Amazon.com

Neil Simon wrote this 1976 spoof in which virtually every famous fictional detective of the 1930s and 1940s congregate at the home of a mysterious fellow (Truman Capote) to try and solve the mystery of who's trying to kill them all. Simon's jokes are mostly obvious, and the film's real appeal is the clever concept matched with fine--sometimes legendary--actors. Peter Falk plays a very Bogart-like Sam Spade equivalent, James Coco is a Hercule Poirot wannabe, Peter Sellers does a Charlie Chan bit, David Niven and Maggie Smith are reflections of Nick and Nora.... You get the picture. Lighthearted and silly, this is cotton-candy comedy for the cast as well as viewers. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (76)

Super Sleuths on trial
Did you ever notice that many mystery novels are really unsolvable because they don't reveal the most necessary clues until the last three pages (or not at all)? Playwright and Screenwriter Neil Simon (THE GOODBYE GIRL) surely noticed this and he takes revenge on our behalf. He invites caricatures of these super-sleuths to a murder mystery party with a challenge to solve the murder of a wealthy eccentric portrayed by Truman Capote. The mansion is filled with all that can be expected, from secret passages, rainy weather and a suspicious butler played by soft-spoken Alec Guinness. Scattered throughout is the quick humor of Neil Simon.

The all-star cast includes David Niven and Maggie Smith as a NICK AND NORA like couple. James Coco is a HERCULE POIROT-like detective with a young James Cromwell (BABE) as his assistant. Peter Sellers makes a CHARLIE CHAN-esque appearance. Elsa Lanchester Brennan is a MISS MARPLE like sleuth and Peter Falk makes a fun spin on SAM SPADE with Eileen Brennan at his side. Nancy Walker portrays the house chef. The mystery takes second seat to the comedy;... But, this film is all about laughter. Followed up by a sequel, THE CHEAP DETECTIVE.

One of Neil Simon's Best!
Hilarious beyond compare. That describes "Murder by Death." Spoofing everyone from Miss Marple to Sam Spade, Charlie Chan to The Thin Man, and everyone in between, Neil Simon's script (outdoing such Simon classics as "The Odd Couple") is so far out there that one can only fall in love with this movie.

Being a big fan of mysteries, parodies, and all-star casts, this was the movie for me. The whole cast has a ball and hams it up to High Heaven. I love David Niven and Maggie Smith as Dick and Dora Charleston. Smith especially soars, giving an offhanded, almost nonchalant performance that leaves you rolling in the aisles. Elsa Lanchester is great as Jessica Marbles, and Estelle Winwood, in a very small role, gets a few good lines as her senile nurse. (Watch for their entrance!) James Coco is a comic riot as the always-hungry Monsieur Perrier. Peter Sellers is classic again as Inspector Wang (with every line funnier than the last). He has more proverbs than all the fortune cookies in Chinatown: "Treacherous road like-a fresh mushroom..." Peter Falk is insane as really-not-quite-there Sam Diamond, and Truman Capote gets in a fun cameo appearance as their puckish host, Lionel Twain. Smith, Coco, Sellers, and Falk shine. But two of the best performances are in rather small roles played by a pre-"Star Wars" Sir Alec Guiness (so don't expect to hear the Force theme on his entrance) showing his comedic talent as the blind butler, Bensonmum, and "Rhoda" alum, the great Nancy Walker, as the deaf-and-dumb cook, Yetta. These two have some of the funniest scenes in film history, each playing marvelously off the other's shortcomings. (Watch for when Bensonmun "fires" her--even holding the door open and pointing out--while she looks on, bewildered!)

The classic lines are everywhere. Falk: "I gotta go to da can. Sometimes I talk so much, I forget ta go." Lanchester: "Pardon my language, but it scared the ca-ca out of me!" Smith: (in response) "You know, Dicky, I like her. I really like her." Capote: (chastising Sellers' broken English) "IT! IT! Use your damn pronouns!" Perrier's driver: (About a chocolate bar with almonds instead of nuts) "The man at the store had no nuts." Coco: (responding) "He was short?" Sellers: "Look! Voice come from cow on wall!" But the best line in the whole movie is when the butler has been gone for quite some time and not returned with their meal, and starving Coco, in detective mode, says, "The most important question is: Where is the butler? And why has he not returned...(Screaming dramatically)...WITH OUR DINNER! "

I was in a murder-mystery play last year in which one character was a sendup of Truman Capote; I loaned this video to the actor who had that part. And this week, I'm playing a role in Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians," in which Estelle Winwood (Ms. Marbles' nurse in this film) originated the stage role of Emily Brent in 1944.

This is a really fun movie to watch on a Friday night with lots of friends--for even more fun, watch it back-to-back with "Clue!"

Grade B+ Neil Simon
Despite the (mostly) excellent cast this movie production of Neil Simon's play leaves a little to be desired. In particular I think that director Robert Moore needed to work harder toward getting the timing of his players down pat and focusing the jokes. I also think it was a mistake to cast Truman Capote in the role of Lionel Twain, the eccentric millionaire who invites the five world famous detectives to his estate with the idea of matching murderous wits with them and fooling them. Although he looks the part, Capote stands out like a sore thumb amidst the much more experienced and talented cast, so much so that I almost felt sorry for him. He pronounces his lines competently but with neither flair nor finesse.

The premise of the play reveals Neil Simon's satirical intent: the characters are all caricatures of famous fictional detectives: Inspector Sidney Wang (Peter Sellers ) as a Charlie Chan type; Sam Diamond (Peter Falk) as a Sam Spade type; Inspector Milo Perrier (James Coco) as a famous Belgique detective of similar name (Agatha Christie's Poirot) who could also be Georges Simenon's famous French detective (except that he cries out, "Not Frenchie--Belgie!"). The absurd plot begins as the detectives motor toward Twain's haunted, fog-shrouded castle in northern California for a dinner that is never served. Everything is played as a farce ("farce --n. 1. a comedy based on unlikely situations and exaggerated effects." --Random House College Dictionary) and everybody tries to ham it up. I particularly liked Peter Sellers as the Chinese Wang with his #3 adopted Japanese son in tow. Alec Guinness plays the blind butler ("The butler did it!") while Nancy Walker has a small part as the blind and deaf cook. David Niven is mildly amusing as the debonaire Dick Charleston who, unbeknownst to his wife (Maggie Smith), has only a buck-seventy-some in his tuxedo pocket (and some stamps) after going through some of her millions.

Representative joke: When asked by his #3 adopted Japanese son why HE has to clean up the dead body, Inspector Wang tells him, "Because your mother isn't here." By the way, the makeup on Peter Sellers ("Inspector Slanty," according to Sam Diamond) is especially well done. As usual Peter Sellers manages to look more like the character he playing than himself, so much so that one needs to do a double take to realize it is Peter Sellers at work.

One of the problems with a movie like this is that all the actors are trying to upstage one another and every line and pratfall is played as MY moment in the spotlight so there is little contrast around which to frame the best bits. Still, afficionados, especially those viewing this repeatedly, will find plenty to crack up about.

See this for Neil Simon, one of America's most popular playwrights, whose semi-sophisticated, upbeat comedies delighted theater and movie audiences for several decades beginning in the Sixties. I particularly loved The Out-of-Towners (1970) with Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis; The Good-bye Girl (1977) with Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason; and the unforgettable The Odd Couple (1968) starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Simon and Peter Falk followed this up with The Cheap Detective (1978). Incidentally, Falk's work here and in The Cheap Detective and in a couple of earlier Columbo movies served as a proving ground for his long-running TV hit Columbo.

I love this movie!!
This movie has you guessing the whole time! The jokes are very funny, I would reccomend this to anyone who likes stupid humor defenetly worthit.

The World's Greatest Movie
My family and I affectionatly refer to this movie as the 'the world's greatest movie,' and we've seen it so often that my sister and I, when we email each other or call each other, end each message with a quote from the movie.

In order to truly appreciate the tremendous amount of laugh lines, you've got to watch it at least a dozen times. My sister and I have watched it at least 30 times if not a lot more, and just this past weekend while I was visiting her in Ithaca, she picked up on another laugh line that we'd never even noticed!

The movie seems a bit dry at first, and would probably be a better fit as a stage play; a hilarious one at that. The movie is a spoof on Agatha Christi's "And Then There Were None," and has characters who are spoofs of other TV detectives; i.e., instead of Nick and Nora Charleston, it's Dick and Dora Charleston. This movie is not necessarily for everyone, but it starts to grow on you. The first time I saw it I really didn't think it was that funny, but the more I watched, the funnier it got. Buy this movie! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Classic Episode
For starters, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" is a classic, and this is THE episode that fans always remember. The magic of this episode is that it's so un-Mary. Dear, sweet, genuine Mary wouldn't be the person you'd expect to behave this way. The episode isn't really about death so much as it is about an embarassing moment, which we've all been through. When Mary Richards cries, you can't help but feel for her!

Finally, I saw it.
Well I had been hearing about this episode for years. I was pretty young with this show was out so never really saw the series.

In this show, a TV clown, who is grandmarshal of a parade shows up dressed like one of his characters. "A Giant Peanut" a rogue elefant unfortunatly breaks loose and the clown is killed when the elefant successfully tries to shell him. EVerybody in MArys office is at first shocked but then cannot help but laugh at the incident. MAry is shocked at their insensitivity. However when Mary attends the clowns funeral.........
Taking into consideration that this show is nearly 30 years old I really enjoyed it. Some of the set-ups were a bit obvious now because they are typical sit-com set ups but remember that when this show first aired they were not, in fact this is one of the shows that created the road down with many of todays sitcoms go.
So for a dose of nostalga, or even if you never saw the show in it's heydey you need to get at least THIS episode.

Considered by many to be the funniest sitcom episode ever
"Chuckles Bites the Dust" (Episode #127, October 25, 1975), remains the best episode of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and is one of the classic situation comedy episodes of all time. Unless you have been living on another planet you know that Chuckles the Clown is killed when he is dressed as a Peanut and a rouge elephant attacks him. Mary is aghast at the gallows humor that compels the guys in the newsroom to keep making bad jokes. But then at the funeral it is Mary who has an attack of the giggles. Stop and think about it: on how many episodes of MTM does MARY get the big laughs? This is the proverbial exception that proves the rule, big time. Both writer David Lloyd and director Joan Darling earned Emmys Awards for this episode. For that matter, Mary Tyler Moore won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and the show won for Outstanding Comedy Series, probably on the strength of this legendary episode.

Total Classic
"Dear sweet Mary"... of everyone in the WJM newsroom,(and for those of you who know and love her like i do) she is the most loving, caring, genuine person there is - so when she finds the humor in Chuckles' death at his funeral it is hilarious! you would expect this from any one else, NEVER Mary. But the total humor in it is when the Priest praises her for laughing "that's what Chuckles would have wanted"... then she begins to sob like crazy- total classic! 1 more thing: in Lou's office, for those of you who don't know, the pix of him on the wall in his football uniform is really him! What a hottie, eh? :)

One of the (hee hee) all-time classic (heh heh) episodes
This is an episode about (hee hee) a horrible tragedy. Chuckles the Clown is in a parade, dressed as a (titter) peanut. And then something dreadful (hah hah) happens. A rogue elephant (snort) tries to shell him.

The people of the newsroom try to deal with the death in predicted ways. (heh heh) Lou and Murray can't help laughing; Ted is (snicker) bewildered; and Mary is simply horrified.

Then, the funeral comes, and the famous line "A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants." And Mary ... just ... can't ... help herself.

What makes this episode so memorable? Because we all know what that's like. We've all had a hard time controlling laughter during serious and/or embarrassing situations.

One warning: Your memories of the funeral scene with (heh heh) sneak up at the most inopportune (chuckle) times.

Anne M. Marble Reviewer, All About Romance ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Very Disappointing
My daughter loves the Young Children's Concert with Raffi. We purchased the Rise and Shine Band video in the hopes that she would enjoy it as well. The accompanying Rise in Shine Band is horrible. It sounds more like a Hee-Haw video than a children's video. Raffi did not engage the audience well in this video. In fact, some footage shows children in the audience asleep because it is a painfully dull performance. He does not invite the children to sing sing along with him. It is just NOT FUN! It is painful o watch.

Even adults love it!!
I first heard Raffi In Concert when my 2 year old patient was listening to it. He seemed so mesmerized by it and I saw why. Raffi seem to just have a way with the children in his audience. I fell in love with the video and couldn't wait for my little patient to want to watch it over and over again oppose to his Seasame Street videos. Now I am going to buy my own so I don't
have to wait until I go to work to listen to Raffi In Concert!!

The Baby Nurse
I have played this video for all the babies I have cared for over the last 15 years. It has always been a hit with the infants all the way up to 4 years old ( I don't care for anyone after 4). I have enjoyed it as much as the children, and we always have the CD for the car rides.

Raffi and the rise and shine band is the best!!!!!
I love this video because my nephew really enjoys it.
Every day "raffi and the rise and shine band concert" will play on and on. He never seems to get bored and he is always entertained with music and is taught how to do hand motions for the songs......

Great Children's Music! Good Entertainment for Your Children
Outstanding! This is a magical concert for children. The music is just wonderful. So singable, and the themes are very appropriate and fun for children. So many songs in this concert are Raffi children's classics, like "Baby Beluga," "Like Me and You," "Five Little Ducks," "Rise and Shine," "Everything Grows," "Shake My Sillies Out" and so many more. Raffi is the best songwriter for children.

I recently gave a copy of this as a gift to a three-year old relative, and his mother told me that he also just loves it and always asks to watch it. That's how many kids respond to it. Even older kids and adults like these songs.

This concert is also available on CD (audio). That concert CD was the first Raffi CD my children ever owned, and it is excellent. My children have many fond memories of listening to it in the car on long rides. This concert is sort of the "best of Raffi," except some of his great earlier songs are missing.

I also highly recommened Raffi's other masterpiece concert video "A Young Children's Concert With Raffi." That's Raffi's best concert of all. It's pure magic for toddlers and preschoolers. You can buy three Raffi concerts together on DVD, too. Search Raffi under DVD.

Excellent, quality entertainment for children! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The promise of "One Hundred Beautiful Girls on Horseback" and a personalappearance by the Tommy Dorsey orchestra are among the enticements of this 1943MGM musical, a typical installment in the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland let's-put-on-a-show genre. Not typical is the quality of the songbook, which trots outsome sublime George and Ira Gershwin tunes: "Embraceable You," "FascinatingRhythm," and a meltingly plaintive Garland solo on "But Not for Me." The plothas rich kid Rooney, energized as usual, sent away to a boys' school in the WildWest as a way of containing his mania (see title). The only gal in town isJudy, the granddaughter of the school's dean. The stars are affectionatelymatched, and musical fans will enjoy the young June Allyson belting out a spunky"Treat Me Rough." Rooney's comedy routine, imitating various radio personalities(including boxing champ Joe Louis), is one of those topical bits that willalmost certainly puzzle viewers today. The director is Norman Taurog, an MGMworkhorse who would later helm many of Elvis Presley's desultory vehicles. BusbyBerkeley staged the rave-up finale to "I Got Rhythm," but the most beguilingproduction number is "Bidin' My Time," sung by Garland and some cowpokes--adroll performance with surrealistic flourishes. Girl Crazy seems nobetter or worse than the average musical of the era, but it was a huge hit, andRooney would never reach this pinnacle of box-office success again. --RobertHorton ... Read more

Reviews (10)

FAST AND FUNNY
In GIRL CRAZY, Rooney and Garland finally grow up, despite the best intentions of a formula which saw them as kids on stage in film after film. Judy plays Ginger Gray, the daughter of a college president. The character Garland once described as "Dorothy Adorable", once given free rein in BABES ON BROADWAY (1941), BABES IN ARMS (1939) or the Andy Hardy movies, has, however, grown more complex. Ginger Gray shows the contradictory and ironic charm of the latter Garland characters, both vulnerable and quick to laugh at herself in a way that the roles as "Dorothy Adorable" hardly suggest. Berkeley films such as BABES IN ARMS & BABES ON BROADWAY had used the familiar "let's put a show on" theme as a glorious excuse for Garland, Rooney and dozens of other chorus folk to concoct variety shows. Although Norman Taurog's (he was Jackie Cooper's uncle) direction and staging of the musical numbers reflected the beginnings of a new style in film musicals, the plot of GIRL CRAZY is completely conventional. Not only are Rooney and Garland featured in virtually every scene, but they usually dominate the frame in Taurog's composition. Tommy Dorsey's orchestra provides the swingy ambience and the musical score is outstanding: "But Not for Me", "I Got Rhythm" "Embraceable You" "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Bidin' My Time" along with 7 others!

Isn't this great!!!!
This CD just came in the mail today. Just popped it in the player and I love it already! Judy's major numbers on this disc are featured on several of her Decca studio recordings, which is where I heard them first. But the original soundtrack performances, as heard here, are the best yet! This is, without a doubt, the best recording of the fabulous Gershwin score (although the 1952 Mary Martin cast album, now the only version in print, is good too). Garland and Rooney always worked so well together. The sound on the disc is wonderful - you'd never know it was made in 1943! All selections are in STEREO (except the Main Title, in monaural), thanks to the (as always) wonderful remastering and remixing job by Rhino/Turner. Unfortunately this disc is out of print, and its a shame that it is (I got my copy via Ebay). Keep an eye open for it, though. No faults with this one; it's great! As another reviewer states, these are quite possibly some of the greatest numbers ever put on film and disc!

One song in particular makes this movie special
I'm giving this film 5 stars based on one particular song in the film: "Bidin' my time". This performance by Judy just knocked my socks off when I caught it some time ago on late-night television. The rest of the film is fine too, but I'm a nut about music (all music from classical to rock) and after hearing this particular rendition I just had to own it. There's something different about how she and her group perform this song. I don't quite know how to describe it but it caught my interest immediately. It seems somehow ahead of its time. Anyway, that particular performance is just a joy to watch. I noticed that the commercial review had also picked up on this particular song.

Some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here
I ignored this movie for years thinking it was just another over-exuberant essay in the over-abundant MGM collection of sappy adolescent musicals. I'm glad that listening to an English revival of the original musical finally motivated me to watch it, because some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here. Busby Berkeley started as the director but was replaced for supposedly tyrannical behavior. His production numbers appear at the end and are quite amazing, choreographing "I've Got Rhythm" with guns and bullwhips. All the numbers on this movie are quite exceptional, in particular "Biding My Time" one of the Gershwin brothers' finest and most surprising tunes, but also "Treat Me Rough" and "Could You Use Me". And the arrangements are some of the best I've ever heard, anticipating the harmonies of the Hi-Los and the Four Freshmen by a decade and a half. Judy has never looked prettier nor sung as purely and Mickey pulls out all the stops without (well, almost) going over the top. He even plays a terrific piano solo, with Tommy Dorsey! I never get tired of watching this movie. It's an explosion of pure pleasure.

The fun never stops...
This is Mickey and Judy's best film together. They play off each other wonderfully and Judy's laughter is infectious. But it's the GREAT musical score that makes "Girl Crazy" a movie to go crazy about. This was their last starring feature together (she went on to bigger things in the years following) so get it, tuck it away and keep it for a rainy day when you need a reminder of how talented this screen duo was. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Terrific, underrated Disney comedy
In my opinion, "The World's Greatest Athlete" may very well be the best Disney comedy of the '70's, even better than "Freaky Friday" or "Apple Dumpling Gang." It's also incredibly underrated, with Leonard Maltin seemingly alone among major critics in loving it.

Without giving anything away, it is a goofy, inspired slapstick comedy with a terrific cast including an absolutely hilarious Tim Conway as an inept assistant coach, a well-cast Jan-Michael Vincent as a superathlete, the wonderful Roscoe Lee Browne, rising above his stereotypical, potentially offensive role as
an African witch-doctor, and the wonderful Nancy Walker as a blind landlady who mistakes a tiger for a drunken
frat boy.

But top acting honors go to John Amos as the losingest college coach in history. The fact that he is black is important to the story set-up, but is completely uncommented on in the film and therefore makes the film ahead of its time, at least for Disney studios, who I believe had never before had a black lead actor in one of its films. This is also the film in which Howard Cosell plays himself in a hilarious bit and delivers the great line: "I have never seen anything like this in my entire illustrious career!"

The only reason I don't give "The World's Greatest Athlete" better than a *** rating is that it isn't yet available in the remastered, wide-screen special edition DVD it deserves. Come on, Disney, get on the ball. You have a real gem in your vault and you act like you don't even know it.

an awesome goofball movie
this is a dumbell movie chock full of really stupid stuff. it's so dumb it's funny. i wish more movies were like this that doesn't take itself seriously. i own 2 copies of this movie.

boy how i remember
i remember seeing this movie when i was a little kid. my grandmother took me to see this in radio city music hall. that was way back at the beginning of the 70's. what a great film but i will not purchase it until it comes out on dvd. THANK YOU.

A great wholesome comedy for the entire family
A great wholesome comedy for the entire family. The kids will love it too. We need more family oriented movies like this one to be made in todays day and age. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Still just as great, over 60 years later
Lucille Ball, Tommy Dix, Virginia Weidler, June Allyson, and Nancy Walker star in this hilarious and refreshing story of a military school student who invites a famous movie actress to the prom.

Bud Hooper didn't know that his letter would ever be answered...but when Lucille Ball writes back to say she'd be delighted to attend his school's senior prom, he's in shock. He frantically wires his girlfriend, Helen, not to come because he is sick. Guilty and depresed, Bud wishes he'd never thought up this crazy scheme. His two roommates are enthusiastic, however, and convince him that Helen will never know.

Meanwhile, Lucille Ball isn't any happier. Jack, her publicity agent, wants to get her on the front page and thinks this is the way to do it. Lucille is skeptical, especially when she hears that she must hide her identity and go to the prom as Helen, because that was the name Bud turned into the faculty two weeks before.

Trouble escalates when Helen shows up just before the prom, having intended to keep her poor bedridden boyfriend company. Then it's just one laugh after another as Lucille Ball's dress is torn off in a frenzy of "souvenir collecting" started by the fuming Helen. Lucy is then forced to hide in a stuffy closet, while Bud and his friends try to plan an escape.

This is a true gem of a movie, with great songs and hysterically funny lines. My favorite line was probably one spoken by the hopelessly ugly blind date (Nancy Walker): "You can't insult me and get away with it. In fact, you can't insult me."

VERY FUNNY ONE LINERS!
This movie has many lines that my sisters and I still quote from today! ("Whoever finds her...I hope it's me!" -- one of our favorites!) Trust me, this is very funny!

Wonderful Forties Musical
If you like college musicals, you'll love this fast paced MGM piece of fluff. The story is simple, a military college cadet wins a date with Hollywood actress Lucille Ball (In one of many performances where she plays herself) This ill conceived publicity stunt designed to re-start her faltering career, turns into a hilarious disaster when the cadet's girlfriend shows-up the night of the big date. You can imagine the fun that ensues with Lucy hiding out in the cadet's dorm room closet which continues to get more crowed by the minute. The musical numbers are all classic, like Harry James' swing version of "Flight of the Bumble Bee," and the rollicking "Barrelhouse, Boogie, and The Blues," beautifully performed by Nancy Walker, June Allison, and Gloria DeHaven. This was their MGM debut film and they all went on to stardom.

This is one of MGM's better musicals from the forties, it is full of great music, lively dancing and just plain fun and let's face it Lucille Ball is absolutely georgous.

I highly recommend this film!

Lucy shines!
Lucy looks absolutely fabulous in this movie, just like she does in every other movie. She is a brilliant actress, and it shows in this film. Her talent comes shining through. She's very funny at times, especially when her fans rip off her clothes and she slaps a man. She's left there in her underwear, and she constantly has to hide in closets(poor dear!). This is a very good movie, so if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and do watch it. If you love Lucy as much much as I do(which I doubt), or even remotely close to how much I do, then watch her shine in Best Foot Forward. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Mary and Some of Her Disasterous Parties!
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is one of the best classic sitcoms from the 70s and some of the best episodes are the episodes that featured the running gag of Mary's disasterous parties and this tape has some great ones inluding the episode where Mary throws a dinner party for a congresswoman who was interviewed on one of her news programs and then winds up not having enough food for everyone when she winds up with uninvited guests and the one where Ted and Georgette come over for dinner and Georgette goes into labor but it's a shame that they didn't include the episode where Mary tried to throw a surprise birthday party for Lou not knowing that he hates surprise birthday parties and the one where the lights go out during a party in Mary's new apartment during a party where the congresswoman was bringing Johnny Carson as a guest and everyone reminiscences about all of Mary's past disasterous parties. I now have the first season of The Mary Tyler Moore Show on DVD and I'm looking forward to the rest of the seasons coming out on DVD and it would be so nice to see all of the party episodes on DVD!`

Mary's disastorous party's on video!
This show and tape will make you die laughing. It's hilarious, Mary Richards throws some pretty horrible party's. If you like The Mary Tyler Moore show you will love this video it's funny.

Four of Mary Richard's disastrous dinner parties on 2 tapes
One of the running gags on "The Mary Tyler Moore" show was that Mary's parties were always a disaster as the four episodes on these two tapes prove. "The Dinner Party" (Episode #82, November 17, 1973), written by Ed Weinberger, finds Mary stunned when a congresswoman (Irene Tedrow) accepts her rhetorical invitation to a dinner party. Henry Winkler plays one of the guests. In "Mary's Aunt" (Episode #126, October 18, 1975), my favorite of this quarter, written by David Lloyd, Mary's Aunt Flo (Eileen Heckart), a world-class foreign correspondent, drops in for a visit. The next thing Mary knows, Flo and Lou are engaged in a friendly little rivalry. "My Brother's Keeper" (Episode #65, January 13, 1973), written by Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon, finds Phyllis puzzled when her visiting brother seems more interested in Rhoda than Mary. Of course, it never occurs to her that her brother is gay. Actually, it did not occur to the writers until the original ending fizzled. Finally, in "Mary Midwife" (Episode #145, September 25, 1976), also written by David Lloyd, Georgette Baxter unexpectedly has her baby in Mary's apartment bringing to a close another one of Mary's unforgettable parties. Too bad they could not include the retrospective on her parties that ends with Johnny Carson shows up during a power failure. Oh, well. You cannot have everything.

Hi Guys
PARTY GIRL contains one of my favorite scenes from my all-time favorite sitcom: Lou taking 1/2 of Mary's party platter:

"Say. You know what? I'm not as hungry as I thought."

One episode that I would've put in place of the Aunt Flo episode was the party for Lou where he locked everyone out of Mary's apartment ("Aw come on Mr. Grant. Let Rhoda in--you like Rhoda"). Or maybe the party where the power went out just before the guest of honor arrived.

But the only real complaint I have about this VHS set is that it isn't enough. If MTM would package every episode on tape, I'd buy the whole thing in a second.

A Great Box Set
A great box set of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"! Consisting of four classic episodes, this set is a must for any fan! Buy it today! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Classic Mary and Rhoda Episodes!
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is one of my favorite shows from the 70's and one of my favorite sitcoms. I was 5 years old when it aired on television and grew up watching it. Mary and Rhoda are terrific characters and Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper really made their characters shine and this tape has some of the best Mary and Rhoda moments. I now have the complete first season on DVD and I highly recommend it and I'm waiting for the rest of the seasons to come out on DVD!

Mary and Rhoda in the Pilot Episode of MTM and more
This collection of five episodes from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" not only features five episodes focusing on Mary Richards and Rhoda Morgenstern, but it also worth having because it has the pilot episode of this classic sitcom. "Love Is All Around" (Episode #1, September 19, 1970), finds Mary getting a fresh start in Minneapolis when she ditches her fiance, moves into a new apartment and takes a job as associate producer of the WJM news show. Mary's interview with Lou Grant is the high point, while the sub-plot has Rhoda insisting Mary has moved into HER apartment. The pilot episode was written by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns. "Is a Friend in Need" (Episode #36, December 4, 1971), finds Rhoda has lost her job dressing windows at the department store in this episode written by Susan Silver. Mary wants to help Rhoda find a new job, however, when it looks like her friend might find one at WJM, she goes out of her way to stop that from happening. "Some of My Best Friends Are Rhoda" (Episode #47, February 26, 1972) finds Mary forming a relationship with Joanne (Mary Frann), a woman she meets in a minor traffic accident. Rhoda is caught in the middle until Mary discovers Joanne is prejudiced. This is certainly an atypical episode of MTM, written by Steve Pritzker, which deals explicitly with Rhoda's Jewishness and Mary's liberalism. In "Rhoda Morgenstern: Minneapolis to New York" (Episode #62, December 16, 1972), written by Treva Silverman, Rhoda has decided to move back to New York City but has second thoughts during her farewell party with all her friends. This is the episode that introduced Georgette Franklin as Georgia Engel, the future Mrs. Ted Baxter. Finally, "Best of Enemies" (Episode #91, January 26, 1974), written by Marilyn Suzanne Miller and Monica Magowan Johnson, deals with the near end of this famous friendship when Rhoda tells the WJM staff that Mary lied about finishing college on her job application. She had spunk, huh? An interesting collection, but how could they leave out "Rhoda the Beautiful" where she competes in the beauty contest sponsored by her store? Or "Enter Rhoda's Parents"? Five episodes is just not enough.

FUN
The MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW was brilliantly written and acted and this video is a MUST for anyone who appreciates the timing and chemistry between these two great performers! I thought Valerie Harper was sensational as Rhoda (talk about personality PLUS!) and she and Mary (who was reticent in comparison) contrasted very nicely and their many classic scenes together are timelessly hilarious!

An Unforgettable Pair
This video of FOUR episodes of "Mary Tyler Moore" will give you infinate pleasure. It is very modestly priced, and contains the best episodes that feature Mary and Rhoda. You will also be VERY surprised at how this show and others are MUCH MUCH better when purchased pre-recorded. Nothing against Nick at Nite, but they cut EVERY episode, often removing ENTIRE scenes, like several in this set. AND they put the entire edited show through a time compression machine, which makes Mary often sound like Minnie Mouse! You will be surprised at how the show has it's original "feel" back, The complete theme song, remastered, and the full, unedited episodes. If you want to build a first-class collection of this show, THIS video is the one to start with! It will only make you hunger for more! Truly memorable characters, outstanding writing and directing, and it STILL holds the record for the most EMMYs for ANY single show. 22 of them! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Enjoyable Comedy - can't wait for it in DVD
This is an uplifting, cozy film about a May-December romance.
The characters are wonderful and you wish you can hang out with
them. Very funny and I can't believe it isn't out on DVD. See
it if you like warm 70's flicks. Gene Kelly is great.

feel-good movie about a May-December romance
This is a feel-good movie about a May-December romance.The story begins in romantic Greece and revolves around Liv Ulman trying to resist her "infatuation" with a younger man. A supporting role by Gene Kelly also helps to make this movie a gem. The impact on her family, his family and herself makes for a delicious comedy that has a...well you'll have to enjoy it for yourself to see how it all works out!

Not worth Liv-ing for!
This frothy comedy, based on a Broadway hit, is terribly undermined by the central miscasting of Liv Ullmann as the older woman. Ullmann,better a dramatic actress than a polished comedienne, lacks the glamor for the role, and is a decade too young for it. She is heavy and unconvincing, like a cow portraying a cool feline. This movie, along with the execrable "Lost Horizon", buried her mercifully short-lived Hollywood career. A fiasco! Would have been better with someone like Audrey Hepburn or even Liz Taylor.

LIV ULLMAN DELIGHTFUL
Forty Carats is the frothy Broadway comedy typical of Broadway several decades ago. This film version is given a greater dimension with the casting of foreign actress Liv Ullman in the leading role. Ullman gives this comedy a greater degree of poignancy and depth. In this story about a 40-ish woman being romanced by a man almost half her age, one can see that Ullman was clearly too young for the part. Although this fact works against her performance, Ullman's extraordinary skill as an actress makes us believe in her plight and you end up rooting for a happy ending. Forty Carats has a good supporting cast. Film veteran Binnie Barnes is delightful as Ullman's mother and hoofer Gene Kelly plays a pivotal role as Ullman's ex-husband. The beautiful Deborah Raffin made her film debut as Ullman's daughter. But this is Ullman's movie all the way and she makes this film worth watching. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What a wonderful world
During the Golden Age Of Television, there were many wonderful dramas that were not afraid to showcase ethnicity. Dramas such as "The Tenth Man", and"The World Of Shalom Aleichem" showed universal truths. Here you can see a preview of Zero Mostel in his environment, long before his emmy winning "Fiddler On The Roof." Here, Jack Gilford performs his wonderful pantomine soon to be used for Cracker Jack commercials. The three stories show the depth of Aleichem's humor; the wise foolishness of Chelm; the sarcastic tale of the meek inheriting the earth, and the poignant tale of quotas in education which existed in the 1950's and 1960's. Besides, I had a chance in high school to play "Bontche Schweig", and seeing the master at work is a dream come true.

Don't miss out on this one. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

FAST AND FUNNY
In GIRL CRAZY, Rooney and Garland finally grow up, despite the best intentions of a formula which saw them as kids on stage in film after film. Judy plays Ginger Gray, the daughter of a college president. The character Garland once described as "Dorothy Adorable", once given free rein in BABES ON BROADWAY (1941), BABES IN ARMS (1939) or the Andy Hardy movies, has, however, grown more complex. Ginger Gray shows the contradictory and ironic charm of the latter Garland characters, both vulnerable and quick to laugh at herself in a way that the roles as "Dorothy Adorable" hardly suggest. Berkeley films such as BABES IN ARMS & BABES ON BROADWAY had used the familiar "let's put a show on" theme as a glorious excuse for Garland, Rooney and dozens of other chorus folk to concoct variety shows. Although Norman Taurog's (he was Jackie Cooper's uncle) direction and staging of the musical numbers reflected the beginnings of a new style in film musicals, the plot of GIRL CRAZY is completely conventional. Not only are Rooney and Garland featured in virtually every scene, but they usually dominate the frame in Taurog's composition. Tommy Dorsey's orchestra provides the swingy ambience and the musical score is outstanding: "But Not for Me", "I Got Rhythm" "Embraceable You" "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Bidin' My Time" along with 7 others!

Isn't this great!!!!
This CD just came in the mail today. Just popped it in the player and I love it already! Judy's major numbers on this disc are featured on several of her Decca studio recordings, which is where I heard them first. But the original soundtrack performances, as heard here, are the best yet! This is, without a doubt, the best recording of the fabulous Gershwin score (although the 1952 Mary Martin cast album, now the only version in print, is good too). Garland and Rooney always worked so well together. The sound on the disc is wonderful - you'd never know it was made in 1943! All selections are in STEREO (except the Main Title, in monaural), thanks to the (as always) wonderful remastering and remixing job by Rhino/Turner. Unfortunately this disc is out of print, and its a shame that it is (I got my copy via Ebay). Keep an eye open for it, though. No faults with this one; it's great! As another reviewer states, these are quite possibly some of the greatest numbers ever put on film and disc!

One song in particular makes this movie special
I'm giving this film 5 stars based on one particular song in the film: "Bidin' my time". This performance by Judy just knocked my socks off when I caught it some time ago on late-night television. The rest of the film is fine too, but I'm a nut about music (all music from classical to rock) and after hearing this particular rendition I just had to own it. There's something different about how she and her group perform this song. I don't quite know how to describe it but it caught my interest immediately. It seems somehow ahead of its time. Anyway, that particular performance is just a joy to watch. I noticed that the commercial review had also picked up on this particular song.

Some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here
I ignored this movie for years thinking it was just another over-exuberant essay in the over-abundant MGM collection of sappy adolescent musicals. I'm glad that listening to an English revival of the original musical finally motivated me to watch it, because some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here. Busby Berkeley started as the director but was replaced for supposedly tyrannical behavior. His production numbers appear at the end and are quite amazing, choreographing "I've Got Rhythm" with guns and bullwhips. All the numbers on this movie are quite exceptional, in particular "Biding My Time" one of the Gershwin brothers' finest and most surprising tunes, but also "Treat Me Rough" and "Could You Use Me". And the arrangements are some of the best I've ever heard, anticipating the harmonies of the Hi-Los and the Four Freshmen by a decade and a half. Judy has never looked prettier nor sung as purely and Mickey pulls out all the stops without (well, almost) going over the top. He even plays a terrific piano solo, with Tommy Dorsey! I never get tired of watching this movie. It's an explosion of pure pleasure.

The fun never stops...
This is Mickey and Judy's best film together. They play off each other wonderfully and Judy's laughter is infectious. But it's the GREAT musical score that makes "Girl Crazy" a movie to go crazy about. This was their last starring feature together (she went on to bigger things in the years following) so get it, tuck it away and keep it for a rainy day when you need a reminder of how talented this screen duo was. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Non-stop entertainment!
Few muscials could hold your attention for two hours straight, but this is one of them! From the opening credits to the end, you're treated to one fabulous number after another, all held together with a sweet plot that's far more clever than in most musicals. Plenty of great characters, with great performances by Lena Horne, Gloria De Haven, George Murphy, and more. It even has snappy dialog, along with colorful costumes and sets. Also, watch for the Ross sisters' amazing contortionist act and Hazel's stunning, speedy piano playing. There's something for everyone in this film!

Nancy Walker is a standout
Watch for Nancy Walker's MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET, a number which hardly gets any attention when MGM musical retrospectives are done, but is one of the finest performances in any MGM musical. It is worth owning this film just to watch her performance of this number (near the end of the film). A class act!

Broadway Rythum-What a way to spend an evening!
If you're ready to sit back and let music & dance do the talking, then this movie is for you. This wonderful musical has an array of dancing and singing talent that will keep you glued to your seat and tapping your feet! Lena Horne is stunning. Grab the popcorn and put on your dancing shoes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Gene Wilder in wonderful form!
I first caught this little gem in the wee small hours of a Sunday morning, after a very late night out, on one of our main TV Networks here in Australia. I laughed so hard in many of the scenes and am still convinced it's probably one of Gene Wilder's best performances - similar at times to his wonderful take on Leo Bloom in the masterpiece 'The Producers'. It's a pretty simple tale of two close mates dealing with a series of problems that life has thrown up at them but handled so subtly and with great understanding for its characters. There's a great cast here in fine form including Ellen Burstyn, Chloris Leachman, Valerie Harper and a young Rob Reiner in a rather zany role as Gene Wilder's agent, who doesn't realise he's his agent. A very funny scene. Thursday's Game is a very perceptive and often hilarious look at famliy and friendship set against life in the Big Apple.I agree a re-make might be a good idea but I have the feeling it's the kind of story that sits very comfortably in the '70s.

Gene Wilder at his funniest and most poignant
I stumbled across this little gem in the wee small hours of a Sunday morning on one of the TV Networks here in Australia some 15 years ago and fell in love with its simple tale. Gene Wilder is probably in his finest form here and really strikes up a nice chemistry with Bob Newhart in the role of his very straight-laced poker playing buddy who's going through a mid-life crisis. Great cast including Ellen Burstyn, Chloris Leachman, Valerie Harper and watch out for a cameo by Rob Reiner as Gene Wilder's pretty zany agent, who doesn't realise he's his agent. Very funny scene. A low key little film but well worth the investment for its perceptive themes of friendship, family and life in New York. I agree a re-make would be a good idea but somehow this story sits too well in the '70's.

Enjoyable lightweight comedy
A forgotten TV Movie with an excellent cast, strong script and solid, if unexciting direction. Gene Wilder and Bob Newhart are two businessmen who continue to meet up in secret after their weekly poker game ends. Not a lot really happens and there is nothing earth-shattering, but it does a very nice job of examining marriage, love and life just before middleage. Written by James L. Brooks I am suprised no one in Hollywood has thought to create a remake. A great value at the price and if you have broadband internet access it can also be viewed for free from... ... Read more

Description

The star of a third-rate theatrical troupe in Miami catches the attention of a Broadway songwriter. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Lucky Me
Doris Day stars as Phil Silvers partner in his Broadway show that is a flop called Parisian Pretties a long with 2 other people. Phil is a down and out person who is a looser and a free loader who depends on Doris for the rent and a lot of other things. Doris meets a famous screen wright while working at a HOTEL to pay off their big debt and when Phil finds out he tries to convince her to tell them about him and to try to get him to help them out and get them a chance in the big life. But Doris teaches Phil that the best way to get anywhere is to work for it! So they get into the play and turn from sad people to happy people and Doris finds love.

Suffers from Widescreen cropping
This film was made in Widescreen and it should be shown in its original format. All the production numbers take advantage of widescreen format and in this "pan-and-scan" video form they are "squeezed" in a way which does not do them justice. I was impressed by the beautiful "I speak to the stars" but the other production numbers were ruined by pan & scan. DVD please...

"Lucky" for us, it stars DORIS!!
"Lucky Me" was the next to last film under Doris Day's Warner Brothers contract. Although she has stated that she didn't believe in the project to the same extent that she'd believed in some of her prior films, you'd not know it while watching her performance.
While far from the best film made during her seven years on the Burbank lot, Miss Day is a delight. In technicolor and wide screen (The first musical to be so filmed), she looks a treat. Her performance is filled with spunk, vitality, exuberance and that unmistakable "Doris Day" glow that never seems forced or contrived. From the first moment we see her bouncing down the street letting loose with "The Superstition Song", we are sold. There's not a false moment in her performance. Her comic skills are given a chance to delight us, even if the script might not be as fresh as we might like. Vocally, she runs the gamut from the lovely "I Speak to the Stars" to "The Bluebells of Broadway". She gives every song the full treatment, again dispelling any displeasure she might have personally felt about this picture.
The cast work well together. Bob Cummings gives the same kind of smooth performance he gave opposite another blonde star, Betty Grable, a decade or so earlier. He seems ageless. Phil Silvers shows he can play more than Sgt. Bilko, and Nancy Walker, years before she started selling paper towels, reminds us of her musical-comedy roots. Eddie Foy, Jr., is amusing and Martha Hyer, who later married famed producer Hal Wallis and wrote (uncredited) the screenplay for the 1975 teaming of John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn, "Rooster Cogburn" is pretty window dressing.
The plot about a troupe of "down on their luck" performers, is not new. Since the inception of talkies it has been done by virtually every performer - male and female. This version doesn't add a lot of new twists. However, the cast play their roles with such conviction, you find yourself smiling at their antics and tapping your feet to the catchy songs.
"Lucky Me" didn't break box-office records when it was released but it deserves a better reputation than it has earned through the years. Thanks to Doris and company, the film is a lucky break for viewers!

DORIS AND LUCKY ME
I READ IN HER BIOGRAPHY SHE REALLY WASN'T UP FOR THIS FILM - IT IS A RATHER KOOKY FILM FOR HER BUT I JUST ENJOY ANYTHING SHE IS IN. HER SINGING IS MARVELOUS. I JUST WISH WE HAD MORE.

Very Good Doris Day Musical
This is a pretty cute film,one of Day's last 'fluff' musicals at Warner Bros.,and it is one of her least known (surprisingly). Day plays Candy Williams,an aspiring young showgirl trying to make her mark on Broadway.It is not working,as all Candy can do is work in the third rate musical revue called 'Parisian Pretties',run by a wisecracking joker (Phil Silvers) When Candy runs (literally) into the path of Broadway composer Jack Carson (Robert Cummings) it seems that her dreams will come true,when she is offered the lead in his upcoming production. Will she succeed?Wait and see! The songs include 'The Superstition Song','Men Men','High Hopes','I Wanna Sing Like An Angel','I Speak To The Stars','The Bluebells Of Broadway',and the Title Song. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Gene Wilder in wonderful form!
I first caught this little gem in the wee small hours of a Sunday morning, after a very late night out, on one of our main TV Networks here in Australia. I laughed so hard in many of the scenes and am still convinced it's probably one of Gene Wilder's best performances - similar at times to his wonderful take on Leo Bloom in the masterpiece 'The Producers'. It's a pretty simple tale of two close mates dealing with a series of problems that life has thrown up at them but handled so subtly and with great understanding for its characters. There's a great cast here in fine form including Ellen Burstyn, Chloris Leachman, Valerie Harper and a young Rob Reiner in a rather zany role as Gene Wilder's agent, who doesn't realise he's his agent. A very funny scene. Thursday's Game is a very perceptive and often hilarious look at famliy and friendship set against life in the Big Apple.I agree a re-make might be a good idea but I have the feeling it's the kind of story that sits very comfortably in the '70s.

Gene Wilder at his funniest and most poignant
I stumbled across this little gem in the wee small hours of a Sunday morning on one of the TV Networks here in Australia some 15 years ago and fell in love with its simple tale. Gene Wilder is probably in his finest form here and really strikes up a nice chemistry with Bob Newhart in the role of his very straight-laced poker playing buddy who's going through a mid-life crisis. Great cast including Ellen Burstyn, Chloris Leachman, Valerie Harper and watch out for a cameo by Rob Reiner as Gene Wilder's pretty zany agent, who doesn't realise he's his agent. Very funny scene. A low key little film but well worth the investment for its perceptive themes of friendship, family and life in New York. I agree a re-make would be a good idea but somehow this story sits too well in the '70's.

Enjoyable lightweight comedy
A forgotten TV Movie with an excellent cast, strong script and solid, if unexciting direction. Gene Wilder and Bob Newhart are two businessmen who continue to meet up in secret after their weekly poker game ends. Not a lot really happens and there is nothing earth-shattering, but it does a very nice job of examining marriage, love and life just before middleage. Written by James L. Brooks I am suprised no one in Hollywood has thought to create a remake. A great value at the price and if you have broadband internet access it can also be viewed for free from... ... Read more