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In 1935, an 8-year-old orphaned boy is sent to live in the Tennessee mountains with his grandparents. He doesn't yet know that he is half Cherokee, on his grandmother's side. As he learns about life and the Cherokee "way" from his grandparents, Little Tree's sensitivity to nature and to others grows.

At first it might seem easy to dismiss this movie as hokey, especially when Little Tree's Scottish grandfather teaches him to make whiskey and he befriends a dog. But the film gains emotional power when Little Tree becomes close to an older Cherokee who tells him about the Trail of Tears. When the government places Little Tree in an Indian school, where he is abused physically and psychologically, the tough issue of the forced assimilation of Native Americans isn't glossed over. Excellent performances and a gripping story make this well worth watching with children ages 8 and up.

An interesting side note: Forrest Carter, who wrote the book the movie is based on, was a one-time KKK member and speechwriter for George Wallace. It's hard to imagine how a former white supremacist could write such a moving tale about racism. Despite the controversy surrounding Carter, this sensitive film deserves to be taken on its own terms. --Elisabeth Keating ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Tale Of Lost Opportunity
Like another movie I recently watched and commented upon, "The Education Of Little Tree", is not a five star film, but it becomes one when its message is included. James Cromwell, Tantoo Cardinal, Joseph Ashton, Mika Boorem, and Graham Greene all give wonderful performances. Joseph and Mika are both young children, so their performances are all the more worthy of praise.

The Native Americans that are included in this film are The Cherokee People, and their story, including, "The Trail Of Tears", play a prominent role. Like other Native Americans, The Cherokee lived without destroying the land and the wildlife they coexisted with. They only used what they needed, greed did not drive them to exploit nature and destroy her, as we and our ancestors have, and continue to do.

The movie is beautifully filmed in the mountains of Tennessee, and the director took the time to capture the natural beauty that European settlers were to exploit and ruin. It's true some of this beauty still exists, but is largely because it has become national parkland, rather than having been left unmolested out of respect for its intrinsic value. Poignant moments are frequent in this film, and one is certainly when a young boy who is half Cherokee is sent off to a Dickensian nightmare of a school to be abused because of his, "Indian Blood". Upon his arrival he is stripped of his Native American name and given an, "American replacement", Joshua. It appears that biblical names were originally written for re-naming true Americans.

Graham Greene is a familiar face to many moviegoers and he is a pleasure to watch in this film. Tantoo Cardinal who plays the role of the young boy's Cherokee grandmother is also wonderful.

The movie does not resolve its tale on a completely happy note, nor one of complete despair. As it has in real life, time has shown all that was lost when Genocide was carried out against Native Americans as federal government policy. Had good judgment, and lack of stupefying greed worked to integrate the newcomers to this country with the natives that were here, I have little doubt our country would be better for it, and the facts of the country's history would not include the genocide of those people we deemed to be in our way.

Inspiring
I fell in love with the Smokies as a child when we'd go to Virginia every summer to visit my dad's family. I've been back to Tennessee numerous times as an adult and never tire of the beautiful scenery. The movie dealt with things dearest to my heart: The Smokies, the old ways, spirituality. I'm inspired by it, and as someone else said, I've watched the movie twice since I rented it and plan to watch it with another loved one tomorrow. It's the kind of movie you want to share with the people closest to you because, like Little Tree's grandma said in the movie, when you come on something good in life you gotta share it with someone else so the good can just keep on going.

Charming and Simple
I loved the mountains in this movie. I don't know if it was filmed in the Appalacian mountains or somewhere else, but I want to go there. To have a grandma and grandpa so loving and spiritual would be such joy for any child. Little Tree has Indian blood in him from his grandma and White blood from his grandpa. His parents die and he lives with them in the mountains. They educate him with love and wisdom. The simplicity of truth. I felt awestruck by such simple honesty and the beauty of nature. It seems Little Tree kept his grandparents with him throughout his life, holding him in his spirit as they held him within theirs. Looking at the Dog Star and knowing, really knowing that he could be heard. What a feeling of saftey. This movie weaves that safe warmth as you view it.

Lisa Nary

Insight of orphaned natives
I loved this movie because my Hopi grandfather had a similar story but had nobody to raise him, and in desperation he asked an immigrant farmer in Phoenix to raise him. He ran away from the indian boarding school or orphanage because of the abuse. This movie is so moving and beautiful that it is a must have if you have can or cannot relate.

A Movie With Heart
As a Native American I am well aware of all the blatant stereotyping out there. What I like about this movie is the underlayment of good values. Yes, there is the moonshining, and it was illegal and booze has definitely had a detrimental effect on all races of people. However, this just showed that people during those times were really scrapping to keep their lives going. The Grandparents were not sitting around drinking. As with Casinos, they were selling their product to Dominant culture people. No, I am not a drinker and I teach abstinance.A perfect moment if parents are watching with their kids(as they should), to field children's thoughts about it. Do some teaching.
I wonder how many people know that during the Depression when other races of people were just hungry and homeless, Indian peoples across America- some people literally starved to death. On the bottom economically. Only 75 years ago! In our country?

The connection of the people to the land and nature was very evident, but, understated, and they were not stereotyped as turning into mystical beings, but, rather, being one with the beauty around them- poor but rooted there. My humble Grandparents also took me to rock ledges and the woods to pray. Showed reverence for all living things.

Someone has mentioned that characters were stereotyped as typical of mountain people. I would like to say that one of the reasons I like this movie is that I was very moved by the way a filmmaker set down scenes and family interractions that I experienced. There are people still alive who I have known well, who are good nurturing souls like the Grandparents and John Willow. Even now, in Hollers and on country cowpaths, there are folks like these, believe me. So much hurt and antifamily abuse came out of so many Indians going off to Indian boarding schools. But, here and there, and where I am from, there are pockets of country Indians, registered tribal people, living in harmony. Holding us together.

Could have been my grandma's cabin,inside and out, or my adopted Dad and Mom. There was much good said in this movie, and implied, about traditional values of kindness and caring. About family, friends, and how if an Indian child does not have relatives, they are given relatives and taken care of. The Ongoing, the future of the community. Closeness to the land.

I marvel that the author of the book from which this movie is loosely adapted, had dubious racial ties. I do not support the KKK in anyway, but, the movie reflects the moviemakers,not the book author, and I do not believe that people like American Indian stars Tantoo Cardinal and Graham Greene would have supported a movie that they did not find worthy. Blessings and Balance. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Can't Live with Him, Can't Live without Him
This episode deals quite seriously (and often in a lovely lyrical fashion) with the serious consequences (for Catherine) of her relationship with Vincent. On the 20th anniversary of her mother's death, Catherine is overcome with a sense of hopelessness about her life. The problem seems to be...Vincent. She must confront the fact that their relationship is closing her off from life possibilities for which she has always longed. As he tells her, "Our dream exists at the cost of all your other dreams." Her pain is so great that (in an extremely powerful scene) the superhumanly chivalrous Vincent gives her the breakup she so desperately needs (though doing so, for him, is akin to ripping his heart out of his chest). It is a breakup she could never, ever, bring herself to directly ask for. It takes time away from Vincent for Catherine to come to a realization of what in her life is indeed "worth everything." She makes her choice, and she and Vincent (and we) derive great joy from that decision. I've never (before or since) experienced such joy at the finish of an episode of a TV series!

Linda Hamilton is so good here that she gives us an empathic connection to Catherine that is stronger than Vincent's. "A Happy Life" is a thing of stunning beauty and power, and I don't think there is a significant misstep in it. This episode and the magnificent "Orphans" are by far the highest pinnacles of achievement for this series.

In 1998 I conducted a poll among Beauty and the Beast fans asking them to rate the 44 episodes of the first two seasons on a 1-to-10 scale. 31 fans participated. "A Happy Life" finished 1st out of the 44 episodes.

I placed "A Happy Life" 1st in my own personal 1-through-44 rank-ordering of the episodes.

One of the series finest episodes.
Twenty years after her mother's death, Catherine re-evaluates her life and her relationship with Vincent. Beautifully written and acted, Linda Hamilton gives an amazing performance as her character sinks deeper into despair as she is slowly torn between two worlds. This is a must-see episode for anyone who has watched (or is even familiar with) Beauty and the Beast.

Intro episode to a fabulous new version of an old faerytale.
A modern day woman is drawn into a world of fantasy and things that cannot be possible, yet are oh, so very real. Injured and left to die in Central Park, Catherine Chandler is rescued by Vincent, a very unique, gentle being, who brings her to his world, to heal. His world consists of a labyrinth of subterrean tunnels, peopled by those society has either discarded or left to die alone and in poverty. Here, Catherine learns the true meaning of caring, committiment, and love. She also learns that a person's looks are truly 'only skin deep', and it is ones soul which gives an inner beauty and strength which is both lasting and incorruptable. ... Read more

Reviews (447)

A Micraculously Provocative Must-See Cautionary Tale
Antoine Fuqua's (The Replacement Killers) exasperatingly intense, masterly evocative,
and grandly psychologically accosting crime police thriller Training Day starring
Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Macy Gray, and Snopp Doggy Dogg
commences by imprinting on the viewer an all-together familiar seedy crime melodrama.
Then this seemingly recycled cop movie equation summarily becomes estranged
from all of the genre's pre-conceived formulas, conventions, and clichés and
zestfully thrusts its audience into a Pulp Fiction-esque Twilight Zone of infinite
unknowns.

Overtly intense it may be, Training Day's so-called excesses are absolutely necessary to this film's shockingly disquieting view of modern law-enforcement and societal factors. Brimming full of the morally deplorable, tumultuously volatile, and authentically immediate sights and sounds that at first may resonate as a typical wam bam thriller, Training Day intellectually reaps a ground-braking resourcefulness that consistently curtails the audience from comprehending its inner plot points too quickly or becoming aware of it's character predestined paths before they develop into view. Though the film does provide us with ample evidence to it's character's interior inner workings, Training Day continues to creativity and tirelessly redefine it's identity so often and so cleverly that any first-time viewer can't help but be consciously blown away by it's narrative, radically stunned by it's story-telling audacity, or emotionally bewildered by it's cultural implications. It remains a testament to this film's resiliency that it persists in haunting you so long after it concludes spinning web of intrigue.

Dominantly at the artistic center of this vivaciously riveting crime tale, Denzel
Washington blazes open, with one decisively unforgettably potent character,
an entirely new occupational direction for the once cinematically pure leading
good guy. In an unexpected melee of acting bravado, Washington almost appears
to be inordinately possessed with this character that is so aesthetically and
dramatically powerful that you almost forget Washington is playing it.

In a blisteringly radiant gem of a performance that should earn him an Academy
-Award nomination, Denzel plays L.A.P.D. Narcotics veteran Alonzo Harris who
in the course of a single day trains and enlightens 19-month rookie cop Jake
Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) in the increasingly sinister underbelly of drug policing
in Los Angeles. Harris initiates Boyt upon the mandatory necessity of protecting
the tax-paying sheep (the citizens) from the Narcotic predators by becoming
predators themselves. Alonzo sanctifies these views by lulling Hoyt into believing
that his skeptical pessimism is an indispensable requisite of becoming an undercover
cop, and with this premise the audience's unfathomable descent into inconceivable
darkness begins.

Encased with incredibly edgy supporting performances, invariably claustrophobic
locales, an charismatically haphazardly enticing plot, many subtly thrilling
story eccentricities, and a superbly larger than life leading performance by
Denzel Washington, Training Day transcends it's source genre to pose generally
unsettling questions with such relish and audaciousness that it still should
remain as fresh and relevant fifteen years from now.

As for Training Day's upcoming DVD edition, hopefully it will include a descent
anmorphic widescreen presentation, an Antoine Faqua commentary track, deleted
scenes, and several other fine materials to go along with such a fabulous film.

P.S. Always Pick Up a Rape Victim's Wallet

Reality Bites
Denzel Washington should be a lock for at least an Academy Award nomination as best actor in 2001 for his totally heartfelt, violent and over the top performance as a corrupt Los Angeles police narcotics officer. It's obvious that the LAPD is less than thrilled with this movie which is an amalgam of all the scandals which have rocked the department; i.e. Rodney King, 'Ramparts' for starters. Despite the potential difficulty in putting together a coherent tale the director has done his job with a film which holds the viewers' interest from the rising sun to the final scene early the next day.

The supporting cast is outstanding with Ethan Hawke, Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, Scott Glenn and others providing excellent back up to Denzel as he glides through one day and night in the life of an LA narcotics officer.

Seeing this film twice let me appreciate all the more how well acted is the role played by Denzel. He is philosophical, violent, humorous, practical, political and, at all times, wise to the ways of the street. Ethan Hawke is marvelous as his 'rookie'and meshes very well with his more senior counterpart, Denzel Washington.

The only reason Denzel may not receive the major kudos he deserves for this role is that in today's hyper-patriotic, support the law enforcement climate, this downbeat look at the cops may not be deemed politically correct even as it is spot on.

I hated this movie
I first of all am not a Denzel Washington fan. So my review is a little biase in the sense that I went in thinking this movie was going to be bad....and boy was it. I first want to say that Denzel Washington is a good actor he just doesn't do anything for me. I thought this movie was waaaayyyy over the top unrealistic and I could not in good consious recommend it. For one thing all the singers and rappers in the movie who can't act took away from any beliveable scenario. Ethan Hawkes character was such a wimp he had literally no back bone. Every "bad" thing that Denzels character wanted him to do he did it. I think this is one of the worse movies I ever seen. And the ending who didn't see that coming a mile away.

The "Wolf" of Action Films...
...is what you can call Training Day, the distrubing police epic starring Denzel Washington in an Oscar-winning performance.
Denzel stars as Alonzo, a very corrupt cop playing both sides of the law. He doesn't resort to evidence, or jurys, or interrogations. He just packs brutal violence into his brand of law-making.
Training day is about a young cop's training day, a day that will test if he is good enough material that can become an infamous narcotic officer. His mentor, and mental abuser, is Alonzo. During the day Alonzo sets Jake(Ethan Hawke)up, holds a gun to his head and forces him to use narcotics that destroy his mind, and he makes him assist in murder and robbery. Alonzo teses him, plays with his mind, and puts jake way over his boiling point.
In the end, Alonzo ditches Jake with a gang of Mexican hitmen, leaves him for dead, and goes back to his wife(Eva Mendes) and their son.
Jake finds Alonzo, chases him to a rooftop, and they battle for control over Alonzo's ground. It is a climatic battle of "mentor" and "student".
Training Day is brutal and disturbing to watch and digest. It will certainly make you think about the NARC squad, and will leave you feeling different than when you came in.

Overall Good
The acting is supurb by all, especially Denzel. I had some qualms about the type of character he played in order to get the statue, but actually seeing the movie put all that on the backburner. This film is not as cookie-cutter predictable as most cop dramas and in fact I was left honestly waiting to see what would happen next. There was a point where I felt the movie was dragging, but when the credits rolled I didn't feel at all cheated of my time or money. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A WWII aviator melodrama
John Wayne stars in this sluggish war-related Technicolor bioflick profiling Navy aviator-cum-Hollywood screenwriter Frank Wead, who (apparently) was influential in developing naval strategy before and during WWII... It's not gripping or as grim as director John Ford's similarly reverential "They Were Expendable," but it works in its own way. Dan Dailey steals scene after scene as Wayne's salty Navy sidekick, as does Ward Bond who has a delicious role as John "Dodge", lampooning the director himself, who apparently brought Wead to Hollywood. Maureen O'Hara does her Hepburn-y best as Wead's long-suffering wife. Of particular interest, plotwise, is the depictation of her as a boozy, chainsmoking modern gal, as well as the lengthy exploration of Wead's struggle to overcome a severe physical disability, which kind of undercuts the smothering machismo of the pre-feminist military world. Nice use of stock footage, too. Not Ford's best, but he definitely makes it better than it would have been otherwise.

The Wings of Eagles-John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara
This is a typical Ford film. Yes, at times The Duke was a bit compassionate towards his co-star than we are used to seeing it the all tough western parts he is famous for. This movie is ladened with talent through and through, from Dan Daily, Ken "Festus" Curtis and the list goes on. It is a true account of part of our naval history that many do not realize. Filmed aboard the USS Philipine Sea, and utilizing many of this carriers actual sailors for extras. A must to complete any John Wayne Collection.

Great Cast. Great Story. OK Movie
It is hard ot believe that the same team that gave us "The Quiet Man" is at work here.

A sense of whimsy and fun permeates that movie. In that film even the darker moments bring a weight and seriousness that makes the humour all the better.

Here the movie never rises above mediocre. The light moments of the film just seem to make the characters look like fools and the dark moments seem to be about what you would expect they deserve. One side note, A lot of this movie takes place in the hospital and I loved watching the doctors standing around smoking cigaretes as they looked at Xrays orconsulted with patients.

I never really felt any concern for the relationship between Wayne and O'Hara and I wondered early on why they didn't just divorce and get it over with.

perhaps I am too hard on this film, but I felt let down that this movie did not live up to the standards set by so many classics produced by this team.

Golden Wings, Salt Spray- Ford's Tribute to A Naval Aviator
This is a factual naval aviation story, intermixed with Army Air Corps rivalry and combat scenes. It provides a chronological view of one naval family- their love and adversity, including Navy and Army aviators supported by their loyal maintenance personnel who helped in the advancement of U.S. military aviation during 1920s to 1940s. Add, of course, a mixture of competition provided by the navy wives and their only rival- the United States Navy. Released 22 February 1957, The Wings of Eagles was considered an adult story, wrought with the thrills, laughter, and family hardships all to well experienced by the real heroes of this story- the pioneer naval aviation wives (there is still no "Hall of Fame" dedicated to these gallant ladies at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, NAS Pensacola, FL).

Ms. Maureen O'Hara who acted the gallant part of Mrs. Minnie (Bryant) Wead was well received by the "naval aviation wives of gold", and was nominated at a Naval Aviation Cadet Recruiting Officers Convention, Long Beach, CA, as "Ms. Naval Aviation- 1957." Other familiar actors included: John Wayne (CDR Frank "Spig" Wead), Kenneth Curtis (RADM John "Johnny" Dale Price), Dan Dailey (Chief "Jughead" Carson- loyal Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate), Kenneth Tobey (characterization of Lieutenant Jimmy H. Doolittle), Ward Bond (representing Hollywood director John Ford), Edmund Lowe (RADM William Adger Moffett, USN- Chief, Bureau of Aeronautics), and Charles Trowbridge (representing ADM Ernest J. King) whose one line was: "I like it...write it up". The railroad boxcar scene, the hangar fly-through, the various odd aircraft shown, the newsreel aviation reports of winning the Schneider Cup of 1923, the loyal efforts and contributions by the aviation maintenance personnel keeping the aircraft flying were all real events. Today's aspiring military aviators may find this aviation story of much interest.

This story may bring tears and some fond memories back to those pioneer naval aviation wives who are still around and had experienced it all. Their stories can relate back to the days of sugar white sands at Santa Rosa Island and of Coronado Beach; the babies they lost from the 1919 flu influenza; the open-air jalopy rides down old Warrington Road and Coronado Avenue; the screened front-porch bungalows of Bay Front, Pensacola, and Coronado Island; the seaplanes skimming across Pensacola and San Diego bays; meeting their husbands as they landed in their squadron fighters and torpedo planes following short at-sea flight operations aboard USS LANGLEY (CV-1); followed by the many naval aviator and bridge parties given at Mustin Beach and North Island officers' clubs- all this on just a naval Lieutenant's salary (with flight pay) to make ends meet during the Great Depression.

This is an MGM/ John Ford contribution to those "naval aviators in leather skull caps"- he did this well, focusing on the triumphs and tragedies often found within the War and Navy departments during the development of our country's military aviation. This was also Ford's tribute to Army-Navy aviation camaraderie- America's early combat teams. Seen here are episodes of Army-Navy departmental budget rivalries; around-the-world "beat the Navy" Army Air Corps celebrations; CDR Wead at the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during 1942 - 1943; combat films compiled by CDR Ford, USNR (Chief, Field Photographic Branch, OSS- worked for William "Wild Bill" Donovan, Director of OSS); and, the story of how CDR Wead got production approval of new "jeep" aircraft carriers on converted cruiser hulls- with the approval of ADM King and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. There is combat footage aboard carriers- a reenactment of CDR Wead aboard USS YORKTOWN (CV-10) as Chief of Staff/ Operations for RADM Charles A. "Baldy" Pownall, CTF-50, during the Gilbert and Marshall islands operations.

Interests in making this film concerning CDR Wead began with correspondence between Vice Admirals John Dale Price, Calvin Thornton Durgin, and John Ford. Ford received first priority from the Department of Defense (DoD) to film a story about CDR Wead, months ahead of an attempt by Warner Brothers Pictures Distributing Corporation. Priority permission to Ford was granted by Donald E. Baruch (Chief, Motion Picture Section, Pictorial Branch, DoD). The film was to be based upon historical material from DoD, tales from Price and Durgin, earlier correspondence received from CDR Wead, and a book by "Red" Futhven & Jerry Stagg titled "Staircase". The public has seen this magnificent Ford tribute to CDR Wead since 1957. A newcomer to this film might ask- who was this naval aviator called Spig Wead?

CDR Frank Wilbur Wead, USN, acquired the nickname "Spig" during his Naval Academy days (1912 - 1916). He accumulated 9 years & 7 months total sea service prior to his accident. Together, Lieutenants Wead, Price and Durgin received their aviation wings 22 May 1920, NAS Pensacola, FL. Later, LT Wead led the U.S. Navy Schneider Cup Team to England and brought this famous cup to America aboard S.S. LEVIATHAN, October 1923. With LT Price they broke five seaplane records, 11 - 12 July 1924. Along with fleet exercises aboard USS LANGLEY with VT-2, there were staff duty assignments under Admirals Moffett and Joseph M. Reeves, and with 11th Naval District Commander. Wead wrote for leading magazines (The Saturday Evening Post and The American Magazine) and Hollywood during 1930s to 1940s. His final assignment was as commanding officer of VF-2. During WWII, he acquired combat duty aboard USS YORKTOWN, receiving the Legion of Merit (Combat). CDR Wead was relieved from active duty 21 July 1944, at Fleet Air, Alameda, California, where his last naval boss was RADM Pownall (Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet).

The accident: Tragedy struck Wednesday morning, 14 April 1926, during heavy electrical storm over San Diego and Coronado. Combination of power outage and hurrying in the darkness, LT Wead accidentally tripped, falling down dark stairway, fracturing his neck. This occurred in a two-story home he and Minnie recently rented: 600 9th Avenue, Coronado, CA Today, one can still see this home corner of 9th and H avenues.

The Wings Of Eagles
This is a wonderful "campy" John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara movie, alot of fun and hi-jinks. A very strong supporting cast, and it makes fun of not only John Wayne but Howard Hawks. If you are a true John Wayne fan this one is a must! ... Read more

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Based on the book byMarshall Frady, this epic bio by John Frankenheimer stars Gary Sinise as one of the century's best candidates for true Aristotelian tragic status. The Aristotelian tragic protagonist is not an entirely bad man, but he has a fatal flaw. Wallace's flaw was not (originally) racism. It was lust for power and status, a lust so all-consuming that it turned Wallace into a fellow traveler with racists, and made of him one of the most destructive and most hated American politicians of his time. Sinise, who seems doomed to be underrated for his acting talents, captures memorably both the corruption and the belated search for redemption. Frankenheimer shows off all his skill with a story line, working through a series of flashbacks from the 1972 assassination attempt and weaving together real and constructedblack-and-white footage. The pace does stumble; in the end, the movie is half anhour too long. But you get sucked in by the period feel, the accents as thick as grits, and the many excellent supporting performances. Especially notable are Mare Winningham as Wallace's long-suffering first wife, Clarence Williams as his servant Archie (a somewhat questionable fictionalization by Frankenheimer), and Joe Don Baker as his mentor and predecessor in the governor's mansion, Big Jim Folsom. Frankenheimer, Sinise, and Winningham all won Emmys for their work, and the film won the Golden Globe for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great film, great acting.
Exellent film, inspired and eye opening to those who have never seen how far the lack of understanding will take you or how much of a life can be spent doing harm to those you do not even know.
I'm sure you will enjoy this film and the message it delivers. Well done.

Sinise's Third Best Only To Truman and Forrest Gump!!!
Gary Sinise steals the show in George Wallace, the TNT documentary made about the three-time governor of Alabama and four-time presidential candidate. I honestly think Angelina Jolie, not Mare Winningham, should of gotten the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the movie. Winningham is a fine actress and portrayed her character well, but I thought she was rather drab. When Jolie takes over as the second Mrs. Wallace, she delivers her role with much more conviction and flare. Of course though, Sinise is the best actor in the cast and is most deserving of the award he got for Best Actor. Sinise's best role in my opinion, as you can likely guess from my review title, is his role in Truman, followed in a close second by his Lieutenant Dan portrayal in Forrest Gump, but this movie was a just as close third. I read one review of this movie which said the reviewer would have liked to see more about Wallace's 1968 campaign for President. I personally would have liked to see more about his '64 and '76 presidential bids because they have more historical signficance, being that his '64 run took place during the most controversial time in his career, the Civil Rights Movement, and it was his first presidential campaign. And I would have liked to see more of his 1976 run because he did best as a candidate. And, as history itself and the movie both dictate, people seem to forget that when Wallace became a segregationist, he was very much reluctantly drawn into it by the Ku Klux Klan, rather than he was always one as most everyone who knows of him thinks. I think this point to his character should have been better addressed. Besides these small flaws, the movie was great overall. I also found something in common between this movie and Forrest Gump. In both, Sinise plays characters who are marred by physical trauma, and both characters have some very negative things to say about their conditions. As I said earlier, this movie is great overall and well worth watching especially if you are a history/political buff. Get it!!!

George Wallace: from liberal to racist to redemption
The fighting little judge from Alabama was known as the most liberal judge in Alabama and probably in the South. But one gubernational defeat makes him turn to racism in order to capture the governorship.

Gary Sinise turns in an incredible performance as the governor, he has become one of my favorite actors ever since his equally brilliant performance in "Truman".

I like the way that this movie doesn't judge Wallace as good or bad, it leaves that to the viewer. In one scene you can see Wallace commenting on the beating of Civil Rights activists at the Edmund Pettus Bridge saying "This is a victory for US! We turned them back" and you actually think that Sinise as Wallace believes what he's saying.

The movie presents some historical footage here and there, you can see president Lyndon Johnson and Martin Luther King's famous "how long?" speech.

It does have a number of flaws though, I'd have liked to see more about election 1968, the way Nixon tried to prevent Wallace from becoming governor in 1970 by sponsoring Wallace's opponent, the infamous General Curtis Lemay pressconference. And the fictional character Archie isn't quite pulled off by the director, it strikes me as an anomaly in the movie.

Also it shows Wallace meeting Cornelia, his future second wife at governor Folsom's inaugural in 1955, this would have made Cornelia about 23 years old in 1972 when in fact she was 31. The reason for that is that George and Lurleen met Cornelia at Folsom's FIRST inaugural in 1947 and not 1955

The most moving scene is where Wallace is wheeled into the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (Dr. King's former church) where he, in front of a stunned black congegation apologizes for his role in black suffering. The authenticity of this scene I found questionable until I read about it in Stephan Lesher's book "George Wallace American populist".

But in the end George Wallace the movie is a masterpiece capturing the sentiments of the 50's, 60's and 70's. The late governor's children are said to have been content with the portrayal.

George Wallace
EXCELLENT! SPLENDID PERFORMANCE BY MARK VALLEY AS BOBBY KENNEDY.

solid fare for political junkies
It's hardly surprising that Ted Turner, a political animal if there ever was one, would turn his TNT productions into a vehicle for politically themed movies. This film, along with "Kingfish" and "Nixon and Kissinger" is the kind of product Turner no doubt loves to sponsor. Those of us who are closet political junkies ourselves, but who may not have the time or inclination to read lengthy biographies of well-known politicos, can at least begin to satisfy our social consciousness jones with these usually worthy efforts.

_George Wallace_ is certainly that--a worthy effort. It does not answer every question I've ever had about the man, but it does provide us with a portrait of a very complex, power-hungry individual, one who sacrificed principal for power and who became a symbol of a kind of racism that he did not really fully embrace. At least as seen by scriptwriter Marshall Frady (on whose book this film is based), Wallace had no particular ax to grind with the black community and was primarily a populist who initially sought the support of all the "folks". One gubernatorial defeat, however, was all it took to convince him that despite his reservations about extremists like the Klan, he would have to play the race card in order to win the governorship of Alabama.

And thereby hangs the tale--or would have if he had not been shot at a political rally in 1972. The film's take on Wallace is that this event and the intense personal suffering that ensued brought about his eventual personal and, to some extent, political redemption. This may well be so, but writer Frady and director John Frankenheimer do slip significantly in presenting this turn-about. Wallace's conversion in the film rings too many false notes. I don't know if Wallace ever spontaneously dropped in on a black Baptist church, for instance, but if he did, it is all the more incumbent on the filmmakers not to portray the event too hamfistedly. Only Gary Sinise's nuanced performance keeps that scene from becoming an embarrassment. All too often Frankenheimer and Frady seem to be going for the kind of cinematic shorthand found in politically themed films. Conversations become near tracts or simply clunky ways of advancing the political story.

Still there's no denying Frankenheimer's ability to get a tough story across. And the actors are generally first-rate.(Only Joe Don Baker as Wallace's populist mentor winds up going over the top). On the distaff side, Mare Winningham(a subdued and graceful steel magnolia--the kind of role Lee Remick once specialized in) and a fresh on the scene Angelina Jolie give remarkable performances. Clarence Williams III is solid as the (fictional) stoic black trusty who serves the Wallace household for decades. And, of course, a good ol' boy milieu as presented here always presents juicy roles for character actors. _Wallace_ is full of familiar faces, actors you've seen dozens of times before but whose names you'll struggle to place. They seem to be having a grand old time putting on the accents and affecting the mannerisms of the South.

Still it's ultimately Gary Sinise's movie. His '97 Emmy was richly deserved. He is simply fascinating to watch here. It's one of those cinematic performances where you're first reaction is "why did they ever cast him...there's no resemblance whatsoever..." And in within minutes you forget all that and become so caught up in the performance that you can't imagine anyone else playing the part. ... Read more

Description

It's an all-out Zack attack as the Black Ranger takes on the villainy of Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd in two exciting episodes! Adventure 1: It's the Black Ranger's birthday and everyone has a gift ... even Rita Repulsa. She's sent a new monster -- the Dark Knight -- to say happy birthday, Zack. Will the Power Rangers be able to band together to blow out the candles on this gift? Adventure 2: Billy and Zack find some cool new sunglasses, but there's a problem -- their fellow Power Rangers suddenly look like Putties, and Billy and Zack are ready to attack. Even worse, Lord Zedd has sent a fire-breathing monster, the Salaguana, to take on Trini, Jason, and Kimberly. Does the Black Ranger have nothing but putty on the brain, or will he and Billy come to their senses in time to help their friends? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Power to the Black Ranger
This is great for lovers of the best, and original power rangers. When the Black Ranger was Black and the Yellow Ranger was asian. Unlike the power rangers nowadays, the ones in this video dont need stunt doubles, They can actualy fight. Jason and Zack really beat down the putties with some fighting skills. The secound episode of this tape had some good action. Get this tape for some action with the REAL power rangers. Holla!

Power Rangers: Black Ranger Adventure
If you like the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers you will enjoy this video. The original rangers are very entertaining and have a sense of fun that doesn't seem as 'commercial' as they do now. Just remember when you are watching that you aren't there for the great acting, an engrossing story-line, or realistic special effects. It is entertainment aimed at the very young. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

One of Shannon Whirry's best perfomances!
This is an exceptional example of Shannon Whirry's full range of acting ability. She gives a very, very sensuous perfomance! END

Fantastic!
Shannon exhibits fine acting in addition to her always fantastic body. Though some aspects of the movie could have been better, Shannon makes it all worth while.

shannon
i liked it it seamed to capture all of shannonns beauty.

Shannon Whirry is worth seeing
This is a fair B-movie. Nothing spectacular and the theme has been done to death: Obsessed stalker captures target and subjects her to his fantasies. It's been done better in the gripping Tattoo, starring Maud Adams and the quirky Spanish flick Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down, starring Victoria Abril.
But Shannon Whirry is stunning, even before she removes her clothes and reveals her marvelous assets. And she can act, with dramatic flair and wit. She is at first scared, then angry, and finally turns the tables on her captor through the power of her beauty and sensuality.
I watched the unrated VHS release, so the R-rated version might have disappointing cuts.

Not Whirry at her best...
...but her bust is at its best, as always. Not a top-of-the-line evil nude kinkfest from Shannon Whirry, but it might turn the crank of some of you. The best scene is when Whirry tries to escape and jams her huge funbags in a doggy door... They end up greasing her up, which I have always wanted to see. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

hey, it was funny back then and it's still funny now
I have read the reviews of some others, and yeah, it was a relatively low budget movie. And this was during Chevy Chase' hayday of movies that had genius, but unrealized; much like modern problems. It's something about his quiet wit, like his Ty Cobb character in Caddyshack. Maybe I'm just being nostalgic. But didn't you laugh when he was demonstrating the machine gun with the bottle opener to the guerilla fighters? Wasn't it funny when he held up the mugger when he was being held up? Wasn't it funny when he got shot in the foot AGAIN?! Wasn't it funny when the Luck-up team was more concerned about the air-conditioner over the drone?!

"What's a place like this doing around a girl like you?"

"Do you mind, I just lost my husband"
"Well, we have a few minutes, we could look for him."

"I like your flame job...I'm just gonna give it a little touch up!"

Uninspired satire on the military-industrial complex
This flick satirizes the dreaded military-industrial complex, but it resembles the acquisitions process more than it realizes. Chevy Chase plays a low-level arms contractor, selling cheap (booby-trapped urinals) and used weapons to foreigners who should be spending more time and money on their own impoverished and illiterate citizens. On a selling trip to a south American dictatorship (where chickens strut thruought the presidential palace), he meets a desperate and suicidal corporate rep for a larger and more serious contractor - "Lock-Up", with a more serious product, the Buzzard pilot-less aircraft. Not simply a drone, the Buzzard completely replaces all piloted warplanes - in concept. When the rep meets his end, Chase steps in and sells the Buzzard (along with his own sub-machinegun cameras) to the dictator. Three things complicate Chase on his return. His longtime partner, an ex-jet jock played by Gregory Hines, has found religion, complicating his eagerness to sell weapons of mass destruction door-to-door. Chase also runs afoul of Sigourney Weaver, the Lock-Up rep's grieving widow. She nearly kills him trying to steal back the signed contract for the Buzzard. But the Buzzard itself is the biggest snag. After a disastrous public debut, all of Lock-Up's customers cancel their contracts, and it's up to Chevy Chase to snag the dictator's contract again. No longer selling used flamethrowers, Chase is exposed to the outright corruption of the global arms industry in its heyday (Reagan's first term; extensive conventional conflicts using sophisticated weapons in the Falklands and the Mideast), receiving advice and support from all sides desirous of preserving the concept of stable conventional warfare through the 21st century.

So, why does this flick die? Military weapons are designed to solve a problem like "how do we shoot down an incoming missile?" or, in this case "how do we shoot down the dreaded conspiracy of militant generals, greedy defense contractors, corrupt third world dictators, lobbyists and our own politicians"? In each case, we're told that the answer is simple, yet it soon proves difficult, complex, expensive and, ultimately, doesn't even work. How could you misfire against a target as ripe as the military-industrial complex? Though this is a comedy, nobody looks or sounds remotely funny. At times, the script becomes outright nasty (Weaver's character is forced to "service" the dictator as the screen focuses on a montage of military hardware; the scene ends when the "client" proves he is NOT master of his domain). "Deal" could have played it as a straight parody (like MASH) but the script is too heavy-handed to let the defense industry get off lightly - the flick climaxes at an arms-industry expo played over the top with outrageous dance numbers. Bereft of much plot, the script suddenly realizes it needs a more concrete villain than the MIC and turns to Lock-Up's CEO for help. A stone-faced corporate type, the expo positively unhinges him. "We're state of the art" he says in a wide-eyed frenzy not unlike Jimmy Cagney in "White Heat" ("Top of the World"), just so the film can end on a happy note with his downfall. There's got to be a better way to satirize the defense-acquisitions process, just like there's got to be a better way to take on Saddam Hussein, it's just that nobody has figured out how.

Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad
Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad Film.
...Of course, that's just my opinion.

Chase, Weaver, Hines having fun with an Error-Prone Drone!!!
The Reagan defense-spendin' years brought us this flick about a 2nd-rate arms dealer (Eddie Muntz - Chase) down on his luck who happens to be in the wrong place at the right time to capitalize on a $300 million dollar combat drone airplane contract. Problem is, the plane suffers from a few design flaws and the USA doesn't want to buy it. But there's money to be made.

The special effects are only studio-quality, much like we saw in many movies of the 1980's (Aliens of 1979 being an enjoyable exception). Standard Chase humor here and I like Gregory Hines as the troubled arms dealer discovering his spiritual side. During his struggles with his new-found Faith, Hines has to take a flamethrower to a 1974-or-so Monte Carlo to resolve a dispute.

There's the banana-republic military dictator who's interested in the drone (the Peacemaker) and Sigourney Weaver. Great cameo appearance by Richard Libertini who I enjoyed in Fletch, Fletch Lives and The In-Laws. Libertini is an arms dealer, based on the real-life arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi who dated Mary Hart (Miss Million Dollar Legs herself).

I'd give the movie 3.5 stars, because of the nice, odd touches like the Pep Boys automotive commercial (Manny, Moe and Jack!) that shows up on one of the computer monitors. Though not his best movie, this is one of Chase's better efforts, unlike Modern Problems or Nothing But Trouble (ouch). Not the greatest movie in the world, but a little fun, especially when Chase turns the tables on a would-be robber. Listen for the classic subtle Chase insults to his arms clients at the beginning ("you smell like you smell now") and his twists of the cliche's ("what's a place like this doing around a girl like that?"). Kind of a different film, but a little interestng footage of Reagan's defense build-up speeches.

Very Little Known Funny Satire
A gun salesman (Chevy Chase) turns to selling planes with a mysterious woman (Sigourney Weaver) and a Jesus fanatic (Gregory Hines). Very witty, very funny. It's like Dr. Stranglove, Wag the Dog, and Monty Python put together. It's a very little known comedy, I don't think it was received well when it came out, but it's a really good film. You should probably see it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Should've Been on the AFI's list of "Top 100 Romantic Films"
I saw this movie when it first came out in the 70's and have seen it many times on and off for years.

The movie is funny, but what makes it work is the two stars. George Segal (who never looked better) is in fine comedic form, and he and Glenda Jackson complement each other perfectly. She was especially singled out for critical acclaim -- some people compared her to Katharine Hepburn in Hepburn's comedic roles.

The movie also affords a look at London in the early 70's.

Because the actors work so well together, I would've liked a different (happier) ending for the movie. Still, after thirty years, "A Touch of Class" remains very watchable and poignant -- largely because of the two stars.

creepy and disturbing
I did not like this movie. I know that times have changed and it would be revisionist to hold this movie to millennium standards of sexual conduct and infidelity. Nonetheless, I found it very disturbing: his lack of concern for his wife and children, how the wife was unsympathetic and one dimensional, and how absolutely de rigueur it was in the sixties for married men to have "a bit on the side." And what about her kids? apart from the first scene we never see them again; she instead seems to spend all her time cooking and keeping house for a married man. I'm not a prude, really, but this film left a bad taste in my mouth.

One of the funniest, sexiest, smartest movies I've ever seen
...and I'm not easy to please. It's strange when you realize just how sexy George Segal was. But the movie is wonderfully written, sharp, smart and incredibly funny. I saw another reviewer liked The Goodbye Girl better. I prefered this...Sharper, more biting, less sentimental. That doesn't mean it's heartless or even cynical, just that it's lacking in syrup. George Segal and Glenda Jackson have the all the chemistry and the comedic chops (and then some) needed to make this movie work. This movie made me laugh a lot, was sexy enough to warm any cold night and smart enough to make me feel like the people who made it figured I had at least a high school education. How come comedic movies this smart don't get made by the major studios anymore?

A great movie that will one day be remade
Glenda Jackson and George Segal tear up the screen and nearly each other in this frothy 1973 Oscar-winning comedy. The relationship is the key here and the two leads almost define screen chemistry. Shot in London and Malaga, Spain, it's also a fun date film. The DVD transfer is pretty decent considering the age. Whatever your tastes in film, this is a pretty tough one not to like.

With Hollywood remaking classics like "Charade," this one seems a solid bet. Who would they pick today? Oh, probably Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.

How come it's unavailable???
Extremely funny, light-hearted movie. Whether it was worthy of a best actress oscar is debateable, but nonetheless: HOW CAN AN OSCAR WINNING FILM NOT BE AVAILABLE IN THIS DAY & AGE?????? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Sparkling MGM Comedy Of Jewel Thieves In High Society
"The Last of Mrs. Cheyney", in my opinion epitomises everything that MGM represented at it's peak in the late 1930's. Based on the famous and often revived stageplay by Frederick Lonsdale, we have here the perfect star vehicle for a highly sophisticated Joan Crawford at the peak of her artistic and glamourous film stardom where we find her yet again moving in levels of society above where she originated from. In this film Joan Crawford's legendary "shop girl", characterisations really came of age in a delightful confection dealing with "street smart" jewel thieves in high society who realise they are not as smart or indeed as street wise as those high society "dupes" they are prepared to fleece. The "MGM", look is rounded out by leading men William Powell (in his only appearance with Joan Crawford), and Robert Montgomery and with a beautiful class "A", production with careful attention to detail expended in every department. Indeed "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney", despite it's strange lack of success at the boxoffice in 1937, provided Joan Crawford with a refreshing change of pace which she handles very well indeed and illustrates the development in her acting abilities since her famous efforts of the early 1930's such as "Grand Hotel", and "Sadie McKee".

The famous play which this film was based on has seen many revivals including an earlier 1929 film version starring Norma Shearer and Basil Rathbone. That version was very successful however in terms of top production values this 1937 version is far superior. Joan Crawford plays Fay Cheyney, an American woman who travels easily in British high society. She possesses all the manufactured refinement, poise and conversation skills to win over the jaded aristocrats and "old money" crowd who when she has won their trust, proceeds to relieve of their ancestral jewels. In her schemes she is aided by her "butler" Charles (William Powell) and a ring of no good types intent upon making themselves rich via Fay's ability to win the trust of England's titled gentry. Setting up residence in London Fay catches the eye of young Lord Arthur Dilling (Montgomery) and elderly Lord Francis Kelton (Frank Morgan)both of whom will be at a lavish weekend party at the country residence of the Duchess of Ebley(a superb Jessie Ralph), who happens to have a valuable jewelry collection. Seeing this as the possible heist of the century Fay manages to be invited for the weekend by charming the Duchess. Fay considers herself above the titled group around her and touchingly sees herself as "a respectable adventuress rather than a criminial"! Carrying off a beautiful and rare pearl necklace however Fay is caught in the act by Lord Arthur who has his own terms and conditions about whether to turn her into the police. Just as Fay is about to abandon her "calling in life" and go away quietly with Charles who also loves her and is very protective of her welfare, highly embarrassing love letters written to Fay by an ardent Lord Kelton are revealed which turns the tables on the priviledged group assembled at the house by painting them in a very unflattering light and showing them to be no better or trustworthy than the jewel thieves currently in their midst. With this solid gold evidence in their hands Fay and Charles threaten to reveal all to the police and the courts upon which to save face a very hasty solution is found to "everyone's" satisfaction", that also sees Fay happily settled afterall with Lord Dilling in a respectable life as Lady Dilling that will definately see "the last of Mrs. Cheyney".

Despite Joan Crawford's shaking standing in Box Office terms in 1937 this film was an all out effort by MGM to provide her with just the right property to hopefully restore her standing in Hollywood. Joan had to wait for 2 more years and the role of Crystal in "The Women", for that to happen but "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney", is a respectable film sadly not well enough known today. It boasts all the expected MGM polish as became an "A" class production at this time. It combines superb art direction and settings courtesy of the celebrated Cedric Gibbons, wonderful costumes in particular for Joan by the legendary Adrian who was always expert at creating clothes for high society settings of whatever age. The supporting players alone could have earned MGM the title of having more stars than there are in heaven in particular Jessie Ralph as the no nonsense Duchess who takes a shine to Fay, Nigel Bruce as befuddled Lord Winton, and Benita Hume, Ralph Forbes and Aileen Pringle lending their always excellent support to the proceedings. The film was marked by tragedy and potential crisis during production when veteran director Richard Boleslawski suddenly died before the film was completed. Although he received sole billing as director of "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney", in actual fact the chore of completing the film was handed to famous female director Dorothy Arzner who took over the direction for the last few weeks of production. She would team again with Joan Crawford in both women's next film "The Bride Wore Red".

As a typical product of late 30's sophistication "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney", makes wonderful entertainment revealing a world removed from day to day reality with no thoughts of war or depression evident. Joan Crawford and William Powell might not be the most memorable screen team in MGM's history however their work together is polished and offers an interesting variation on Powell's work in particular with more regular co stars like Myrna Loy. Enjoy Joan Crawford as a female "Raffles" finding love in high society in the glossy "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney".

CLASSIC CRAWFORD
This movie actually contains a superior Joan Crawford performance. A beautiful example of a "class picture" from the M-G-M of 1937, this movie - surprisingly - wasn't quite successful enough on its own to pull Crawford out of the "box-office poison" category which plagued her in the late thirties. The movie is based on the Frederick Lonsdale evergreen, which was filmed previously in 1929 with Norma Shearer; the critics mostly agreed that this version was a definite improvement. Crawford got special praise for her smooth comedy playing (although she and Bill Powell had an odd chemistry) and the supporting cast was generally excellent. The Leon Gordon-Monkton Hoffe-Samuel Raphaelson script for producer Lawrence Weingarten made few alterations to the play about jewel theives in high society.... Director Richard Boleslawski, died suddenly while the film was still in production.

Joan Crawford shines as jewel thief who meets her match!
I would not consider this movie "dated" in 1999. The cast is superb with Crawford and her partner in crime Powell planning to endear her to a wealthy family,so she can steal their jewels. Crawford does not know all the pitfalls she will encounter-some hilarious ones at that. Robert Montgomery proves Crawford's ultimate test. Can she give up her exciting but shallow life of crime for him, or will he turn her in if he figures out her ploy. Watch it and have fun seeing it all unfold. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Extraordinary Film Essential Viewing
King Rat appeared around the same time as "The Train". While both attempt an unsentimentalized view of war and it's heroes, "The Train" (an excellent film) is ultimately an action piece about victory. "King Rat" on the other hand, is about survival.

Over the last twenty-five years I've read the book twice and seen the movie at least five times. I don't care what the differences are anymore - both book and film are exceptional works. Different, but definitely equal. Experiencing either will be a harrowing, heart-breaking, but ultimately rewarding experience.

Set in Changi prison camp (and based on Clavel's real-life experiences there) King Rat is the story of a young British officer (James Fox) who finds himself working for the camp hustler (George Segal). Together they are harassed by camp Provost Martial Tom Courtney determined to catch Segal (Corporal King) breaking regulations.

The adaptation and direction by Bryan Forbes (who had to make allowances for the conservative sensibilities of a sixties audience) is simply amazing: King Rat is about the heat, disease, suffering, and madness. These aren't the stiff-upper-lip-discipline-or-die men of "Bridge On The River Kwai". The soldiers in King Rat are wretched, pathetic, and despairing. There is no sentimentality here, neither in front of, or behind the camera. Forbes' lens is unflinching -- it's the audience who has to look away.

The cast alone makes this film worthwhile: George Segal (for the uninitiated, Segal was once a rising star), Tom Courtenay, James Fox, Patrick O'Neal, Denholm Elliot, James Donald, Tod Armstrong, John Mills, Gerald Sim, and Leonard Rossiter to name a few. They are all at their best. There are no disappointments here. In fact, I think it is the cast that makes me prefer the film to the book. Tom Courtney is much better at realizing his character than Clavel can write him. While Clavel (who lived this harrowing experience) may have known these people, it's the cast who have personalized and personified them. And so, while Forbes may have cut significant material from the book, I think the soul of the work is stronger. This is most apparent in the last line of dialog: in the book it is delivered by Tom Courtney's character, but in the film it is given to James Fox.

But what is most amazing is that, after thirty-five years and the likes of "Patton", "Full Metal Jacket", "Platoon", "The Odd Angry Shot", and "Saving Private Ryan", "King Rat" still holds it's own. IF you are a connoisseur of films (war or otherwise) this is a must see.

He Gave You Hate, Gray!
Survival. This film of POW's in Singapore's Changi prison is about survival. Mostly British POW's, there is one hustler among them, an American Corporal named King. He is the King Rat...the black marketeer, the guy "on the ball", trading with the Malay & Japanese guards, and always working schemes. He is pursued by the POW Provost Marshals , envied and resented by other POW's, even as they employ his services as a go-between for themselves.

A naive young British Officer, Marlowe, meets the King and is drawn into his world, first as a translator (he speaks Malay), and slowly becomes Corporal King's only true friend. He comes to admire King's undaunted will to survive and his ingenuity and courage. In the episode of the watch sale, King gives Marlowe a lesson in how things really work that is an eye-opener to him and us.

Beautifully played by a very young James Fox as Marlowe, and an equally young George Segal as Corporal King, the movie is harrowing and yet often very funny. King's schemes and maneuvers, while illegal as camp rules, keep everyone engaged and some of the episodes are rife with gallows humor (as in the special "stew" feast and the "delicacy" reserved for sale to officers only).

The rest of the cast is fine with John Mills, Patrick O'Neal, James Donalds and Tom Courtney standouts. The direction by Bryan Forbes is excellent, capturing the terrible conditions of the camp and the insipient insanity and despair of the prisoners.

James Clavell was in Changi prison, and he knew a man like Corporal King. The book may have been somewhat different, but the movie captures the essence of Clavell's experience and his admiration for the man's guts and spirit and unwillingness to surrender and be defeated by Changi. A terrific, unsentimental film. 4-1/2 stars.

You are what you eat
Well, Corporal King did not actually eat rats - he sold that particular delicacy to the officers.

Based on the excellent book by James Clavell, this is a great story of life in a Japanese-run prison camp in Singapore.

George Segal plays corporal King, who is the big wheeler-dealer of the camp, buying and selling various items such as watches, ripping off anyone he can, but also handsomely paying off his cronies.

He develops a friendship of sorts with one particular British prisoner, and later helps keep his arm from being amputated.

Upon being liberated (led by none other than "Family Feud" host Richard Dawson), King realizes that he will be going back to being the low rung on the ladder (as a corporal), and shares none of the other prisoner's joy of freedom.

There are quite a few great performances, particularly from George Segal (the man who once french-kissed his dog on the Johnny Carson show).

Of course, as is usually the case, the book is much better, but this is still a darn good movie.

Why is this movie so underrated?
I do not understand why this movie isn't better known and more respected. It is an excellent film, as are several of Bryan Forbes' British films, all of which I recommend. When I first saw this film, I was almost outraged that I'd never heard anything about it, and I see I'm in good company. Why is Stalag 17 considered a classic of American cinema while King Rat (a much better and more complex film, in my opinion) languishes in semi-obscurity? I've never seen any significant criticism on it, which is particularly unusual for a war film (and, in some sense, anti-war film.) At least they've finally put it on DVD, and the transfer here is excellent, even if there aren't really any extras. Interestingly, the company that produced this DVD seems to be pushing George Segal's presence as the selling point of King Rat, and the back of the box doesn't even mention James Fox's character(!) (Perhaps the macho POW film audience would be put off by the relationship between Segal's and Fox's characters? I don't know.) Segal's performance is indeed great, but it isn't the only reason to watch this film, which is excellent in every major respect: technically, dramatically, and thematically. (I'm usually nearly in tears by the end, too-- I don't know whether that's true for everyone, though.) One more thing: I have not read the novel, but you should bear in mind that they ARE separate works of art, even if the film is adapted, and therefore needn't be judged against each other. I think King Rat succeeds marvellously in its own right.

Anyone for an egg???
There have been many great war movies and most people would surely agree that movies such as Patton, Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Paths of Glory should be included, but sad to say I have never seen "King Rat" on any greatest list (either war related or just generic great movies). Oh, but it should be! On the face of it, "King Rat" is the story of an American corporal (George Segal) imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp. He may be a corporal in actual rank, but he is the Commander-in-Chief of the entire camp when it comes to surviving. He is the instigator and beneficiary of every scheme immaginable to survive as best he can. He not only has to persevere against the Japanese, but also the other allied prisoners in the camp with him who consider him no better than the Japanese. I will not go into all of the schemes that he concocts for his personal survival and comfort, but there is one in which he is offhandedly (or so it seems) preparing lunch for himself and a fellow prisoner, that has to be seen "and heard" to be believed. I have probably 1,000 movies in my collection and have seen many more than that, which simply means that I have been exposed to hundreds and hundreds of memorable scenes: 2001: bone thrown into the air, Butch Cassidy: jumping off the cliff, Dr. Strangelove: riding the bomb, Doctor Zhivago: collapsing on the tracks with Lara almost in reach, and of course Psycho: the shower, but I defy anyone to watch the egg scene in "King Rat" and not be profoundly moved. It affects me deeply just thinking about it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers!!! The only decent rangers!
I grew up watching the Power Rangers and will never forget my days seeing Jason, Kimberley, Billy, Trini and Zack fighting Rita Repulsa's latest creation.

Day of the Dumpster is the FIRST EVER episode of the Power Rangers. 5 teenagers are chosen to become the Power Rangers when evil space witch Rita Repulsa escapes from her prison.

These classic episodes are the only ones worth watching. After the third series of Power Rangers the show just got really stupid and the actors got even worse! The only problem I have with the original Power Rangers is that you can never watch it anymore. The original episodes are hardly ever shown on FOX TV anymore and only a few number of episodes were ever released on VHS.

To satisfy us fans they should release an official boxset. The complete first season of the show followed by the complete second and third seasons. As I said once before when the Power Rangers turn into the Zeo rangers there is just no point watching anymore!

I understand there are like over 100 episodes alone in the first season but they could release the season in different parts. Like the first boxset contains the first 25 episodes followed by another one which contains the next 25 episodes and so on! Please SABAR!!! Have some heart and give us fans memories by giving us every single episode of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers on DVD!!!!!

Cool series, but these tapes are a rip-off
INTRODUCTION:
The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers was a classic sci-fi action series that debuted on FOX in 1993. This series tells the story of five teenagers who are given superhuman abilities to battle an evil empress who has her sights set on destroying the world. The series lasted for a number of seasons, and has spawned at least half a dozen spin-offs (all of which are inferior to this, the original series.) The series became wildly popular almost immeadiately, so five of the earliest episodes got VHS releases (keep in mind, this series was in its prime long before DVDs were invented.) This is tape one of five. Read on for my review.

EPISODE SYNOPSIS:
Two astronauts are on a moon-walking expedition, when they discover a strange object. They open this object, and an evil empress, Rita, is freed from it. She says that for her "coming-out party", she will destroy the nearest planet (which is Earth.) Meanwhile on Earth, Rita's old nemesis Zordon (who is forced to live in a glass jar for reasons that will be explained later in the series) discovers that she is free. He warps five teenagers to his secret command center, and gives them superhuman powers. Unfortuately, they don't take him seriously and leave. But before long, Rita's army begins attacking the city, so the teens realize something - this is no joke. They use their newfound powers to battle the invaders, but will it be enough?

EPISODE OPINIONS:
Overall, this is a very good first episode for the classic series. Unfortunately, it leaves a number of questions unanswered(fortunately most of these are answered in later episodes.) If you're going to get into this series, you may as well begin at the beginning.

TAPE OPINIONS:
These videos are a rip-off because you only get one episode per video! When most series are released on video, they put two episodes on each video so that consumers get a better value - not true here!

OVERALL:
If you can find these videos for a good price, they're a worthwhile diversion from all of the junk that has been flooding the television airwaves recently. If you're going to watch the Power Rangers, make sure it's the classic series - and not those lame spin-offs FOX has been showing in recent years.

one of the best
the one to start it all yes i have been a fan seens this episode first was shown. ya a long time ago. it is about when rita rapulsa is relesed from a dumster on the moon she is an evil scorceres that is trying to "concure earth" then zordon finds 5 "teen agers with attitude" and they become the power rangers

POWER RANGERS
This was the first power rangers ep ever. If you are buying this copy for the first box art then do it. But if you are looking to buy this because you just wanted to see the ep then you should look for the CLASSIC RED RANGER tape. You get two ep for less. You get this ep Day of the Dumpster and The Wannabe Ranger.

The Best Series!
"Day of the Dumpster" is the episode that started the whole craze off. That is why I like it so much. The first Morphin' sequence, the first time you see the Zords etc. that's what makes it the best! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

without a doubt the funniest series of all time
Chris Elliott is a comedic genius. The humor in "Get a Life" defies explanation. While the episodes on this tape are definitely hilarious, unfortunately, in my opinion, Rhino could have chosen better episodes for its first (and hopefully not only) set to be released. I would have loved to see Meat Locker 2000 included. It also would have seemed a logical choice to included the Hell Loop 2000 episode on the first tape (since it was the first episode - and one of the funniest).

The best show on earth, finally comes to video.
I remember watching this show when I was 10 years old, and I have never forgotten it. I have about 24 of these episodes on tape, but didn't have "Spewey and Me" or "Girlfriend 2000," so these tapes go great with my collection. I do, however, wish that they would have added more than 2 episodes per tape. I also would like to see "Zoo Animals on Wheels" and "Chris's Brain." (The one where Chris learns to spell because of Toxic Waste.) These are 2 awesome episodes, that I do not have, and would love to see a great quality copy of either of these 2 episodes. Hopefully these 2 volumes will sell well, and encourage Rhino to release more tapes. They should read these reviews to get an idea as to what to put on the next volumes. Anyways, I'm just glad I got to see "Spewey and Me" again.

Whoever's Listening. We want more Get a Life on video!
I have Volumes 1 and 2, and have ordered the latest release of this silly 90s TV show, but I must have more. Come on producers, stop teasing us. Let's get "Houseboy 2000" and some other episodes on video or DVD. There's a cult following out there who is hungry to see Chris bumble his way through life.

get a life volume 1
The funniest show you'll ever see. Where in the world are the rest of the episodes? Like the one where Chris learns to spell from consuming toxic waste and the one where they go camping and eat some berries that make them see strange things. This tape is a must for all comedy fans!!!!!!!!!!

SPEWY I love You!
Just like volume 1. This tape is a must for GET A LIFE FANS.

YELL and Shout for VOLUME 3! ... Read more

Reviews (81)

PREPOSTEROUS BUT ENJOYABLE
There are so many things in this movie that just couldn't happen, starting with