Amazon.com

Typical of Disney's 1970s output, this squeaky-clean comic adventure about a group of church volunteers and soccer moms who take on local gangsters is packed with slapstick humor, sight gags, and nonlethal car crashes. Curiously enough, it's based on the true story of Reverend Albert Fay Hill, who wrote a book about his efforts to stop mob-run gambling in his city. Edward Herrmann plays the fictionalized Presbyterian minister Mike Hill, a soft-spoken widower with two kids who ruffles the feathers of the dedicated church secretary (Susan Clark) when he organizes a group of women to help the Treasury Department catch the bookies in the act. The mobsters are more Damon Runyon than John Gotti: no one gets hurt and everything ends in a demolition derby free-for-all as the suburban-lady volunteers play bumper cars with the mobsters. There's a potentially fascinating story in there that Disney keeps a G-rated cap on (though seeing Karen Valentine swingin' her booty under the cover of pounds of makeup and a little halter top is a surprise in a family film), but it's a harmless little comedy enlivened by plucky performances by Barbara Harris and Cloris Leachman and a fun turn by Ruth Buzzie as a church elder with a CB-radio handle. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A true guilty pleasure!
I am not ashamed to say I love this film. It is good, clean fun, and absolutely hilarious. It is one of the few films that me and my mom both like. The cast is outstanding, especially Barbara Harris, Karen Valentine, Ruth Buzzi, and Cloris Leachman. I never tire of watching this movie. I call this a guilty pleasure because while most serious film lovers would never even consider this film for a Top Films List, I would. Few films make me laugh like this one.

Underrated Disney Comedy
To me, this is the best movie to come out of Disney's dry spell of the '70's (when it released such stinkers as "Million Dollar Duck" and "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo") . . terrific fun for the whole family. Edward Herrmann (who I normally find an unbearably annoying actor) is quite good as a pastor who finds himself fighting organized crime when one of his church members gambles away church money. (True, he should be angry at the church member, but our reverend believes in tackling the ROOT of the problem). After Herrmann speaks out against organized crime publicly, two FBI agents come to him and ask him for his help in going undercover to expose these gangsters. He asks for help from his congregation, and the only ones who will aid him are 6 indomitable females (Patsy Kelly, Virginia Capers, Barbara Harris, Cloris Leachman, Karen Valentine, and - later - Susan Clark). You'll relish every second that you see all of the ladies on the screen, especially the scatterbrained soccer mom Harris (her funniest scene takes place in a grocery store, as she spies on one of the pickup men); the constantly-primping Leachman; and tough-as-nails Capers. Features a cute cameo by Ruth Buzzi as part of a church committee out to remove Herrmann (she ends up joining the ladies to fight the criminals). Unfortunately, I find that the film suffers when nervous Fed Michael Constantine leaves the project in the Reverend's hands; his exasperated scenes with the ladies are among the most enjoyable in the film. Another small drawback is the cutesy way in which the movie treats organized crime . .you'll never believe for a second the gangsters are really out to hurt these ladies. The film's final moments, a "demolition derby" of sorts, will delight kids. I can remember absolutely loving this film as a kid . . I'm positive one day Disney will remake it (hopefully they do it justice).

North Avenue Irregulars
A Disney Classic at its best. Great that Disney releasing the old time films like this one about a man of the cloth and the church people trying to save their church from being torn down. The only problem is that Disney needs to release these older titles to a wider range of stores and many of use end up special ordering or ordering on line because they can't find them in their stores.

Local Grannies Cleans Up Neighborhood
This film is very entertaining and definitely for all audiences. A group of elderly ladies forms a "neighborhood watch", or better a "neighborhood clean-up crew". They join forces to rid their formerly "nice neighborhood" of the trash that gives it a bad name.

Fearless and determined, the "North Avenue Irregulars" (played by many familiar comediennes) show the bad guys who's boss and reclaim their "turf". Many laughs, and a timely message: Don't let the scum take over your neighborhood!****

Funny Comedy about Quirky Church-goers
I have never laughed so hard at such a funny comedy. The movie is about the North Avenue Presbyterian Church, when a church member bets the entire church sinking fund on a horse race and loses. This makes the rest of the church members go on a secret mission to tear up the underground gambling ring in their city. It is a very funny movie and worth the money to add to your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Another Classic!
When I was growing up, this was one of the many classic Disney movies we had taped from the tv, among others, like Snowball Express and Follw Me, Boys. But this is definitely my favorite. After all these years, I still memorize the song in the opening credits, and I can probably recite half the movie.

I have been waiting for this to come out on DVD for about 6 years, and I'm so glad I'll finally have the chance to own it!

Don Knotts and Jim Dale Rule!! Great Western Comedy!!
Don Knotts and Jim Dale in this Great Western Comedy Hot Lead and Cold Feet.It's great slapstick that's fun for the whole Family!!

ONE OF THE CLASSIC COMEDIES
Great performance by Knotts and Elam. This is not the Elam from other westerns. This is the Elam playing himself. He really is a fun-loving guy. Take a GOOD HA HA! This is rare footage and well worth the price.

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!
I love the comedy style in this movie. Don Knotts was especially great ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Farrah Fan's View
The movie must have been re-released after the Farrah explosion as it lists her in a star role but she is actually in the film all of 3 minutes. LOL! The movie itself is way too cutesy for me & very unrealistic- but the 70's clothes & styles are fun to watch.

She's Just Adorable!!!
I've always been a fan of Karen Valentine. This is a slightly more mature theme for her, but she still holds that innocence as in her Room 222 series. The plot molds well around her character's personality and Richard Long's interaction with her made the movie very enjoyable.

Romance overload
I saw this film for the first time on TV during my Senior year of high school when most girls are dreaming of finding "Mr. Right". It was so wonderful to see such a wholesome love story...especially with a girl that really wasn't much older! Every woman who loves a good romance will adore this movie! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Horrible, horrible, quality!
I love "Fantasy Island," but never in my life have I seen a DVD with picture quality this bad!

Nicely Done TV Movie!!
Mr Roarke(Ricardo Montalban)and Tatoo(Herve Villechaize)are back in this nicely done 1978 TV Movie where 3 fantasies are brought to life 1.A couple ventures to meet the daughter that they gave up for adoption 12 years ago as long as they don't divulge their identity to her which Mr.Roarke has taken strict measures to enforce.2.A beautiful executive is lured to the island under false pretenses assuming that she is striking a lucrative business deal but is tricked by her employee who wants to confess his love for her.3.A young couple whose wife suffers from amnesia caused by a mysterious incident 4 years ago.Their past is recreated as a cure for her sickness.Guest stars in this cast include Adrenne Barbeau,Pat Crowley,Joseph Campanella,Karen Valentine,Laraine Day,Joseph Cotton and Cameron Mitchell. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Horrible, horrible, quality!
I love "Fantasy Island," but never in my life have I seen a DVD with picture quality this bad!

Nicely Done TV Movie!!
Mr Roarke(Ricardo Montalban)and Tatoo(Herve Villechaize)are back in this nicely done 1978 TV Movie where 3 fantasies are brought to life 1.A couple ventures to meet the daughter that they gave up for adoption 12 years ago as long as they don't divulge their identity to her which Mr.Roarke has taken strict measures to enforce.2.A beautiful executive is lured to the island under false pretenses assuming that she is striking a lucrative business deal but is tricked by her employee who wants to confess his love for her.3.A young couple whose wife suffers from amnesia caused by a mysterious incident 4 years ago.Their past is recreated as a cure for her sickness.Guest stars in this cast include Adrenne Barbeau,Pat Crowley,Joseph Campanella,Karen Valentine,Laraine Day,Joseph Cotton and Cameron Mitchell. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Horrible, horrible, quality!
I love "Fantasy Island," but never in my life have I seen a DVD with picture quality this bad!

Nicely Done TV Movie!!
Mr Roarke(Ricardo Montalban)and Tatoo(Herve Villechaize)are back in this nicely done 1978 TV Movie where 3 fantasies are brought to life 1.A couple ventures to meet the daughter that they gave up for adoption 12 years ago as long as they don't divulge their identity to her which Mr.Roarke has taken strict measures to enforce.2.A beautiful executive is lured to the island under false pretenses assuming that she is striking a lucrative business deal but is tricked by her employee who wants to confess his love for her.3.A young couple whose wife suffers from amnesia caused by a mysterious incident 4 years ago.Their past is recreated as a cure for her sickness.Guest stars in this cast include Adrenne Barbeau,Pat Crowley,Joseph Campanella,Karen Valentine,Laraine Day,Joseph Cotton and Cameron Mitchell. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A boy searching for his wisdom
It is not the big karate of the year, but it has very nice karate moves. Its the story of a boy trying to build his confidence, by searching the power within the ring, which a karate master gave to him. If you are looking for a high tech movie, this is not the one you are looking for.

Spare yourself an hour and 1/2 of torture!
If anyone out there is considering BUYING this movie, I beg you, don't. It's not just that TJ Roberts couldn't act to save his soul, or that the production quality is terribly low, or the "stunts" that Jackie Chan could perform in his sleep... It's just TJ Roberts himself. Unless you've got a bunch of friends to help you laugh at it, or you want a copy of the movie to prove that something this bad was actually created, DON'T EVEN CONSIDER paying MONEY for this pathetic attempt at a cheap action movie. END ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Horrible, horrible, quality!
I love "Fantasy Island," but never in my life have I seen a DVD with picture quality this bad!

Nicely Done TV Movie!!
Mr Roarke(Ricardo Montalban)and Tatoo(Herve Villechaize)are back in this nicely done 1978 TV Movie where 3 fantasies are brought to life 1.A couple ventures to meet the daughter that they gave up for adoption 12 years ago as long as they don't divulge their identity to her which Mr.Roarke has taken strict measures to enforce.2.A beautiful executive is lured to the island under false pretenses assuming that she is striking a lucrative business deal but is tricked by her employee who wants to confess his love for her.3.A young couple whose wife suffers from amnesia caused by a mysterious incident 4 years ago.Their past is recreated as a cure for her sickness.Guest stars in this cast include Adrenne Barbeau,Pat Crowley,Joseph Campanella,Karen Valentine,Laraine Day,Joseph Cotton and Cameron Mitchell. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Typical of Disney's 1970s output, this squeaky-clean comic adventure about a group of church volunteers and soccer moms who take on local gangsters is packed with slapstick humor, sight gags, and nonlethal car crashes. Curiously enough, it's based on the true story of Reverend Albert Fay Hill, who wrote a book about his efforts to stop mob-run gambling in his city. Edward Herrmann plays the fictionalized Presbyterian minister Mike Hill, a soft-spoken widower with two kids who ruffles the feathers of the dedicated church secretary (Susan Clark) when he organizes a group of women to help the Treasury Department catch the bookies in the act. The mobsters are more Damon Runyon than John Gotti: no one gets hurt and everything ends in a demolition derby free-for-all as the suburban-lady volunteers play bumper cars with the mobsters. There's a potentially fascinating story in there that Disney keeps a G-rated cap on (though seeing Karen Valentine swingin' her booty under the cover of pounds of makeup and a little halter top is a surprise in a family film), but it's a harmless little comedy enlivened by plucky performances by Barbara Harris and Cloris Leachman and a fun turn by Ruth Buzzie as a church elder with a CB-radio handle. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A true guilty pleasure!
I am not ashamed to say I love this film. It is good, clean fun, and absolutely hilarious. It is one of the few films that me and my mom both like. The cast is outstanding, especially Barbara Harris, Karen Valentine, Ruth Buzzi, and Cloris Leachman. I never tire of watching this movie. I call this a guilty pleasure because while most serious film lovers would never even consider this film for a Top Films List, I would. Few films make me laugh like this one.

Underrated Disney Comedy
To me, this is the best movie to come out of Disney's dry spell of the '70's (when it released such stinkers as "Million Dollar Duck" and "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo") . . terrific fun for the whole family. Edward Herrmann (who I normally find an unbearably annoying actor) is quite good as a pastor who finds himself fighting organized crime when one of his church members gambles away church money. (True, he should be angry at the church member, but our reverend believes in tackling the ROOT of the problem). After Herrmann speaks out against organized crime publicly, two FBI agents come to him and ask him for his help in going undercover to expose these gangsters. He asks for help from his congregation, and the only ones who will aid him are 6 indomitable females (Patsy Kelly, Virginia Capers, Barbara Harris, Cloris Leachman, Karen Valentine, and - later - Susan Clark). You'll relish every second that you see all of the ladies on the screen, especially the scatterbrained soccer mom Harris (her funniest scene takes place in a grocery store, as she spies on one of the pickup men); the constantly-primping Leachman; and tough-as-nails Capers. Features a cute cameo by Ruth Buzzi as part of a church committee out to remove Herrmann (she ends up joining the ladies to fight the criminals). Unfortunately, I find that the film suffers when nervous Fed Michael Constantine leaves the project in the Reverend's hands; his exasperated scenes with the ladies are among the most enjoyable in the film. Another small drawback is the cutesy way in which the movie treats organized crime . .you'll never believe for a second the gangsters are really out to hurt these ladies. The film's final moments, a "demolition derby" of sorts, will delight kids. I can remember absolutely loving this film as a kid . . I'm positive one day Disney will remake it (hopefully they do it justice).

North Avenue Irregulars
A Disney Classic at its best. Great that Disney releasing the old time films like this one about a man of the cloth and the church people trying to save their church from being torn down. The only problem is that Disney needs to release these older titles to a wider range of stores and many of use end up special ordering or ordering on line because they can't find them in their stores.

Local Grannies Cleans Up Neighborhood
This film is very entertaining and definitely for all audiences. A group of elderly ladies forms a "neighborhood watch", or better a "neighborhood clean-up crew". They join forces to rid their formerly "nice neighborhood" of the trash that gives it a bad name.

Fearless and determined, the "North Avenue Irregulars" (played by many familiar comediennes) show the bad guys who's boss and reclaim their "turf". Many laughs, and a timely message: Don't let the scum take over your neighborhood!****

Funny Comedy about Quirky Church-goers
I have never laughed so hard at such a funny comedy. The movie is about the North Avenue Presbyterian Church, when a church member bets the entire church sinking fund on a horse race and loses. This makes the rest of the church members go on a secret mission to tear up the underground gambling ring in their city. It is a very funny movie and worth the money to add to your collection. ... Read more