

A Great Period Piece
I'm sure if I was a Queen Victoria historian, I would probably have given this a lower number for the innaccuracies presented as fact. Since I'm not, and since it seemed to cover what I do know of her fairly accurately, I'm giving this movie a high mark. First off, I happen to really enjoy period pieces that can pull the viewer in and help them to understand life from another time in history. Braveheart, Gettysburg, Three Soverigns For Sarah, Charles Dickens/Jane Austen movies, and even films about more recent times such as Enemy At The Gates and American Graffiti. If they keep them in their proper time and place (clothing, speech, sets, etc.), I'm glued. (Titanic was almost perfect except for the "Can I bum a smoke" line DiCaprio made after stopping Rose from jumping off the ship).
Victoria and Albert caught my attention right off and held it til the end. It not only brought two historical figures to life, but it made them both human, with being vulnerable to human feelings and emotions. One can imagine how Victoria felt when she angrily spoke to her mother as THE QUEEN. One can also imagine how her mother felt being spoken to in that manner by her daughter THE QUEEN. How about Albert's feelings when Victoria poo poo'd him when he would try to help her with her duties, instead giving him a frivolous task to keep him "happy."
I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship that Victoria and Albert had with their children, which was only touched upon and glossed over. Also, it would have been nice to see Victoria's affect first hand on the everyday people of England - her subjects - as she ruled for the majority of the 19th century. After all, a whole period in time was named for her. But that would have increased the time of this movie from four hours to six hours, I'm sure - not that I would have minded.
I feel this is probably the best version out there of these two larger than life figures. A&E, Masterpiece Theater, and others of this ilk always do a marvelous job when it comes to the historical period pieces, and Victoria and Albert is right up there with the best of them. It's well worth the money.

A personal look at the life of Queen Victoria
I bought this set thinking it would be just another movie to add to my growing costume drama collection. I was really wrong. From the first minutes of this movie the viewer is hooked. I was amazed to find out how Queen Victoria became Queen, how she struggled with her mother and how she picked a husband.

I must say A&E did a great job portraying the lives of these well known people. I really felt as though I was there living out her life.

The costumes are great, acting is supurb and nothing could be improved on save for the fact that it wasn't long enough and tons of time was skipped.

Good job and a great movie. I would reccomend to anyone who wants to learn more about Queen Victoria or someone who just loves good movies! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Naval drama of the highest order

I saw this years ago, and finally purchased the 40th Anniversary VHS tape...a truly excellent and thought-provoking film.

When Billy Budd accidentally kills a sadistic officer on-board ship, the captain is forced to lay charges under wartime Naval law. In the process he unleashes larger issues about good and evil, and condemning a good man using "just the facts". If you liked the courtroom scene in The Caine Mutiny, you will find this fascinating.

One of the best films I've ever seen, that it's not on DVD is a tragedy...even more so because the picture quality on the VHS tape is very poor with terrible pan-and-scanning....Budd would cry.

As Close to Perfect as a Movie Gets
Billy Budd ranks as one of the greatest movies of all time. Melville's tale of good vs. evil receives flawless treatment from director Ustinov. Robert Ryan has never been better as the evil Claggert, who epitomizes unredeemable evil. Terence Stamp is perfectly cast as the uncorruptable Budd who wishes to see good in every man, even Claggert. The movie builds to an unforgettable climax and packs an emotional wallop like no other movie I have seen. This version of Billy Budd has been out of print for years. To have it back is a cause of celebration. Do yourself and your family a favor: watch it together. They surely don't make movies like this anymore!

A hidden gem of Ustinov as director. A winner film!
This film is unforgettable. Superb adaptation , wonderful cast Terence Stamp as Billy Budd and Robert Ryan , and the extarordinary talented Peter Ustinov carries this film to a good port.
You'll feel the unjustice in your own flesh. The depicted situations will keep you at the border of your seat.
One of the winners films in this specially and wonderfilly creative year.
A must in your collection.
We are expecting hopefully the transfer in DVD!

Favorite Movie
This is the most important film that I share with others. Not only as shown by previous reviews does it show how human pragmatics in law and our attempts to design a just reality fail the ideals of humanity, but reveals a basic unavoidable contradiction with idealistic hope and pessimistic thought that are part of the reality we face. Pragmatically, logically and leagally this is reavling portayal of the mechanics of existence. This movie seems to be a post modern quintessential.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAW AND JUSTICE
The difference between Law and Justice was driven home to me by this film. I was a junior at Cal when I first saw it. Every inflection, every nuance is just perfect - it is truly as if you are there. A parable, a ripping yarn, to see it is to be stunned by it. I graduated and went to law school, now I am among the top 11% of lawyers in the country [Martindale-Hubbell "av"] and the story this movie tells still sticks in my mind as the perfect example of why the law can not always achieve justice. A real trial lawyers movie - up there with 12 Angry Men, Judgment at Neurenburg, etc ... Read more

Reviews (73)

A Disney Great
I recently rediscovered this film in our video collection. I loved it as a young child and still love it now!

Disney's Robin Hood is so funny! There is plenty of silliness for kids and great humor for adults. I find something new to laugh at with each viewing. My favorite line, however, has to be Prince John's "Hiss! Hiss! You're never around when I need you!" (Hilarious in context, I promise) Portraying the characters as animals works well for the film. It makes the story (a classic itself) more accessible to children. The score is simple, but superb and the songs are delightful. Although, as a University of Illinois fan, I am slightly miffed at the use of 'On, Wisconsin!' for Lady Kluck's football-esque run past a score of King John's guards. This is a great story told in classic Disney style.

Although frequently overlooked, I consider this to be the best film version of Robin Hood and Disney's best movie. Enjoyment is guaranteed.

OO-DE-LALLY, golly! What a movie!!
The first movies I can remember watching as a kid are Robin Hood and The Jungle Book. It makes me very curious to read some of the reviews on here that claim that this is a "lesser known" Disney movie, yet so many people have given testimonials about being an adult who still loves this movie. Well... here is my suggestion - buy this movie, a package of microwave popcorn and stake out a spot on the couch with a kid you love and introduce them to this timeless classic!

It is true that the extras are not as great as those on other Disney DVDs (this is a GOLD Collection DVD remember), but are you really buying the DVD for the extras, or for the movie itself? Note to reader: if you answered "extras", then go rent this, rather than buy it. You'll be too disappointed by the one song sing-a-long, storybook option, and brief 16 question quiz to really enjoy your purchase. However, despite being a colorized version of the original, you might get a kick out of the 1933 Mickey cartoon "Ye Olden Days".

Robin Hood is a well-known old English legend, based in part on actual historical people, places and medieval life (ex. King Richard, Price John, Nottingham, caste system, etc). Sounds like a mini history lesson disguised as Disney entertainment! *wink* Older kids might be interested in comparing the Disney version of the story to other film and or book versions of Robin Hood. I know it sounds like I am analysing this too much, but having written a paper on this exact topic for a college english class, I know what I'm talking about. You can't ask for a better assignment than watching a Disney movie, eh?! :)

For whatever reason you choose to watch this DVD, and at whatever age you are, you will love this movie and it will become one of your favorites!

The Best
This is one of the BEST Robin Hood films ever made! I caught this one on Disney when it first came out. I loved the silly king and the goofy vile snake. Such a great classic film. Memories to be made with this one.

A breakthrough in Anthropomorphic characterization!
Disney's version of "Robin Hood" was a breakthrough in the use of Anthropomorphic or "humanized" animals in animation. It was the first time any animation studio created an all-animal cast playing roles usually reserved for humans in a full length movie. It holds a unique place in Disney Animation just for this reason.

Believe it or not, this movie's influence has been far-reaching on the design and stories of later animated movies (Don Bluth's "The Secret of NIMH", Disney's own "Lion King"), many animated television shows ("Ducktales", "TaleSpin"), comic books, video games (Nintendo's "Starfox"), Asian Anime and the growing "Furry" Fandom on the internet today.

The 70's were a uninspired and directionless time for Disney Animation and "Robin Hood" shows the effects of this. The animation is flat and looks cheaply done due to the use of Xeroxing the pencilled animation onto cells instead the precise but expensive way of hand tracing. Some of the animation where characters are dancing was directly copied from "Snow White" and "The Aristocats". When Sir Hiss stares hypnotically into Prince John's eyes for a few seconds - its the same exact animation you saw in 1967's "The Jungle Book". This reuse of animation was fine for Hanna-Barbera and other low-budget TV animation companies but a travesty for Disney which created and set high standards with their animation in the 1930's through the early 1960's (and thankfully recapured some of those standards in the 1990's).

Some characters are recycled from other Disney movies - Little John and Sir Hiss are carbon copies of the Jungle Book's Balloo the bear and Kaa the snake. The songs besides Roger Miller's "Oo-De-Lally" (which was sampled and sped-up for the popular Radio Disney staple "The Hampsterdance") just aren't that memorable or very good. Add to that the direction is very pedestrian with little style or "zing" - typical of most Disney films of the period.

Despite all these flaws the movie is still one of the most charming, fun and entertaining of all of Disney's 1970's output. The biggest reason is the great cast of voice actors - they sound like they were having fun making this movie and their enthusiasm give the characters "life" when the animation doesnt. Peter Ustinov almost steals the movie with his voicing of Prince John. The story is one of the better adaptations of the Robin Hood legend and the script is well paced and full of funny one-liners that might go over the head of young kids but adults will enjoy.

Disney's DVD version is a huge improvement over the old VHS tape from the 80's - but there are still scenes where the colors look washed out from a faded print. Also the movie's soundtrack is still in the original mono. Besides the original trailers and the classic Mickey Mouse short, the extras are only for the kids and not die-hard animation fans. I wish Disney would have spent more time and money for this reissue, restored the color, add archival footage, interviews and remixed the audio for 5:1 stereo like they have done for "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty". This classic movie deserves better than a basic bare-bones presentation.

Awsome!
This is a very good movie. My sister and i really enjoyed it. It is not the modern day war etc. movies it is a nice classic movie with a cool plot.
It is awsome. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It was an immortal squad but it is immortal
There is a lot more depth to this movie than you would expect. Yes it is a [biased] movie. But it portrayed the beginning of the breakdown of the class system in England. David Nine plays a junior officer than was from a civilian brigade and now must learn to get along with his Sargent and men. He goes from aloofness to comrade by the end of the movie. There is plenty of action as the troop transport that the are on gets torpedoed. And they even get to fix bayonets. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

STIFF UPPER LIPS.
THIS MOVIE IS VERY VERY FUNNY. SEAN PERTWEE IS TRIFFIC AS THE COMMIN PESENT BOY. THE WOMAN WHO PLAYS THE HEROWIN IS ALSO GREAT. I LOVED THIS MOVIE. PETER USTNOV IS GOOD AS A OWNER OF A PLAINTION TEA IN INDIA. WATCH THIS MOVIE.

Funny but dirty
There are some undeniably funny moments in this spoof of Merchant Ivory's lush literary films such as "A Room with a View" and "A Passage to India." Indeed, it was a genre that was ripe for a good parody. Peter Ustinov is especially funny as an English imperialist in India, who needs to sit on hunks of British lawn while he has tea. However, I found this movie to be so crammed with sex jokes that it bordered on the peurile. Certainly the sexual repression of the proper English movies was a good target for comedy, but I think this film goes a little overboard with its endless sex jokes until one wonders whether the writers have more than one string to their violin.

Varoom with a view...
The posh filmmaking of Merchant Ivory has always tried to be beautiful, quaint and literate. With many successes and failures to their name including COURTESANS OF BOMBAY, MAURICE, HOWARD'S END, THE REMAINS OF THE DAY and A ROOM WITH A VIEW, these films have also acquired something else. The have become the able subject of parody. STIFF UPPER LIPS accomplishes that to a certain extent with its clash between Merchant/Ivory and Zucker Borthers (TOP SECRET!) storytelling. It is designed for fans of the period literadramas, others will miss much of the humor and should look elsewhere for the evenings entertainment. Often times, the film is unsuccessful when it tackles elements of the Merchant Ivory films that were already parody in the films source or when the pacing parallels the same. Advertising for this film prepared the world (errr, very small world) for a bawdy ... comedy, which never hit the screen. There are sexual references, but they are far from bawdy. The performances are good especially Sean Pertwee as the idiotic brother George. The DVD has a standard audio/video transfer and offers a couple nice laughs.

How well do you know your British movies?
Granted this isn't a high brow humor movie, but it isn't supposed to be. It is hysterical if you take it for what it is- a movie about sex that made fun of all the aspects of Merchant Ivory films and Masterpiece Theatre that needed to be laughed at. Some of the parodies were really very clever, my favorite being the Mouret Fanfare played on the sitar, while others were on the overdone side. On the whole though this movie is great if you're well versed in quite a bit of British film.

Enchanting
For those who get it, delightful.

For those who don't....well, I'm sorry, but it's just not the movie's fault. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Probably the best of the family of films with this title
The 1978 version of The Thief of Baghdad is probably the best of the family of films under this title. Unlike the Sabu (1940s) and Reeves (1960s) versions, this film takes a fairly serious attitude to the story. A made-for-television movie, this film has fairly good special effects for its era. The flying carpet and genie scenes convey the excitement of the quest to find the All-seeing Eye and rescue the Princess Jasmine from the evil Vizier. Roddy McDowell's rendition of the amiable thief/street magician, Hasan is pleasant relief without the slapstick found in earlier versions of the film. The test of the Temple of Truth and the final scene in which Prince Taj smashes the Vizier's soul (found hidden in a giant egg) is a combination of The Arabian Nights and European folklore. Great stuff! I enjoyed watching this film as much now as I did back in 1978.

A good classic for the collection...
This movie is an excellent addition to any film buffs collection. Although it cant compare to the first and original piece, it combines extraordinary film techniques and backgrounds, (especially for its time) And shows an arabian adventure for the ages. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Max Ophüls explores the scandalous life of dancer and courtesan Lola Montes with a bittersweet empathy that turns melodrama into a tragic melancholy masterpiece. Using the theatrical re-creation of Lola's life in a big-top pageant as a framing device, Ophüls contrasts the outrageous sensationalism of her reputation with poignant, poetic flashbacks that explore her many affairs, most notably with Franz Liszt (Will Quadflieg) and King Ludwig of Bavaria (Anton Walbrook). Lola's greatest tragedy is that she loved well, if not too wisely. If Martine Carol's central performance is lacking passion, as many critics have argued, her quiet, at times seemingly passive demeanor makes her a veritable prisoner of her society and her reputation. Swept along by Ophüls's sweeping camerawork, which glides through the film in a balance of intimacy and contemplative remove as if on the wings of angels, her life becomes like a cinematic ballet with Ophüls the choreographer and conductor. Peter Ustinov costars as the jaded circus ringmaster, who nightly narrates her exploits to a throng of scandal-hungry spectators, while she performs with a face hardened in indifference, resigned to her empty role as a figure of spectacle in a garish gilded cage.Shot in delicate color and impeccably composed widescreen compositions throughout by Ophüls's regular cinematographer Christian Matras, Lola Montes is his most beautiful and restrained film, a fitting swan song for one of the cinema's most sensitive directors. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Sad But True Story.......Beautiful Film
This review refers to the Fox Lorber DVD edition of "Lola Montes"(1955).....

Director Max Ophuls,brillantly brings to the screen, the sad but true story of "Lola Montes". In the 19th century, she was the talk of Europe. Her affairs with dozens of men including the great composer Franz Liszt and even a King were infamous and resulted in such great scandal, that Lola became an object of hatred and curiosity. Outcast from society, in poor health and with no place to turn,her once regal lifestyle is now reduced to being put on display in a circus act that parallels her story. Once you enter her life, you'll be as captivated as her admirers were.

The beautiful Martine Carol is the actress who portrays this tortured soul that no man could resist. The cast also includes, Peter Ustinov,as the seemingly cruel ringmaster forcing Lola to go on with her story,Anton Walkbrook as King Ludwig I ,so taken with Lola, he bestows on her her own palace. Also look for Oskar Werner as the young student.

The early use of "CinemaScope" is wonderful and you can take in all the details on this DVD. Although the colors seem somewhat dated, I thought this 50 year old French film had a nice clear picture. The sound was recorded low and needs to be turned up a bit. The DVD includes Filmographies of the principle cast.The subtitles are nice and in the black bar area.

It's a beautiful film, and a story that may leave you sighing.A nice addition to your foreign film collection...enjoy...Laurie

Max Ophuls cinematic look at the famous courtesan
"Lola Montes" tells the story of the famous courtesan, played by Martine Carol, who became a circus novelty because she was ill and had nowhere else to go. As the high points of her life out acted out for the crowd, Lola recalls her own memories of these events, only having to respond when the Circus Master (Peter Ustinov), compels her to answer questions from the audience. Obviously Ophuls is looking at how fame and fortune can be fleeting, but it is the style rather than the subject matter that proves most memorable. The only significant problem with this film is the performance of the leading lady, who never manages to evoke either the desirability of Lola at her height of popularity or her despair on the bottom side of life. Peter Anton Walbrook plays the elderly Ludwig I, King of Bavaria and Will Quadflieg plays the musician Franz Liszt, two of Lola's most famous conquests. Oskar Werner plays a student in this 1955 French/German film. The true star becomes Ophuls' camera work, showing us what he wants us to see as he wants us to see it. He also takes advantage of the widescreen in several interesting ways. The last thing you need to know is that this appears to be a "semi-restored" version of Max Ophuls' legendary film. "Lola Montes," the director's only film made in Technicolor and CinemaScope, was originally 140 minutes long. The producers cut this down to 92 minutes and this videotape professes to be 110 minutes long. Work the math and it would seem 18 of the lost 48 minutes have been restored to this version. Hopefully more of what has been lost will magically pop up in the future.

Swan Song: Max Ophuls Final Movie
Max Ophuls last movie, Lola Montes, is now on DVD, though it has no special features, no trailer, merely filmography and a list of awards as well as scene selections. In 1955, Max Ophuls had already directed several classic films of the French market during World War II days, 30's and 40's- his most honored being La Ronde. To many, Lola Montes was not the greatest film Max Ophuls ever made. He was a naturalized Frenchman, adored the culture but was Austrian born, specifically Vienna. His films were considered artsy, classy and dramatically appealing. Ophuls followed an ABA or "Ronde" circular plot structure. What happens in the beginning of a film will return at the end of the film. Never is this more true than in his famous La Ronde, set in Vienna about the many intrigues of love affairs. On DVD, the CinemaScope color of Lola Montes is in its beautiful restored glory, though it can look better in s