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Light on story, this 1966 spectacle directed by John Frankenheimer was shot in 70 millimeter, with a cinematically enthralling emphasis on unique, visceral new ways of capturing the sensations of a car race. James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Yves Montand, and Toshiro Mifune are part of the stellar, international cast whose characters plod through assorted relationship and business conflicts. But the film's real hook is the thrilling and inventive means by which Frankenheimer (The Manchurian Candidate) brings an urgency to the drama happening on the racetrack. A true master of the plastic techniques of obtaining and cutting kinetic footage, Frankenheimer offers more than a joyride to viewers: he makes action part of the compelling language of stories. Cameras are strapped to vehicles as they round the track, shots are taken from a helicopter, the screen is split between angles for maximum impact--even if Grand Prix doesn't rank among the director's best character-driven stories, it is certainly driven on its own terms. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (53)

a classic and a must for race fans
John Frankenheimer broke new ground when he filmed "Grand Prix", putting cameras on single-seater cars and thus creating some of the most amazing footage ever shot of cars from that era. The movie is on the light side as far as the story development goes, and while James Garner is very convincing as an American grand prix ace, one has a harder time buying this sort of act from Yves Montand who plays the aging Ferrari driver. Eva Marie Saint is cast as a magazine journalist following the grand prix circus around Europe, trying to get a story - a storyline that was recently successfully resurrected in "Driven". Her lovestory with Montand is not exactly hot, but the highly dramatic race action in Monte Carlo, Spa, and Monza (they still used the famous banking of the autodromo in those days!)more than makes up for that. The film features cameo appearances of some of the era's greatest drivers like Graham Hill. Letter-boxed on a larger screen is the only decent way to completely enjoy the breath-taking cinematography of this classic.

Grand Prix starring James Garner
Grand Prix, the film, is an amazing documentary portraying grand prix racing in the late 1960's. James Garner plays an outstanding role as American driver Pete Aaron. With little dialogue and plenty of authentic race footage, Grand Prix can eaisly be quoted to be the best racing movie ever produced. John Frankenheimer took the racing fans image of early grand prix racing to it's greatest extreme and and made it into one of the first auto racing films ever to be produced. A production of this quality will never be recreated because of the manner in which it was made. The footage is real racing, not acting. Helicopters were flown down the straightways 15-20 feet above the cars during races. The FIA these days wouldn't let an aircraft within miles of the circuit, making a film with the action of Grand Prix impossible to duplicate.

Grand Prix
Having recently rediscovered Formula 1 racing on the Speed Channel, I went looking for the finest movie ever made concerning the Grand Prix, the movie of the same name. I was fortunate to have seen it in Cinemascope in a theater especially designed for just such movies - humongous curved screen, as fine a sound system as then available. I've watched the movie several times on the little box but it's never duplicated the original experience. I CANNOT BELIVE it is not yet available on DVD. If ever a movie deserved the DVD treatment this is it. The very finest movie of its kind - it accurately captures the essence of Formula 1 racing and is every bit as timely and viable a viewing experience as it was 38 years ago. If we pull together it will soon be available - I have no doubt.

Grand Prix, Grand indeed!
It has been said that this is the best racing movie ever made. It is.

No movie before or since has been able to capture the feeling and essence of racing in the 60's or any other era.

What director Frankenheimer does in this movie is still exciting even by today's standards.

Even though I am a huge Steve McQueen fan, Le Mans definitely takes second place to Grand Prix.

I was really excited to see the movie Driven with Stallone, until I saw it. All I kept saying to myself was "This is not even close to Grand Prix". Grand Prix has not only raised the bar, but has set it as well.

Do yourself a favor, don't rent, but rather buy this film and get ready for an education on how great movies were made and should be made.

Beware: Pan and Scan
Be aware that this is a Pan and Scan version of the film, a fact that is omitted in the product description. As a result, many scenes that were thrilling in Cinemascope and awkward here. Nonetheless, I fully concur with other reviewers - this is a must have film for car buffs and racing fans. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

*DVD* Please! Let's get these out on DVD!
I had a fabulous time today, having a molar extracted. You see, my wacky dentist has TVs on the ceiling, with VCRs, and he chose to show me a pair of "Dinosaurs" episodes, while he did his bloody work. It was SO hard not to just bust a gut laughing. (What was he thinking? He was laughing too!)

If the two episodes I saw are a good sample, this is a *wildly* funny show, just relentlessly hilarious -- with a bit of an "edge", if you'll excuse the cliche.

I'm ready to buy the complete series on DVD anytime -- after less than an hour, I'm an instant convert!

Love it!
This used to be on TV and I couldn't get enough of it! It's cute, teaches lessons with simple family and day-to-day situations. Love the themesong! You'll never be able to forget baby dinosaur's motto: "I'm the baby, gotta love me!"

Great for kids. Parents too.
This Movie has me still laughing. It's the best. Hopefully you will like it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Clint Eastwood (making his very assured directorial debut) is a poetry-spouting stud-muffin DJ stalked by a maniacally amorous fan after a misguided one-night stand in this enjoyably schlocky, undeniably effective film about good intentions gone murderously wacky. Although many of the very '70s trappings presented here may ultimately be too dated to be taken seriously (including a very self-indulgent jazz number and a hilariously gooey seduction number between Eastwood and Donna Mills), the core premise of infatuation taken out of bounds remains uncomfortably plausible--and was influential enough to be appropriated by one of the biggest hits of the '80s. (Here's a hint--it starred Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, and a very unfortunate bunny rabbit). A well-staged and occasionally very frightening thriller worth watching for Jessica Walter's peerlessly unhinged performance alone. Frequent Eastwood collaborator Don Siegel (director of Dirty Harry, Coogan's Bluff, and The Beguiled, to name but a few) has a nice cameo as Murphy, the mustachioed, chess-playing bartender. --Andrew Wright ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Into The Mist
Play Misty For Me is Clint Eastwood's directorial debut and it is an entertaining thriller about obsession that is a precursor for films like Fatal Attraction. Mr. Eastwood plays against type as a DJ Dave Garver, who works at a jazz station in Carmel, CA (The town where Mr. Eastwood would become the real life mayor ). Mr. Eastwood is usually the strong, silent type who seeks revenge or is an enforcer. In this film, he is a sensitive ladies man, who reads poetry on the air and plays jazz music. He is also the victim. He has what he thinks is a one-night affair with Evelyn Draper played by Jessica Walter. Evelyn claims that there's no strings attached, but that turns out to be the farthest thing from the truth. She stalks Garver, showing up unannounced at his home, at a bar he frequents and in one instance tries to kill herself in his bathroom. In the meantime, Garver is trying to get back together with his former girlfriend Tobie played by a young Donna Mills. Evelyn trashes Garver's house and almost kills his housekeeper, Birdie (Clarice Taylor) and is taken away by the police and put into an asylum. Garver thinks it's over, but Evelyn gets out of the asylum and there is one last chilling scene involving scissors and a knife. Mr. Eastwood uses the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula to great effect in the film, with wide shots of the rolling surf and picturesque sunsets. There is one odd montage in the middle of the film which is like a music video set to Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", in which Tobie & Garver roam through the landscape and end up in a secluded pond. The use of the two year old song in the film actually propelled it to number one on the charts and made a star out of the relatively unknown Ms. Flack. There is also a scene from the Monterey Jazz Festival with actual performances by Johnny Otis and Cannonball Adderley. The actors all give credible performances. Even though Mr. Eastwood is playing the sensitive type, he still exudes his famous cool. Ms. Mills is luminous and she is just fragile enough to be a victim. Ms. Walter is perfect as Evelyn. She plays the part of a psychotic, unhinged, scornful woman just enough over the top to be scarily believable, but not too over the top to become cartoonish. The film is a strong debut for Mr. Eastwood as a director and despite some dated material, the film holds up as an effective thriller.

A One Night Stand Gone Wrong
"Play Misty for Me" was Clint Eastwood's debut film as a director. He shrewdly had old friend and colleague, veteran director Don Siegel, who directed him in his box office winner "Dirty Harry," along as a potential backup if needed, giving him a role as bartender of the haunt the actor frequents as male lead in the film. Eastwood's idea to film "Misty" in his hometown, scenic Carmel in Northern California's Monterey Peninsula, was an excellent choice. It gave cinematographer Bruce Surtees an opportunity to take advantage of the visual beauty of the area, which he does with abundance, making the film a scenic pleasure to watch. Eastwood, a noted jazz lover, also shrewdly takes advantage of filming opportunities at the annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Playing a disc jockey in the film, we see time frames based on the number of days to the upcoming festival, which Eastwood plugs frequently. Lots of excellent firsthand shots of the festival are seen, while certain artists are observed showcasing their musical talents.

As for the plot, the story line is credible, sharply on point. Eastwood meets Jessica Walters one night at Siegel's bar after he has finished doing his show. He walks her home, learning she is the faithful fan who keeps requesting the Errol Garner classic, "Misty." When she makes herself available, he hesitates, revealing he is hung up on someone, namely Donna Mills, then away pursuing her art career in Sausalito. Walters responds that there is nothing wrong with them making love with no attachments, after which Eastwood agrees to what he wrongly believes is a one night stand.

Eastwood is ultimately smothered by the persistent and mentally disturbed Walters, who surprises him by showing up unannounced at his home shortly after their sexual escapade with a bag of groceries in her arms, declaring her intention of fixing him dinner. He tries repeatedly and vainly to shake her, his romance with Mills being jeopardized in the process. He even loses an opportunity to develop a musical program concept for an interested producer, Irene Hervey, after Walters, wrongly believing she has interrupted a date, launches a savage verbal assault on the other woman when she finds them lunching at a local restaurant. Eventually a frenzied Walters attacks and hospitalizes Eastwood's cleaning lady, Clarice Taylor, with a knife, after which both are hospitalized, in Walters' case being involuntarily confined for her mental problems.

Just when Eastwood believes he is rid of Walters for good he receives a call from her. She reveals she is at San Francisco Airport awaiting boarding of a flight that will take her to Honolulu, where a job awaits her following her release from the mental facility. Eastwood declares there are no hard feelings on his part, asks how she is feeling, and wishes her well.

As he goes back to playing records, agreeing to play Walter's last request, her favorite tune, "Misty," Eastwood begins reflecting on the lines from the poem Walters recited for him before ending their call. It was from Edgar Allen Poe's "Annabel Lee." Mills has told him that her new roommate is named Annabel. When he calls Mills the phone is answered by Walters, who has tied up Eastwood's girlfriend. She tells Eastwood she is waiting for him. Eastwood puts on an old tape and leaves the studio for Mills' Carmel Highlands residence and a fatal showdown with Walters, who intends to kill them both in her fitful rage.

This brutally realistic film paved the way for later movies displaying stark sexual realism such as Michael Douglas' two triumphs, "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct." My only qualm is that the violence could have been toned down in the case of the knife attack on Clarice Taylor without losing any drama or story impact. All in all, however, this is a gem combining a strong story that moves briskly with the dramatically beautiful scenery of one of the world's most captivating areas.

Good debut directorial!
Play Misty meant the forst movie of this talented folm maker. This one is a tense psychological thriller which opened the inspiration sixteen years later to Fatal atraction, Jessica Walter (Nominated as best dramatic actress in 1971 for the Golden Globe), gives a surprisingly role as never before , as the outrageous lover who literally remains obsessed with Dave Garver (Clint)a nigttime disc jockey who loves the jazz and receives all kind of calls by phone.
His affair is obviously unexpected , but it will lead to several bitter headaches and disturbing situation.
Well thriller , and stills keeps its expressive force.

What Clint Eastwood called,"The original 'Fatal Attraction'"
I first saw "Play Misty for Me" in the theatre way back in the early 1970's.Remember it well.It was a triple feature at the drive-in when tickets were around two bucks.That's something you don't see anymore,triple features,drive-ins and movie tickets for two bucks.Saw it recently on home video and the picture has held up rather well.Clint Eastwood plays Dave Garver, a late night DJ at a Jazz radio station in Carmel,California,(remember he was elected mayor there in 1986 in which he served a two year term in office). Jessica Walter gives a terrific performance as Evelyn Draper who is a big fan of Garver's radio program..Donna Mills is also very appealing as Garver's girlfriend Toby.It features fine cinematography by Bruce Surtees and a good score by the late Dee Barton.In an interview in 1988,Eastwood referred to "Play Misty for Me" as the original 'Fatal Attraction'".This was shortly after that picture came out and became a big hit.(Glenn Close was nominated for Best Actress for her role.She didn't win but she should have though.)"Misty" was made 16 years earlier and I thought it was just as good.The DVD edition has some interesting extra features too.

Some trivia for you,Steve McQueen considered the role of Dave but changed his mind.Eastwood made a long distance phone call to Roberta Flack to ask her permission to use her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in the film.Shortly afterward the tune became one of the biggest selling hits of the 1970's.In the top fifty best selling songs of the entire decade according to "Casey Casem's American Top Forty Countdown".Unfortunately "Misty" was not a hit at the box-office.It was a hit with many critics though.The screenplay was written by the late Jo Heims.She was a secretary at Eastwood's production company Malpaso.It was co-written by the late Dean Riesner who co-wrote the screenplay for "Dirty Harry".Eastwood's friend and mentor and frequent Director Don Siegel has a cameo as Murphy the bartender.A few months later the two went on to make "Dirty Harry".And,"Play Misty For Me" was Clint Eastwood's directorial debut.And,a very impressive one indeed.A preview of things to come.

Buy "Misty for" Yourself
Not only was this a SCARY, disturbing thriller, it was beautifully crafted and very well cast. Even the musical score played a part in the film (hence part of the title - "Misty") and Roberta Flack's romantic ballad "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". But with music aside, this movie did not have an ounce of predictability the way many thrillers have. Instead it presented originality, suspense, drama, and wonderful acting and directing all in one complete package. This movie even took at artistic view at the backdrop and scenery (set along the beautiful Monterey/Carmel, California coast). By incorparting all these elements made this film a true complete work of art. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I need the DVD. I need all the DVDs. How much do you want?
Considering all the myriad BAD business decisions they've been making lately (they *really* passed on distributing Moore's new film? WHEW, they're gonna regret that!) I guess we shouldn't be surprised that Eisner's Disney is hiding this great series in a sealed vault, as if it were a 20-year-old black-market shell of Sarin gas.

It just ain't fair. Why does one of the most poorly-managed corporations of the 90s/00s get to own such GREAT stuff?!?

As I said on another review . . . I think they're missing out on tapping the SIMPSONS/SOUTH PARK fan base. Idiocy! Bithering, numb-skulled, Bush-minded IDIOCY!!

GREAT concept/execution, VERY funny stuff
I want all these episodes on DVD. Come on!!

This is "classic" Disney fare, you know, it's made for kids but it's got humor that only adults will "get". I have four or five tapes with three episodes each. Great stuff. I want ALL episodes on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My Friend Loves This Video
My Friend Loves This Video After Watching It At A New Years Eve Party I Liked It. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fans of Sidney Lumet and screen adaptations of 20th-century literature may want to check out The Group, a relatively faithful film version of Mary McCarthy's seminalpost-graduate "campus" novel of the same name. The elliptical and rather familiar plot follows a group of young women--all classmates, friends, and recent graduates from a certain single-sex liberal arts college--as they face the inevitable pressures to sand the rough edges off their personalities and to surrender their independence to the men in their lives and the institutions they represent. Lumet(The Verdict,Dog Day Afternoon) lends to this tale his peculiar sense of lighting, pacing, and rich, captivating color, but he directs with a ponderousness and seriousness that the source material perhaps does not deserve, and certainly cannot comfortably withstand.The wedding-funeral framing device employed here is one we've all encountered before, and Lumet does not afford his young actresses much latitude of expression or interpretation.Particularly stiff (in her first film role, and, boy, does it show) is Candace Bergen; as Lakey Eastlake, the "beautiful one" among the friends, she's asked to provide a moral center for the story, yet her scenes are wooden and rarely develop any dramatic momentum. The lovely Elizabeth Hartman fares better as Priss, an innocent whose blunt sexual initiation still feels harrowing. Amid the gravity of the proceedings, an ensemble cast (which includes, among others, Joan Hackett, Shirley Knight, and Joanna Pettet) strains to replicate the searing wit of McCarthy's prose; and, in several winning scenes, the script preserves some fine examples of her dialogue. Nevertheless, the source novel--by no meansWar and Peace--doubtlessly would have benefited from a lighter touch. --Miles Bethany ... Read more

Reviews (2)

COMPELLING ODDITY
Sidney Lumet gives this movie a glossy sheen, and it is certainly dated with a sense of pretension. However, the story, about a group of lberal-educated women in the 30s/40s, is fascinating in its truly bold depiction of issues rarely raised in the movies of the 50s and 60s. The issues these women confront as they weave themselves into ordinary life play like a prequel to Valley Of The Dolls -- with some camp intact. Jessica Walter plays her frigid society girl to the hilt, while Shirley Knight has a gorgeous glow as perhaps the most humane member of the group. The costumes and art direction are much more 50s/60s than 30s chic -- and this detracts from the story, which is infinitely more compelling and even shocking knowing that these women -- who speak freely of communism and lesbianism -- are essentially products of a Depression-era college. Still, what fun to peek into the living quarters of these Manhattanites, and watch the soap suds rise.

Enjoyable, but not great
I doubt that any film can do justice to Mary McCarthy's spicy turns of phrases or her brilliant social insights. Given this parameter The Group is an enjoyable film. It is a little prudish when compared to the novel, but I imagine that it was bold for its period. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Tempting!
One might think that 'The Temptress' would be a mediocre film, but it is quiet good. The way the film has been shot, it seems like B-grade fare, but don't let that put you off. Kim Delaney does a fantastic job of playing Karen, and Chris Sarandon as Matthew is excellent. It may not be their best acting roles or movies in their career but 'The Temptress is a compelling and interesting film to watch, with a very nice love scene between Chris and Kim, which is a pleasure to watch. Anyone that is curious about this film, give it a chance.

Eye Candy and Mind Candy!
Kim Delaney, always a pleasure to watch, returns from a trip to India during which, without her conscious knowledge, she'd been "inoculated" with the strength of a Hindu female goddess. Among what follows is some pleasant-to-watch erotica. And, of course, a struggle.

It's not of Academy Award caliber; there were two scenes I would expect to see in a "B" movie. The rest, in my opinion, more than makes up for these two scenes.

Given what happened in New York on September 11th and America's response, this movie has a message about violence and non-violence. Don't look for it to be a simplistic message.

Spectacular and very pleasantly erotic movie!
If you are looking for a good movie to watch, then you must find a place to rent this or buy it. Because it will knock your socks off!

Nothing will distract you from the TV while watching.
Temptress was a creative film full of erotic mystisism. "Karen" is an about-face from Kim Delaney's role on NYPD Blue as the reserved Diane Russell. The story development was somewhat predictable and the final resolution at the end was rather quick but the film is full of action that will keep your eyes glued to the TV. This is Kim Delaney at her best. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

'THE FLAMINGO KID'
MATT DILLON OFFICIALLY BECAME A SUPERSTAR AS HE SHINES IN THIS SURPRISINGLY EFFECTIVE 1984 COMEDY. DILLON STARS AS A COLLEGE AGED BROOKLYN YOUTH WHO AGAINST HIS FATHERS (HECTOR ELIZONDO) WISHES LANDS A SUMMER JOB AT AN UPPER CLASS LONG ISLAND BEACH CLUB. THERE DILLON MEETS A SUAVE CAR DEALERSHIP OWNER (RICHARD CRENNA) WHO IS ALSO THE FAT CAT GIN RUMMY KING OF THE FLAMINGO BEACH CLUB. THERE ARE PLENTY OF LAUGHS AS WELL AS TOP NOTCH ACTING AND GREAT DIRECTING BY GARRY MARSHALL. LOOK FOR NICE SUPPORTING ROLES GIVEN BY JESSICA WALTER AND JANET JONES WHO WE DISAPPOINTINGLY NEVER REALLY SAW MUCH OF AFTER THIS SOLID PERFORMANCE.

Sweet Ginger Brown
Good coming of age movie set in 1963 about a guy, his Dad, and the bi wig aouto dealer and card shark. Plus you get to see one of the great butts in film history when Janet Jones in her film debut gets out of the pool.

"Dad, how many potatoes do you think you'll eat b4 u die?"
I fell on the floor with above line by Matt Dillon, to his father, perfectly played by Hector Elizando. And many other lines as well.

Dillon is a young impressionable kid from working-class Brooklyn who is in awe of the part played by Richard Crenna, a charming charlton. Dillon's character is swept up by wealth and the beautiful people and Crenna's character undoubtedly likes the attention. So Jeffrey hangs on to every word and goes home at night and repeats them. It doesnt take long for his true-to-his word father to catch on and call him on it.

The differences in class and values come to a head when Elizando and Crenna meet.

Funny and very entertaining.

Summer the way it used to be...
Whoa! Trip to yester year.... Matt Dillon is outstanding in one of his earlier and most memorable flicks. A great story well told, we learn that father really does "know best", and that the old-fashioned values are the only substantial anchor. Fisher Stevens as Hawk is awesome in his first "named" role. Also good is Janet Jones (better-known now as Wayne Gretzky's wife)--heaven only knows why she never received another significant role. Too bad the film was marred by a couple of iterations of the PG-13 word and a nude sex scene (sensitive body parts hidden...)--I would like to have shown this one to my kids.

Richard Crenna steals the show
Yes, Matt Dillon may "come of age" in this film, but Richard Crenna steals the show as a fat-cat owner of a car dealership who lies and cheats at gin and thereby teaches young Jeffrey Willis that all that glitters is not gold. A lovely bikini-clad Jessica Walter as Crenna's wife not only brings her impressive acting talent to this film, but also holds her own (at the age of 43) against the younger bathing beauties that populate the Flamingo Club. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Into The Mist
Play Misty For Me is Clint Eastwood's directorial debut and it is an entertaining thriller about obsession that is a precursor for films like Fatal Attraction. Mr. Eastwood plays against type as a DJ Dave Garver, who works at a jazz station in Carmel, CA (The town where Mr. Eastwood would become the real life mayor ). Mr. Eastwood is usually the strong, silent type who seeks revenge or is an enforcer. In this film, he is a sensitive ladies man, who reads poetry on the air and plays jazz music. He is also the victim. He has what he thinks is a one-night affair with Evelyn Draper played by Jessica Walter. Evelyn claims that there's no strings attached, but that turns out to be the farthest thing from the truth. She stalks Garver, showing up unannounced at his home, at a bar he frequents and in one instance tries to kill herself in his bathroom. In the meantime, Garver is trying to get back together with his former girlfriend Tobie played by a young Donna Mills. Evelyn trashes Garver's house and almost kills his housekeeper, Birdie (Clarice Taylor) and is taken away by the police and put into an asylum. Garver thinks it's over, but Evelyn gets out of the asylum and there is one last chilling scene involving scissors and a knife. Mr. Eastwood uses the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula to great effect in the film, with wide shots of the rolling surf and picturesque sunsets. There is one odd montage in the middle of the film which is like a music video set to Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", in which Tobie & Garver roam through the landscape and end up in a secluded pond. The use of the two year old song in the film actually propelled it to number one on the charts and made a star out of the relatively unknown Ms. Flack. There is also a scene from the Monterey Jazz Festival with actual performances by Johnny Otis and Cannonball Adderley. The actors all give credible performances. Even though Mr. Eastwood is playing the sensitive type, he still exudes his famous cool. Ms. Mills is luminous and she is just fragile enough to be a victim. Ms. Walter is perfect as Evelyn. She plays the part of a psychotic, unhinged, scornful woman just enough over the top to be scarily believable, but not too over the top to become cartoonish. The film is a strong debut for Mr. Eastwood as a director and despite some dated material, the film holds up as an effective thriller.

A One Night Stand Gone Wrong
"Play Misty for Me" was Clint Eastwood's debut film as a director. He shrewdly had old friend and colleague, veteran director Don Siegel, who directed him in his box office winner "Dirty Harry," along as a potential backup if needed, giving him a role as bartender of the haunt the actor frequents as male lead in the film. Eastwood's idea to film "Misty" in his hometown, scenic Carmel in Northern California's Monterey Peninsula, was an excellent choice. It gave cinematographer Bruce Surtees an opportunity to take advantage of the visual beauty of the area, which he does with abundance, making the film a scenic pleasure to watch. Eastwood, a noted jazz lover, also shrewdly takes advantage of filming opportunities at the annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Playing a disc jockey in the film, we see time frames based on the number of days to the upcoming festival, which Eastwood plugs frequently. Lots of excellent firsthand shots of the festival are seen, while certain artists are observed showcasing their musical talents.

As for the plot, the story line is credible, sharply on point. Eastwood meets Jessica Walters one night at Siegel's bar after he has finished doing his show. He walks her home, learning she is the faithful fan who keeps requesting the Errol Garner classic, "Misty." When she makes herself available, he hesitates, revealing he is hung up on someone, namely Donna Mills, then away pursuing her art career in Sausalito. Walters responds that there is nothing wrong with them making love with no attachments, after which Eastwood agrees to what he wrongly believes is a one night stand.

Eastwood is ultimately smothered by the persistent and mentally disturbed Walters, who surprises him by showing up unannounced at his home shortly after their sexual escapade with a bag of groceries in her arms, declaring her intention of fixing him dinner. He tries repeatedly and vainly to shake her, his romance with Mills being jeopardized in the process. He even loses an opportunity to develop a musical program concept for an interested producer, Irene Hervey, after Walters, wrongly believing she has interrupted a date, launches a savage verbal assault on the other woman when she finds them lunching at a local restaurant. Eventually a frenzied Walters attacks and hospitalizes Eastwood's cleaning lady, Clarice Taylor, with a knife, after which both are hospitalized, in Walters' case being involuntarily confined for her mental problems.

Just when Eastwood believes he is rid of Walters for good he receives a call from her. She reveals she is at San Francisco Airport awaiting boarding of a flight that will take her to Honolulu, where a job awaits her following her release from the mental facility. Eastwood declares there are no hard feelings on his part, asks how she is feeling, and wishes her well.

As he goes back to playing records, agreeing to play Walter's last request, her favorite tune, "Misty," Eastwood begins reflecting on the lines from the poem Walters recited for him before ending their call. It was from Edgar Allen Poe's "Annabel Lee." Mills has told him that her new roommate is named Annabel. When he calls Mills the phone is answered by Walters, who has tied up Eastwood's girlfriend. She tells Eastwood she is waiting for him. Eastwood puts on an old tape and leaves the studio for Mills' Carmel Highlands residence and a fatal showdown with Walters, who intends to kill them both in her fitful rage.

This brutally realistic film paved the way for later movies displaying stark sexual realism such as Michael Douglas' two triumphs, "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct." My only qualm is that the violence could have been toned down in the case of the knife attack on Clarice Taylor without losing any drama or story impact. All in all, however, this is a gem combining a strong story that moves briskly with the dramatically beautiful scenery of one of the world's most captivating areas.

Good debut directorial!
Play Misty meant the forst movie of this talented folm maker. This one is a tense psychological thriller which opened the inspiration sixteen years later to Fatal atraction, Jessica Walter (Nominated as best dramatic actress in 1971 for the Golden Globe), gives a surprisingly role as never before , as the outrageous lover who literally remains obsessed with Dave Garver (Clint)a nigttime disc jockey who loves the jazz and receives all kind of calls by phone.
His affair is obviously unexpected , but it will lead to several bitter headaches and disturbing situation.
Well thriller , and stills keeps its expressive force.

What Clint Eastwood called,"The original 'Fatal Attraction'"
I first saw "Play Misty for Me" in the theatre way back in the early 1970's.Remember it well.It was a triple feature at the drive-in when tickets were around two bucks.That's something you don't see anymore,triple features,drive-ins and movie tickets for two bucks.Saw it recently on home video and the picture has held up rather well.Clint Eastwood plays Dave Garver, a late night DJ at a Jazz radio station in Carmel,California,(remember he was elected mayor there in 1986 in which he served a two year term in office). Jessica Walter gives a terrific performance as Evelyn Draper who is a big fan of Garver's radio program..Donna Mills is also very appealing as Garver's girlfriend Toby.It features fine cinematography by Bruce Surtees and a good score by the late Dee Barton.In an interview in 1988,Eastwood referred to "Play Misty for Me" as the original 'Fatal Attraction'".This was shortly after that picture came out and became a big hit.(Glenn Close was nominated for Best Actress for her role.She didn't win but she should have though.)"Misty" was made 16 years earlier and I thought it was just as good.The DVD edition has some interesting extra features too.

Some trivia for you,Steve McQueen considered the role of Dave but changed his mind.Eastwood made a long distance phone call to Roberta Flack to ask her permission to use her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in the film.Shortly afterward the tune became one of the biggest selling hits of the 1970's.In the top fifty best selling songs of the entire decade according to "Casey Casem's American Top Forty Countdown".Unfortunately "Misty" was not a hit at the box-office.It was a hit with many critics though.The screenplay was written by the late Jo Heims.She was a secretary at Eastwood's production company Malpaso.It was co-written by the late Dean Riesner who co-wrote the screenplay for "Dirty Harry".Eastwood's friend and mentor and frequent Director Don Siegel has a cameo as Murphy the bartender.A few months later the two went on to make "Dirty Harry".And,"Play Misty For Me" was Clint Eastwood's directorial debut.And,a very impressive one indeed.A preview of things to come.

Buy "Misty for" Yourself
Not only was this a SCARY, disturbing thriller, it was beautifully crafted and very well cast. Even the musical score played a part in the film (hence part of the title - "Misty") and Roberta Flack's romantic ballad "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". But with music aside, this movie did not have an ounce of predictability the way many thrillers have. Instead it presented originality, suspense, drama, and wonderful acting and directing all in one complete package. This movie even took at artistic view at the backdrop and scenery (set along the beautiful Monterey/Carmel, California coast). By incorparting all these elements made this film a true complete work of art. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

a classic and a must for race fans
John Frankenheimer broke new ground when he filmed "Grand Prix", putting cameras on single-seater cars and thus creating some of the most amazing footage ever shot of cars from that era. The movie is on the light side as far as the story development goes, and while James Garner is very convincing as an American grand prix ace, one has a harder time buying this sort of act from Yves Montand who plays the aging Ferrari driver. Eva Marie Saint is cast as a magazine journalist following the grand prix circus around Europe, trying to get a story - a storyline that was recently successfully resurrected in "Driven". Her lovestory with Montand is not exactly hot, but the highly dramatic race action in Monte Carlo, Spa, and Monza (they still used the famous banking of the autodromo in those days!)more than makes up for that. The film features cameo appearances of some of the era's greatest drivers like Graham Hill. Letter-boxed on a larger screen is the only decent way to completely enjoy the breath-taking cinematography of this classic.

Grand Prix starring James Garner
Grand Prix, the film, is an amazing documentary portraying grand prix racing in the late 1960's. James Garner plays an outstanding role as American driver Pete Aaron. With little dialogue and plenty of authentic race footage, Grand Prix can eaisly be quoted to be the best racing movie ever produced. John Frankenheimer took the racing fans image of early grand prix racing to it's greatest extreme and and made it into one of the first auto racing films ever to be produced. A production of this quality will never be recreated because of the manner in which it was made. The footage is real racing, not acting. Helicopters were flown down the straightways 15-20 feet above the cars during races. The FIA these days wouldn't let an aircraft within miles of the circuit, making a film with the action of Grand Prix impossible to duplicate.

Grand Prix
Having recently rediscovered Formula 1 racing on the Speed Channel, I went looking for the finest movie ever made concerning the Grand Prix, the movie of the same name. I was fortunate to have seen it in Cinemascope in a theater especially designed for just such movies - humongous curved screen, as fine a sound system as then available. I've watched the movie several times on the little box but it's never duplicated the original experience. I CANNOT BELIVE it is not yet available on DVD. If ever a movie deserved the DVD treatment this is it. The very finest movie of its kind - it accurately captures the essence of Formula 1 racing and is every bit as timely and viable a viewing experience as it was 38 years ago. If we pull together it will soon be available - I have no doubt.

Grand Prix, Grand indeed!
It has been said that this is the best racing movie ever made. It is.

No movie before or since has been able to capture the feeling and essence of racing in the 60's or any other era.

What director Frankenheimer does in this movie is still exciting even by today's standards.

Even though I am a huge Steve McQueen fan, Le Mans definitely takes second place to Grand Prix.

I was really excited to see the movie Driven with Stallone, until I saw it. All I kept saying to myself was "This is not even close to Grand Prix". Grand Prix has not only raised the bar, but has set it as well.

Do yourself a favor, don't rent, but rather buy this film and get ready for an education on how great movies were made and should be made.

Beware: Pan and Scan
Be aware that this is a Pan and Scan version of the film, a fact that is omitted in the product description. As a result, many scenes that were thrilling in Cinemascope and awkward here. Nonetheless, I fully concur with other reviewers - this is a must have film for car buffs and racing fans. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A thought provoking movie
This film is a little rough around the edges. It was rushed into production shortly after the real event took place and this shows at times. However it is the subtle characterisations which shine through, none more so than the legendary Helen Hayes. It is worth watching the film purely for her performance. Whilst other cast members over do it a little miss Hayes makes her character moving and believable . If the scene where she reads the young girls letter to her parents out loud does not move you nothing will.

Not "Horrible"
I was so amazed when I learned of this event that I found and watched all three of the movies mentioned on this page: Victory at Entebbe, Raid on Entebbe, and Operation Thunderbolt. I have to disagree with one of the other reviewers of Victory at Entebbe.

First General Ariel Sharon is not portrayed in this movie. It is General Dan Shomron. Only the last name was used in the movie, so it was easy to mistake. Second, Was Yoni Netanyahu not shot from a tower? I was not there, but all three movies have it that way. Finally, this movie is not "horrible." Yes, some of the actors over do it, but it looks like they did the scenes in one take so we take what we get. It was done on video tape so it looks kind of like a soap opera. But just imagine you are watching a low budget play and give the actors break. It is a drama, and it is entertaining if you are not too critical.

The score, composed by Charles Fox, is very good. So if you have realized that music can make or break a movie, you will not be disappointed. Some scenes are powerful.

As for the other two movies, if you are really interested in this event, Raid on Entebbe is the best of the three. It was done on a bigger budget, and they apparently took their time doing it. It was written with entertaining dialog along with the technical military aspects of which Victory at Entebbe does not go into much detail. The musical score is effectively in the background and not very dramatic. This is the one to see if you want to pick one.

Operation Thunderbolt was made in Israel, so I was most interested to see this one. I was disappointed. The details of the military action were unique and interesting as were the terrorist techniques, but the rest of the movie was a rip off. There is very little dialogue (unless you understand German with no subtitles) to develop any of the characters other than the hero, Yoni Netanyahu. Stock footage of Rabin and Peres was used to make them a part of the movie. It was a joke. I had to laugh at that. Much of the time was wasted on people walking, setting up furniture, and other things that we don't need to see. But worst of all was the score. Although two or three parts had good music, the rest of the time it sounded like a kid was banging on a Moog synthesizer and an electric guitar. Bad music will ruin a movie.

As for Field Marshall Dr. Idi Amin Dada, he is pretty crazy in all three versions. In real life, partially eaten human remains were found in his freezer, so apparently he was.

Great Linda Blair movie!!
Linda Blair is the best in this movie! Besides that cute guy who plays her boyfriend she is the best in the cast! She was soo cute looking the only problem is she looked to much (and acted to much) like Regan Macniel the character he did a year later in the heretic! But thats ok! Even though when she was crying she sounded like a smurf (i'm sorry.. she did! :) ) Elizabeth Taylor is a little bit weird ("Chana take off the ribbon" i think she was sending that message to Linda Blair Telepathicly) It was sad when Chana had to go with the terrorists (Guess your box of chocalot can't save you this time lol).. The best part is when Chana and her boyfriend are talking about the army and hooking up (you'll see!) The only thing that was messed up is Linda Blair looks nothing like Elizabeth Taylor. The ending didn't answer any questions "Did her boyfriend die?" "What happened to that guy's mother?" Aside from the end this is a pretty good movie for any Linda Blair fan! And look for "Hannibal'a" Anthony Hopkins!

Horrific Movie
I have not seen 'Operation Thunderbolt' (I didn't even know it was about the Entebbe operation) but I have seen 'Raid on Entebbe' and I must say that it is the far superior of the three dramatizations of the events that took place in 1976.

Try to imagine everything that annoys you about made-for-television insta-movies. Bad characterizations. Gross artistic license. Competent actors and actresses phoning in their lines.

Let's start with bad characterizations. General Ariel Sharon has an American accent. Shimon Peres pours over a map of the operation and snarls "Does he [PM Yitzak Rabin] want to talk or does he want to fight?" like a surly American general. Julius Harris' portrayal of Field Marshall Dr. Idi Amin Dada is straight out of blaxploitation city. It is so over the top, he seems neither menacing or credible.

What about gross artistic license? Yoni Netanyahu gets shot in the back. He was actually shot through a door as he was about to kick it open. The whole raid took place in less than 5 minutes but in the movie, you see the commandos lulling around, talking on their motorollas...

The movie is swamped with bad B-movie actors and actresses (Linda Blair's horrific performance almost making the film unwatchable) but it is sad to see A list actors and actresses such as Anthony Hopkins (Yitzhak Rabin) trying to make their parts work. At least Hopkins attempts to feign a Hebrew accent.

Avoid this movie unless you like bad made-for-TV movies.

Fighting Back
In this post-September 11, 2001 climate we are now in, it is important to remember that there have been times in the not-too-distant past when people of decency have fought back against the barbarity of terrorism. Case in point: the Israeli government's lightning-quick raid to save more than one hundred of its own being held by Palestinian terrorists aboard a hijacked Air France airbus at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. It was an operation, nicknamed Thunderbolt, that resulted in few innocent lives lost and, justly, the deaths of the hijackers and their supporters.

The made-for-TV film VICTORY AT ENTEBBE, which somehow managed to get shot, edited, and aired within five months of the July 4, 1976 event, is the first of three films on the subject. It suffers a bit from the faults of being shot so quickly, in a studio, and on videotape (later transferred to film). But it somehow put together a massive all-star cast, one that includes Burt Lancaster, Anthony Hopkins, Elizabeth Taylor, Linda Blair, Helen Hayes, Kirk Douglas, Richard Dreyfuss, and Harris Yulin, among others.

The only actor in the cast who I found to be hammy was Julius Harris. His portrayal of the sadistic Ugandan president Idi Amin was uncharacteristically over-the-top. There isn't the kind of chilling menace that personified this most evil of African warlords of the time.

Despite this, VICTORY AT ENTEBBE is very faithful to this monumental event, and is worth looking over and contemplating after the horrors of 9/11. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Into The Mist
Play Misty For Me is Clint Eastwood's directorial debut and it is an entertaining thriller about obsession that is a precursor for films like Fatal Attraction. Mr. Eastwood plays against type as a DJ Dave Garver, who works at a jazz station in Carmel, CA (The town where Mr. Eastwood would become the real life mayor ). Mr. Eastwood is usually the strong, silent type who seeks revenge or is an enforcer. In this film, he is a sensitive ladies man, who reads poetry on the air and plays jazz music. He is also the victim. He has what he thinks is a one-night affair with Evelyn Draper played by Jessica Walter. Evelyn claims that there's no strings attached, but that turns out to be the farthest thing from the truth. She stalks Garver, showing up unannounced at his home, at a bar he frequents and in one instance tries to kill herself in his bathroom. In the meantime, Garver is trying to get back together with his former girlfriend Tobie played by a young Donna Mills. Evelyn trashes Garver's house and almost kills his housekeeper, Birdie (Clarice Taylor) and is taken away by the police and put into an asylum. Garver thinks it's over, but Evelyn gets out of the asylum and there is one last chilling scene involving scissors and a knife. Mr. Eastwood uses the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula to great effect in the film, with wide shots of the rolling surf and picturesque sunsets. There is one odd montage in the middle of the film which is like a music video set to Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", in which Tobie & Garver roam through the landscape and end up in a secluded pond. The use of the two year old song in the film actually propelled it to number one on the charts and made a star out of the relatively unknown Ms. Flack. There is also a scene from the Monterey Jazz Festival with actual performances by Johnny Otis and Cannonball Adderley. The actors all give credible performances. Even though Mr. Eastwood is playing the sensitive type, he still exudes his famous cool. Ms. Mills is luminous and she is just fragile enough to be a victim. Ms. Walter is perfect as Evelyn. She plays the part of a psychotic, unhinged, scornful woman just enough over the top to be scarily believable, but not too over the top to become cartoonish. The film is a strong debut for Mr. Eastwood as a director and despite some dated material, the film holds up as an effective thriller.

A One Night Stand Gone Wrong
"Play Misty for Me" was Clint Eastwood's debut film as a director. He shrewdly had old friend and colleague, veteran director Don Siegel, who directed him in his box office winner "Dirty Harry," along as a potential backup if needed, giving him a role as bartender of the haunt the actor frequents as male lead in the film. Eastwood's idea to film "Misty" in his hometown, scenic Carmel in Northern California's Monterey Peninsula, was an excellent choice. It gave cinematographer Bruce Surtees an opportunity to take advantage of the visual beauty of the area, which he does with abundance, making the film a scenic pleasure to watch. Eastwood, a noted jazz lover, also shrewdly takes advantage of filming opportunities at the annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Playing a disc jockey in the film, we see time frames based on the number of days to the upcoming festival, which Eastwood plugs frequently. Lots of excellent firsthand shots of the festival are seen, while certain artists are observed showcasing their musical talents.

As for the plot, the story line is credible, sharply on point. Eastwood meets Jessica Walters one night at Siegel's bar after he has finished doing his show. He walks her home, learning she is the faithful fan who keeps requesting the Errol Garner classic, "Misty." When she makes herself available, he hesitates, revealing he is hung up on someone, namely Donna Mills, then away pursuing her art career in Sausalito. Walters responds that there is nothing wrong with them making love with no attachments, after which Eastwood agrees to what he wrongly believes is a one night stand.

Eastwood is ultimately smothered by the persistent and mentally disturbed Walters, who surprises him by showing up unannounced at his home shortly after their sexual escapade with a bag of groceries in her arms, declaring her intention of fixing him dinner. He tries repeatedly and vainly to shake her, his romance with Mills being jeopardized in the process. He even loses an opportunity to develop a musical program concept for an interested producer, Irene Hervey, after Walters, wrongly believing she has interrupted a date, launches a savage verbal assault on the other woman when she finds them lunching at a local restaurant. Eventually a frenzied Walters attacks and hospitalizes Eastwood's cleaning lady, Clarice Taylor, with a knife, after which both are hospitalized, in Walters' case being involuntarily confined for her mental problems.

Just when Eastwood believes he is rid of Walters for good he receives a call from her. She reveals she is at San Francisco Airport awaiting boarding of a flight that will take her to Honolulu, where a job awaits her following her release from the mental facility. Eastwood declares there are no hard feelings on his part, asks how she is feeling, and wishes her well.

As he goes back to playing records, agreeing to play Walter's last request, her favorite tune, "Misty," Eastwood begins reflecting on the lines from the poem Walters recited for him before ending their call. It was from Edgar Allen Poe's "Annabel Lee." Mills has told him that her new roommate is named Annabel. When he calls Mills the phone is answered by Walters, who has tied up Eastwood's girlfriend. She tells Eastwood she is waiting for him. Eastwood puts on an old tape and leaves the studio for Mills' Carmel Highlands residence and a fatal showdown with Walters, who intends to kill them both in her fitful rage.

This brutally realistic film paved the way for later movies displaying stark sexual realism such as Michael Douglas' two triumphs, "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct." My only qualm is that the violence could have been toned down in the case of the knife attack on Clarice Taylor without losing any drama or story impact. All in all, however, this is a gem combining a strong story that moves briskly with the dramatically beautiful scenery of one of the world's most captivating areas.

Good debut directorial!
Play Misty meant the forst movie of this talented folm maker. This one is a tense psychological thriller which opened the inspiration sixteen years later to Fatal atraction, Jessica Walter (Nominated as best dramatic actress in 1971 for the Golden Globe), gives a surprisingly role as never before , as the outrageous lover who literally remains obsessed with Dave Garver (Clint)a nigttime disc jockey who loves the jazz and receives all kind of calls by phone.
His affair is obviously unexpected , but it will lead to several bitter headaches and disturbing situation.
Well thriller , and stills keeps its expressive force.

What Clint Eastwood called,"The original 'Fatal Attraction'"
I first saw "Play Misty for Me" in the theatre way back in the early 1970's.Remember it well.It was a triple feature at the drive-in when tickets were around two bucks.That's something you don't see anymore,triple features,drive-ins and movie tickets for two bucks.Saw it recently on home video and the picture has held up rather well.Clint Eastwood plays Dave Garver, a late night DJ at a Jazz radio station in Carmel,California,(remember he was elected mayor there in 1986 in which he served a two year term in office). Jessica Walter gives a terrific performance as Evelyn Draper who is a big fan of Garver's radio program..Donna Mills is also very appealing as Garver's girlfriend Toby.It features fine cinematography by Bruce Surtees and a good score by the late Dee Barton.In an interview in 1988,Eastwood referred to "Play Misty for Me" as the original 'Fatal Attraction'".This was shortly after that picture came out and became a big hit.(Glenn Close was nominated for Best Actress for her role.She didn't win but she should have though.)"Misty" was made 16 years earlier and I thought it was just as good.The DVD edition has some interesting extra features too.

Some trivia for you,Steve McQueen considered the role of Dave but changed his mind.Eastwood made a long distance phone call to Roberta Flack to ask her permission to use her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in the film.Shortly afterward the tune became one of the biggest selling hits of the 1970's.In the top fifty best selling songs of the entire decade according to "Casey Casem's American Top Forty Countdown".Unfortunately "Misty" was not a hit at the box-office.It was a hit with many critics though.The screenplay was written by the late Jo Heims.She was a secretary at Eastwood's production company Malpaso.It was co-written by the late Dean Riesner who co-wrote the screenplay for "Dirty Harry".Eastwood's friend and mentor and frequent Director Don Siegel has a cameo as Murphy the bartender.A few months later the two went on to make "Dirty Harry".And,"Play Misty For Me" was Clint Eastwood's directorial debut.And,a very impressive one indeed.A preview of things to come.

Buy "Misty for" Yourself
Not only was this a SCARY, disturbing thriller, it was beautifully crafted and very well cast. Even the musical score played a part in the film (hence part of the title - "Misty") and Roberta Flack's romantic ballad "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". But with music aside, this movie did not have an ounce of predictability the way many thrillers have. Instead it presented originality, suspense, drama, and wonderful acting and directing all in one complete package. This movie even took at artistic view at the backdrop and scenery (set along the beautiful Monterey/Carmel, California coast). By incorparting all these elements made this film a true complete work of art. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A thought provoking movie
This film is a little rough around the edges. It was rushed into production shortly after the real event took place and this shows at times. However it is the subtle characterisations which shine through, none more so than the legendary Helen Hayes. It is worth watching the film purely for her performance. Whilst other cast members over do it a little miss Hayes makes her character moving and believable . If the scene where she reads the young girls letter to her parents out loud does not move you nothing will.

Not "Horrible"
I was so amazed when I learned of this event that I found and watched all three of the movies mentioned on this page: Victory at Entebbe, Raid on Entebbe, and Operation Thunderbolt. I have to disagree with one of the other reviewers of Victory at Entebbe.

First General Ariel Sharon is not portrayed in this movie. It is General Dan Shomron. Only the last name was used in the movie, so it was easy to mistake. Second, Was Yoni Netanyahu not shot from a tower? I was not there, but all three movies have it that way. Finally, this movie is not "horrible." Yes, some of the actors over do it, but it looks like they did the scenes in one take so we take what we get. It was done on video tape so it looks kind of like a soap opera. But just imagine you are watching a low budget play and give the actors break. It is a drama, and it is entertaining if you are not too critical.

The score, composed by Charles Fox, is very good. So if you have realized that music can make or break a movie, you will not be disappointed. Some scenes are powerful.

As for the other two movies, if you are really interested in this event, Raid on Entebbe is the best of the three. It was done on a bigger budget, and they apparently took their time doing it. It was written with entertaining dialog along with the technical military aspects of which Victory at Entebbe does not go into much detail. The musical score is effectively in the background and not very dramatic. This is the one to see if you want to pick one.

Operation Thunderbolt was made in Israel, so I was most interested to see this one. I was disappointed. The details of the military action were unique and interesting as were the terrorist techniques, but the rest of the movie was a rip off. There is very little dialogue (unless you understand German with no subtitles) to develop any of the characters other than the hero, Yoni Netanyahu. Stock footage of Rabin and Peres was used to make them a part of the movie. It was a joke. I had to laugh at that. Much of the time was wasted on people walking, setting up furniture, and other things that we don't need to see. But worst of all was the score. Although two or three parts had good music, the rest of the time it sounded like a kid was banging on a Moog synthesizer and an electric guitar. Bad music will ruin a movie.

As for Field Marshall Dr. Idi Amin Dada, he is pretty crazy in all three versions. In real life, partially eaten human remains were found in his freezer, so apparently he was.

Great Linda Blair movie!!
Linda Blair is the best in this movie! Besides that cute guy who plays her boyfriend she is the best in the cast! She was soo cute looking the only problem is she looked to much (and acted to much) like Regan Macniel the character he did a year later in the heretic! But thats ok! Even though when she was crying she sounded like a smurf (i'm sorry.. she did! :) ) Elizabeth Taylor is a little bit weird ("Chana take off the ribbon" i think she was sending that message to Linda Blair Telepathicly) It was sad when Chana had to go with the terrorists (Guess your box of chocalot can't save you this time lol).. The best part is when Chana and her boyfriend are talking about the army and hooking up (you'll see!) The only thing that was messed up is Linda Blair looks nothing like Elizabeth Taylor. The ending didn't answer any questions "Did her boyfriend die?" "What happened to that guy's mother?" Aside from the end this is a pretty good movie for any Linda Blair fan! And look for "Hannibal'a" Anthony Hopkins!

Horrific Movie
I have not seen 'Operation Thunderbolt' (I didn't even know it was about the Entebbe operation) but I have seen 'Raid on Entebbe' and I must say that it is the far superior of the three dramatizations of the events that took place in 1976.

Try to imagine everything that annoys you about made-for-television insta-movies. Bad characterizations. Gross artistic license. Competent actors and actresses phoning in their lines.

Let's start with bad characterizations. General Ariel Sharon has an American accent. Shimon Peres pours over a map of the operation and snarls "Does he [PM Yitzak Rabin] want to talk or does he want to fight?" like a surly American general. Julius Harris' portrayal of Field Marshall Dr. Idi Amin Dada is straight out of blaxploitation city. It is so over the top, he seems neither menacing or credible.

What about gross artistic license? Yoni Netanyahu gets shot in the back. He was actually shot through a door as he was about to kick it open. The whole raid took place in less than 5 minutes but in the movie, you see the commandos lulling around, talking on their motorollas...

The movie is swamped with bad B-movie actors and actresses (Linda Blair's horrific performance almost making the film unwatchable) but it is sad to see A list actors and actresses such as Anthony Hopkins (Yitzhak Rabin) trying to make their parts work. At least Hopkins attempts to feign a Hebrew accent.

Avoid this movie unless you like bad made-for-TV movies.

Fighting Back
In this post-September 11, 2001 climate we are now in, it is important to remember that there have been times in the not-too-distant past when people of decency have fought back against the barbarity of terrorism. Case in point: the Israeli government's lightning-quick raid to save more than one hundred of its own being held by Palestinian terrorists aboard a hijacked Air France airbus at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. It was an operation, nicknamed Thunderbolt, that resulted in few innocent lives lost and, justly, the deaths of the hijackers and their supporters.

The made-for-TV film VICTORY AT ENTEBBE, which somehow managed to get shot, edited, and aired within five months of the July 4, 1976 event, is the first of three films on the subject. It suffers a bit from the faults of being shot so quickly, in a studio, and on videotape (later transferred to film). But it somehow put together a massive all-star cast, one that includes Burt Lancaster, Anthony Hopkins, Elizabeth Taylor, Linda Blair, Helen Hayes, Kirk Douglas, Richard Dreyfuss, and Harris Yulin, among others.

The only actor in the cast who I found to be hammy was Julius Harris. His portrayal of the sadistic Ugandan president Idi Amin was uncharacteristically over-the-top. There isn't the kind of chilling menace that personified this most evil of African warlords of the time.

Despite this, VICTORY AT ENTEBBE is very faithful to this monumental event, and is worth looking over and contemplating after the horrors of 9/11. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This underground comedy pairs two well-known actors with unique comic timing between them in a story of pursuing dreams amidst harsh realities. Two luckless life-long friends and suddenly unemployed security guards (Tim Robbins and John Cusack) seek to fulfill a lifelong dream try their hand at music-video production. Along the way they encounter the worst the music and television business has to offer, falling victim to a few scams and all the while clinging to their unbeatable optimism. Finally they hit upon an idea to resurrect a long-dead 1960s group, with predictably disastrous results. Blues legends Junior Walker and Sam Moore make appearances, and the soundtrack is a treat, featuring the likes of Bo Diddley and Devo. As a satire of the video age, it's hit and miss, but enough comic moments exist between the two leads to make Tapeheads an interesting diversion. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Truly Different Comedy That Dares To Take Chances
Tapeheads tells the story of two guys looking to make it big in music videos who inadvertantly, and unwittingly get mixed up a greater scandal involving a pornographic video starring a presidential canidate. As another review pointed out, the humor is in no way subtle or clever in the truest sense of the word, but then again it's not sophomoric or dirty either. The fact of the matter is that this movie is really unlike many other comedies I have ever seen. Miniscule comparrisons to films like Better Off Dead are possible I suppose (though maybe its simply John Cusacks appearance in both films which brings the movie to mind) but all in all, you're really not likely to see anything like this again for a very long while.

The performances are of course terrific, as Cusack and Robbins really let loose and go wild on screen, sacrificing almost anything for a joke. Sometimes the jokes work, sometimes they dont, but it doesn't matter because you will be so enamoured with the strangeness of film to complain about those few moments that don't quite turn out right. And the ones that do - well I cant say you'll be rolling on the floor, because again, its bizzare enough so that you'll probably simply be struck with some unsure smile for the duration of the movie, but then you'll watch it again... and again... and again.

Why? Because, it's a film thats genuinely different. And honestly, how many movies can you really say that about? Not many.

A parody for the ages
This movie showcases the talents of Michael Nesmith mirroring the same quirky humor that made the "Monkees" television show so hilarious. The central focus of this movie is the growing music video industry during the eighties. This movie is a parody of the what the industry was like and how to two guys could make it big. John Cusak and Tim Robbins play two buddies that have dreams of making it big in the video business. They each contribute their own brand of humor. John is the slick entrepenuer and Tim is the naive but talented producer. After getting fired they decide to go into the video business. They find the business to be challenging but never allow themselves to give up. They are motivated by their love for the "Swanky Modes" (Sam Moore and Junior Walker). Nesmith uses so many funny little quirks throughout this movie that you will need to watch it at least two more times to catch everything. Each time you watch it, it gets funnier and funnier. The film is strengthened by a cast of cameos by artists such as Ted Nugent and Don Cornelius as "Moe Fuzz, President of Fuzzball Records". The film also boasts a great soundtrack. This movie is a must for anyone's collection if you are a fun of quirky humor like "Airplane" and even the "Marx Brothers".

AMAZINGLY INEPT MOVIE
Based on these reviews I thought to try a genre I'd not explored.
Ohmy, never again. Suggestion: Critically read reviews; going back
after viewing TAPEHEADS I saw clues to the inept, shallow, silly,
awkward, amateurish nature of this faulty flick.

"Any ordinary man wouldn't think twice..."
First off, I adore this movie. Both Tim Robbins and John Cusack are, to quote Rik from "The Young Ones", BWILLIANT!!! The cast, the music, the dialogue and everything else about this film is totally turbular (... yes, even though I am from New York AND the 80s are over, I still talk like a Valley Boy...)! Some of the funniest scenes in the movie are how Josh and Ivan's music videos are taken directly from videos that we have all seen on MTV (when there was still "M" in MTV). My personal favourite was their tribute to Duran Duran's video "Is There Something I Should Know?" The whole video is in black and white and then a small child throws a ball that is in colour (orange). I gave a happy sigh when I saw that scene. Anyway, that's all Pat has to say in this review. Right now, I am jonesing for some Vanilla Quik so, I must away. Ciaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaao!

Brilliant multilayered deadpan satire, that not all will get
A wildly uneven, early Cusack and Robbins comedy that you will either love or hate. As a cohesive whole it's not that much of a movie, but the deadpan satire, the quotable lines, the cameos, the skits, and the layer after layer of pop culture in-references make this movie a trivia buff's dream. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Intensely funny and tastefully tasteless
"Slums of Beverly Hills" is one of those rare movies that exceed the boundaries of good taste yet causes all of us to laugh secretly at the "I've-been-there-before" scenarios. The cast is headed by Natasha Lyonne, a great newcomeer with cherubically large eyes that can look right through you. No one else would have been better for this part. She plays the daughter of