Reviews (6)

Crime Story
While I am a transplant to Chicaga (the way the locals say it) the 'real' feel of the locations seep into this video. The main characters of Ray Luca and Mike Torello join in a pas de deux of crime and justice. Luca is amoral, staying strictly focused on making money as easily as possible, while Torello is so squarely on the line between good and evil that when he walks, one foot lands on the good side and the other foot lands on the side of evil. It is this conflict that generates and develops the characters. Michael Mann has succeeded in adapting Film Noire to Color. The pilot is a great lead in to the rest of the series, and was years ahead of the quality storylines of the Sopranos. The only way it could be better was if the rest of the series was also on DVD.

The Untouchables on acid
Before he directed some of my favorite films (Heat, The Insider, Manhunter), Michael Mann created two groundbreaking television series. Miami Vice got most of the viewers but its Crime Story that was truly ahead of its time. Crime Story dealt with Lt. Torello (played by Dennis Farina with a grimness that always allowed a sly wit to shine through) who fought organized crime on the streets of Chicago in the 1950's. His main nemesis is aspiring mobster Luca, himself a fascinating portrait of evil who somehow always managed to be somehow sympathetic in his raw need to be a true crime lord. Even while playing hommage to the crime shows of the past (I always thought of it as the Untouchables if Eliot Ness ended up having a nervous breakdown halfway through the series), Crime Story redefined the genre. It went over the head of most viewers but now, after films like Pulp Fiction changed the way we view entertainment, Crime Story has been rediscovered and its about time. Even as the show's talented cast of character actors dispensed the melodrama with a sly wink at the few members of the audience lucky enough to be in on the joke, the violence was often amazingly intense but never played for cheap thrills. As well, Crime Story had a simply amazing soundtrack. In fact, I first started watching it mostly to hear the wonderful rendition of Del Shannon's "Runaway" over the opening credits but each show was scored with some of the best blues I've ever heard and it created a moody atmosphere that, quite simply, sucked you in. If you're a fan of the crime genre but haven't seen Crime Story, do yourself a favor and track it down. This pilot film is a great place to start on what, I promise, will be one of the most entertaining rides of your life.

Crime Story,Julia Roberts
Hallo, I am a German boy. I am a very big Fan from Julia Roberts. She played in an Episode in "Crime Story"(1986). I want to get a tape of this Episode. I will pay well. Can anyone help me??? I think "Crime Story" is a great serie.My E-mail:s.gieseud.hartung@t-online.de

Crime Story fan
Absolutely the best crime show ever. I watched the series in highschool and regret not taping it at the time. I've also been searching for a copy of Runaway (the show's theme song - not Del's original version). Can anyone help?

The original CASINO, without Hollywood fluff..
..was Crime Story..I have all of these episodes taped from when they were originally broadcasted in the 1980's. The 'true to life' plots and storylines using an actual former Chicago Cop (Farina) and even criminals as actors in this series gave the episodes the *blood* they needed to succeed. Even though Mann was rough on his actors (I knew a few people who were extras in the series) he had to be to bring forth a real life series that had some scripts tailor-made and ghost-written from actual events and real figures in LCN(with poetic license and switching decades, of course) during the 1970's and 1980's. "Torello" and "Luca" are unforgettable as rivals. Sidekick "Paulie Taglia" will make you roar with laughter. Crime Story paved the way for CASINO, which later told you who they really were. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Bubbly Fun
I'd avoided PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES for years because of the universal pans it received -- what a mistake! The new DVD release will undoubtedly give the film a new lease on life, and hurrah for that. What movie did the critics see? This picture may not be top-drawer work from anyone involved, but it's still a great deal of fun, and definitely worth a look. Hepburn is enchanting, as always, and it's enjoyable to see her spoofing horror and action film conventions. Knowing her real-life feelings for Holden adds a special poignancy to their work together here, particularly in his big self-loathing monologue; her reaction shots to him are very moving. He's game, as are Tony Curtis and Noel Coward in cameos, and there's real wit in the Axelrod screenplay. If only the average comedy released today could have a tenth of the style or flair in this "flop" of Hollywood's later golden era!

No matter what people say, it's the BEST
To Audrey Hepburn fans everywhere, this is a must see and must have. The script is hilarious ("Oh, Maurice, I'm like so happy for you" and "I'm not that kind of a girl. Oh dear, maybe I am that kind of a girl!") Audrey Hepburn shines in this movie, and William Holden plays the drunken, funny movie writer. No matter how bad the reviews of the famous people may be, this is a terrific movie. It made my laugh so hard I cried. And belive me, you won't want to miss when Audrey Hepburn's drunk and she's making up this story involving planes, horses, beaches, vampires, bats.... Well, I can't give it all away. See this one. Better yet, buy it. It's definately worth it.

WHAT A SHAME I DIDN'T READ ALL OF THE REVIEWS FIRST!
HAD I READ ALL REVIEWS, I WOULD HAVE FOUND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS FILM. THE 5-STARS REVIEWS ARE SIMPLY NONSENSE, THEY DON'T GIVE YOU AN ACCURATE FEELING FOR THE MOVIE. THE 1-STARS - NOW THOSE REALLY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT! THEY KNOW A STINKER WHEN THEY SEE ONE AND ARE NOT AFRAID TO SAY SO.
I AM SELLING ONE OF THESE "PARIS... USED FILMS AND I HAVE TO BE HONEST, I HAVE TO SAY THE TRUTH - SO BE FOREWARNED! THIS FILM IS BAD, IT IS NOT ENTERTAINING AND THERE IS NO PLOT OR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OR ANYTHING REDEEMING ABOUT THIS FILM.
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE MOVIE OUTSIDE OF IT'S BOX IS REALLY A WARNING. IT TELLS YOU HOW THE MOVIE HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL SCENERY OF PARIS. WELL- THAT'S A WAY TO TELL YOU THAT THIS IS ALL THIS MOVIE HAS IN IT THAT COULD BE OF POSSIBLE INTEREST. GOOD LUCK!

IF YOU BUY THIS FILM, DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU.

Oh my!
I was so dissapointed!
I kept watching just thinking it would get better.
WRONG!
Don't waste your time. This is painful!

This One's A Sizzler!
'Paris When It Sizzles' is a funny, light-hearted masterpiece that is made even better by the two brilliant stars, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden.

Holden plays a famous writer who hires Hepburn to be his typist. But she is not too pleased when he reveals to her that he has not written anything yet, or even thought about the story line! So with only two days to get the script finished, the couple set about coming up with a plot, adding romance, twists, humour, switches, switches on switches, and switches on switches on switches!

The script is then brought to life by the imagination of Holden and Hepburn. With Holden playing the main man, and Hepburn playing the main girl. And also other roles played by Tony Curtis, and a cameo from Audrey's husband at the time Mel Ferrer.

This is an enjoyable film that won't leave you asking any questions. It is one Hepburn and Holden's best. Definitely not one to miss. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A fun movie; nothing too serious; 3 1/2 stars
If you like Jack Lemmon, this is a fun movie. If you do not, then it's an average film.

The sexy italian blonde looks much better on the screen than on this cover. In fact, there are a lot of good looking women in this movie so that's a plus for men so inclined.

Story follows a cartoonist who ends up marrying an Italian immigrant girl who seduced him during a bachelor party after she jumped out of a cake. Her eyes are played out as being magical.

Sort of funny . . . cute plot . . . a few good twists. Interesting court scene.

I won't spoil the ending.

Not what you'd expect
This is one of those films that start out seeming to be about one thing, but turn out at the end to be about something else entirely. Jack Lemmon is a confirmed (?) bachelor, living in a town house with his valet, Terry-Thomas, when one morning, after a liquor-soaked bachelor party for a friend the night before, he wakes to find himself married (gulp) to the dazzlingly beautiful Virna Lisi. Trapped in a no-win situation, he cooks up a plot for her murder (only on paper, of course); but, when she disappears, he finds himself on trial for her actual murder. One of the great comedic courtroom scenes follows. When the [spoiler] at the end of the film, you realized that you've been duped -- the film, which seemed to be about the joys of woman-hating, turns out to be about one of the great themes of cinema - "love conquers all". Eddie Mayehoff and Claire Trevor are marvelous in supporing roles.

A guy thing...and loads of fun...
In our PC society, I can still look back and grin affecionately, considering that this film was made at a time when "battle-of-the-sexes" humor was at a peak (Doris Day, anyone?) Lemmon's a natural, and Terry-Thomas actually steals the film for that reason. Fairly formulaic, the men are made to look more idiotic than the women, though if anyone wants to take issue, check out Claire Trevor's manipulative harpee witch. Virna Lisi is, indeed, stunningly gorgeous, and very endearing. This is a "nice" movie; not a great one, nor one that lives on in history. It has Lemmon, Terry-Thomas, Lisi, Trevor, Eddie Mayehoff (a riot), and should be taken for exactly what it is: a fun, mindless romp that entertains. Lighten up. I still think this should've been nominated for Sound Effects...I never forgot the "Gloppita-gloppita" machine. Don't judge; enjoy!

The Good-natured Sanity of Satire
There is absolutely nothing like good-natured satire for escape from the pressures of the workaday world, which insists on everyone being reasonable and restrained in their ire toward others. In the genre of high satire, "How to Murder Your Wife" takes one poke after another at the guys AND their ladies, both of whose unrealistic expectations toward one another periodically drive each other to the brink of ... could it be MURDER? This is STRICTLY for laughs -- and of course, paradoxically the best laughs come when a good moral results from the logical playing out of the perfectly orchestrated tomfoolery in this classic film.

We need satire -- much more than we think -- to remain good-natured, even sane. It alone gives us the perspective to let down our self-righteous hair and laugh at ourselves. One is only certain that he has a friend when his friend isn't afraid to insult him once in awhile! Remember the profound psychological function of the Medieval court jester, alone of the King's subjects who could ridicule the King mercilessly ... and so keep him human in aspect. The Marx Brothers knew themselves to be Society's collective court jesters with a holy mission to insult the upper classes, who were taking themselves so perilously seriously in the '20s and '30s.

So, may our insecurities of male and female social prerogatives vanish in a cloud of wholesome laughter in this ingenious stroke of good will -- and may we benefit from more and more good satire in future productions. For it is the perfect irony of this film that its theme is actually the passionate pursuit of harmony between the sexes, and not their mutual demise. Ah, give us a second helping of wit, Sir Terry Thomas!

It's a men's joke!
Stanley Ford (Jack Lemmon) is a popular cartoonist. 463 newspapers buy "The adventures of Bash Brannigan" because they know their author draws on real-life experience. His lawyer Harold (Eddie Mayehoff) gives free vent to his moral indignation: "pornography! violence! sadism!" but Stanley remains complacent: " I never asked Bash to do anything I haven't done myself". He is immune to Harold's sermon who can't wait to see him henpecked. But Stanley has perfected the skill of lying in a woman's arms without falling in her hands. He owns a luxurious townhouse in New York and Charles (Terry-Thomas), his distinguished and stuck-up butler (He calls himself "Mr. Ford's man") runs the household, awakes him, escorts him to the shower, weighs him out (160 pounds) and prepares healthy meals. In short: Stanley leads the life that readers of the "Playboy magazine" dream of.

One day he goes to a friend's wedding (The bride forgot her shoes in Stanley's bedroom), but the wedding he celebrates instead is his own: He wakes up with a hangover and discovers that he married the girl who jumped out of the wedding cake (Virna Lisi). Since the new Mrs. Ford has assets (she took part in a beauty contest) he tries to break the news gently to her: he wants a divorce...Mrs. Ford is amused to see his pantomime: She does not understand one word because she comes from Italy...Harold is delighted and lists Stanley's obligations:"You got to make a new will...health check...insurance". Harold's wife Edna (Claire Trevor) informs Mrs. Ford that she is entitled to a mink-coat, a pet-dog and her husband's credit card. Charles has dark forebodings. The foundations of his cosmic system are shaken when his new lady takes possession of her house. Duel in the kitchen: Charles is calories-conscíous, Mrs. Ford prepares lasagne-souffle with a pound of butter. Both wait for their lord and master to pass his judgment. Stanley settles on the souffle - and forfeits his butler.

Stanley's comic-strip hero follows his creator's example: "Yes (Gulp)" says the bridegroom. "He He" says the bride. Mrs. Ford's qualities do not miss their fire. Still. Stanley's home becomes a boudoir. He develops a paunch - his appetite is good. She makes a do-it-yourselfer out of him and a sissy and she controls his liquor-ration. Goaded by Edna she inspects her husband in his no-ladies-allowed-club and startles some half-naked men in the sauna. Her contrition comes too late: Stanley decides to free not himself but his comic-strip hero from the manacles of matrimony. He smuggles the prototype of an ecstasy-pill in his wife's drink. Brrrp! and she is dancing on the table. Blaaap! and he drags her off on his shoulder. Yes, and then he commits his "murder": He throws a dummy in the gloppeta-machine and buries it in cement. His wife sees his new Bash Brannigan cartoon and gathers that he is longing for her death...

A deeply moving moment all the more effective because it comes unexpected. This film is the best sex-comedy in a series that started 1959 with PILLOW TALK and ended 1965 with THE GREAT RACE. These films were demonised and nagged to death by calamity-howlers who could not endure the sight of a happy audience. I was never offended by the alleged "sexism" - why shouldn't women be capable to take a men's joke with humor? The plot is a yarn, the courtroom scene a classic, the score Neil Hefti's best and the acting fantastic. This is the one film where Jack Lemmon has the opportunity to play the playboy - and he does so with boundless relish. Irrepressible, undaunted and with his unmistakable sense of humor. And he did all the stunts himself! Virna Lisi is irresistible as his fond appendage who coddles her husband until he becomes a softie. The only objectionable point is the mistreatment of sympathetic Claire Trevor (STAGECOACH, KEY LARGO). But, as Orson Welles once said: "Husbands should revolt from time to time. Even the best circus-number becomes boring if the beast is too tame". ... Read more

Reviews (3)

If you're a if you want to wallow in the bad seek out OH DAD
I don't think I'll ever understand the 60's? What a wacky time! Somewhere between civil rights marches, Vietnam, moon landings, LSD, and the myriad of other things that came put of that time, also came some of the oddest movies ever. Major studio's seemed to be dumping large sums of money into strange films some that come to mind, Otto Preminger Skidoo, The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, and the film I'm about to review, OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SAD.

The film based on the stage play by Arthur L. Kopit (The Stage Musical PHANTOM, not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical.) and stars veteran character actor Rosalind Russell (His Girl Friday) as Madame Rosepettle. Madame Rosepettle is an eccentric overbearing women. She's the kind of women who sucks the air out of any room she's enters. She has many strange quirks like that fact that she has two Venus flytraps she loves to take care of and a tank full of Piranhas that eat Siamese cats. Oh yeah and when her husband died she had him stuffed and she keeps him in a closet.

Her son Johnathan (Robert Morse, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) is 24 years old and act like he's five. His mother keeps him indoors at all time, keeping him busy with stamp collections, edited books, and a telescope.

As the film begins we watch as Madame Rosepettle and her son land in Jamaica. They are staying at a first class resort for the summer. There they meet the beautiful Rosalie (Barbara Harris, Gorse Pointe Blank), the resorts baby sitter whom falls for Johnathan and Commodore Roseabove (Hugh Griffith, Start the Revolution Without Me) a crazy ship captain who pines for Madam Rosepettle. All these characters meet up and well, all hell breaks loose.

Did I forget to mention Johnathan Winters receives top billing in this film as Dad the Narrator?

This film is bad, but it has too much spunk to be unwatchable. It is vibrant; the story has life, and the actors all do a great job of creating these lively and humorous and malajusted characters. What weighs the film down into mediocrity is Johnathan Winters. He does narrate this film. But not the story, he narrates the action, and every time he does we see this small freeze frame of his face pop up on screen. A gimmick that stops the film cold dead in its tracks, I'll bet some Paramount bigwig said this movie makes no sense, we have one of the biggest comedians of the day why waste him in such a small role. There are perfect comedic and dramatic beats in this film destroyed by Winters banal comments.

The single greatest sequence in the film is a short silent movie narrated by Madame Rosepettle. It's so perfect, it so crazy, and it is flawless in delivery. It in of itself would make a fascinating short.

Honestly, this film is the comedic answer to Psycho. It's about a boy's relationship to his crazy mother. It's kinda funny, but Robert Morse also has a stunning resemblance to Anthony Perkins. It's not Psycho, it isn't anywhere close, but it's a lot of campy fun and in the same vein. If you like great bad movies, I'd try to track down a copy of this film.

If you're a if you want to wallow in the bad seek out OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SADfan of camp,

What happened?
This is a very funny comedy although the version available on VHS (1984 Paramount) suffers from revisons that lighten the original "darker" tone of the movie version released in 1966.

Some of the changes include: omission of the "garbage scow" sea captain, poisoning of the sea captain, and the knife murder of the...baby sitter; and (it has been years) but I don't recall the "canned sitcom" music track in the original film either, and Jonathan Winters' comments seem to have been replaced with less biting versions than the originals. What happened?

"Corpse delight!"
This hysterical black, black comedy was all too soon ignored by everyone. Do yourself a favor - Roz Russell? Remember "Auntie Mame"? Well, this gal has never been better as the acid tongued mother [mild acid, you know], together with her disfunctional family [includes Robert Morse, the brilliant Jonathan Winters, Barbara Harris - another "treasure"], on vacation somewhere in the Caribbean - just watch out for the 25 year old baby! It is alive with joy, and probably in some vague way will remind you of the TV series "Dinosaurs" ["gotta love the baby!"]. Make sense? Not really, it's just there for sheer enjoyment, and a long lost jewel just waiting to be rediscovered. This is a "Must have" for any avid collector. [Based on the play by Arthur L. Kopit]. Oh, and Dad? He is somewhere, embalmed, neatly ensconced in the coffin, in the closet! Well worth watching! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Rockin Roll Crime Fighters
When I saw the pilot, I couldn't wait for the series to begin. This is crime fighting at its best. Every character was interesting and the writing was superb! My only regret is that I didn't have the VCR on "record" for the entire series. If anyone does or knows where I can get complete copies of the series on tape, write me back at humbert@midusa.net

A dark, rockin', guns 'n' chrome story.
From the chase up Lake Shore Drive in dueling '59 Ford squad cars, to the heat of Lt. Torello's stuffy office, this is one mesmerizing movie. The music, clothes, dialogue, action - everything comes together to present a wacked-out look at the greasers in the Chicago Outfit in the early 1960's and the good guys in black suits and thin ties who chased them. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Its a crime to sell Crime Story, the way it was Copied.
I bought the whole set of Crime Story. Some of the tapes contain four to six one-hour episodes. The problem with this is that all these tapes (except for the Pilot episode) are recorded in EP. Most of these tapes contain minutes to hours of untrackable video tape. I own 4 Video recorders and all these tapes could not be adjusted by tracking. Its too bad because I would be more than willing to pay a lot more money for a set, if it was recorded in sp.I think Crime Story is great, thats why this is so frustrating. Buyer Beware ! ... Read more

Description

Collection of TV series stories, all set in the dreams and nightmares of Elm Street. The show is hosted by Freddy Krueger himself. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Freddy's Origin?Funny way of putting it!
I was shocked because this is the first episode I have seen it was scary but when Freddy becomes it cracks me up!I bought this movie off the internet and was excited when it got here.It starts off Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund,ANOES SERIES) gets off free from a trial because when he was arrested but he was never read rights.The parents of ELM STREET ARE MAD and well U know the rest.It is gory.Shows Freddy getting burned,Claw marks on a guy,and Freddy killing a guy at the dentist by pulling his teeth out.You will laugh at the jokes that TOBE HOOPER put in this episode fans as we present the first episode "Freddys Nightmares:NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" Enjoy

Treat for Nightmare Fans
I got this for Christmas from my friend and had to watch it that very night. You can definitely tell that it is from the 80's. Ok, the story doesn't quite follow the movies, but how many different conflicting things have the fans seen by now? I really enjoyed this telling of the story to show how Fred became the dream killer we all grew to love in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. I will say that the acting definitely is not award winning, although I think Robert Englund(Freddy Krueger) does a great job as usual. The story is good enough if you are a fan you will most likely really get a kick out of it. Now let's keep our fingers crossed that Robert Englund can get the Freddy Prequel movie up and rolling in another year or two.
Keep the faith.

The old "Freddy's Nightmares" series pilot
When I came across this some time ago, it took me down memory lane. I remember when this was a series on FOX-25 back in the day. This was actually the pilot episode, directed by Texas Chanisaw Massacre director Tobe Hooper.

This series actually went more for the horror than the comedy we were used to from the Nightmare movies. I always liked the feel of the series because it had a very eerie feel to it. While I never caught this episode in its days on television, I looked forward to seeing it.

"No More Mr. Nice Guy" shows the supposed origin of Freddy Krueger. He is a child murderer, found not guilty, due to the police forgetting to read him his rights. He eventually returns to terrorize the children in their sleep. This episode contradicts a lot of what has been explained about Krueger in the film series but is still worth adding to your collection if you are a die-hard Nightmare On Elm Street fan.

Terrible
This is the first episode of the series and I really expected a lot more. The story given contradicts the plot of the original Nightmare on Elm Street movie. The actor who portrays the lead cop is a horrible actor. I realize this is a tv series from the 80's and did not have the same budget as the movie, but I was grossly disappointed by this tape. Especially in the scene where they show Freddy's murder by the town's people and when he kills the guard. Even if you are a fan of the movie series, this tape will disappoint you. This movie is to be avoided.

The Best Of The TV Show Series
Out of all the series this is the best episode. You get to see freddy before he was burned and you watch neighbors panic to hide their children from the serial killer. This cop has a daugter and when freddy goes to attack her, he arrests him withougt reading him his rights. this even shows his trial. And after that the parents all get [angry] and well...you know the rest. This is a great pre-sequel to the first Elm Street Movie. I would suggest watching this first then watching Elm Street 1. You will get the feel for the movie and you will even like it better then you have before. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great martial arts flick!
Lots of action and great martial arts fight scenes. Who said women couldn't fight. This gal beats the heck out of men. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

OH MY GOSH!
this is unbelivabley MY GRANDFATHER!!!!!!!!! amaxzing isn't it, but sometime he scares me, this is an amazing film, I am not a bads person but someitme i have bad plots as well, this film has the best camera affect, best makeup (look at manchus face, hes screaming "damn im sexy"), you cant deny his amazing looks wich i picked up frum him, AMASING!

a diabolically criminally funny spoof
THE FIENDISH PLOT OF DR. FU MANCHU [hereinafter "Fu"] is a diabolically, criminally funny spoof of the preceding Fu villain movies. The opening scene was foretelling. Sellers, as a vintage Fu, is celebrating his 168th birthday. His crowd of sinister lackeys are singing "Happy Birthday." Fu calls for his life sustaining elixer to have a swig which would carry him over for another year. The elixer is brought into the chamber by an extremely familiar servant. This servant . . . uh, er let's call him Kato for want of a better name . . . well his robe catches fire and he douses the flame with all of the elixer. Now, Fu must replace the diamond ingredient elixer by stealing a couple of rare diamonds. After stealing one diamond, the action swings into a Chinese Fire Drill version of Pink Panther. To stop Fu, retired agent Nyland Smith, played by Oriental expert Sellers, is brought out of retirement. An FBI agent, Joe Capone played by Sid Caesar, becomes part of the Scotland Yard scenery. It was his job to belittle the Brits and draw his gun on cue. Agent Smith decides that Fu will kidnap the Royal Family; that they needed doubles to perform Royalty's civic functions. Those doubles were recruited from the police force and had to audition for the role. As auditioning Constable Alice Rage, Helen Mirren, did an a la Shirley Temple tap-dance number, singing "On the Good Ship Lollipop." I nearly choked on my popcorn from laughing. She won the role of Queen. Later in the film, I doubled up while she sang, "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow." In a scene memorable of Jules Verne--or Bond for that matter--Agent Smith flies his cottage by balloon entitled, "Spirit of Wiltshire." This was Seller's final movie. Too bad that many of his fans, including myself, missed this very funny one at the box office. And, for sure, Helen Mirren was a Wow.

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu
VHS in Spanish with subtitles and wasn't what I ordered. It was ordered new. VERY UNHAPPY with Video.

Campy, Satirical and Fiendishly Funny!
This movie is one that will either become one of your favorites or will cause you to ask yourself why it was even made. The difference lies in your previous exposure to the "Fu Manchu" mystique. For those of us who have previously read of the "Yellow Peril" and the "Vast Underground Conspiracy" the movie is a wildly funny romp through a fictional world where every oriental is working to enslave the human race. For those who have not read the original works by Sax Rohmer many of the most hilarious scenes and comments will slip by unnoticed. It is still a very entertaining movie, however, and is well worth watching, if only for the outrageously campy ending.

Very Funny. Fine Family Fun!
My parents hate this movie, and I don't know why. Peter Sellers is an actor beyond compare. This movie is one of the best evermade. It's a little campy but that's okay because that's what was intended! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

OH MY GOSH!
this is unbelivabley MY GRANDFATHER!!!!!!!!! amaxzing isn't it, but sometime he scares me, this is an amazing film, I am not a bads person but someitme i have bad plots as well, this film has the best camera affect, best makeup (look at manchus face, hes screaming "damn im sexy"), you cant deny his amazing looks wich i picked up frum him, AMASING!

a diabolically criminally funny spoof
THE FIENDISH PLOT OF DR. FU MANCHU [hereinafter "Fu"] is a diabolically, criminally funny spoof of the preceding Fu villain movies. The opening scene was foretelling. Sellers, as a vintage Fu, is celebrating his 168th birthday. His crowd of sinister lackeys are singing "Happy Birthday." Fu calls for his life sustaining elixer to have a swig which would carry him over for another year. The elixer is brought into the chamber by an extremely familiar servant. This servant . . . uh, er let's call him Kato for want of a better name . . . well his robe catches fire and he douses the flame with all of the elixer. Now, Fu must replace the diamond ingredient elixer by stealing a couple of rare diamonds. After stealing one diamond, the action swings into a Chinese Fire Drill version of Pink Panther. To stop Fu, retired agent Nyland Smith, played by Oriental expert Sellers, is brought out of retirement. An FBI agent, Joe Capone played by Sid Caesar, becomes part of the Scotland Yard scenery. It was his job to belittle the Brits and draw his gun on cue. Agent Smith decides that Fu will kidnap the Royal Family; that they needed doubles to perform Royalty's civic functions. Those doubles were recruited from the police force and had to audition for the role. As auditioning Constable Alice Rage, Helen Mirren, did an a la Shirley Temple tap-dance number, singing "On the Good Ship Lollipop." I nearly choked on my popcorn from laughing. She won the role of Queen. Later in the film, I doubled up while she sang, "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow." In a scene memorable of Jules Verne--or Bond for that matter--Agent Smith flies his cottage by balloon entitled, "Spirit of Wiltshire." This was Seller's final movie. Too bad that many of his fans, including myself, missed this very funny one at the box office. And, for sure, Helen Mirren was a Wow.

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu
VHS in Spanish with subtitles and wasn't what I ordered. It was ordered new. VERY UNHAPPY with Video.

Campy, Satirical and Fiendishly Funny!
This movie is one that will either become one of your favorites or will cause you to ask yourself why it was even made. The difference lies in your previous exposure to the "Fu Manchu" mystique. For those of us who have previously read of the "Yellow Peril" and the "Vast Underground Conspiracy" the movie is a wildly funny romp through a fictional world where every oriental is working to enslave the human race. For those who have not read the original works by Sax Rohmer many of the most hilarious scenes and comments will slip by unnoticed. It is still a very entertaining movie, however, and is well worth watching, if only for the outrageously campy ending.

Very Funny. Fine Family Fun!
My parents hate this movie, and I don't know why. Peter Sellers is an actor beyond compare. This movie is one of the best evermade. It's a little campy but that's okay because that's what was intended! ... Read more