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Crystalline aliens lurk in their ship in the vicinity of the shield that keeps Gallifrey safe from its enemies, and the Doctor, in his Tom Baker incarnation, is engaged in highly suspicious negotiations with them. As he takes his seat as president of the Time Lords Council and displays ever-increasing signs of paranoia, expelling Leela (Louise Jameson) to the barren area outside the Time Lords' citadel, could it be that he has turned to the dark side? Or is this all a cunning plan?

This is one of the most inventive of the Doctor's adventures back home on Gallifrey, with nicely judged portrayals of the senior Time Lord bureaucracy, some suspenseful journeys through the Tardis's interior, and a surprise appearance by particularly unpleasant old enemies. The real high point, though, is Tom Baker's performance, more barnstorming than ever before, at times blazingly angry and at times even more terrifying when soft-spokenly whimsical; this is a story line that reminds us that the various incarnations of the Doctor are impressive as well as charming. --Roz Kaveney ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Doctor betrays his own people and Leela/first K9 leave!
In this episode the Doctor returns home to Gallifrey with Leela and K9.Unknown to the Time Lords , the Doctor is in league with aliens called Vardans who take over Gallifrey.Leela flees Gallifrey and meets Time Lord dropouts. The Doctor defeats the Vardans, but an old enemy is waiting to take over, the Sontarans. Finally the Doctor defeats the Sontarans and his memoory of being Time Lord President erased. Leela stays behind with a member of the security guards on Gallifrey.Also the Original K9 stay with his mistress.In the end the Doctor starts to build a replaceement for K9.This episode is the end of season 15. The next story to follow this is the Key to Time episode "The Ribos Operation". This episode is approx 6 episode long!Also why not put this on two tapes!Where is the stories that comes before it "The Sumakers" and "Underworld"?also please starting putting Doctor Who on DVD for the American fans!Thank You!Only buy this video if you're a fan of Tom Baker,The Sontarans,Leela or K9!Otherwise rent it before you buy it possible!

Bum Rap Earned, But still worthy
This is perhaps the most maligned of the Tom Baker - Louise Jameson Dr. Who episodes and the justification is aptly deserved: Jameson's Leela, my personal favorite of all the Doctor's companions, makes a major whimp-out of an exit from the series in a scene that was arrived at, not written. Reportedly, Jameson decided during the production to have it be her farewell episode but the director apparently failed to consult the scriptwriters before the cast and crew shot the passage where she and the Doctor part ways, and it's abrupt ineffectiveness mars and distracts from what otherwise is a quite satisfactory -- if overlong -- adventure. The Doctor brings Leela to Gallifrey where he brusquely stakes his claim as Lord President of the Time Lords, then inexplicably has her banished from the Citadel to what appears to be a sand pit by a drainage ditch. Meanwhile, the Doctor and K9 embark on a plan to ensare the Vardans, shimmering Alien Menace creatures depicted as bits of wrinkled cellophane with a light reflecting off of them, who have designs upon the Time Lords that Baker's Who never seemed to have bothered asking about. So all of a sudden there is civil war in the Citadel as some side with the Invaders and another sect sides behind the unremittingly dull Commander Andred, the swine that will end up winning Leela's heart during romantic scenes that are never shown. Why? Because the plot is too busy having the Sontarrens pop up out of nowhere, claiming that the Vardens were just their pawns [you following this?] and that they are there to achieve victory over Time itself. Uh-huh. I wouldn't have had a problem with any of this if the all important question of just when did Leela and Andred hook up? was answered. In fact, she spends the majority of the adventure running around with the pretty but aloof Rodan [that's right, the same name as the giant rubbery Japanese space monster] and acting tough in front of the local outcast Time Lords who live in the sand pit by the drainage ditch, subsisting on walnuts. All of that is so unnecessary but somewhat redeemed by what I look upon as a clever segment set inside of the Tardis where the Sontarrens stomp around and look menacing while our heroes get lost in the endless corridors and storage rooms, which all look suspicously the same. Much scorn has been levied against this part of the episode because it was shot on found locations rather than decorated movie sets, but I actually find it intruguing, demonstrating how the Tardis really is infinite in the space it contains and not all of it necessarily has to look like the control room. But all criticism with this episode has to boil down to Leela's exit and our displeasure with how offhandedly it is treated. Someone we have grown to respect and care for steps aside and says goodbye to shack up with the most boring man on Gallifrey for NO apparent reason, and I just don't buy it. Still, the installment is another tour-de-force for Baker as the Doctor, has some great scenes involving K9 [whom I usually find annoying, I must admit] and a delightfully slimy character in the person of Castellan Kellner. Overlong and overwrought and bittersweet because of the Leela cop-out, but still worthy, and a must-have for Jameson fans. It's not her fault. Recommended.

My favorite Doctor Who story. Hopefully a DVD release soon!
One of the most overlooked and under-appreciated stories but for the serious Doctor Who fan or even if you just started watching, it's great piece. Tom Baker is at his best - a great display of his wit and slapstick style. The dialogue and incidental music are well crafted. An excellent supporting cast with great development of the supporting characters - Borusa, played by John Arnatt, is the best of all 4 actors to play Borusa. The Castellan is a subservient weasel, played wonderfully by Milton Johns. The episode provides a deeper look into Timelord capital society but also has the fun "chase" scene through the TARDIS (which has a much more interesting look than in the Davidson era and beyond). Additionally, this story really keeps you wondering, who are the "good guys" and who are the villains? Even the Doctor is thrown into the mix!
This story got me hooked on Doctor Who nearly 20 years ago!!!! Still my favorite and always will be!!!
PLEASE RELEASE ON DVD SOON!!!!!!!

Exciting return to Gallifrey for the Doctor
The closing story of FDoctor Who's fifteenth season begins with the unthinkable. The Doctor signs a contract with three unknown and unseen aliens in space. He has ordered Leela inside the TARDIS. When he comes in, she is bursting with questions. The Doctor tells her to ask K9 to tell her to shut up. When she starts to comply, she catches herself with an angry "How dare you?"

His behaviour becomes more erratic. He sees Borusa, his former teacher and now Chancellor, played with dry and acerbic aplomb by Leonard Arnatt, and arrogantly claims his birthright, demanding to become inaugurated president of the High Council of Time Lords. The presidential investiture ceremony echoes that of a bishop or pope being sworn in. And when he's told, "I give you the Matrix," the network containing the sum total of knowledge and memories of dead Time Lords, I found myself thinking, "Good thing it doesn't have Keanu Reeves in it."

With the aliens fully in control, he then instigates a full-scale purge of Time Lords who could be construed as troublemakers to his regime, even ordering Leela banished into the "barbaric garden" of Outer Gallifrey. He is aided in this by the Castellan Kelner, whose obsequious surface masks motives of self-preservation, as he is quick to switch allegiances. Kudos to Milton Johns for his portrayal.

Like The Deadly Assassin, there's another incompetent Guard commander, Andred. He's played by Christopher Tranchell, who previously appeared in the no-longer existent Who story The Faceless Ones. However, he isn't as brutal as his predecessor.

The interior of the Doctor's TARDIS, and I'm not just talking about the control room is one of the best reasons to watch this story, as one finally gets the idea of dimensional transcendentalism. The scene involving the storage room is reminiscent of Monty Python's deja vu sketch, giving it a surreal edge. However, for a real design triumph, the Doctor's funky-looking presidential office is a masterpiece.

Along with the usual manic grins and jokes by the Doctor, there are two funny exchanges. When the Doctor's bodyguard protests that he'll be shot by the Castellan for leaving his side, the Doctor responds with. "That's all right. I'll have him [the Castellan] shot." Later, Andred tells him, "You have access to the greatest source of knowledge in the universe." Doctor: "Well, I do talk to myself sometimes, yes." Andred: "I mean the Matrix." Doctor: "Oh, that old thing."

The Invasion Of Time sees the farewell of two popular companions, and an unrewarding one on the part of Leela. She really proves her mettle here, being the tough warrior, believing in the Doctor despite his odd behaviour, and overall, has been one of the most intrepid and fearless companions of the Doctor, yet she suffers the fate of companions Susan, Vicki, and Jo Grant. WHY?? Her scenes with Rodan, a young Time Lord, not a gigantic double-crested barking pterodactyl from Toho Studios, are great. Rodan seems to be a prototype for Romana I, who would be the Doctor's companion in the following season. Hilary Ryan does a good job being the technically-skilled but sheltered counterpart to Leela's hardy experienced person.

This six-parter is one of the all-time classics, although it's probably best to first watch The Deadly Assassin, probably more classic than this story, in order to remember Gallifreyan institutions and Borusa. The Invasion Of Time adds more information on Gallifrey.

First 4 episodes interesting, last 2 are just ridiculous.
The Doctor returns to Gallifrey and declares himself President, seems to be hell-bent on assisting a sinister alien takeover. What follows is an intriguing look at the Time Lord society in decay. The fact that the Doctor can stroll in and become president on a technicality shows flaws have developed in their legal system, and there are now bands of outsiders who have abandoned life in the cities and now live as savages. Indeed, some of the best scenes are out in the wilds, a never-before-seen part of Gallifrey. Tom Baker is good as an almost sinister Doctor, and his Presidential Office is an unusual design. Though the first four episodes are sometimes a little on the slow side, if the story had finished at the end of Episode Four it would probably have been remembered as a fairly good adventure. What really lets the story down is the contrived arrival of the Sontarans. A far cry from Kevin Lindsay's intelligent warrior, these Sontarans are comedy stormtroopers. They spend two pointless episodes blundering about the corridors of Gallifrey's city, and an abandoned hospital (?) which seems to exist inside the Tardis. It's very tricky to take them seriously, especially as their leader has a cockney accent, and they have cardboard helmets with cut-out eye-holes that look like they were made for a school play. This story might be worth a look if you're interested in Time Lord society, but fans of Sontarans would be better off tracking down 'Time Warrior' or 'Sontaran Experiment'. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Loved this movie!
I saw this on cable recently. I truly enjoyed it. I spent about 3 weeks trying to track it down on video.

Very enjoyable movie. I thought Cynthia Gibb was great in her role. It's a nice family movie. For me, it was a must-have.

I love both versions!
I saw the original version of this movie starring Robert Mitchum years ago. I saw the updated version last year and just watched it again. Holiday Affair is a sweet, romantic story. The updated remake is just as sweet and romantic. The actors in both versions all do a great job. Heartwarming fluff....the best kind!

Charming holiday heart-warmer
I fell in love with the original version of this movie starring Robert Mitchum one Christmas when it was broadcast on TV. Last year I saw this version with one of my favorite actors - David James Elliott - Harmon Raab from JAG. This version is a very good update to the original. The storyline and characters were very believable. I couldn't believe the price increase for the train though! If you need a holiday fix or want to spend a few hours enjoying a nice old-fashioned movie, watch this one during the holidays. Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Brad
Good movie, good theme. Movie is clean and moral. Highly Recomend. I do not know how it compares to orignal, but the re make is a great, funny, inspirational movie.

For once a remake as charming as the original.
Updated to current day, but still just as charming and enjoyable as the original. Elliott and Gibb are believable in their attraction, and the young actor who plays "Timmy" is engaging. It's nice to see a movie where the only villians are human foibles, and all the characters are likeable. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Huston was only one of five directors on this expensive, all-star 1967 spoof of Ian Fleming's 007 lore. David Niven is the aging Sir James Bond, called out of retirement to take on the organized threat of SMERSH and pass on the secret-agent mantle to his idiot son (Woody Allen). An amazing cast (Orson Welles, Peter Sellers, Deborah Kerr, etc.) is wonderful to look at, but the film is not as funny as it should be, and the romping starts to look mannered after awhile. The musical score by Burt Bacharach, however, is a keeper. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (84)

The funniest James Bond spoof ever
The "Austin Powers" series sure could take a few hints from "Casino Royale". Whereas the former is predictable and obvious, "Casino Royale" is a good example of that famous dry British wit.

What else could you call it when wealthy Ursula Andress tells Peter Sellers that she gets her newspapers BEFORE they're printed, and he replies, "Well, I suppose you can do anything if you've got money..." Or when Joanna Pettet comments on her estranged mother's oversized bed and is told, "The German army was very large in those days."

I've withheld one star because the movie does tend to have an episodic feel, due to the five different directors who worked on it, and because it drags a bit in places. Still, the witty jokes more than make up for those small flaws. Considering how many hands this movie was in, it's amazing that it works so well. Woody Allen gives his funniest performance as neurotic Jimmy Bond. Peter Sellers is terrific, as usual. And watch out for an appearance by a young Jacqueline Bisset as Miss Goodthighs.

The movie's crowning touch is the music by Burt Bacharach, which manages to be catchy and loopy at the same time.

Finally, one of the best reasons for owning rather than renting this movie is that some of the gags go by so fast (Q's laboratory, the art auction), that you might not catch them all until your second or third viewing. And, like a lot of good humor, some of the jokes just get funnier with repeat viewings.

Somewhat entertaining, mostly dull
Casino Royale isn't a terrible movie; it has its moments, and, truly, has a superb cast. That much can be said for it. There are some scenes with Ursula Andress, especially, that are very funny, and the beginning isn't without its humor. However, in general it is a mess of movie; loosely constructed, making little to no sense, and, what is worst of all, not even all that funny. I had to fight off sleep to keep consciousness during the movie, something I almost never have to do. I actually got to the point where I couldn't wait for it to end. Not the worst film ever made, but save your money. Rent it if you must.

When your castle is blown up, it's back to the spy game....
Great movie! Sir James Bond played by David Niven is forced back into espionage after his hedonistic lifestyle is so rudely interrupted by a British army 81mm mortar team who proceeds to blow up his perfectly splendid castle. Bond prefers a life of luxury to the dangers of espionage but alas, it's back to the good old Walther PPK 7.65mm and the cloak and dagger for 007. As Dr. Michael Lim the Travelling Gourmet, I too appreciate the finer things in life. I think all fans of Bond do too. The music is remarkable. This is THE movie where that immortal and hauntingly seductive song, by Burt Bacharach, "The Look of Love" reaches deep into your libido and psyche, especially when you hear it for the very first time. My old friend, the late Derek Nimmo (of BBC's Just a Minute) fame is in this movie too as a would be Bond under the tutelage of Sir James himself. If you see the current Austin Powers movies you'll see where the scipt writers got many of their ideas from. Beautiful and seductively voluptuous women abound as in all 007 movies. In those days, men were men and women were not pale, anaemic anorexic skin and bone creatures but lovely, curvaceous and meaty damsels. Bring back the real women I say to Hollywood film makers! This spook spoof will put a smile on your lips and cheer you up no end. Certain scenes like when Sir James demonstrates how things should be done are really hilarious. Above all, the classic British ideal of stiff upper lip, always remain calm and unruffled no matter what, and carry on regardless...comes through all the antics, bombs, blondes and bullets. David Niven comes a very close second to Patrick Macnee (The Avengers) when it comes to playing cool, calm and collected English gentlemen. And so, what's next? As Austin Powers would say, "Yeah, Baby, Yeah!!!" By Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet ENJOY!

Bond Spoof and Origins
Charles Feldman's Casino Royale is a colorful psychedelic mess 36 years after its creation. This film was the first James Bond spoof and a precurser of the Austin Powers movies. Unfortunately the film has not aged well.

The jokes seem as dated as the costumes. There is virtually no plot to speak of and the sequences by four directors seem cobbled together by fifth director Val Guest.

The film is fun to watch with its great musical score and vibrant colors but there isn't a lot holding this thing together.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the disc is the 1954 TV movie from Climax Mystery Theatre which featured Barry Nelson as the American spy Jimmy Bond. It was fun to see the true origin of the Bond franchise.

Bottom line rent it for its place in history but don't go in expecting greatness.

Swingin' 60s on Film!
Funny! Despite it's bad reputation, if you are a NON-square, ya gotta check this out. Lots of in-jokes, droll humor and laugh-out-loud stuff. Sure, it's a bit "all-over-the-place" but that's half the fun. The go-go dancing Indians, the cavalry charge into the casino, the Dr. Caligari sets, the pop-art sets and psychedelic FX, the Frankenstein monster... it's all like a mix of The Magic Christian, Monty Python, Blazing Saddles, Austin Powers, The Monkees "Head" and James Bond thrown into a Swingin' Sixties blender. And all those great stars strutting their stuff!! Don't worry about the plot... this is eye candy. If you want a generous 60s fix, just sit back and let this flow over you. All that and the Burt Bacharach score. I'm glad I bought this. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

An Old Fashsion Gut-Buster
This movie is one of the most overlooked movies of all time. Who's Minding the Mint is filled with stars for example, Milton Berle, Jamie Farr, ect.. This is a very funny movie about a playboy who works at the United States printing and engraving in Washington D.C., and loses $50,000.00, and seeks help from his friends and their friends, and their friends, to break into the mint to print the lost $50k, which leads into several funny situations. This one is for the whole family, take my word for it and sit down with the spouse and the kids and even Grandma and Grandpa, and have a fun filled evening.

Old Gold
This is one of the most overlooked screwball comedies of all time. With actors like Jim Hutton, Dorothy Provine, Bob Denver, Victor Buono, Joey Bishop, probably the first appearance of Jamie Farr, Walter Brennan and many others, this movie has no shortage of talent and the story is wonderful. Without giving the entire synopsis of the movie, just let me say that Milton Berle dressed as George Washington and posing as a statue in the Mint is something not to be missed. This is a 60's movie and therefore a little dated, but well worth the watch. I can't wait for this title to be released as a DVD.

A mint? This film is bullion!
A little heard of film, "Who's Minding the Mint?" is classic comedy that the entire family can enjoy.

Hutton plays a clerk in the Washington mint who inadvertently takes home and destroys $50,000 in his garbage disposal. Somewhat of a playboy and flashy liver, Hutton is closely watched by his boss, "Missing" Link.

Once Hutton discovers that he didn't just grind up some fudge that his wannabe girlfriend gave him, he becomes involved in a plot to reprint (secretly, of course) the 50 grand he lost.

The humor of the movie is watching as more and more people get involved in order to print up the missing money -- and of course, Hutton is under a time limit as the auditors are coming on Monday morning. Naturally, each of the add-ons wants a piece of the action and Hutton must agree to print up extra money for them.

In the way of most movies in the 60's, everything works out in the end...

This may not be a four star show which ranks with the best, but it does feature many famous comedians of it's time -- worth having simply for that. And the situation comedy is most entertaining.

Fun for the family -- a great rememberance of carefree films from simplier times.

** Highly Recommended **

~P~

one of the funniest movies of all time
nobody paid attention to this film when it was first released in the 1960s, and nobody pays attention now. unless, of course, youve seen it!

this is arguably the funniest heist comedy ever made; the only worthy adversaries i can think of are "the ladykillers" and "topkapi." mint employee jim hutton (playing a cad!) accidentally takes home and flushes $50,000.00 down the garbage disposal, setting in action a plot to break into the mint and print a pile of replacement bills. along the way, he has to enlist a list of wonderful comic performers, each of whom wants a cut: dorothy provine, walter brennan, jack gilford, milton berle, joey bishop, victor buono, bob denver, and jamie farr.

the hilarious scenes are many, but the one that stuck out for me as a 14-year-old when i first saw this film, and still does today, is the sight of buono holding aloft a tiny american flag as his "ship" goes down in the depths of the d.c. sewer system -- don't ask, if you see the movie, you will understand.

get this movie, i have never known anyone who saw it who hasnt loved it!

This comedy is legal tender for all debts public and private
Funny and entertaining comedy about a mint employee who inadvertently loses fifty thousand dollars through a garbage disposal at home. In order to avoid going to prison, he decides to break into the mint in the middle of the night with a little help from his friends and re-print the lost currency. The late Jim Hutton is well-supported by an all-star cast of comics who made their marks in television; this list includes, Jack Gilford, Walter Brennan, Joey Bishop, Milton Berle, Bob Denver, et al. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

In Spanish too
I feel happy that tv series that I watched many years ago . Now I can get them in DVD, but these serios were no popular just in USA in other countries of Latin America was popular too. It should be make in Spanish too or with subtitles in several languages. Thanks

When's the DVD coming out????
I see all of these other old school TV shows coming out on DVD. Mission: Impossible was a great show and deserves its spot for a DVD release for each season.

Impossible to Match
I saw many of the Mission Impossible series as a teenager. I also read the original paperback book when it came out which was made as Vol. #7. Steven Hill playing Daniell Briggs (the first season)and Peter Graves ( all subsequent seasons) as Jim Phelps both play excellent as the genius mastermind Team leader of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) a top American government group virtually unknown to the rest of the top secret agencies. During his college days Dan or Jim majored in psychology at a top west coast university and was a chess champion. The rest of the IMF is composed of the beautiful model and Fem Fatale, Cinnamon Carter played by Barbara Bain is excellent. The academy award winner, Martin Landau who eventually married Barbara plays Rollin Hand, the magician and master of disguise. Black actor, Greg Morris does a superb job as Barney Collier, electronics genius with a prestigious background. The strong man or weight lifting world record holder, William (Willie) Armitage played by Peter Lupus is the brawn on the Team. he certainly looked the part also. Together the IMF carries out missions against impossible odds to rescue people, con enemy states, and change the courses of governments for the betterment of the free world especially without causing wars. This first volume is excellent in introducing this Team of specialists with exciting and intruiging plots and ways the IMF thwarts and bamboozles the opponent in the pilot and also in the second story called the Photographer which Anthony Zerbe stars. All of the Mission Impossible series are excellent and demonstrates how things can be accomplished through nonviolent methods also. The CIA actually did accomplish some similiar things which are now becoming declassified. This show was one of my favorite TV shows in the sixties and early seventies. You will enjoy them as well!!

Introducing you to the Cold War and the IMF Team
"Mission Impossible" originally ran from 1966 and 1973, telling tales of the Impossible Mission Force, a group of highly specialized government agents who were usually involved in disrupting the activities of small foreign powers trying to mess with the United States and the Free World. The group leader, Daniel Briggs (Steven Hill) in the first season and Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) for the rest of the show's run, put together the team and developed the complex plan to pull off the impossible mission; Cinnamon Carter (Barbara Bain) was the the beautiful female member of the team, Rollin Hand (Martin Landau) the master of disguise, Barney Collier (Greg Morris) was the electronics expert, and William Armitage (Peter Lupus) the muscle.

This first tape in the "Mission Impossible" series has the pilot and a choice episode from the show's second season. In the pilot episode (9/17/66), Wally Cox plays a safecracker who has to sneak into the vault of a hotel to steal a couple of nuclear warheads from a military dictator. This was the only episode of the show written by series creator Bruce Geller. This is not a classic episode per se, but it clearly sets the template for the entire series. "The Photographer" (12/17/67), written by two of the show's most productive writers, William Read Woodfield and Allan Balter, deals with biological warfare. Enemy agents intend to spread pneumonic plague and a top photographer (Anthony Zerbe) is the key contact. The IMF fakes a nuclear attack on New York to get the key to the code. Yes, there is a large degree of irony in watching this particular episode today, but remember what things were like in the Sixties. "The Photographer" is a classic MI episode and along with the pilot makes this an excellent tape to have for fans of the series.

Final Note: For my money the title sequence for this show is definitely one of the ten best ever, not just because of Lalo Schifrin's memorable theme music but because of the way shots from the episode were mixed in with the burning fuse and shots of the cast. You always saw enough to get interested in what was to happen, but they never let the cat out of the bag enough to ruin the episode.

Mission: Impossible, Vol. 1
I Thought that these two episodes were two of the best. One the first episode had Steven Hill starring who I think in some cases is better at the part than Peter Graves is. Two the second episode had a clever set up. But I won't explain it to you I want you to see it for youself. ... Read more

Reviews (335)

No sense of pace whatsoever
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY is really a shame. Here are all the elements of an engaging, literate thriller--decent performances, a remarkably disturbing and insightful story (thanks largely to Patricia Highsmith's novel), a chillingly atmospheric score, and a well-realized sense of time and place. The trouble is, I didn't give a damn. This movie is so poorly paced, so slow and uninvolving, that watching it is like trying to slog through a pond of molasses.

It doesn't help that Matt Damon is the wrong choice for the elusive psychopath, Tom Ripley. Damon isn't a bad actor, just a miscast one, and while he nails the various impersonations Ripley must perform and seamlessly switches between identities, he never really fascinates or enthralls on-screen. It also doesn't help that Jude Law, as Dickie Greenleaf, completely upstages Damon in an Oscar-nominated performance that's equal parts fire and ice. The only character less interesting than Ripley is Dickie's long-suffering fiancee, Marge, played by a terribly dull Gwyneth Paltrow, who looks almost as bored by the story as I was.

There are a few great, nail-biting scenes that expertly raise the tension, including the murder sequences and a climactic confrontation between Ripley and Marge. If only the rest of this movie were as rivetingly suspenseful. The denouement takes about half an hour to unravel--I soon lost count of the number of times I thought, "Oh, good, this is finally wrapping up" before the script dashed my expectations by plunging ahead with some new plot contrivance that would require an extra ten minutes to play out. Even at under two and a half hours, this movie feels eons longer than an equally self-indulgent project like...oh, say, TITANIC. The truth is, RIPLEY is smarter, craftier, and more psychologically plausible than TITANIC ever was. It's not a better film, though. How sad is that?

CLASSY & INTELLIGENT THRILLER
Mistaken for a Princeton graduate whilst wearing a borrowed blazer, the low born New York charmer, Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), is dispatched by rich businessman Herbert Greenleaf (James Rebhorn), to travel first class on an all-expenses-paid mission, to bring his errant young playboy son, Dickie (Jude Law), back to New York from his champagne and party filled life on the Mediterranean. However, on meeting the handsome and charismatic Dickie (and his equally attractive girlfriend), the awestruck Tom falls for his charms and an ambiguous relationship begins. Tom, the social chameleon who has talents for forgery and impersonation, feeling that he cannot enter this world as himself begins to transform his identity, by learning new skills, studying jazz, art, geography and foreign languages. He not only changes his clothes he also changes his character. Meanwhile the innocent and trusting Meredith (Cate Blanchett) who met Tom on his arrival in Europe accepts Tom as an equal because she thinks he is Dickie Greenleaf. But all is not well in the playground of the rich, for Dickie is in turns as unpleasant and rude as he is debonair and charming, and soon he and his rich friends begin to tire of the financially inferior and all too clingy Tom, who has no intention of being cast adrift, for it is his belief that "its better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody"...

The Talented Mr Ripley subtly portrays the hedonistic lifestyle of rich, young Americans in the 1950's. In the movie, Tom is less the casebook amoral psychopath of the novel and more a victim of class in his desire to be like the rich but cruel Dickie and Freddie. The film is, however, anything but simple and only about an hour in does the film become anything approaching an orthodox thriller. You are kept hooked throughout as we guess at Tom's motives..., which is at best ambiguous. We observe the mercurial Dickie toy with his affections, whilst Dickie's girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow), aware of Dickie's weaknesses, looks on.

Although fans of the novel may be unhappy with the liberties taken with both the plot and the characters from Patricia Highsmiths novel, most people will agree that Anthony Minghella has done an excellent job in imaginatively and successfully bringing The Talented Mr Ripley to the big screen. Not only does he direct this excellent and very intelligent thriller with a sure and subtle touch but he perfectly captures the beauty of the mediteranean, as the movie moves from one spectacular venue to another; from San Remo to Naples, Rome, and Venice. It also stars a top notch and perfectly cast array of the worlds finest young actors, including Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting), Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare In Love), Jude Law (A.I.), as well as Philip Seymour Hoffman (Happiness) and Cate Blanchette (Elizabeth), all on top form. Damon's Ripley is an odd figure, his cumbersome awkwardness contrasting perfectly with Jude Law's cool and casual arrogance as Dickie Greenleaf, lolling around on his Riviera deck-chair as if the world owes him a living. And, although Matt Damon is truly outstanding, it is Jude Law's Oscar-nominated turn and Hoffman's brilliantly obnoxious performance as an ugly-rich American that come close to stealing the movie.

There are many unforgettable moments, in this beautifully crafted movie that Hitchcock would be proud of, as Tom struggles to maintain his dual identity. More dramatically satisfying than The English Patient, The Talented Mr Ripley is an intelligent film, carefully cast and immaculately performed. Highly recommended this for people who love suspense and prefer to watch movies that come with an IQ!!!

Horrible
I must say that this is one of the worst films that I've ever watched. It was very long, and very boring. I didn't care about what happened to any of the characters, as a matter of fact I didn't like any of the them. The story didn't unfold effortlessly but instead seemed to move slowly and with difficulty.

Beautiful Film With Dark Anti-Hero
"The Talented Mr. Ripley" is one of the most unsettling, vivid thrillers made since Hitchcock. Matt Damon leads an All-Hollywood Under-40 cast, including Jude Law, Ms. Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, and Phillip Seymore Hoffman (reprising his obnoxious spoiled brat from "Scent of a Woman," with his arrogance on steroids) in one of his most convincing performances to date.

Set in the 1950's, "Ripley" perfectly captures the look and feel of the period through rich costumes and fabulous sets -- director Anthony Minghella uses the same voluptuous direction that he used to such great effect in "The English Patient." But there are elements of subversion in the movie that match Ripley's subversive, evil soul -- the rise of jazz ("noise," as one character derisively calls it), characters who do nothing but spend their parents' fortunes, and homosexuality and adultery tearing at the rigid social fabric of the times all mirror Thomas Ripley's unnerving ability to manipulate the truth to his own ends.

Ripley is not content to be the best person he can be -- Ripley wants to be the best person that someone else could be. In this case, it's Dickie Greenleaf (Law -- fiendishly handsome), heir to a shipping fortune and ladies' man extraordinaire. Ripley is sent to Italy by the elder Greenleaf to retrieve his son, idling away on the beach with his girlfriend Marge (Paltrow). Teaching himself jazz and inventing stories of schooldays at Princeton, Ripley soon charms his way into Dickie's house.

Ripley knows that the key to being a great liar is to tell the truth as much as possible and allow others to draw their own conclusions. This takes great wit and timing, and Ripley pulls it off fabulously. For a while, things could not be better, but soon the impulsive Dickie tires of the ever-present Ripley, whose attachment to Dickie goes beyond mere friendship into unsettling territories. This leads to a horrifying boat trip where the two Ripley-proclaimed "brothers" speak truths that probably should have gone unsaid.

Ripley finds himself caught up in the world of his own making, and the lies he has spun threaten to ensnare him even as he uses them to break free from his former anonymous life. Delicately balancing new lies and capitalizing on what is, to our modern eyes, a quaintly obsolete communications system (my God, they actually write letters!), Ripley eventually finds himself living the good life in a wonderfully decorated Roman penthouse.

As good a liar as Ripley is, he can't prevent some from figuring out his various lies and secrets. And this is where the movie really gets dark -- Ripley is a man filled with rage, and that rage can lead to gruesome results.

Ripley is a man of considerable talents and appetites. His hunger for acceptance and for love -- there is virtually nobody in the film whom Ripley does not seduce -- is exceeded only by his instinct for self-preservation. Even Ripley is horrified by what he is capable of, and the climactic scene leaves no doubt that for all his talents, Ripley is not someone you ever want to meet.

"Ripley" achieves a lot of its effect through implication, and the films most charged scenes, whether violent or sexual, are actually quite restrained in what is actually shown on-screen. But like "Pulp Fiction," the scenes are perhaps even more powerful for not showing exactly what happens, but by their implications. In that sense, the entire movie is an implication, a set-up for future stories (there are other "Ripley" stories) involving our favorite murderous impersonator. I hope that Hollywood can pull it together to make another installment with Damon as the lead -- he nails it.

VERY GOOD STUFF
The Ripley charector is great to watch he is like a child trying to fit in, he knows something about himself is diffrent but he cannot describe it. Because you have to have a conscience to know the answer. I remember seeing the talented mr. ripley in the theatre and how pleased I was with the ripley charector. His charector was created some time ago and most people do not know it but he inspired most of hollywood's classic villians particuarly the hitchcock ones. Also see RIPLEY'S GAME. I think John Malkovich is even better in the sequel. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

ONE OF THE GREAT TELEVISION SERIES
James Garner is one of the finest actors in television history. Unlike many actors in long-running series, he gives a fine performance in every episode. The true charm of the series is a combination of his acting ability and the terrific supporting cast and guest stars in addition to great script writing. The episodes are not simply "action" stories but frequently deal with the psychology of the various leading characters as well as the social mores of the United States and more specifically Southern California in the 1970's, sometimes seriously, sometimes in a satirical or humorous way, but always interesting.
Why isn't there TV like this any more?

Great episode, slightly flawed presentation.
This is a clever episode from the show's brilliant first season. Private eye Jim Rockford tries to track down a man who may have faked his death to grab a $400,000 insurance claim. James Garner already seemed completely comfortable in the shoes of Rockford, and there's great support from guest star Jill Clayburgh (who manages to look cute in a '70s-style afro).

For diehard fans of the series, however, there's a rather egregious cut made of a crucial scene that shows how Jim gets out of a scrape. Viewers who haven't seen the missing footage will find themselves wondering what happened. It seems that MCA Home Video used a syndication print, rather than an original master. In sum, then, five stars for the episode and the visual quality of the print -- but two stars must be subtracted from the overall rating given the editing.

"Rockford," by the way, is a series that cries out for a comprehensive release in the Columbia House Video Library series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Demonstrations of classic military tactical procedures and excellent footage of vintage aircraft (like the rare B-36), combine here to give viewers a cold war primer on the Air Force's defense capabilities, circa 1955. Former World War II pilot James Stewart is called out of retirement to assist in the strengthening of the Strategic Air Command, the new bomber forces that are America's first line of defense against the Russian nuclear threat. Wife June Allyson sits at home and frets over her husband's devotion to duty, while Harry Morgan lends a hand on the aircraft. Through Stewart, director Anthony Mann takes us on an ersatz tour of the elite Air Force operations that safeguarded America at the time. Unless you're interested in the aircraft of the day or stateside propaganda techniques during the cold war, Strategic Air Command tends to be a bit of a yawner. --Mark Savary ... Read more

Reviews (27)

The Way We Were
Almost fifty years after this movie's release date (1955), I am still haunted by the magnificent aerial photography. This movie must be seen for that reason alone! As a time-capsule, the movie also deals with a period when the Air Force was moving to jet bombers and gearing up to fight the cold war.

It is now history. We "won" the cold war, most actors in this film are no longer with us and the largest aircraft ever in active service with the Air Force---the B-36, exists only on film.

Forget the story line, forget the Air Force propaganda pitch from the fifties and just relax and enjoy a spectacular scenic view of what others did to help "protect and defend" during a earlier era.

Today, those who continue to protect us by flying stealth technology bombers stand on the shoulders of those who flew the B-36's and B-47's depicted in this movie.

We are all indebted...enjoy the movie!

Historically Accurate; watch it for the aircraft
For many of us, the cold war now seems impossibly far away. However, for those of us whose fathers were in the military during the peak of the war, the concern was always that we could be attacked at any time by the Soviet Union.

Our first line of defense, before our missiles became more accurate, was huge bombers. When these huge aircraft flew, their power and size seemed awe-inspiring. Looking back at this movie, the B-36 now seems ungainly and incredibly complex. The B-47 seems less ungainly, but technology has clearly superceded both these aircraft.

This movie comes across as a recruiting film for the Air Force, and to a certain extent a patriotic film justifying our strategic air forces. The plot is relatively simple, and trying to spice it up with a sub-story regarding Jimmy Stewart's career as a baseball player and his relationship with his wife becomes a distraction. The focus of this movie is flying big bombers.

What gloriously complex aircraft these were. The scenes showing the takeoff of the B-36 were incredible. For airplane enthusiasts, the portion of the film focusing on the reading of the checklist is unusual (because for most people it would seem boring) and unique. Watching how the plane is powered up is nearly worth the exercise of watching the film.

Later we get to watch as the B-47 is transitioned into the active military. We watch as the B-47 is flown in poor weather conditions, and watch the fatigue and boredom set in as the crews flew incredibly lengthy missions.

Some of the most interesting and now somewhat anachronistic parts of the movies are those portions dealing with the functioning of Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases. These bases were very highly protected, and exercises were continuously run to assure that saboteurs or an enemy invading force would be repelled by base security forces. During their period of duty, crews were either in the air or standing by on alert, ready to jump in their plane and be airborne in less than 15 minutes. I remember well an exercise called a "total recall" where every member of the base is called to duty to be prepared for a possible enemy attack.

While the parts of the movie dealing with Jimmy Stewart the baseball player and husband are relative distractions, they do point out the sacrifice that many people made to be in the military at that time. Military aircraft were huge and complex, and tended to break down a lot. The missions were incredibly long, and the flight systems relatively crude, requiring fatiguing concentration. For all the hardship of flying, the pay was low, and often the working conditions including the noise and cold (military aircraft are generally not well-insulated - note how the flight crew is dressed; it was cold up there) were uncomfortable to say the least.

This movie is a rarity that is close to being a historical artifact. While some of the operational details are simplified, in general the scenes depicted are relatively accurate. Further, the scenes with the aircraft are rare and detailed. Forget the plot of this movie; it's about the airplanes, Jimmy Stewart's love of flying and a time that was not so far away.

James Stewart Preserves Our Freedoms with Conviction
This is a very good film from director Anthony Mann starring James Stewart and June Allyson. The film focuses on the operations of post-war America's modern Airforce and the lives of the men and women who lived it. It is beautifully photographed by William Daniels and Tom Tutwiler. We slept much sounder at night knowing the Strategic Air Command was above us protecting our freedoms around the clock. James Stewart's performance is one of honor and conviction.

If you like propliners of any kind, you must have this!
This is a great, classic movie. Forget June Allyson and Jimmy Stewart -- the real star of this is the rare and awesome ten-engined B-36 bomber featured in the first hour of the movie. From the ground-shaking flyover (with real sound!) to an (admittedly dubbed) takeoff, cruise, and landing, it's fantastic footage not found anywhere else. Seeing the giant rare B-36(which flies no more, unfortunately) gives me goose bumps, especially with the lush, dramatic musical background. Just seeing the ground crew during startup as they are absolutely dwarfed by the huge three-bladed propeller is amazing. What an incredible machine. Even the early jet bombers featured in the last half of the movie are interesting to see. If you are of the "old school" when it comes to video entertainment or are a classic airplane lover, join me in grabbing this video and hoping that it also makes it to DVD sometime!

SPECTACULAR! GREATEST AIR THRILLER!
STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND is the greatest air thriller of alltime! A PICTURE WITH A FORCE SECOND TO NONE!!!! A powerful, stirring music score by VICTOR YOUNG accompaines this classic! The story of air superiority in the western world, and the prepardness of the Strategic Air Command, gives new meaning to the majestic skies above! Starring with my favorite plane of alltime, the grand Convair B-36 Peacemakers, and the graceful Boeing B-47 Stratojets that take to the skies in an effort to keep peace in the world! This was the only motion picture ever filmed with grand B-36s!!!! Especially exciting was the low executed flyover of a B-36, at Al Lang Field, Tampa, Florida at the opening scenes of STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND! Then came the spectacular majestic aerial scenery of the B-36 (#5734), as it flew from Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, Texas (the home of the B-36s) to Alaska and back. The aerial scenes took my breath away! The music played for this sequence was SKY SYMPHONY, which really opened your eyes, not only to this powerful Convair B-36 Peacemaker in flight, but the role that Strategic Air Command played in global security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! The story was inspired by the Ted Williams recall to the marines!
JAMES STEWART plays former Col. Roert Dutch Holland, a third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals who at the height of his career (signing a $70,000 a year contract), is suddenly recalled back to active duty with the U.S. Air Force and assigned to the Strategic Air Command for 21 months of active duty. His job is to help SAC to be combat ready, in peacetime activity, before war comes again! His wife JUNE ALLYSON (Sally Holland) doesn't fare much as a air force wife, but she yet to find out that she also pregnant. Under the command of FRANK LOVEJOY (General Ennis H. Hawkes), Dutch tries to get the feel of SAC, meeting a former B-29 crew member HARRY MORGAN (Sgt. Bible), a former friend for WWII BRUCE BENNETT (General Rusty Castle) and other officers JAMES MILLIGAN Gen. Espy), and BARRY SULLIVAN (as copilot Rocky Sanford). He even teams up with an disguntled navigator ALEX NICOL (Ike Nolan), as part of a B-36 pickup training crew. Fate deals a bad hand when the B-36 they're flying to Greenland for cold weather tests, crashlands on the frozen tundra completely breaking apart. (The B-36 had a very damaging engine fire!) The special-effects of the B-36 crashlanding were memorable, much like the crashlandings of the spaceship JUPITER 2 in the TV series LOST IN SPACE! The crashlanding results in Dutch experiencing a serious shoulder injury, which unfortunately he neglects through the rest of the film! An injury that will be his undoing! Rescued along with Ike, Dutch not only has to face his commanding general Hawkes, but also returns home to Carswell AFB, to see that his wife Sally has given birth to a baby girl. He now recieves a new assignment to fly B-47 Stratojets at Mc Dill AFB, Tampa, Florida. The sequence of the B-47 using RATO is aweinspiring!
When the call comes to fly an oversea flight to Japan, Dutch recieves word that a player named Brewster, broke his leg, and an opening is needed to be filled. Dutch reluctant of being part of SAC at the start, now believes that being there is more important than finishing his baseball career, and immediately signs up with the USAF and the Strategic Air Command permanently! When he breaks the news to Sally she becomes very tearful and upset, and races over to catch Dutch before he takes with 45 other B-47s. She angrily berates Gen. Hawkes, while Gen Castle is there. She soon regrets her behavior! Dutch continues to fly, but has to land his B-47 at Kadena AFB, in Okinawa, due to inclement weather. Ther is a breataking sequence of the midair refueling of the B-47 from Boeing KC-97 tanker!!!! While attempting to land at Kadena AFB, his neglected shoulder injury acts up paralizing his right side, and forcing an emergency landing in pouring rain. This was the 2nd special effects of STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND, and it too was great to watch! Dutch is fnally discharged at Offutt AFB (the headquarters of SAC), in Omaha, Nebraska by Gen Hawkes, and enters the waiting arms of his wife Sally who has come to see him. They makes their apoplgies, and embrace as a flight of B-47s fly overhead, thus ending the film. Two other music selections are noted: the majestic THE AIR FORCE TAKES COMMAND, played durung the opening credits; and the tender memorable love song THE WORLD IS MINE played with great feeling during the bedroom sequence as Dutch leaves Sally to fly to Greenland! All the music I love and especially love to hear THE WORLD IS MINE. STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND takes off to a new realm of high flying adventure and drama. There will never be a film like it ever! It's one will treasure always! A piece of americana and heritage to cherish forever!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"Twenty thousand dollars buys a lot of gro-cer-ies."
I've bought all the "Rockford Files" episodes that seem to be on the market (except for "Nice Guys Finish Dead"), and this one, "The Kirkoff Case", is my favorite of them. It's entertaining from start to finish, and it exemplifies the producers' ability to pack so many memorable, humourous, yet believeable scenes into so little time without making things seem rushed.

Guest star James Woods is superb as Larry Kirkoff, particularly in those distracted-in-thought facial expressions he makes a few times while Rockford is talking to him. Regular Joe Santos is especially strong in his performance as Sgt. Dennis Becker. And guest Abe Vigoda is perfect in appearance, voice, and subtle hand movements in his brief role as "labor-union" (mob) boss Al Dancer.

Recommended reading.

Rockford Files:The Kirkoff Case
James Woods did a great job in this show.He was very great in it.One of my favorite Rockford Files Shows.It's a good Action Show. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Wonder Years is the best T.V. show ever created!
Wow! This tape would make an excellent gift for all Wonder Years fans! In the first episode, sweet 12-year-old Kevin Arnold is trying to find a present for his girlfriend Winnie and at the same time, the whole Arnold household is hoping Jack, the father will buy them a color t.v. for Christmas. In the end, Kevin learns that Christmas is more than presents and is about the memories and special moments in life. In the second episode, Kevin is older (sixteen-years-old) and is trying to find the perfect present for Winnie again. After the family, suffers a financial blow because Jack's partner decides to not invest in the furniture company, the holiday spirit is again being tested. I enjoyed the tapes so much and I watch them over and over. Definately a good tape.

Poor Tape Quality
The story was excellent, but the tape quality was awful. It looked like somebody taped it at home off their VCR. I was beginning to think it was bootlegged.

The Most Touching and Heartwarming Show I have ever seen
When I first saw an episode of the Wonder Years, I didn't connect with it much. I thought it was a show for kids, one that didn't have much bearing on me. As I watched it more, especially on Nick at Nite when there was nothing else on, I began to realize that this show was unique. Not only did it appeal to younger audiences with its light-hearted humor, but that it even appealed to middle to late teenagers like me, with its displays of Kevin's relationships, his feelings, and his growth as a person. This show deals with practically every difficulty that adolescents must face, from strange parents to changing friends. It is rare that a show has actually been able to reach out and touch my heart, but it seems that this show is able to do it whenever I watch it. My only wish was that they had the entire series available, so that I could watch it from start to finish.

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the wonderful wonder years
I have enjoyed watching The Wonder Years from a toddler to a teen and tears still roll down my cheeks when i see the reality of the pain in the world that this program shows. Through Kevin's eyes I have seen the Vietnam War. I have felt love, rejection, acceptance, care, compassion and loss. The Wonder Years is the truth of the world then and now. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Peter Medak's gritty voyage into the world of organized crime in 1960s London is a disturbing character study of the two most frightening and influential gangsters to ever come out of England, Ronnie and Reggie Kray. The ingenious casting of former pop icons Gary and Martin Kemp (of Spandau Ballet) as the powerful Kray brothers works well, establishing an eerie, unspoken connection between the two that is unsettling and extremely daunting.

One scene in particular epitomizes that bond: Ronnie and Reggie come face to face in a boxing ring, each daring the other through snarls and psychopathic grins to knock the other down. Ringside spectators can't really understand the brothers' confrontation, but in the Krays' eyes we can see their power and unspoken resolve, as well as their sense of themselves as existing in an upper echelon of strength and sheer will that clearly separates them from the onlookers.

It's this intense self-confidence that enables the Krays to rise from working-class obscurity to the highest ranks of organized crime. The Kemp boys also do a splendid job in portraying the inherent instability associated with the Krays. This true story follows the brothers from childhood through their rise and then fall from grace, as their personal lives and violent natures culminate in two murder charges, resulting in 30 years of imprisonment. Beyond its folkloric power, The Krays also captures a post-World War II London still recovering from the war's devastation, dismissing the mythos of the Swinging '60s people so fervently relate to this period. --Jeremy Storey ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A frighteningly good film
The Krays joins a long line of distinguished films in which ruthlessly ambitious gangsters are depicted as sons, brothers, and husbands as well as murderous felons. The tradition goes back at least as far as James Cagney's unforgettable Tom Powers in William Wellmann's The Public Enemy (1931); for my money the best of the gangster pictures of the early 30s. It extends through the double portrayal of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando and the even better Robert DeNiro) and Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in Coppola's trilogy, and finds its most recent incarnation in James Gandolfini's brilliant embodiment of Tony Soprano, a role that makes even the actor himself uncomfortable. In each case - and many others - we find ourselves feeling sympathetic towards characters who should (and do, in real life) frighten and repel us. In The Krays, during a flashback scene, there is a confrontation between the boys' mother (brilliantly played by Billie Whitelaw) and their father (equally well done by Alfred Lynch) which suggests that the mom is possibly the scariest character in a film full of scary characters. Every scene in The Krays is perfect in and of itself and also contributes to the overall effect. The acting is exemplary down to the smallest part: in addition to the much-deserved praise for Billie Whitelaw and the Kemp brothers, I'd like to pay homage to the great work of Susan Fleetwood (Aunt Rose) and Kate Hardie (Frances). A frightening and horrifying film, not an easy watch. But I appreciate the moral ambivalence: it forces us to make our own choices and confront our own principles, which is never a bad thing.

Superb!
An intelligent and compelling biopic of Britain's most famous gangsters. When they weren't running protection rackets or inflicting horrific, gangland punishments on rival mobsters, the twin brothers generally made life safe for East Enders. Writer Philip Ridley and director Peter Medak largely focus on the brothers complex personalities, showing their devotion and fierce loyalty to their famalies and their manic, controlling and possesive hold over their lovers. Complimenting the fine dialogue which captures the mood and era perfectly, is the films leading actors, real-life brothers Martin and Gary Kemp. Both put in concentrated, realistic and convincing performances helped by a superb performance from Billie Whitelaw, playing their mother. The film begins showing the young Krays growing up in the East End during World War 2, through to their eventful and violent, deadly reign of the East End underworld where they owned a string of nightclubs and began running protection rackets. The film evokes a tense atmosphere throughout, building on suspense and some of the violent occurences are stomach churning (particularly where one of the Krays sticks a sword straight through the hand of a rival mobster). Supporting performances from the likes of Tom Bell as Jack "The Hat" McVitie, Susan Fleetwood as Chalotte Cornwell May and Kate Hardie as Frances are all equally superb and effective. A must see film that is gripping from beginning through to the bitter end!

Stylized vision of violence
I have 80% of my VHS and DVD collection at my workplace; coworkers are free to sign out a video. No one, except me, likes "The Krays." I love it. The style, the color, the pacing (especially the pacing), make this movie strong and gripping. I love that the Kray "bruvvas" (brothers) are played by real-life brothers, the Kemps; they have a chemistry. Watch how the one brother's wife falls apart over time: I could identify with her; it is an implosion, not an explosion. At one point you see the lower-class street filled with the black Rolls-Royces of crime colleagues, followed by tea and cookies served by the Kray brothers' mother (look at your own mother and feel free to judge): a touch of biological family and neighborly values mixed with neighborhood cultural leadership through violence and greed. This film is useful for its documentary value, for viewers who know nothing about the Krays; it is worth seeing by any viewer for its beauty and style. I can only guess, regarding my coworkers who dislike it, that their dislike comes from its non-Hollywood feel.

If only they 'd release the Krays on dvd in the USA....
I had the opportunity to see this movies a number of years a go on cable and it left a very strong impression to the point that I'm at a loss for words.
I am a big fan of ganster movies and to me, this is a "must have"!!

I just wish that the dvd format was available here in theUS. It just breaks my heart but I'll just have to be content with the vhs until......

Every Other Mother's Nightmare
This is an as-near-to-flawless film that out shines most others in the true crime genre. This chronicle of the twin brothers, Ron and Reg Kray, in their rise from the obscure backstreets of London to the top of the world of English crime in the 1950's and early 1960's, gives us first rate performances by all of the players.

Perhaps most memorable of all of the fine performances is Billie Whitelaw as Violet Kray. Violet is possibly the most terrifying mother in all of crime history, a woman who moulds her twin sons into sadistic, hollow killers with a surfeit of motherly love rather than the usual neglect and abandonment. Violet makes no bones about the fact that the Kray twins are her raison d'etre. She does so frequently in the presence of the rest of her family and nobody takes her to task for the inequity of her favours. So, in essence, Violet has forged the twin gangsters and killers out of the same strength and unassailability that has allowed her to survive poverty and the demoralizing war years of London. To this role, Billie Whitelaw brings her characteristic accuracy and toughness in portraying the kind of English woman that we rarely see in films. She is brilliant in revealing Violet as she indulges her heroic vision of herself in a melodramatic fashion, sells it one hundred percent to her impressionable sons, and intimidates the rest of her family to continue to support her ongoing self-aggrandizement. Yes, indeed, the Kray boys are their mother's sons. Living with disrespect for the law has long been an closely held family value. When added to the early inculcation of the "us against the world" ethic and the importance of expensive material possessions while remaining in the same real estate that spawned one, you have the most desirable conditions for the creation of a couple of pathological criminals. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (189)

As memorable as the book
As a lifelong fan of the works of Austen I am always leary of film adaptations, for fear they are glorified costume pieces. This film was so remarkably well done, the characterizations complete and fleshed out, it was as "clinging" as the book. It truly stays with you. Cirian Hinds and Amanda Root are wonderful of course, but the rest of the cast is just as ideal. I would recommend it to all but the most cynical non romantics.

A Worthy Adaptation of a Favorite Book
I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation of Jane Austen's "Persuasion." Unlike some other reviewers on this site, I found Amanda Root to be a perfect choice for the role of Anne Elliott, who had "lost her bloom" at age 27. At the beginning of the movie, Root's Anne is timid, often self-effacing, and her physical appearance is, frankly, plain. Thoroughout the course of the film, as she rediscovers her feelings for Captain Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds)she becomes more animated and self-assured, and by the end of the movie, sure of the captain's love, she positively blooms again. I liked the cast in general, although I thought that Hinds may have been an older Captain Wentworth than Austen envisioned. Corin Redgrave gave his usual excellent performance as the vain and foppish father of Anne and Elizabeth. I did not care for Phoebe Nicholls interpretation of Elizabeth Elliott, however. Ms Nicholls, who was so brilliant in "Brideshead Revisited," played Elizabeth (who is in her late 20s) as a spoiled teenager who would have been more at home in the Los Angeles of the 1990s than early 19th century England. Sophie Thompson (sister of Emma) and Fiona Shaw were outstanding as Mary Musgrove and Mrs. Croft, respectively.

The film makers did take some liberties with the story....it has been commented on several times by critics that Anne and the Captain never kissed in Austen's novel. While this is true, most of the film adaptations of Austen's works that I have seen include scenes of kissing between men and women who have come to an understanding of their love for each other. "Persuasion" is certainly a more faithful adaptation of Austen than is "Mansfield Park," which was released about the same time, probably because it does not have a political ax to grind.

Sweet Persuasion
What a wonderful adaptation of Jane Austen's fine novel. The performances bring to life the characters that Jane Austen's words inspired. Amanda Root's performance as the long-suffering Anne Elliott is perfectly understated. Her transformation from 'one who has lost her bloom' into one who is able to love again is wonderful to observe. Who cannot fall in love with Ciaran Hinds portrayal of the dashing Captain Wentworth? It is perfection itself. Supporting actor Corin Redgrave obviously relished his role as the ridiculously vain Sir Elliot, and most impressive was Sophie Thompson as Mary Musgrove. After watching her performance as the old maid Miss Bates in the 1996 version of Emma, I appreciate her portrayal of the jealous hypochondriac Mary Musgrove even more. Fiona Shaw & John Woodvine as Sophie and Admiral Croft were a breath of fresh air. Susan Fleetwood is convincing as Lady Russell and honorable mention should go to the actors who portrayed Captain's Harville & Benwick and of course those who portrayed the Musgroves. My only complaint as a Jane Austen purist: I loathe convenient deviations from her original novel and this version fails the novel through it's portrayal and storyline involving Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Smith. I was most particularly grieved by the insertion of an unnecessary scene involving Captain Wentworth offering to quit Kellynch on behalf of Admiral and Mrs. Croft. Despite these two atrocities, I find that the performances make this a must see adaptation.

A gem
This movie is not only the best film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, it's also a wonderful film in its own right. What did I love about it?

1) It isn't stuffy and unnatural. The characters sound human when they speak; you can imagine that this is how people spoke in the 19th century - not like pompous orators, but like real people. The world surrounding the characters isn't overly polished or brightly lit; again, there's a natural, "lived-in" feeling to all the buildings and landscapes; they do not look like they came out of a glossy postcard.

2) The performances. I don't have enough praise for Amanda Root, who plays Anne Elliot, a woman whose marriage prospects are slim to nil, and who has just been thrown into the company of a man whom she rejected years ago. Root can speak volumes just with her eyes, and everything about her fits perfectly with the gentle, wry and intelligent Anne Elliot. As Captain Wentworth, Ciaran Hinds is also great; he disappears into the character. Both actors aren't conventionally beautiful or handsome either; Root in particular blossoms before the viewers eyes - at first she's very faded and quiet, and then we (like Wentworth) see her spirit shine out. In addition to Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, the rest of the cast also do a wonderful job. Perhaps because there aren't any big name actors, we can get totally immersed in the film.

3) It's true to Austen. There's subtle humor, real human feeling, and a keen understanding of human nature. It's an unforgettable love story.

4) The kiss. One kiss - perfectly timed, perfectly executed... you will melt.

5) The soundtrack. This holds true particularly for the assembly at Bath, and the Italian vocal pieces.

The DVD made me buy the book
I have always been a Jane Austen fan, but never read this particular book. Very well acted, and contains the sentiments of the book. Would definately recommend ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Having developed his skill as a master of contemporary crime drama, writer-director Michael Mann displayed every aspect of that mastery in this intelligent, character-driven thriller from 1995, which also marked the first onscreen pairing of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. The two great actors had played father and son in the separate time periods of The Godfather, Part II, but this was the first film in which the pair appeared together, and although their only scene together is brief, it's the riveting fulcrum of this high-tech cops-and-robbers scenario. De Niro plays a master thief with highly skilled partners (Val Kilmer and Tom Sizemore) whose latest heist draws the attention of Pacino, playing a seasoned Los Angeles detective whose investigation reveals that cop and criminal lead similar lives. Both are so devoted to their professions that their personal lives are a disaster. Pacino's with a wife (Diane Venora) who cheats to avoid the reality of their desolate marriage; De Niro pays the price for a life with no outside connections; and Kilmer's wife (Ashley Judd) has all but given up hope that her husband will quit his criminal career. These are men obsessed, and as De Niro and Pacino know, they'll both do whatever's necessary to bring the other down. Mann's brilliant screenplay explores these personal obsessions and sacrifices with absorbing insight, and the tension mounts with some of the most riveting action sequences ever filmed--most notably a daylight siege that turns downtown Los Angeles into a virtual war zone of automatic gunfire. At nearly three hours, the film qualifies as a kind of intimate epic, certain to leave some viewers impatiently waiting for more action, but it's all part of Mann's compelling strategy. Heat is a true rarity: a crime thriller with equal measures of intense excitement and dramatic depth, giving De Niro and Pacino a prime showcase for their finely matched talents. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (370)

Movie sizzle.. DVD extras fizzle...
HEAT is one of the best crime dramas ever made! Director Michael Mann's saga is simply a tried and true tale of good versus evil. Al Pacino plays an L.A. cop, who leads a team, that