Reviews (15)

A JOKE!!!
I saw the 1997 movie and would give it 1 star, but this movie cannot go below 1 star. I'd prefer giving this joke 0 stars!!

How Could They Do This?
Oh god, how could they do this? If you havent got the original cast of a film, then dont make a seaqull using the same names!

This movie could have worked, and just been an average movie to me. But they had to use the name Makilister. The name from the original 2 movies that starred Macully Culklin. Why oh why oh why would you try to pull off a brand new set of cast as the same people that made the original box office hit's over ten years ago?

The kid in this film looks nothing like the original Kevin Micalister, who resembles Culklin in now way, not to mention he's about 3 foot shorter, 2 pounds larger, and 10 times as less intelegent. Then they tried to pull off the parent's of the first 2, which look nothing like them either, nor did French Stewart trying to be Harry, who was original Daniel Sterns charactor.... they looked nothing like the originals, they didnt act anything like the originals, and why oh why would they even try to use the same name's of the charactors?

If they had have given them new names, and try'd to pull this off as beeing a completly different fammily then the Macalisters, then it could have been an OK, 2 or 3 star movie. But when your sickend by whoever's idea it was to use the same name, and expect the audience to be dumb enough to go with it, then it get's 0 star's.

YOU DO NOT TRY AND SELL A MOVIE AS BEEING THE SAME CHARACTORS AS THE ORIGINAL, IF THEY ARE NOT THE ORIGINALS, OR DONT EVEN RESEMBLE THE ORIGINAL ACTORS

If they beleive they have made a good movie here by using the original name's, then they might as well make a 5th seaqull to bury the franchise, and get a fully grown Chris Rock to play Kevin Macilster and Leslie Neilson to play the mother, Rosie O'Donnel can be the father, the brother can be played by the rapping granny from The Wedding Singer, and we can get a new guy to play the old man from part 1? hmmm.. maybe Jim Carey? they can expect the audience not to notice the diffrence in age appearence and persinalty to take your mind away from the bad casting arrangment's.

the movie could have worked if it was maybe a different fammily name, and not supposed to be the same fammily as 1 and 2's..or maybe even if they made it a cartoon? But dont mess with classic, reciginised names and charactors and expect people to buy into it? Whoever had that idea made a very big mistake.... ignore the fact that there supposed to be the same fammily, and that the kid is supposed to be Maculy Culklin, and you still will see it's not a great movie anyway. But it was a horrible idea to use the same name's, at least part 3 had a chance, because it wasnt meant to be the same kid!

On a final note: Just look at the rip-off and ridicules price they want for this film?! Then look at how many + how much, used copys are going for!?!?!?! The movie isnt even worth watching for free~!

French Stewart spoiled this film
I would just love to launch into an abusive diatribe over this film, but I'll make the effort to restrain myself. Personally, I thought it was pathetic. This was not so much the lack of Macaulay Culkin in the role of Kevin. I thought the new kid did an okay job. At least he could act.
However, what completely and utterly ruined this for me was the use of French Stewart as Marv. Now, I'm sorry, but no one will ever equal Daniel Stern's performance as Harry's dopey sidekick. The facial expressions were hysterical, where French Stewart is a one-expression actor: squinty.
That is all he seems to know how to do - squint. Perhaps it's a throwback to his days on 3rd Rock, but if they just had to try to cash in on the Home Alone franchise one more time, why, oh why did they have to choose Stewart as the bad guy?
I'm sorry, I'm starting to rant.
Moving on:
The acting from the rest of cast is actually quite decent, and some of the stunts are funny enough to get some good laughs.
The movie follows the typical Home Alone plot. Child is left alone, for whatever reason. Child uncovers dastardly plot. Child foils dastardly plot, employing various lethal techniques. Child makes friends with social outcast. Child reunites otherwise dysfunctional family in time for end of movie.
Admittedly, they have attempted to provide H.A.4 with a twist or two, particularly involving the bad guy/s. But the decision to have Mother & Father McAllister separated, and Father A. shacked up with a rich girlfriend...? The only plus out of that was the 'automatic house' which Kevin so abely worked to his advantage.
Disasters are aplenty in this movie, the same as with its three predecessors, but unless you're a devoted French Stewart fan, I'd recommend renting this one only. Because the guy is just so damn wooden in his performance, it's painful to watch. (His one-dimensional acting spoiled a potentially good film in Inspector Gadget 2, as well)
Rent if you will, but otherwise don't waste your money.

Why? Why? Why?
By now, most people agree that "Home Alone 1" was/is a classic holiday comedy. I mean, come on, who can ever forget Macaulay Culkin's "AAGGHHH!" face after putting on the after shave? "Home Alone 2" was great, as well. It introduced America to the Talkboy voice recording unit. But instead of going out on a good note, they had to keep pushing their luck. And "Home Alone 3" was just... ugghhh. No Macaulay, no Joe Pesci, no Daniel Stern, no McAllisters. Just another little snotty kid (who went on to have no movie career... at least Macaulay did a couple of other movies after HA 1&2) and some other stupid would-be robbers (one of which looking like David Schwimmer). And now this... I can't even find the words. Now they have some OTHER little punk kid trying to be Macaulay!!!!

WHAT!?!??!

That's like someone other than Dan Castellaneta doing the voice of Homer Simpson!! (Well, perhaps not that drastic, but you get the idea.) I wouldn't care about this movie (or at least not enough so to write a review), but it has the "Home Alone" title attached. WITHOUT MACAULAY CULKIN, JOE PESCI, AND DANIEL STERN, IT IS NOT - I REPEAT, NOT - HOME ALONE. Seriously, no more! Let the series die peacefully. Now, while it still might have a shred of dignity left. Anyway, avoid like the Noid. He ruins pizzas. HAH!!!

Seriously, do not view or buy this. Stick with 1 & 2 instead.

Who on their right minds thought of this?
This so called 'fourth' installment in the "Home Alone" movie series is the biggest joke in a movie series since "Batman and Robin" from six years before then. This movie is a disgrace to the 1990 original and the 1992 sequel and even to 1997's "Home Alone 3".

Everything that came together on the first two in the series completely is rearranged and the timeline is altered but the result is totally disastrous on every level. Not even having one's brain turned off for a while is enough to make one enjoy this weak fourth edition.

The acting is increidbly weak by everyone involved. Not to mention how they completely remade the McCallister family. The large extended family of Kevin was a riot to watch and although a bit obnoxious at times, it was funny watching Buzz get ticked off when he saw a bill for 986 dollars at the ending of the "Lost In New York" movie from 1992. "Home Alone 4" robs the family of all of it's charm by making them into just a nuclear family.

Even the plot is utterly pointless with Kevin's parents spitting up and his father living with a new girlfriend at a rich mansion and Kevin stayign with him for Christmas but the mansion is robbed by would-be thieves but the slapstick jokes don't work on this movie. One scene is totally unrealistic where a faucet is left on to stop the thieves and the kitchen almost looks like an aquarium and is totally flooded. Hello! In real life, the water would just seep through cracks on the floors and walls and cause water damage to much of the structure. Plus it's impossible to turn a house into a human aquarium because the overflowing water would simply flood the room, and then the adjacent room and flow outside. You're house is far more likely to become totally filled with water if a flash flood occured (I.E. Hurricane or a large dam failed).

The villain thieves are just incredibly devoid of any character and come off as being obnoxious, crass, petty and awfully stupid. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern were perfect for playing Kevin's adversaries in the first two movies but whoever these clowns here who play them, their acting is weak and it sure looked like they were ready to leave the set.

So this movie was a low-budget flick but even then, all of that money allotted into making this movie is utterly wasted in it's making. Whoever thought up of this should've looked at James Cameron's 1984 classic "The Termintor" to see how a low budget movie is made right!

This movie is completely unworthy of one's time. Even the awkward "Home Alone 3" was miles above this rubbish! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Indiscreet is Indescribable!
Indiscreet is one of my favorite Cary Grant movies of all time!
Ingrid Bergmand & Cary Grant are at their all time most charming selves in this light-hearted romantic comedy. Bergman, who has shown her talents in suspenseful thrillers such as Notorious, is surprisingly outstanding in comedy! Will Anne (Bergman) who plays a famous stage actress and Phillip (Grant) an international financier get together? In the course of finding out, you will be delighted with the amusing interactions & banter which so accurately characterize men & women in romantic relationships. Ingrid Bergman is stunning and stylish and her apartment is to die for. Grant is debonair and charming as always. The lines in this movie are timeless! A favorite scene includes watching Grant dance with Bergman at a ballroom type function. This is a movie you can watch again & again and love even more each time.

A nice romantic comedy...
Although this is not one of my all-time favorites, it is still a funny and charming film. In many ways, it is not as good as many of Cary Grant's earlier screwball comedies...but that can also be a matter of personal taste. The script is not as witty and frantic as the screwball comedies, but the movie is more romantic and is given a real sense of warmth by the affectionate behavior of Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.

Essentially, Indiscreet is the story of a romance between actress Anna (Ingrid Bergman) and diplomat Philip (Cary Grant). There are several surprising twists and turns, and to explain anything more would be to give too much away.

Anyhow, one reason Indiscreet is such a nice film is that the real life friendship and warmth between Cary and Ingrid comes though very well, and they are very believable together! Indiscreet also has several funny scenes, especially the one in which Cary does a hysterical tap dance at a fancy ball. The two stars seem to be having fun, and you will too while watching them. This film is good for the whole family, and is very enjoyable: highly recommended.

A GREAT DUO STARS IN AN ELEGANT COMEDY.
Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman are always delightful to see in a movie, because they were two of the greatest actors of their era. "Indiscreet" isn't the typical romantic comedy, because it's much more subtle than that kind of movies. Cary Grant appeared in a lot of excellent comedies like "Bringing Up Baby", "His Girl Friday" or "The Philadelphia Story" to name a few, but Ingrid Bergman wasn't the usual choice to cast in a comedy, perhaps because her specialty were the dramas ("Casablanca", of course). Well, despite that Ingrid did a great work in "Indiscreet".

In this movie our classy duo must overcome adversities of all kind, and to be honest, I didn't laugh out loud with "Indiscreet", but I was interested in the plot at all time. Perhaps a different casting would have resulted in a very standard movie, but Cary and Ingrid can make a good movie even better.

So if you are interested in movies where Cary Grant appears, or you are interested in Ingrid Bergman's filmography, well, "Indiscreet" is a good choice. Good movie.

Warning - watch out for this one!
This is a great film. Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman really click and it's a shame they only made two films together. However, I can't recommend buying this particular VHS release of Indiscreet. Hello! - it's recorded in the EP (SLP) mode and also letterboxed and a lot of quality is lost - very blurry. Strange that the other films in the Cary Grant Collection released by Republic are recorded in standard SP, digitally remastered and all that. This one is strictly for the bargain bin at K-Mart.

Also disappointed by DVD quality
I was excited by this movie coming out on DVD because this is a wonderful movie but the quality of the DVD picture and sound was awful. The content of this movie is 5 stars, as far as I am concerned, but the quality of the DVD is 1 or 2 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A fisherman chases a mermaid, she "temporarily" stows hernewborn on a boat, the owners find the baby, and thus begins youngCody's life on land. Fast-forward to the kid's 13th birthday when hestarts growing scales and sparking electricity. (Of course, that wouldmake it the 14th year, but who's counting?) His swim-team stardom isthreatened, his girlfriend is puzzled, and the nerdy brainiac who can'tswim turns out to be his best ally. This tale of a popular dude whoturns into a mer-boy and finds his undersea self--and biologicalmother--began life as a Disney Channel movie and stars Dave Coulier(TV's Full House) as the adoptive dad. Don't look for deeplessons during this 88-minute lark; it's strictly for fun. (Ages 5 andolder) --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Great Made For T.V. Movie!
I Love Disney Channel Original Movies! They are good movies for the whole family! This one is about Cody. His parents found him on a boat and adopted him. Now he's 13 and going through some pretty big changes. Not only is he getting taller, voice getting deeper, and getting hormones, his hands are becoming sticky, getting electricaally charged, and his skin keeps growing scales! The class nerd tells him he's turning into a mer-man! He also tries to help him. When Cody's real mom appears (she's a mermaid), Cody must choose between a life on land, or the sea. Teaches kids about family and friends. Rent it today!

The thirteenth year
An excellent Movie. If there were a possible 10 stars I would give it ten. It is not worth the new price,but you should definitely rent it or buy a used one. The preformance of the actors is 200% It is the story of a young couple who find a baby boy on their ship and adopt him. When Cody (the baby) turns 13 he expects for hormones to change,Shave, and his voice to change like every other kid,but instead he starts get fish scales,is able to breath underwater,has eletricity in he hands,starts sticking to walls, and all this is happening when he is trying to win over his crush Sam. The smart kid in his class tells him he is a mermaid, but he refuses to beleive him.He is also on the swim team and is the second fastest, and he finds out he can not swim without turning into a fish. When he meets his birthmother he must choose between land or water.

cute and funny enough to ignore the corniness.
My little sister and I saw this Disney Channel movie in a hotel room, and she loved it so much I bought it for her. It's too bad that it costs so much now. This movie about a boy discovering who he really is (a merman) is wonderful for children, and also for adults, as long as they don't expect something more than a made for tv movie aimed at kids. It has its fair share of cheese, and the special effects aren't great, but it's good for a few laughs and a fun 90 minute distraction. I'd have to give it five stars, based mainly on sentimental value. But don't take my word on it. It's worth renting and seeing for yourself.

One of the BEST!!!
This is an excellent all round movie! It has some important hidden messages about the complications of growing up and shows these messages in a humorous way. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and definatly think it's worth seeing. I don't think that the movie is worth its new price of $95.95 though. Buy it used or just rent it. I was lucky, I bought the movie new for only $13.99 when it just came out. It's too bad there can't be a sequel though. Even though Chez Starbuck, who played Cody, did an amazing job there is no way around the fact that he was only a few months away from his 18th birthday by the time the movie was finished. You have to admitt that it was pretty obviouse Chez was not just turning 13. He would be much to old if a sequel were done. Now, in the year 2004, Chez is aproaching his 21st birthday.

Not bad...but I got sick of it real fast
This movie is about a teenager named Cody Griffin (Chez Starbuck). He was left on a boat by his mermaid mom when he was a baby, and his adoptive parents found him. Now, when he turns 13, he starts getting some strange symptoms: always thirsty, sticky hands and feet, electric current coming from him, and scales on his hands when he gets wet. His friend Jess (Justin Jon Ross) tells him that he's a merman, but Cody doesn't believe it. He goes to the state swimming championship with his swim team (but sneaks out to do so) and breaks a state record, as well as giving his teammate Sean a full view of his secret. Meanwhile, he's also having trouble with his girlfriend Sam (Courtnee Draper) and getting more and more freaked out by this merman thing.
This movie is not bad, but not good either. I got really sick of it pretty fast. It is definitely not worth [the money]! Who would pay that much for any movie? This movie has a great performance by Dave Coulier as the dad of Cody, and he evens manages to be funny. He was awesome. The other actors were great too. This movie deals with every adolescent issue I could thing of except drugs and alcohol, etc. You should see this for fun and a look at real teenage life (which doesn't include merpeople). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Terrific first season episodes!
Volume 17 has episodes "The Quadripartite Affair" and "The Giuoco Piano Affair", both which appeared on Man from UNCLE's first season and are one of the first episodes. The Man from UNCLE series is one of my favorite TV series ever to watch! The main characters are Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn, "Bullit" and "The Magnificent Seven") and my favorite the enigmatic and quiet Russian, Illya Kuryakin played to perfection by actor David McCallum (another great movie with him is "The Great Escape").

EPISODE 3 "THE QUADRIPARTITE AFFAIR": In Yugoslavia, Marion Raven's (Jill Ireland) father is killed because of his discovery of a plot to overthrow governments with the use of a fear gas. Gervaise Ravel (Anne Francis) and Harold Buffington (John Van Dreelen) are behind the plot and have Marion to be watched. Also working for them is Colonel Adam Pattner, (Richard Anderson, from "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "The Bionic Woman" series). Solo and Illya are assigned to find out where the fear gas is being made and to destroy it along with the help of Marion and native Yugoslavian Millan Horth (Roger C. Carmel).

Great episode and this is the first Man from UNCLE tape that I bought. Illya Kuryakin fans will most definitely love this episode since he gets to do a lot, plus he gets a love interest. The thing is that Marion, Jill Ireland, is in real life David McCallum's wife (though unfortunately she doesn't seem to act or do very well in this episode). Besides this episode, she will later on play in also "The Tiger Are Coming Affair" and "The Five Daughters Affair". And since this affair was supposed to be a two-parter with "The Giuoco Piano Affair" but was made into two separate episodes, she will return in her role as Marion Raven along with the same villains Ravel and Bufferton. We also get to see May Featherly as the beautiful UNCLE agent Heather McNabb, who occasionally appeared on UNCLE's first season episodes, one example "The Neptune Affair".

EPISODE 7, "THE GIUOCO PIANO AFFAIR": Gervaise Ravel (Anne Francis) and Harold Buffington (John Van Dreelen) are back again and on the run. UNCLE wants to get them once and for all. Napoleon concocts a plan to use Marion Raven (Jill Ireland) as bait for them. At first Marion is dead set against it but with a little persuasion from Illya (she really does like him!), agrees to help. According to plan, Marion is kidnapped by Ravel and Buffington to be used as a bait to get the UNCLE agents. Of course Napoleon and Illya are ready to catch the crooks and save Marion.

In my opinion, I like this episode better then The Quadripartite Affair. The title of this episode comes from the chess move called the Giuoco Piano where the players force the Queen to make her move (but of coures the White Knight, Illya, comes to the rescue!!!).Jill Ireland does a much better job in this episode, acts her parts just right and says her lines to perfection. She plays a little stronger role, especially in the beginning where she argues with Illya. Throughout the whole episode you can tell she's trying very hard to get Illya's attention! The humor is great and some of the best scenes are both the beginning and end party scenes at Marion's apartment. Some of the guests you can tell are Richard Donner (UNCLE director as a drunk), Norman Felton (UNCLE creator as a chess player), Sam Rolfe (UNCLE pilot scriptwriter as a Texan) and associate producer Joseph Calvelli (UNCLE writer as a writer). When asked how it felt to direct himself, Richard Donner said with a tongue-in-cheek answer, "I was the most versatile actor I've ever worked with" (trivia from "The man from UNCLE book" by John Heitland).

I very much highly recommend this Man from UNCLE Volume 17. For other good first season episodes, I also recommend Volume 1 which includes "The Project Strigas Affair" and "The Never Never Affair". Volume 3 has also two very good second season episode's included, "The Deadly Toys Affair" and "The Minus X Affair". But I should say that all of UNCLE's episodes are good!

Illya and Napoleon try to stop Harold and Gervaise
Volume 17 of the "Man from U.N.C.L.E." videotape series contains a pair of first-rate episodes from the first season, both directed by Richard Donner. Actually, it is a two-part story, but the two parts did not come in consecutive episode, which is certainly a nice touch. "The Quadripartite Affair" (#3, October 6, 1964), is the first episode where Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum) takes the lead. Four conspirators are trying to seize power in an Eastern European country. Gervaise Ravel (Anne Francis) and Harold Buffington (John Van Dreelen) are the couple running the plan, while McCallum's then wife, Jill Ireland, plays Marion Raven, the innocent young woman caught up in the whole thing. Illya has to over come a fear-inducing gas and while he does derail the plot, the evil couple escapes. The fight continues in "The Giuoco Piano Affair" (#7, November 10, 1964), and is actually the better of the two episodes. Certainly it is the funnier of the pair, especially since Marion gets to have an adventure with Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn), while still being sweet on Illya, as his partner tries to finish off the villainous love birds. Meanwhile, Harold and Gervaise are having their own problems since he thinks she does not love him as much as he loves her, even though he finances all her evil plans. You have to love master criminals with marital problems. This is also my favorite title in the series; it refers to the gambit in chess where you force an opponent to move out their Queen. Of course, it describes the plot perfectly, but it is also just a very neat idea. In these episodes everything just clicks.

The Quadripartite Affair and The Giuco Piano Affair
These two episodes were at first going to be made into a two parter but was changed to two different episodes. The two episodes has lots of Illya and his former wife, Jill Ireland. Their both great, and so is Napoleon. I love the party scenes at Marion Raven's (played by Jill Ireland) house in the Giuco Piano Affair!

These episodes for any Illya fan!
The Quadripartite Affair and the Giuoco Piano Affair is a must see! For those who love Illya will enjoy them. Jill Ireland is very funny in the Giuodo Piano affair. I love the party scenes! You'll laugh at the funny parts!

not the best but better than average
These two episodes were filmed and telecast as separate episodes but fit easily into one two-hour show as they were filmed to be released as a two-hour theatrical film. While they don't represent the best efforts of the first season, which was clearly the show's best, they are nevertheless superior to anything in the second and third seasons and much of the fourth. The best scene is Solo's attempt to track Ann Francis on a yacht during a party. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

a musical fantasy
The series of films titled "The Composer's Specials", are in large part fiction, but are intended to introduce young people to classical music. In "Bizet's Dream", despite an inane script, and a few scenes that are so slow they seem to come to a standstill, there are some standout features: Marvelous cinematography by Barry Stone, on location in the Czech Republic, the magnificent music, played by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, and Yseult Lendvai. Ms. Lendvai is the Prima Ballerina of the Stuttgart Ballet, and her all too fleeting appearances are a joy. Had all 53 minutes of this film been of her dancing to Bizet's gorgeous Carmen score, this would have been a 5 star masterpiece, as it is, it narrowly fits into a 4 star category.

The cast is attractive, with Maurice Godin as Bizet, and Brittany Madgett as his 12 year old student, and as the artist Delaborde, R.H. Thomson is amusing and engaging.Though this is supposed to be a "film for the whole family", parents should be aware that it is depicting 19th century bohemian Parisians, with much wine drinking, and permissive behavior, though that is balanced perhaps by being able to introduce children to the fabulous music, the Czech National Ballet, and even a little opera...and of course, Ms. Lendvai, who is pure grace and style.

NOT a must buy!
This movie doesn't teach a thing about Bizet! His opera Carmen was also a little carried away! Only a stupid love story! Definetely do not purchase this movie!

Carmen and love !
Aye Chiuaha this movie gives me a fever the sex the music and the storyline I mean if you want music done you want great cast check you want great storyline Oh yes check !This is one of my fave Composer videos ! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

may we never forget Bataan
Some of the most horrific events of WWII occurred in the Pacific Theater, and this film touches on what happened in Bataan, where tens of thousands of U.S. and Philippine soldiers died in captivity, either on the infamous Death March, the appalling POW camps, or the hell-ships.
At the beginning and ending, this film briefly shows some of the survivors, though it is "sanitized", and the men have some flesh back on their bones.

John Wayne is terrific as Colonel Madden, who organizes the resistance fighters, and does his own stunts, some of which must have left him muddy and bruised.
Anthony Quinn is also excellent as Captain Bonifacio, the leader of the Filipino guerillas. Both Wayne and Quinn are at their most handsome and heroic, and make a fine cinematic pairing.

Though the script is sometimes stilted, it is based on actual events and people, and was written as history was happening, taken from the daily newspapers to the screen.
Edward Dmytryk's direction is well paced, and Max Steiner's "stock music" was used, along with an original score by Roy Webb.

Much in this film can be said to be "propaganda", as it is "good vs. evil", with no subtleties or gray areas, but these were the days when Hollywood and patriotism were compatible, a sentiment that filmmakers seem to have lost, and a time that seems long gone.
May we never forget the souls who bravely fought for freedom and suffered so much in Bataan.

Just a little patriotism involved
Back to Bataan is a flag-waving patriotic movie that was filmed and released as WWII was drawing to a close. The story is about the Filipino people and their fight for freedom from their Japanese oppressors. This is very obvious patriotism with the Japanese portrayed as cowardly murderers and the Americans as noble freedom fighters. John Wayne stars as Colonel Joe Madden, the man selected to help organize the Filipino guerilla movement. His small company wreaks havoc on the Japanese forces in the Phillipines as the war progresses. The young Duke is very good in his role as Madden with Anthony Quinn also excellent as Captain Andres Bonifacio. Also starring are Beulah Bondi, Lawrence Tierney, Vladimir Sokoloff, and Paul Fix. This is a very good movie that shows a part of the war many people do not know about. Check this one out to see an exciting, well-told, adventure story. Classic Duke!

Back to Bataan: The Last of the
With the end of the Second World War close at hand, Hollywood was taking no chances as it continued to churn out patriotic, flag-waving war movies, most of which featured John Wayne. In BACK TO BATAAN, director Edward Dmytryk does showcase Wayne along with Anthony Quinn as both pay homage to the inspired loyalty of the Philipino men and women who risked their lives to aid the Americans against the Japanese. BACK TO BATAAN is an old-fashioned war film, of the kind that has not been filmed since then. In addition to the heroics of the American leads, it features a sterling cast of slanty-eyed Japanese villains to boo and hiss and stalwart Filipinos to cheer. Phillip Ahn and Richard Loo (both ethnic Chinese) play moustache-twirling Japanese officers who speak fluent if not accented English as they spin out their lines of threats and entreaties backed by more threats. Vladimir Sokoloff, a veteran of scores of films, here plays an unassuming school principal who refuses to haul down the American flag when ordered to do so. He is hanged for that, but his body, cleverly draped by the Stars & Stripes, is an unabashed symbol of solidarity between American and Philipino. Ducky Louie, as the schoolboy Maximo, is equally heroic as one who could not spell 'liberty' correctly but whose death proved that he full well understood its meaning. What BACK TO BATAAN shows is Hollywood's contemporary paen to America that the patriotism that is nowadays derided as colonialistic and left-wing jingoistic was then seen as a necessary adjunct to a war that had the bad guys on one side and us on the other.

A so-so Hollywood war film...
A hearty, but hamfisted, formulaic WWII propaganda film about the liberation of the Phillipine Islands from the Japanese occupation, loosely based on contemporary history. Future McCarthy snitch Edward Dymytrk directs; a handsome young John Wayne is the white guy who organizes the guerilla resistence, and Anthony Quinn is cast in one of his many "ethnic" roles, as the grandson of a legendary Filipino political figure, who is now called upon to lead their people to freedom. Although there's plenty of "good neighbor policy" talk about the nobility and can-do spirit of the Filipino people, this jingoistic, bluntly-scripted film is mostly pretty patronizing... And of course, the "Japs" are just pure, conniving evil. The script is pretty action-packed, though... if you like shoot-em-ups, this is OK, if you don't think too much about it. Really nice B&W cinematography.

Realistic and Innovative Filmmaking
This is an excellent film about Filipino guerillas fighting the Japanese during W.W.II. A highlight of this film is the black and white photography of realistic combat scenes filmed by cinematographer Nicholas Musuraca and directed by Edward Dmytryk. These were exciting and ahead of their time. John Wayne as Colonel Joe Madden and Anthony Quinn as Captain Andres Bonifacio give inspirational performances. The cast also included Beulah Bondi, Richard Loo, Lawrence Tierney, Paul Fix and Vladimir Sokoloff. This is one of my favorite war films of the period. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Jules Dassin (Night and the City, The Naked City) fashioned this breezy and intricate 1964 thriller with a sly comic bent, and it enjoyed international popularity and became an influence for other high-toned European caper films. Peter Ustinov (Spartacus, Death on the Nile) won an Academy Award for his performance as a hapless driver, clueless to the plans of his cohorts, two jewel thieves who plan to steal a priceless dagger from the Topkapi museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Maximilian Schell (Deep Impact, Judgment at Nuremburg) and Melina Mercouri (The Victors, The Gypsy and the Gentleman) play the jet-setting thieves, who choose a motley band of amateurs instead of pros in order to throw off the authorities. But when Ustinov is apprehended by the cops, he agrees to act as a spy in order to thwart the robbery.Eventually, Ustinov must choose between saving his own hide and remaining loyal to the seductive Mercouri as the machinations of the robbery become ever more complex. Sleek and entertaining, Topkapi is filled with intrigue and thrills at every turn. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great movie, but truly lousy MGM DVD transfer
This '60s heist movie sparkles, dazzles, and charms with its strong international cast, story adapted from an Eric Ambler mystery novel, and typically great direction from Jules (Rafifi) Dassin. Dassin gets a truly captivating performance from his wife Melina Mercouri as a thief obsessed with stealing the Topkapi emeralds, and an Academy Award-winning comic turn from Peter Ustinov. This was my favorite movie of all time when watching it on tv as a child. I waited a while to see it on DVD. Sadly, MGM seems to have transferred the movie through a vat of mud. The source print is faded and looks lousy. The movie is great, as is the theme song.

Wonderfully entertaining, with great Ustinov performance
One of my favorite films, and quite possibly the most entertaining caper movie of all time. A jewell thief (Melina Mercouri) has her heart set on a fabulous emerald-encrusted dagger. The priceless object is being kept at the high-security Topkapi Museum in Istanbul. Mercouri enlists the aid of sometime lover (and professional thief) Maximilian Schell to devise and execute an intricate plan of stealing the dagger. Schell assembles a team that includes Robert Morley as an inventor and electronics expert, and Peter Ustinov as a small-time con man who doesn't realize that he's part of the scheme. Ustinov is persuaded to spy on Mercouri's group by Turkish authorities who think the gang members are terrorists, but he is eventually made aware of the actual intentions of the thieves. The first few minutes of TOPKAPI may lead you to believe that you're in store for one of those hopelessly fluffy "comedies" of the 60's. But don't be fooled. From the moment the jovially frantic music score is played over the opening credits, rest assured that you're about to be treated to a light-hearted, fast-paced movie that expertly combines humor, suspense, and thrills. The international cast is great, but Peter Ustinov is especially delightful to watch in the role that won him the 1964 Oscar for best supporting actor. As Arthur Simpson, a shifty yet sympathetic character who gets used by just about everyone in the film, Ustinov easily steals the movie (although Akim Tamiroff also has his share of funny moments as a drunken cook). This film has all the elements for a first-rate piece of entertainment: an engaging cast, exotic locales, good dialogue, and artful direction by Jules Dassin whose earlier work in RIFIFI partly inspired this movie. TOPKAPI is a wonderfully entertaining motion picture that should appeal to everyone.

DVD Widescreen Transfer Is Perfect
I must elaborate more on the reviewer who said that the transfer to DVD looked like it had been dragged through a vat of mud. I had the movie on VHS tape and knew what to expect of it. The reviewer may have only noted the first 6-7 minutes of the movie which I would call a dream sequence with shades of different colors around the screen. Once this sequence is over, the movie is normal and the transfer to DVD which I rented was perfect. The movie was just as it is on my VHS tape but of better quality, of course.

Topkapi
This is in the end a good caper movie and maybe worth watching because its possible a lot its elements have been emulated in other films like the Pink Panther, Mission:Impossible and Entrapment.
It is a jewel theft caper involving a hypersensitive floor security system, where you drop in from the roof. I am not giving anything away that isn't in the trailer. But it is stuff you have now seen many times before. The gymnastics and plotting of how that is carried out is the variance. There is some pretty good tension in pulling off the crime.
As in any movie like this, whether you like it depends a lot more on whether you like the characters. And this is the point where the film gets a little iffy for me. This is the first Melina Mercouri I have seen. So I don't have the perspective of years prior knowing what a great beauty she was. I am going to get in trouble for calling it as I see it her. Melina Mercouri is an attractive enough older woman but well past her prime and trying and failing to hide it behind hair died from silver gray to blonde and heavy mascara and eyeshadow. But perhaps she is merely past her prime and just unapologetic and sassy about it.
The effect is the same. She is a little grotesque.Maximillian Schell on the other hand is a truly handsome and suave as the organizer of the plot.
Peter Ustinov is cute. As a fairly early role you see him here developing a lot of his most popular affectations that will serve him well in future roles. This production seems a little low budget and doesn't show off his distinctive voice and mannerisms as well as a film with more deft camera direction and better sound can. The stalwart British character actor Robert Morely as the inventor is very good. Also on the team is a brutish strong man who seems to have little purpose in the film who is partnered with an acrobat who cleverly mimes most of his part because he is a mute.
Ordinarily I don't have much trouble making allowances for the style of films of the various decades but Topkapi has a style that to me seems particularly dated and tips the hand of its minimal budget badly. There are many filler shots of the marketplace and locals of Istanbul that aren't particularly interesting and slow the pace of the film down. Also the image and sound is of marginal quality and frequently dubbed though it is an english speaking film.Its not out of synch but it has that odd unnatural feel to it. If you mind has the mental alacrity to make allowances for this its a clever enough film to keep you entertained. But I can't imagine anyone under 25 raised on modern production values not being a little antsy and impatient deciphering some of the slightly muffled heavy accents of the international cast.

Certainly a better film than Entrapment. I think overall the film is merely OK. Either of the Ocean's Eleven films does has a more entertaining ensemble cast and are more fun to watch in this genre.

rififi....
A band of thieves, assembled by a deliciously intent Mercouri, attempts to steal a fabulous emerald-encrusted dagger from the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul. The utimate theft is depicted in a long sequence reminiscent of his earlier heist scene-but this time with considerably more levity. Dassin assembled a flawless cast of charming rogues and charlatans, including Peter Ustinov in an especially humorous performance that earned him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. If you are not a WT, then it is a very nice movie for you.... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Maggie, Maurice and Marilyn take stock of their lives
The fourth season of "Northern Exposure" opened with "Northwest Passage" (September 28, 1992), which refers to Maggie's depression over her 30th birthday as she becomes obsessed with the idea she is growing old and is missing out on life. Joel, of course, provides no comfort whatsoever, so by way of a solution Maggie enacts an Indian ritual to put her past to rest. Meanwhile, Maurice has commenced working on his memoirs and Marilyn has asked poor Chris to teach her how to drive. Written by Robin Green, "Northwest Passage" was directed by Dean Parisot. Nothing spectacular happens in this episode, which makes it an interesting choice for inclusion in this video collection, but it does give a nice character study of the M characters of Maggie, Maurice and Marilyn, which, obviously, is the point. This one is for true fans of "Northern Exposure," and not the casual viewer.

Maggie Reaches a Crossroad
This episode is so important to those who are dealing with the inevitable "sands of the hourglass" reaches certain years of our lives. Maggie is turning the big "3-0" and wants to have closure with her past dead boyfriends and sets out alone to purge them only to find, in a fever- induced hallucination, that they all blame her for their downfall! Meanwhile, back in Cicely, the ever pompous Maurice is driving everyone crazy recording his memoirs and Chris ends up literally driving Marilynne crazy as she takes driving lessons from him. Marilyne decides to walk and Joel saves Maggie and tenderly stays with her in the hospital with a kiss on the forehead. A sweet glimpse of things to come.....

it is great
like it so much but my cable company take out the chanel where I see i ... Read more

Reviews (10)

U.N.C.L.E. family fun...
THE MAN from U.N.C.L.E. was one of the '60's most popular shows.
Robert Vaughn and David McCallum essayed the "We Spy" team of Napoleon Solo and Illa Kuryakin. Leo G. Carroll--formerly of TOPPER fame--was UN spy master who sent them off to weekly
adventures parodying 007 films which had captured imaginations of the cinema-watching world. Despite "cool head" humor of both Vaughn and McCallum, and appealing sang froid/savoir faire they brought to their characters, the material now strikes as dated in many instances. Not so VOLUME 1. THE STRIGAS AFFAIR,is U.N.C.L.E. at its witty best. Along with genuinely clever plot twists to ensnare war-mongering Werner Klemperer(Colonel Klink of HOGAN'S HEROES),there is a typical series gimmick of featuring classy guest stars. In this instance, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy of STAR TREK fame.

Episode 2,THE NEVER-NEVER AFFAIR is also serious fun with Barbara Feldon (Agent 99)of GET SMART facing-off against THRUSH, U.N.C.L.E. series' SPECTRE clone led --this time--by Caesar Romero. Some think the best of the BOND spy parodies was OUR MAN FLINT. Some think it was--and remain--Peter Sellers' Jacques Clousea, PINK PANTHER adventures. It's a debate of weight to be sure. Nevertheless: if you were a series fan; thought you were one; or wanted to be part of the U.N.C.L.E. family; Volume I is...in my estimate...a blank-filled, but on target sure-shot.

a great review for a great show!
If you love action, twists, and humor all rolled into one, get this video!! The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Vol. 1 is a great example of how the 60s reinvented cool! In this volume, the episodes are "The Project Strigas Affair" and "The Never Never Affair".

In the "Project Strigas Affair" William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy delight us with their first great performance together.(even though they were only in a couple scenes together)The episode sorta has a "Mission Impossible" feel to it. It's full of twists and schemes. We also see Illya test out some of his disguises! A must see!

"The Never Never Affair" has to be my FAVORITE episode of the whole series! In this episode Barbara Feldon (Agent 99 on "Get Smart") guest stars as the innocent Many Stevenson who longs for the glamour and excitment of espionage. Mandy bugs Napoleon to his breaking point, but instead of a real mission he gives her a fake one with the "Evasion Pattern Eight".(You sorta feel sorry for the girl.)He gives her a humadore(spelling?) and tells her to ask a guy at the tobbaco store to open it. Of course, she misleads a scientest into thinking she is a real courier and is handed a microdot(which she cleverly hides). This episode shows how they used humor in the series. My favorite parts were 1.)When Illya and Napoleon go into the movie theater and shoot it out with THRUSH, a guy gets shot and stands in front of someone. The person goes, "Hey, Down in front!"(the dead guy falls into a seat), "Thanks!" 2.)When Mandy goes throughout the streets thinking she's a REAL spy.3.) When Cesar Romero questions her on what the humadore is: CR:"It looks like a hum. and even smells like a hum., what is it?" MS:"Um, ah..humadore?(laughs)" 4.) The Over- The-Shoulder shot!
To make this simple(too late) get this video! You won't be disappointed!

One Of The Best One
This Is the best that i have seen.
Soom of the others i would just like one on the videos but i love them all

The Project Strigas Affair and The Never Never Affair
"The Project Strigas Affair" and "The Never Never Affair" are what I think are the best episodes in all of UNCLE's episodes. You just have to watch these two episodes if you love "Man from UNCLE".

Episode 9 "The Project Strigas Affair": Though usually UNCLE doesn't get involved in politics, Mr. Waverly asks Napoleon and Illya to make some 'diabolical scheme' to bring down a certain Balkan intelligence chief Kurasov (Werner Klemperer), who is trying to enflame America and U.S.S.R. tensions. Kurasov's assistant is (Leonard Nimoy). Napoleon and Illya (him disguised as a KGB spy), with the help of bankrupt couple, (William Shatner and Peggy Ann Garner), make up a fictional gas to catch Kurasov's attention: the gas named Strigas. * This has one of the best plots of all the UNCLE episodes. There are plenty of twists and turns, humor when needed, yet serious at some places. This is another episode of many which shows Illya as the master of disguises. This is the first time for the secondary villain, Woodrow Parfey, to play in the Man from UNCLE show. He would be playing in many more episodes in the time to come. This is also the first time for Star Trek William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy to act together. One of my favorite parts in the show is when says, "But that's absolutely diabolical," to which Napoleon replies, smiling, "We try."

Episode 25 "The Never Never Affair": Mandy Stevenson (Barbara Feldon) is an UNCLE Portuguese translator who wants excitement. Napoleon Solo feels sorry for her so he send her out on a fake mission to get Waverly's tobacco and Mandy mistakenly takes an important microfilm that THRUSH is after. Napoleon and Illya search the streets looking for her before THRUSH gets to her. Eventually, Mandy and Napoleon are caught by THRUSH leader Victor Gervais (Cesar Romero). The only thing is, the microfilm is on a microdot and Mandy has hidden it so well that THRUSH can't find it!* I love, love, love this episode! Everyone's great in here; Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, and especially Barbara Feldon as Mandy Stevenson. She's great! The plot is good, everyone's acting is good, and it's so funny, yet serious where it's supposed to be. Here are a couple of my favorite parts. 1) When Mandy tries to convince Napoleon to give her a mission and Napoleon gives the fake mission and 'evasion pattern number 8', which is a fictional route. 2) When Napoleon tries to explain to Mr. Waverly and Illya about sending Mandy on a fake mission. Especially when Mr. Waverly asks what route she's going by and Napoleon says, "Evasion Pattern 6". The look on Mr. Waverly and Illya's faces are so funny! 3) In the beginning when Illya's trying to get away from THRUSH. 4) When Victor Gervais is trying to convince Mandy to tell him where the microdot is. She tells him, "Let me warn you. I don't crack under pressure." He says, "Not at all?" Mandy replies, "Not... noticeably, no." And basically the rest of the show is great.

Napoleon Solo uses Captain Kirk & 99 to help save the world!
Whoever put together Volume 1 in the "Man From U.N.C.L.E." Collection apparently decided the classic spy spoof series of the Sixties could not be marketed on its own merits and offers a pair of episodes featuring future television icons William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy from "Star Trek" and Barbara Feldon from "Get Smart." However, that does not take away from the surprising discovery that these are two of the best episodes from the show's first season. "The Project Strigas Affair" (Episode #9: November 24, 1964), finds Shatner and Peggy Ann Garner as a couple who are recruited for Napoleon Solo's scheme to stop a diplomat, played by Werner Kemperer of "Hogan's Heroes" fame, who is trying to heat up the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Technically Shatner and Nimoy are in some scenes "together," but they do not really act together. Still, this is there first appearance on screen together. This episode was written by Henry Misrock and directed by Joseph Sargent.

In "The Never-Never Affair" (Episode #25: March 22, 1965), Feldon plays Mandy Stevenson, a translator at U.N.C.L.E. who wants excitement and gets more than she bargained for. Solo sends her out to get more pipe tobacco for Mr. Waverly, but tells her it is a secret mission. Of course she ends up with a microdot containing key information about THRUSH., which means bad guy Victor Gervais (Cesar Romero, the Joker on "Batman") is after poor Mandy. "The Never-Never Affair" is one of the best lighthearted episodes from the series, although Illya Kuryakin again gets little to do. Also directed by Sargent, this was writer Dean Hargrove's first "U.N.C.L.E." episode. Here we have one of the few times Volume 1 of a video collection of a television series actually has nothing but great episodes on it. ... Read more

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After destroying 4 billion people in the Malurian star system, a 21st- century NASA probe called Nomad--carrying friendly greetings to whateverunknown, extraterrestrial race might find it--has a violent encounter with theEnterprise, nearly blowing the starship out of space. Hoping to sidestepanother attack, Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy)invite the diminutive, computer-driven, impossibly powerful spacecraft aboard tolearn how its peaceful mission was supplanted by a program to destroy life.Written by John Meredyth Lucas, who was intrigued by the idea of a sentient,almost godlike machine that turns against its creator, "The Changeling"transcends, fortunately, Star Trek's cash-strapped special effectsdepartment to become a compelling drama. (Let's just say that Nomad lookslike a cross between the Tin Woodman and a 1960s beach radio.) Particularlymemorable is Spock's mind-melding scene with Nomad, in which the Vulcanis shaken by the probe's chaotic memories of being captured by a machine planetand given destructive impulses. Frequent Trek director Marc Daniels wasparticularly proud of the way his crew made Nomad appear capable ofindependent movement: There was one model for hanging from a wire, a second forstanding on a floor, and a third for riding on a dolly (to get a sinister,point-of-view traveling shot). If "The Changeling" sounds vaguely familiar, itshould: The script was rewritten as the basis for Star Trek: The MotionPicture. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Uninspired
This episode, which features a confused and destructive floating robot, is an unspectacular offering. Like several episodes, it ably enough explores the unfortunate fact that technology is fallible, and that even with the best intentions, things can and do go wrong. This ship-based episode is less exciting than some of its neighbors, although there are a few dramatic scenes. On the negative side, the idea that Uhura could be rapidly re-programmed would be laughable if it wasn't so insulting to her. Also tedious is Kirk's outwitting of Nomad. And just how did NOMAD manage to mesh so smoothly with 'the other.'? Shouldn't he look a little the worse for wear? As a final gripe, I'll note that NOMAD wasn't much of an actor, although I suppose he didn't have much to work with.

TV version of first plot for The Motion Picture
"Chageling" the basis for Star Trek the Motion Picture

In this one we get to see on a TV scale; the same plot of Star Trek: The Motion Picture played out here.
We have the long lost satellite from outer space taken by an alien intelligence. We get to see Scotty killed and revived by the amazing little machine. It's all because the computer thinks that Kirk is the computer's creator "Roykirk" ; because it was damaged in space. It's an implausible plot but OK if you can suspend you belief in reality for a while to enjoy this. Despite the enormous plot hole (the Roykirk thing) it's the same story for the movie condensed into a 50 minute episode. If you see this one you'll still enjoy how Kirk outsmarts the computer. I was impressed that the machine was very compact and yet could lay the Enterprise in ashes if not treated properly. Size and power were not exclusive here. The docile looking machine proved to be a profound menace.

Good idea, but a movie??
Ever see the first Star Trek movie? This show was the low budget version.

James Kirk (a.k.a. the Creator) outwits another Computer
"The Changeling" was always an interesting episode, even before it served as the template for "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." The Enterprise discovers that all humanoid life in the Malurian system has disappeared when the ship is attacked by a tiny vessel. When Kirk hails the vessel, the attack suddenly stops and "Nomad" is beamed aboard. It turns out that once upon a time it was a probe from Earth sent into deep space to contact alien life, where it was damaged and eventually met up with a probe from another civilization that was designed to collect soil samples and sterilize them. The two probes somehow end up merging into a single entity, so that now Nomad believes its mission is to contact alien life and sterilize it. The only reason the life forms on the Enterprise have not been sterilized is because Nomad has mistaken James Kirk for its "Creator," Jackson Roykirk. Nomad is not impressed by the biological life forms on the Enterprise, although it does allow that the Spock unit is well ordered. "The Changeling" is another one of those episodes where Kirk uses logic to defeat a superior computer while Spock looks on in amazement. However, the bit where Nomad erases Uhura's mind would be more chilling if they did not retrain her in about a week. Still, this is an above average episode and one of the better confrontations between Kirk and a super computer.

The Enterprise vs a machine that can destroy Mankind.
One of the best Star Trek shows from the original series finds the crew of the Enterprise up against a machine called Nomad which has destroyed a solar system and will repeat the same path of destruction to Earth, unless the Captain can find a way to destroy it before it's too late. Written by John Meredyth Lucas. Directed by Marc Daniels. Music Composed and Conducted by Fred Steiner. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Two Good Episodes
The Deadly Toys Affair shouldn't be missed if for no other reason than to see Angela Lansbury's over the top performance as Elsie, and Illya turned hairdresser for Diane McBain's character. It's clear that Elsie is patterned on Auntie Mame, which Lansbury later played on Broadway, with Jay North as her nephew who Thrush wants to send to their 'special school'. Napoleon gets to play a joke and novelty toy salesman, and Illya is the hairdresser that most women would love to have. When he kisses Diane McBain to shut her up while they're being chased by the Thrush sentries, it makes the whole episode worthwhile.

The Minus X Affair was later in the series, but compared to some of the other offerings from season 3, it's pretty good. Eve Arden made a great scientist who was working for Thrush, she could always do a good villian. It's fun to watch Napoleon pretend to be five years old (actually, he didn't do half bad), but the plot continuity left a lot to be desired. Why is it that when the Thrush agent shoots Illya with a sleep dart it takes him a full two minutes to realize he's just been drugged? Still, if you're willing to suspend logic, it's an entertaining episode.

My Favorite Second Season Episodes!
"The Deadly Toys Affair" and "The Minus X Affair" is my favorite second season episodes besides "The Foxes and Hounds Affair", "The Discotheque Affair", and "The Dippy Blonde Affair".

Episode 38 "The Deadly Toys Affair": THRUSH plans to use Bartlett Warshowsky (Jay North), a boy genius, for its own purposes. When Elfie Von Donck (Angela Lansbury), an eccentric movie star, assumes the boy's custody, THRUSH agent Noubar Talemakian (Arnold Moss) convinces her that Bartlett will do better to go to a non-American school, though he purposely forgets to tell her that the school he will be enrolled in is controlled by THRUSH. UNCLE sends Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) posing as a toy salesman, and Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum), posing as a hairdresser to Joanna Lydecker (Diane McBain), to help Bartlett escape out of THRUSH's grasp. * This is a very fun and exciting episode with plenty of both Vaughn and McCallum. Angela Lansbury is perfect for the part of the movie star with her very strong foreign accent. Diane McBain is also wonderful as Illya's employer who has a crush on him. My favorite part is where Illya makes Joanna shut up by kissing her and where they escape out of the cooling storage.

Episode 58 "The Minus X Affair": When Professor Lillian Stemmler (Eve Arden) invents a drug called Plus X, which enhances all of the human senses, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin are assigned to protect her. What they don't know is that she is actually working for THRUSH and though and first willingly, is now having second thoughts. To ensure her cooperation in having the drug infiltrate a U.S. govenment plutonium plant, THRUSH agent Rollo (Theodore Marcus) kidnaps her daughter, Leslie (Sharon Farrell). Solo and Kuryakin try to stop THRUSH from going into the plutonium plant when they realize that not only is there a Plus X drug, there's also a drug called Minus X, which dulls all of the human senses. * An episode which has lots of action and a pretty good twist in the plot. This episode has also great special guest stars such as Eve Arden and Sharon Farrell. My favorite part is Illya infiltrates the plutonium plant but still gets caught by the THRUSH agent.

The Men from U.N.C.L.E. deal with some "minor" problems
The Men from U.N.C.L.E. have to deal with the small fry in the two episodes on Volume 3. "The Deadly Toys Affair" (Episode #37, November 12, 1965), gets off to a fun start as a defecting Thrush scientist warns Mr. Waverly of a project by the bad guys to use poison gas. However, the scientist runs off to Switzerland to rescue his son (Jay North!) from a boarding school run for Thrush by Angela Lansbury. Solo and Kuryakin show up to try and save both the boy and his father from Thrush. Written by Robert Hill, "The Deadly Toys Affair" was directed by John Brahms. "The Minus-X Affair" (Episode #58, April 8, 1966), has guest star Eve Arden as Thrush scientist Lillian Stemmler, who has the "Plus-X" serum which heightens the senses and increases the intelligence. Stemmler also has created "Minus-X," which makes people revert to the level of children. Wackiness ensues as you might imagine. An excellent story from writer Peter Allan Fields with a less than happy ending, this episode was directed by Barry Shear. A couple of above average episodes from the Sixties spy spoof series.

Quality is not there!
"Deadly Toys" is a perfect example of the pitiful quality this show began reflecting in its second season. "Minus X" is nothing less than camp. The show should've been canned the second year. Save your cash on this one unless you're a bit crazy.

Napoleon and Illya are GREAT!
I loved the Deadly Toys and Minus X Affair! Illya and Napoleon are great and I love Angela Lansbury as the actress, Elfie Von Donck. I love the first part in the Deadly Toys affair where Illya and Napoleon have to blow up the plant. I also like it when Joanna follows Illya to the school. My favorite parts in the Minus X Affair is where Illya infiltrates the plutonium plant and where Napoleon pretends to be drugged with the Minus X! ... Read more

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A war between the Klingons and Federation is imminent, and it's up toCaptain Kirk (William Shatner) to persuade the peaceful, agrarian planet Organiato sign on with the good guys before the Klingons overwhelm the place. What'sthe rush? Organia is in a strategically valuable position for whichever warringside claims it first. The only problem is, the Organians don't seem to care.Kirk and First Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy) make an awfully good pitch forFederation protection, but the planet's Council of Elders rejects the offer as atacit invitation to violence on their world. Worse, the Council takes littleheed of a Klingon invasion, insisting there is no problem and earning the enmityof both Kirk and Klingon Commander Kor (John Colicos). Essentially a Cold Warsatire disguised as a Federation-Klingon showdown in most unusual circumstances,"Errand of Mercy" is the brainchild of producer-writer Gene L. Coon, who makes awonderfully convincing case for the absurdity of each side's claim to moralsuperiority. Highlights of the episode include the enigmatic, retiringperformances of the Council members, and the Butch-and-Sundance banter betweenKirk and Spock as they set about trying to become a two-man Resistance targetingKlingon munitions. The episode is directed by John Newland, best known as thehost of the supernatural television series, One Step Beyond. --TomKeogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Perhaps a bit overrated
This thoughtful episode introduces us to the Klingons, who along with the Federation are seen here currying the favor of the peaceful and pastoral Organians. While thoughtful and somewhat slow, this episode is not without it's share of tension. We share the anxious feeling of time having stopped before the onset of war; only the Organians seem curiously subdued. The episode eventually hits us with a very nice twist, which is intelligent in that it eventually forces us to see the Klingon and Federation positions as more similar than different; the real distinction is with the more advanced Organians. This is one of those examples of how watching Star Trek could be simultaneously humbling in its depiction of our current society and uplifting in its optimistic vision of a possible future.

The Organians stop the Klingon-Federation War
"Errand of Mercy" provides one of the most problematic story lines in Star Trek history. The Federation and the Klingon Empire have started fighting again and the Enterprise hurries to Organia, a strategically important planet. Wanting the cooperation of the Organians, Kirk and Spock beams down and find the universe's most passive people, who are not at all concerned that the big bag Klingons are coming. The Klingons do show up, stranding Kirk and Spock on the planet where they are disguised as Organians and get to witness the arrival of Kor, the Klingon military governor. Kirk and Spock begin a two-person resistance movement, blowing up Klingon supplies. The Klingons retaliate against the population, but then Ayelborne, leader of the Organians, decides he has had enough of all this nonsense. One of the things I most like about "Errand of Mercy," is that it is one of the few times that the Enterprise encounters a race of superior beings who are not seriously flawed in some way. You even get Kirk put in the uncomfortable position of insisting on the right to make war and kill millions of people. This also becomes one of the most problematic episodes in Star Trek history, because the Organian Peace Treaty makes it impossible for the Federation and Klingon to go on killing each other. At least in theory (you have to admit, they have the enforcement capabilities); in practice, the two civilizations would continue to have fun with each other in future Star Trek episodes.

A Pretty Good Story -- a Brilliant Portrayal of a Villian
John Colicos turns in a standout performance as Kor, the first Klingon to appear in the series. Kor is strong, cunning, ruthless, and a little bit charming. The peaceful Organians are also very compelling characters. Throughout the episode, there is just a hint that there is more to the Organians than meets the eye.

There is some action in the story, along with a little suspense, but it would have been nice if there was a little more of both. Additionally, we are never shown the Klingon vessel.

In spite of these flaws, this is a very good episode with a very strong supporting cast. A definite must for any Star Trek fan.

Federation vs the Klingons.
The Captain and Mr. Spock are trapped on the planet Organia which is occupied by the Klingons just as war with the Federation begins. The two fight to stay alive while the Orgainians plan a surprise ending for both sides. Actor John Colicos turns in a great performance as Commander Kor. This episode also predicts the future for Federation/Klingon relations. Another great story from Gene L. Coon.

First episode with Klingons
This was the episode that introduced the Klingons with an excellent performance by John Colicos of Battlestar Gallactica. Kirk and Spock land on a very placid planet with a society reminiscent of Medevil Europe finding it to be overrun by Klingons and the inhabitants remaining amazingly passive about it. Kirk and Spock disguise themselves as citizens, but the Klingons soon find out their true nature. This is apparently the only episode with the exception of the first two that Dr. McCoy didn't appear in, for some reason. I guess he was on leave. ... Read more

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"Do your parents know you're Ramones?" With those withering words, Miss Togar (Mary Woronov), the uptight neofascist principal of Vince Lombardi High School, addresses the four mop-haired, leather-jacketed members of America's first and most famous punk band. And you know it won't be long before the Ramones's jackhammer riffs are blaring through the public address system at maximum volume, the kids are running--not walking--wild in the hallways (without passes!), and Miss Togar's gulag is re-christened "Rock 'n' Roll High School." Then, in keeping with the outrageously nihilistic animus of punk, the high school students and the Ramones just blow the place to smithereens. It's a crowd- pleasing, fantasy-fulfillment climax that combines the apocalyptic finale of Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point with the explosive conclusion of Alice Cooper's "School's Out." Rock 'n' Roll High School is a blast, a goofy and liberating salute to the rebel spirit behind the teen rock & roll movies of the 1950s, which always pitted the kids' insatiable appetite for fun against the adults' fear-based authoritarianism. The film is emblematic of the disarmingly silly, tongue-in-cheek humor of the youth-oriented B-pictures cranked out in the '50s and '60s by renowned low-budget exploitation mogul Roger Corman (who gave many a hungry young filmmaker, including the creators of this film, their start in the biz), and of the noisy, anarchic energy of '70s punk rock, as personified by the inimitable Ramones. In the words of the maestros' beach-blanket-buzz-saw title anthem, this movie is "Fun, fun, oh baby, fun, fun..." --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (54)

The Ramones kick!!
I own Rock and Roll Highschool. This movie is awesome!!! The Ramones totally can't act, and they give all the lines to Joey, but hey, the movie is a classic. Its got some great scenes (i love when they blow up the school) and AWESOME music. I was surprised they put music from Paul McCartney and Wings in their since Paul isn't even close to punk, but thats cool wit me cuz im a big wings fan anywayz. They put great Ramones songs in it too. ( i wish they put beat on the brat in it,i love that song but it has nuttin to do with the movie)

The Kids Are All Hopped Up And Ready To Go
It's hard to admit, but the recent death of Joey Ramone took a lot of the wind out of my sails, bringing with it a feeling of vulnerability, mortality and, yes, approaching middle age. Having said that, it's a treat that this part of his legacy is finally available again for all to treasure. Sort of a twisted mix of low-budget 1950's juvenile delinquent movies and 1960's beach comedies, "Rock 'N' Roll High School" has aged surprising well, thanks in most part I guess to the timeless appeal of the "brothers" Ramone. Highlights, besides the hopped up concert footage (filmed in front of an enthusiastic audience), include the Ramones pulling up to a concert venue in an old Cadillac singing "I Just Want To Have Something To Do," a fantasy sequence in which self-proclaimed #1 Ramones fan Riff Randall (P.J. Soles) imagines the band serenading her in her bedroom, complete with Dee Dee and his bass under a running shower, and the final scene in which The Ramones play the title track while the high school explodes behind them in a piece of perfectly staged incendiary directing by Allan Arkush. Timeless, mindless, exuberantly staged entertainment...

Whose the Ramon-e-s
This is the best movie ever, it's funny, has great music, and has the Ramones in it. ME and my friends watch this movies over and over, and there aren't that many movies that we do that to. So if you love a great laugh and great music then this is the movie for you!!!! Rock on

Cult Classic + Ramones = Fun Fun
This is a masterpiece of low budget cinema. Everything about this movie rocks. The Ramones are undoubtedly one of the best punk rock bands of all time and this film showcases them to great effect. Really fantastic live footage. PJ Soles is mighty sweet and Dey Young is even sweeter. Great stuff from Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel and the mighty Dick Miller as well. Some of the cornball dialogue is unforgettable. And did I mention that Dey Young is sweet? She used to make my heart go pitter patter watching this in high school.

"1,2,3,4!!!"
Hey Ho! Let's Go! Listen up, kids. Rock 'n' Roll High School may have been released way back in 1979 but it still kicks the butt of any of those square MTV movies. Forget about Britney Spears and Mandy Moore's brand of bubblegum pop music -- they don't hold a candle to the unbridled power of those punk rockers from New York City, the Ramones!

The movie does a great job of playfully championing the Ramones as rock gods and yet shows them being accessible to their fans. The band first appears in a car driving down the street on the way to their venue as they play "I Just Wanna Have Something To Do." Once outside the club, they get out of the car and interact with the crowd of ticket buyers. The editing, coupled with the insanely catchy song gives the scene an infectious energy.

From B-movie veterans like Paul (Eating Raoul) Bartel and Mary (Death Race 2000) Woronov to newcomers (at the time), P.J. (Halloween) Soles and Dey (Strange Invaders) Young, the entire cast has a lot of fun spouting the film's wonderfully inspired cornball dialogue ("If you don't like it, you can put it where the monkey puts the nuts."). The Ramones are good sports and mumble their way through the film and truly coming alive during the music sequences. The movie rightfully cements their reputation as legends.

Rock 'n' Roll High School embodies the essence of the punk rock music that made the Ramones famous. The film is bursting with youthful energy, a dose of good ol' fashion anarchy and is loads of fun to watch. These are also the ingredients that made Rock 'n' Roll High School a cult film. It was a commercial and critical failure upon its initial release but repeated midnight screenings, coupled with steady appearances on TV, have helped the film endure over the years.

Producer Michael Finnell, screenwriter Richard Whitley and director Alan Arkush deliver an engaging and rather chatty audio commentary. The three men laugh and joke about working on Rock 'n' Roll High School. They clearly have fond memories of their experiences on the movie.

Also included is a dynamic theatrical trailer that gives away the ending! Definitely watch this last if you haven't seen the movie.

Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman about the movie. To his credit, the veteran filmmaker admits that he was wrong about the Disco High idea and was glad that Arkush convinced him to go with Rock 'n' Roll High School.

A real treat for fans of the Ramones are several audio outtakes during the filming of the concert sequence. These are the original audio tracks of the band in action.

While Rock 'n' Roll High School will appeal predominantly to fans of the Ramones (duh!), it is also one of those fun, goofy movies to invite friends over and watch with copious amounts of junk food on hand. Despite a lackluster transfer, the audio commentary and audio outtak