Reviews (20)

Thw world of Henry Orient
When these two teenagers meet and form a friendship, you are taking on an entertaining and heartfelt journey. Valerie Boyd and Marian Gilbert(played by Tippy Walker and Merrie Spaeth, respectively) are two unlikely friends who share a zest for life. When the two girls come across the eccentric pianist Henry Orient, played by Peter Sellers, infatuation ensues. Thus begins the pursuit for the infamous Henry Orient. Henry Orient is a madly altruistic ladies man who has been trying to seduce a married woman, Stella (played by Paula Prentiss). Strange things are happening which cause him to believe her husband has found them out and that they are being spied upon. Little does he know that Val and Gil are the ones doing the spying. The girls create a situation which causes some confusion among the adults in the movie. When Val's parents, played by Tom Bosley (Happy Days) and Angela Lansbury (Murder She Wrote), become intimately involved with the girls hijinks and Henry Orient, the girls are forced to grow up and face life as more than just fun and games. I watched this movie and felt an intense feeling of nostalgia. I was reminded of the days of being young and careless (Ahh. . . the simpler times.). I recalled the feeling of living at home and chumming around with friends. Ahh the good 'ole days... Okay, so I'm not that much older; I still goof off with my buddies and yes, I have friends that still live at home. What I am trying to say is that this movie left me with a longing of days that seemed more innocent. Although you may not get the same vibe I did, I think it is still a classic movie for anyone to watch.

A little-seen gem
This is not one of Peter Sellers' most famous films, but I consider it one of his best. It is incredibly funny, charming, and a perfect film about youth and life in New York in the early 1960's.

Sellers plays Henry Orient, an avant-garde pianist and master Lothario, who becomes the idol of two adolescent girls, Val Boyd, played by Tippy Walker, and Marian 'Gil' Gilbert, played by Merrie Spaeth. These girls are perfectly cast in their roles, and have wonderful chemistry. Val is the daughter of wealthy Park Avenue parents, portrayed by Tom Bosley and Angela Lansbury. Gil is from a broken home, and lives with her mother. The girls meet at school, then attend a concert by the flamboyant Mr. Orient. From there, they begin stalking him, although stalking was not in vogue in 1964. They become his ardent admirers, believing what magazines write about him, and hanging around outside his Park Avenue apartment, dressed in Chinese hats.

Henry Orient, of course, is a no-talent, no-good playboy, who is having an affair with the married and somewhat reluctant Stella Dunworthy, well played by Paula Prentiss. It seems that Henry Orient spends most of his days sleeping, talking on his futuristic phone, and chasing women.

It is all an innocent pursuit for the girls, whose friendship is really the center of the film. This is very well portrayed, and backed with gorgeous New York scenery. The trust of the girls is severely tested, and we see the change from wide-eyed innocence, to devastating disappointment.

Angela Lansbury plays a completely despicable society hound, showing her great range as the actress new generations recognize as the sweet Jessica Fletcher. Peter Sellers, as always, moves into his character completely, and switches from sauve to clueless in a matter of minutes.

This is a wonderful film, very entertaining, and based on a book of the same name. It is not dated, it is fresh and funny and I think all ages will enjoy it.

Poor quality sound
Lovely 5-star film. Had me laughing aloud many times. But (as has previously been mentioned) the sound quality on this DVD is pathetic. Very hard to hear. One needs to turn volume way up, and maybe use the subtitles too. A great pity.

One of my all-time favorites!
I was delighted to come across so many other rave reviews for this gem that I wanted to add my voice to the others and urge those of you who have never discovered this film to buy or, at least, rent it. Alternately funny and moving, I can only sum up my reaction to say that the film warms my heart, and I watch it frequently if I'm feeling blue. Filled with great star turns as well as a host of wonderful cameos (Paula Prentiss, Bibi Osterwald and Al Lewis especially), the story is filled with countless moments that grab me emotionally, particularly near the end when, one by one, the members of Tom Bosley's family discover the truths about themselves and each other and face the emotional repercussions of these truths.
The two young stars are not particularly great actresses. Better than that, they seem like real young girls on the verge of womanhood. The film evokes its time and place with fondness and affection. I grew up across the country from NYC in San Francisco, and yet I've watched the film so many times that I wax nostalgic for a city in which I've never lived! Go figure.
Finally, I can't say enough about Angela Lansbury. I know how frustrated she was with the studios' constant casting her as villainous mothers, and I hope she achieves her wish of finding a truly satisfying film role before she retires. Still, I hope she knows that her work as one of the few actors to successfully span the worlds of theatre, film and television speaks for itself, and her range and depth of talent is apparent in this, and all her roles. In this film (as in THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, one of the best thrillers ever and her greatest film role), she is fearless in her willingness to create a monster who is at once compelling and abhorrent. We understand why she fascinates her husband and daughter at the same time that she repels them. Her villainy is delicious here, and her comeuppance is one of the most satisfying moments in an altogether satisfying film. See it!

underrated masterpiece finally on DVD!
Having watched this movie any time TCM showed it on TV, I was so happy to finally see it come out on DVD and in its original aspect ratio -- the only way to see this amazing movie.

Fans of the movie Ghost World might want to check out The World of Henry Orient as it is so obviously the template for GW -- although, not as cynical.

Henry Orient is a wonderfully nostalgic ode to a New York City that doesn't exist anymore. There is something truly magical about seeing the city as it was back in the '60s. The film captures this magical innocent time when you're a child and how this starts to fade when you grow up in your teen years.

The two girls are fantastic as are the adults -- especially Peter Sellers (is there anything this guy can't do?), Angela Lansbury (again, playing an evil, evil lady!), and most importantly, Tom Bosley who plays one of the girls' lovable, understanding dad -- a great performance!

This is one of the late, great George Roy Hill's best movies -- beautiful directed and shot that also features an infectious, whimsical score by Elmer Bernstein (recently released on CD)that will have you whistling it long after the movie ends. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

PRETTY DARN FUNNY...
This is definitely one of the better Chevy Chase vehicles, as it does not go too far off the beaten path and is handled with a lighter touch than many of his other films. It is funny, wry, and deftly humorous.

The plot is simple. A sportswriter from New York, Andy Farmer (Chevy Chase), and his wife, Elizabeth (Madolyn Smith-Osborne), decide to move to the country so that he can write his great American novel. They move to rural Redbud, Vermont, and instead of a bucolic, pastoral setting with friendly, kindly, country folk, they find snakes, a postman who maniacally drinks and drives, a sheriff who can't drive a car, a corpse in their back yard, and a whole slew of the weirder than weird.

Instead of writing the great American novel, Andy only manages to turn out some useless drivel, while Elizabeth turns out a charming children's book. This causes great friction between the two, and it looks as if their sojourn in the country, as well as their marriage, is to be a brief one. They decide to move back to New York and inveigle the entire town of Redbud to assist them in selling their house, by turning the town and its environs into a warm and cozy setting out of a Norman Rockwell painting. What happens next is quite funny.

Just about every one in the film is a little wacky, with the exception of Andy's wife, Elizabeth, who is the one sane, grounded character. Madolyn Smith-Osborne gives an excellent performance as the wife. She is a perfect comedic foil. Chevy Chase as Andy is well...Chevy Chase and, as always, funny. The supporting cast is likewise excellent and contribute to the many humorous moments in the film. All in all, this is an enjoyable comedy that is fun for the whole family.

Typical Chevy Chase Comedy Fare.
Funny Farm was an average Chevy Chase film. Very funny and goofy, with a no-rules screenplay and a stupid plot which grows onto to you, and makes you get used to it. Funny Farm isn't a National Lampoons kind of movie, this one is acceptable for kids and adults...who both should find something amusing about it. Personally, I think that if you don't rent it, then you're missing the fun, because Tv edits out too many funny parts [like the scene where he drops his wife threw the door]. Overall, Funny Farm is worth the time to watch, and is a winner for hard-core Chevy Chase fans.

Funny Farm A Great Laugh Anytime
Funny Farm is...well.. funny! I remember when it came out in the theatres it got about 2 or 3 stars. However if you like romantic comedy set in the backwoods this film will have your sides aching from laughter. The premise is rather simple. A big town guy turns to a small town in search of a better life. The only problem is that everything goes wrong. The movers cant find the house. No one will give directions. There are a pair of sign stealers that appear all throughout the movie. Of course our heroine Andy needs to see that sign that they just took (Look! No bullet holes!) There is a scene in a diner and a Sheriff that has you wondering about small town law enforcement. The whole thing ends up at Christmas with beautiful decorations and even more hilarity as our stars come back to Earth. Chevy and Madeline play off one another well in this funny movie. Just when you think things are straightening out for the couple, something else falls apart. Its another movie that is no Oscar winner but its one I watch over and over. I couldnt have a collection of movies without Funny Farm. Dont miss it.

FUNNY...AND VASTLY UNDERRATED MOVIE
This movie doesn't get a lot of love but through repeated showings on the Comedy channel I have grown to really appreciate it. Chevy Chase is a big city sports writer who decides to give up city live and move to the quaint New England town of Redbud, Vermont to write a crime novel. He's accompanied by his wife played by Madolyn Smith.

Well in classic Murphy's law, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. They get to their new house and find that their furniture is late arriving, they have no phone, their mailman is a nut who tosses the mail out as he speeds by, and they have a body buried on their property.

Chase tries to acclimate himself to the new townfolk by filling in in a fishing contest...promptly hooking one of his partners in the neck with the fishing hook. In an attempt to remove the hook Chase punches the hapless man to try and knock him out. This prompts one of the other men to say, "you're not knocking him out, you're just beating the Sh*t out of him!"

Throughout, Chase battles the crazed mailman as well as the rest of the nutty townfolk who are like demented members of Hooterville.

Later they decide and sell their dreamhouse and offer to pay the townspeople to act normal for just one day to impress the prospective buyers. They put on a show right out of a Norman Rockwell painting as its now during the Christmas season. funny stuff.

Chase is at his finest as the put upon writer, becoming slightly more crazed himself with everyday he spends in redbud. The townspeople are tremendous.

Pick this one up

my favorite movie of all time
This is just plain good entertainment. I never get tired of it. I love the town of REDBUD. Too many classic scenes to mention. Okay I'll mention one. "gotta love the mailman". They don't make movies like this anymore that you can share with your whole family and laugh. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great Waldo Pepper - a must see
This movie is a winner. For History buffs, it will take you down "memory lane" or show you how it was during the great

barnstorming era. Robert Redford is the Great Waldo Pepper, a World War I "flying ace," who never saw combat because of his value as an instructor, thus he missed the actual fighting. He yearns for the chance to use his skills in combat against Germany's ace, von Kessler. Coincidently, Kessler is in America and it so happens he flys action scenes for a movie company, based on his life as a fighter pilot. Pepper befriends Kessler on the movie set and both face each other in "actual combat." The finale is not only thrilling, but touching.
Buy it, see it, enjoy it.

A Classic Reford Film!
I Don't often give movies a five star rating but this one really deserved it. Robert Redford did an excellent job as a World War I flying ace being forced to adapt to a civilian life style after the war and at the same time watch the world, as he knew it, slip away.

This happens to many of us as we grow older and the world around begins to change. Like Reford in The Great Waldo Pepper you try and grasp onto what your most familiar with. The world and it's changes leave you behind. What do you do? In this well made, well filmed and well acted movie you will find out about the life and dreams of one man placed where there is no return.

The Great Waldo Pepper Has some of the most beautiful flying scenes that you will see anywhere. It turns back the pages of time and gives you a little glimpse of what flying was all about in its infancy. My suggestion: Buy it.

I Know What It's Like
Growing up this was significant to me, because I had already seen Jeremiah Johnson and other countless Redford films. Also recently, I moved to Elgin, Texas, just 2 miles from where Redford's airplane was filmed flying through the center of a historical small town! The pictures and newspaper articles are in the town's railroad depot museum. The town hasn't changed much since then and is very historical to this day.

The word "great" also describes the movie
This movie has special significance for me because I first saw it as a teenager. Yet it holds up as a great movie for me 28 years after it was made (unlike some others I could name).

I like Robert Redford in almost anything, and he's at his best here as a barnstorming pilot in the 1920s who pretends to have seen more action in World War One than he did. He made me feel for the character when he said, "It should have been me" after rival flyer Axel Olsen exposed him as a "four-flusher" for claiming he was a key figure in a famous battle.

Pepper finally gets his chance to go up against the German World War One ace Ernst Kessler (perhaps loosely based on the real German ace Ernst Udet) as a stunt pilot in a movie crew.

The dialogue scenes between Pepper and Kessler leading up to the climactic dogfight are the best part of the movie, even though Kessler's lines seemed to be written more in the interest of serving the plot than in serving the character.

The idea that Kessler was a man who only felt at home in the air, for whom nothing worked out well on the ground, resonated with me, as it did with Pepper, who felt the same way.

In closing, I'd like to mention the beginning of the movie when Waldo Pepper lands at a small town in Iowa to offer airplane rides. He promises a free ride at the end of the day to a boy named Scooter if he will tote a 5-gallon gas can back and forth from the filling station to keep Pepper's plane fueled.

The song that plays over the opening credits during this sequence has stuck with me for 28 years. I heard it again in 1992 while attending a boot camp graduation ceremony at the Great Lakes Naval Recruit Training Command and remembered it from the movie. I don't know the name of it, but I love that song.

Anyway, at the end of the day Scooter asks for his free ride and Pepper says he only promised that to get him to haul gas. He never takes kids for rides. Whether the character is kidding or not isn't clear, but it certainly seems that Scooter (and his dog) get the best ride of the day.

That sequence establishes Pepper as a decent, if somewhat slippery character and gets the movie off to a good start.

The Great Waldo Pepper
This is a moving tale of a daredevil hero ace from aviation's early days who can't accept changes in the field during the post-War period. Beyond that, Redford's Waldo Pepper is a tragic hero of mythic proportions, determined to fly too close to the sun. The bi-plane sequences are breathtaking, and George Roy Hill's direction is what you'd expect from the maker of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting." Unfortunately, Goodtimes Video's policy is to release films "enhanced to fit your TV screen" and the power of this film's visual majesty is severely diminished. It's another case of a distributor who just doesn't get it. (Memo to Goodtimes Video: America has big screen TVs now.) ... Read more

Reviews (119)

An great comedy thriller classic.
When an ambitious Small Time Crook (Two Time Oscar-Winner:Robert Redford) steals $10,000 with his old age partner from an dangerous criminal (Robert Shaw), later on that day, The Crook discover his crime partner has been murder by the crime lord. Then The Crook meets his dead friend ex-partner a Veteran Con-Man (Three Time Oscar-Winner:Paul Newman), who seek revenge on the crime lord.

Entertaining comedy is directed by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Slap Shot) and Written by David S. Ward (The Program). Winner of Seven Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Art Direction/Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Score and Best Original Screenplay. The Film recieve Three Oscar Nominations, Including:Best Actor:-Robert Redford, Best Cinematography and Best Sound. The Sting has the Greatest Double Crossing in a Movie History, Complete with an Surprise Ending. Great Fun. Better to Wait for the Special Edition DVD in a Widescreen Version, which it will be 30 Years, Next Year. Grade:A.

The Quintessential Caper Flick
"The Sting" is an extremely well written story by David Ward ("Major League", "Sleepless in Seattle") and David Maurer about some smalltime grifters who attempt to swindle a mob boss. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards in 1974 and won seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. It reunited director George Roy Hill, Robert Redford and Paul Newman four years after their blockbuster, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". Strangely, although Butch and Sundance made it to number 50 on AFI's top 100 of the century, this film did not make that list. This is even more surprising since "Butch" did not win the Oscar for Best Picture in 1970 ("Midnight Cowboy" won it that year).

While I think "Butch" is funnier and more exciting, this film is more intriguing with interesting character studies and some unpredictable plot twists. Hill does a superb job of weaving the elements of the caper together and giving it a depression era feeling. The humor is more ironic than hilarious, but it fits the story well. The period props, locations, and sets are excellent, and the costumes are perfect. The costumes were done by the legendary Edith Head, who designed costumes for over 400 films in her 50-year career. She won an Oscar for best Costume Design for this film, which was one of eight she won in that category in a career marked by an astounding 34 Oscar nominations. The music by Scott Joplin and Marvin Hamlisch is also fabulous, bestowing an early twentieth century flavor on the film, and giving Hamlisch one of three Oscars he won that year (the other two were for "The Way We Were" also starring Redford).

Where "Butch" was probably a little more Newman's film, this film clearly belonged to Redford. Redford, who was nominated for best actor for the role, is marvelous in the lead, giving his character a charming, lighthearted personality to go along with his scheming intellect. Newman plays almost a supporting role as the veteran conman Henry Gondorff, who assembles the team for the caper and oversees its execution. Despite the smaller part, Newman gives an electrifying performance with his conniving tough guy portrayal. Robert Shaw ("From Russia With Love", "A Man For All Seasons", "Jaws") is also terrific as mob boss Doyle Lonnegan. Charles Durning ("The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"), Ray Walston (TV's "My Favorite Martian") and Eileen Brennan ("Private Benjamin") round out a splendid supporting cast with fantastic character portrayals.

This film is entertaining and fun with a tight plot and wonderful period renderings. I rated it a 10/10. If you have never seen it, you are in for a treat.

THIS ONE REALLY STINGS!
"The Sting" is a classic throwback to Hollywood's golden age: a fish out of water tale about a couple of con artists (Paul Newman and Robert Redford) who seemingly meet their match in a cheating mobster (Robert Shaw). As the police close in from one end and the Mafia from the other, the stakes become higher, the comedy more hilarious and the ultimate con, more rewarding. The supporting cast is a potpourri of stellar characters including Dana Elcar, Eileen Brennan, Ray Walston, Charles Durning, and Harold Gould. Marvin Hamlisch provides a sophisticated score buttressed by Scott Joplin's ragtime jazz.

It is disheartening to see an Oscar wining Best Picture get so shabby a treatment on DVD. For starters, the film is presented in a full frame, pan and scan version only. The shortcomings of this format are that you are not seeing the film in a version director, George Roy Hill would have approved of. But apart from Universal's glaringly obvious oversight, the print quality of "The Sting" suffers from a poorly balanced color spectrum, age related artifacts, edge enhancement, shimmering of fine details and pixelization. Flesh tones are often weak and pasty. Blacks are rarely solid or deep. Fine grain can be excessive in spots. The audio is poorly mixed, sounding strident and tinny. There are no extra features.

Redford and Newman at it again
I just rented this DVD and watched the whole thing, but I've seen this movie several times before.

Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) is a con artist who unknowingly swindles a lackey of crime boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). After Hooker's partner in the crime is killed, Hooker vows revenge against Lonnegan and seeks Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), one of the best cons in the game to help in the big Sting. Hooker would love to do more than just hit Lonnegan for a lot of money, but "doesn't know enough about killin' to kill him."

It's not easy separating a crime boss from his money, especially when he owns half the politicians and police. They have to take him without him even knowing he was taken. What follows is an exciting deception, carried out with professionalism and ingenuity.

I don't think the chemistry between Newman and Redford is quite as good as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but it's still pretty darn good. Lines like this:

Redford (first seeing his arch-enemy): "He's not as tough as he thinks."
Newman: "Neither are we"

The story is classic. You don't exactly know who's who, and you wonder how they're going to pull it off in the end. Scott Joplin's ragtime music, although somewhat anachronistic, is effective at keeping the movie somewhat lighthearted. There are a couple of instances of swearing and a stripper with pasties on, which gives it a PG rating.

The reason for four stars is the fact that the DVD has NO EXTRAS, and the only option is the full screen version, no widescreen. A movie as good as this deserves better, which is unfortunate.

Overall, this is a great movie with great cinematography (transition wipe effects and some tracking shots) and phenomenal acting. Enjoy.

Widescreen?
I love the film, but why is this not available in Widescreen on DVD? There's been a Widescreen VHS, and I've seen it in Widescreen on Turner Classic Movies. I know it was shot in Widescreen, so how about it, Universal? ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Something Else
I got to see this movie on Cable on Saturday evening by taping it, and yes, it was a good performance by Dean Martin. He was believeable. But Geraldine Page always took the cake and more. That lady knew she had her roles down pat. On one hand, I wanted to shake that young Yvette Mimeaux,and tell her to go and get some self esteem and a back bone. Always going behind her husband's back and believing any little thing folk told her. All in all, a good movie.

Great film but I still don't get the title
In one of his best performances, Dean Martin stars as Julian, a likeable, kindhearted neer-do-well who has hit the big time for the first time in his life. Geraldine Page, Wendy Hiller, and Yvette Mimieux are superb as the trio of women who are the most important people in his life. Page plays Carrie, Julian's sister whose deceptively fluttery and loving facade masks a selfish and manipulative woman. Hiller is his other sister, Anna, who seems the opposite by coming across as cool and aloof, but is the selfless one who loves Julian unconditionally. Mimiux plays Lily, Julian's insecure and emotionally fragile young wife. Julian's big time comes when he buys "worthless" swampland which turns out to be valuable and makes a small fortune by selling it to Cyrus Warkins, the most wealthy and powerful man in town. Unbeknownst to Cyrus, his abused wife Charlotte had given Julian--her ex-lover but now strictly friends--the inside dope so Julian splits half the proceeds with her to escape her nasty husband. Unfortunately, the arrangement goes entirely awry due to Carrie's devious machinations and skillful manipulation of the insecure Lily as a pawn in her ingenious scheme to have Julian dependent and all to herself the way he was before his new wealth--resulting in devastating consequences. This is an overlooked classic with powerhouse performances and a complex, multi-issue story subtly dealing with interracial relations and relationships, prejuduce, domestic violence, class distinction, and incest.

Toys in the Attic film
Though I didn't see the play or read the screenplay of L. Hellman's "Toys in the Attic," I have just seen the video and was entranced by the performances of Geraldine Page, Dean Martin, and Wendy Hiller!! What a movie!! Ms. Page never disappointed her audience, and 21 years later gave her Oscar-winning performance in "The Trip to Bountiful." I didn't realize how wonderfully Dean Martin could handle a dramatic role...Wendy Hiller stoicly is the older, common-sense sister who survives all the dysfunction in the siblings..what a movie!! Ms. Mimeaux is quite good as well. In my retirement, I'm trying to see the movies I missed when our children were small...this one is a "keeper."

PAGE AND HILLER ARE BRILLIANT...AS USUAL!!!
I LOVE THIS FILM! OF COURSE, I ADMIT, I'M PARTIAL TO 60'S FILMS ESPECIALLY GOOD OLD BLACK AND WHITE DRAMAS BUT PLEASE TAKE MY WORD ON THIS ONE...IF YOU ARE A GERALDINE PAGE FAN YOU CAN'T MISS THIS MOVIE!!! I'VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN, THIS WOMAN WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST ACTRESSES EVER TO GRACE A MOVIE CAMERA...SHE DOES MORE IN 10 SECONDS OF SCREEN TIME THAN MOST ACTRESSES DO IN MOVIE AFTER MOVIE...TAKE NOTE: MISS ROBERTS, MISS RYAN, MISS JOLIE, ETC.! DEAN MARTIN IS ALSO EXCELLENT AND THE DIVINE WENDY HILLER IS SIMPLY STUNNING AS USUAL!

One of Dean's Finest!
This gripping melodrama based on Lillian Helman's stage play surely is an underated cinematic masterpiece and certainly in the tradition of "Streetcar Named Desire', "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", and "Requim for a Heavyweight". The stark black and white adds to this family psycho drama of two sisters and their "returning" brother. Of course, things aren't as they seem in this homecoming and the twists and turns will hold you spellbound. In addition, this is certainly one of Dean Martin's best dramatic performances and one of his better if not widely accclaimed films. A stunning tale, it 's one of those classics that should be seen by more people than it has been. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Thw world of Henry Orient
When these two teenagers meet and form a friendship, you are taking on an entertaining and heartfelt journey. Valerie Boyd and Marian Gilbert(played by Tippy Walker and Merrie Spaeth, respectively) are two unlikely friends who share a zest for life. When the two girls come across the eccentric pianist Henry Orient, played by Peter Sellers, infatuation ensues. Thus begins the pursuit for the infamous Henry Orient. Henry Orient is a madly altruistic ladies man who has been trying to seduce a married woman, Stella (played by Paula Prentiss). Strange things are happening which cause him to believe her husband has found them out and that they are being spied upon. Little does he know that Val and Gil are the ones doing the spying. The girls create a situation which causes some confusion among the adults in the movie. When Val's parents, played by Tom Bosley (Happy Days) and Angela Lansbury (Murder She Wrote), become intimately involved with the girls hijinks and Henry Orient, the girls are forced to grow up and face life as more than just fun and games. I watched this movie and felt an intense feeling of nostalgia. I was reminded of the days of being young and careless (Ahh. . . the simpler times.). I recalled the feeling of living at home and chumming around with friends. Ahh the good 'ole days... Okay, so I'm not that much older; I still goof off with my buddies and yes, I have friends that still live at home. What I am trying to say is that this movie left me with a longing of days that seemed more innocent. Although you may not get the same vibe I did, I think it is still a classic movie for anyone to watch.

A little-seen gem
This is not one of Peter Sellers' most famous films, but I consider it one of his best. It is incredibly funny, charming, and a perfect film about youth and life in New York in the early 1960's.

Sellers plays Henry Orient, an avant-garde pianist and master Lothario, who becomes the idol of two adolescent girls, Val Boyd, played by Tippy Walker, and Marian 'Gil' Gilbert, played by Merrie Spaeth. These girls are perfectly cast in their roles, and have wonderful chemistry. Val is the daughter of wealthy Park Avenue parents, portrayed by Tom Bosley and Angela Lansbury. Gil is from a broken home, and lives with her mother. The girls meet at school, then attend a concert by the flamboyant Mr. Orient. From there, they begin stalking him, although stalking was not in vogue in 1964. They become his ardent admirers, believing what magazines write about him, and hanging around outside his Park Avenue apartment, dressed in Chinese hats.

Henry Orient, of course, is a no-talent, no-good playboy, who is having an affair with the married and somewhat reluctant Stella Dunworthy, well played by Paula Prentiss. It seems that Henry Orient spends most of his days sleeping, talking on his futuristic phone, and chasing women.

It is all an innocent pursuit for the girls, whose friendship is really the center of the film. This is very well portrayed, and backed with gorgeous New York scenery. The trust of the girls is severely tested, and we see the change from wide-eyed innocence, to devastating disappointment.

Angela Lansbury plays a completely despicable society hound, showing her great range as the actress new generations recognize as the sweet Jessica Fletcher. Peter Sellers, as always, moves into his character completely, and switches from sauve to clueless in a matter of minutes.

This is a wonderful film, very entertaining, and based on a book of the same name. It is not dated, it is fresh and funny and I think all ages will enjoy it.

Poor quality sound
Lovely 5-star film. Had me laughing aloud many times. But (as has previously been mentioned) the sound quality on this DVD is pathetic. Very hard to hear. One needs to turn volume way up, and maybe use the subtitles too. A great pity.

One of my all-time favorites!
I was delighted to come across so many other rave reviews for this gem that I wanted to add my voice to the others and urge those of you who have never discovered this film to buy or, at least, rent it. Alternately funny and moving, I can only sum up my reaction to say that the film warms my heart, and I watch it frequently if I'm feeling blue. Filled with great star turns as well as a host of wonderful cameos (Paula Prentiss, Bibi Osterwald and Al Lewis especially), the story is filled with countless moments that grab me emotionally, particularly near the end when, one by one, the members of Tom Bosley's family discover the truths about themselves and each other and face the emotional repercussions of these truths.
The two young stars are not particularly great actresses. Better than that, they seem like real young girls on the verge of womanhood. The film evokes its time and place with fondness and affection. I grew up across the country from NYC in San Francisco, and yet I've watched the film so many times that I wax nostalgic for a city in which I've never lived! Go figure.
Finally, I can't say enough about Angela Lansbury. I know how frustrated she was with the studios' constant casting her as villainous mothers, and I hope she achieves her wish of finding a truly satisfying film role before she retires. Still, I hope she knows that her work as one of the few actors to successfully span the worlds of theatre, film and television speaks for itself, and her range and depth of talent is apparent in this, and all her roles. In this film (as in THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, one of the best thrillers ever and her greatest film role), she is fearless in her willingness to create a monster who is at once compelling and abhorrent. We understand why she fascinates her husband and daughter at the same time that she repels them. Her villainy is delicious here, and her comeuppance is one of the most satisfying moments in an altogether satisfying film. See it!

underrated masterpiece finally on DVD!
Having watched this movie any time TCM showed it on TV, I was so happy to finally see it come out on DVD and in its original aspect ratio -- the only way to see this amazing movie.

Fans of the movie Ghost World might want to check out The World of Henry Orient as it is so obviously the template for GW -- although, not as cynical.

Henry Orient is a wonderfully nostalgic ode to a New York City that doesn't exist anymore. There is something truly magical about seeing the city as it was back in the '60s. The film captures this magical innocent time when you're a child and how this starts to fade when you grow up in your teen years.

The two girls are fantastic as are the adults -- especially Peter Sellers (is there anything this guy can't do?), Angela Lansbury (again, playing an evil, evil lady!), and most importantly, Tom Bosley who plays one of the girls' lovable, understanding dad -- a great performance!

This is one of the late, great George Roy Hill's best movies -- beautiful directed and shot that also features an infectious, whimsical score by Elmer Bernstein (recently released on CD)that will have you whistling it long after the movie ends. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Thw world of Henry Orient
When these two teenagers meet and form a friendship, you are taking on an entertaining and heartfelt journey. Valerie Boyd and Marian Gilbert(played by Tippy Walker and Merrie Spaeth, respectively) are two unlikely friends who share a zest for life. When the two girls come across the eccentric pianist Henry Orient, played by Peter Sellers, infatuation ensues. Thus begins the pursuit for the infamous Henry Orient. Henry Orient is a madly altruistic ladies man who has been trying to seduce a married woman, Stella (played by Paula Prentiss). Strange things are happening which cause him to believe her husband has found them out and that they are being spied upon. Little does he know that Val and Gil are the ones doing the spying. The girls create a situation which causes some confusion among the adults in the movie. When Val's parents, played by Tom Bosley (Happy Days) and Angela Lansbury (Murder She Wrote), become intimately involved with the girls hijinks and Henry Orient, the girls are forced to grow up and face life as more than just fun and games. I watched this movie and felt an intense feeling of nostalgia. I was reminded of the days of being young and careless (Ahh. . . the simpler times.). I recalled the feeling of living at home and chumming around with friends. Ahh the good 'ole days... Okay, so I'm not that much older; I still goof off with my buddies and yes, I have friends that still live at home. What I am trying to say is that this movie left me with a longing of days that seemed more innocent. Although you may not get the same vibe I did, I think it is still a classic movie for anyone to watch.

A little-seen gem
This is not one of Peter Sellers' most famous films, but I consider it one of his best. It is incredibly funny, charming, and a perfect film about youth and life in New York in the early 1960's.

Sellers plays Henry Orient, an avant-garde pianist and master Lothario, who becomes the idol of two adolescent girls, Val Boyd, played by Tippy Walker, and Marian 'Gil' Gilbert, played by Merrie Spaeth. These girls are perfectly cast in their roles, and have wonderful chemistry. Val is the daughter of wealthy Park Avenue parents, portrayed by Tom Bosley and Angela Lansbury. Gil is from a broken home, and lives with her mother. The girls meet at school, then attend a concert by the flamboyant Mr. Orient. From there, they begin stalking him, although stalking was not in vogue in 1964. They become his ardent admirers, believing what magazines write about him, and hanging around outside his Park Avenue apartment, dressed in Chinese hats.

Henry Orient, of course, is a no-talent, no-good playboy, who is having an affair with the married and somewhat reluctant Stella Dunworthy, well played by Paula Prentiss. It seems that Henry Orient spends most of his days sleeping, talking on his futuristic phone, and chasing women.

It is all an innocent pursuit for the girls, whose friendship is really the center of the film. This is very well portrayed, and backed with gorgeous New York scenery. The trust of the girls is severely tested, and we see the change from wide-eyed innocence, to devastating disappointment.

Angela Lansbury plays a completely despicable society hound, showing her great range as the actress new generations recognize as the sweet Jessica Fletcher. Peter Sellers, as always, moves into his character completely, and switches from sauve to clueless in a matter of minutes.

This is a wonderful film, very entertaining, and based on a book of the same name. It is not dated, it is fresh and funny and I think all ages will enjoy it.

Poor quality sound
Lovely 5-star film. Had me laughing aloud many times. But (as has previously been mentioned) the sound quality on this DVD is pathetic. Very hard to hear. One needs to turn volume way up, and maybe use the subtitles too. A great pity.

One of my all-time favorites!
I was delighted to come across so many other rave reviews for this gem that I wanted to add my voice to the others and urge those of you who have never discovered this film to buy or, at least, rent it. Alternately funny and moving, I can only sum up my reaction to say that the film warms my heart, and I watch it frequently if I'm feeling blue. Filled with great star turns as well as a host of wonderful cameos (Paula Prentiss, Bibi Osterwald and Al Lewis especially), the story is filled with countless moments that grab me emotionally, particularly near the end when, one by one, the members of Tom Bosley's family discover the truths about themselves and each other and face the emotional repercussions of these truths.
The two young stars are not particularly great actresses. Better than that, they seem like real young girls on the verge of womanhood. The film evokes its time and place with fondness and affection. I grew up across the country from NYC in San Francisco, and yet I've watched the film so many times that I wax nostalgic for a city in which I've never lived! Go figure.
Finally, I can't say enough about Angela Lansbury. I know how frustrated she was with the studios' constant casting her as villainous mothers, and I hope she achieves her wish of finding a truly satisfying film role before she retires. Still, I hope she knows that her work as one of the few actors to successfully span the worlds of theatre, film and television speaks for itself, and her range and depth of talent is apparent in this, and all her roles. In this film (as in THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, one of the best thrillers ever and her greatest film role), she is fearless in her willingness to create a monster who is at once compelling and abhorrent. We understand why she fascinates her husband and daughter at the same time that she repels them. Her villainy is delicious here, and her comeuppance is one of the most satisfying moments in an altogether satisfying film. See it!

underrated masterpiece finally on DVD!
Having watched this movie any time TCM showed it on TV, I was so happy to finally see it come out on DVD and in its original aspect ratio -- the only way to see this amazing movie.

Fans of the movie Ghost World might want to check out The World of Henry Orient as it is so obviously the template for GW -- although, not as cynical.

Henry Orient is a wonderfully nostalgic ode to a New York City that doesn't exist anymore. There is something truly magical about seeing the city as it was back in the '60s. The film captures this magical innocent time when you're a child and how this starts to fade when you grow up in your teen years.

The two girls are fantastic as are the adults -- especially Peter Sellers (is there anything this guy can't do?), Angela Lansbury (again, playing an evil, evil lady!), and most importantly, Tom Bosley who plays one of the girls' lovable, understanding dad -- a great performance!

This is one of the late, great George Roy Hill's best movies -- beautiful directed and shot that also features an infectious, whimsical score by Elmer Bernstein (recently released on CD)that will have you whistling it long after the movie ends. ... Read more

Description

" When Marion Barry was caught on tape smoking crack in aWashington hotel room, it was the crowning moment of a long investigation.But, like somany high-profile sting operations, the Barry case was instantly surrounded bycontroversy. THE STING is a hard-hitting look at cases where the line between ensnaringa likely criminal and entrapping a duped victim is blurred.Examine the vast differencesbetween cases like Barry's and the commonplace incidents where police pretend to beprostitutes or drug dealers in order to catch ""johns"" and users.While most low-profilecases lead to quick convictions, many high-profile targets, like automaker JohnDeLorean, win acquittal.Here, law enforcement professionals, including the prosecutorin the Barry case and one of the DeLorean investigators, explore the troubling aspects ofsting operations.Learn surprising details from famous cases, including the fact thatDeLorean offered no money for the cocaine agents ""sold"" him!And revisit thegranddaddy of all stings, the infamous ABSCAM incident.From the entrapment defenseto the confusing rules that govern these controversial operations, AMERICAN JUSTICEgoes undercover to reveal the secrets of THE STING." ... Read more

Reviews (93)

"You Just Keep Thinking, Butch...!"
This film truly deserves the description of being a "Classic." Paul Newman and Robert Redford (in the company of Director George Roy Hill and a particularly appealing Katharine Ross), take the history of the bloodthirsty "Hole-in-the-Wall Gang," and turn it into an affectionate cinematic portrayal of male bonding and cultural change.

Taking place at the end of the 19th century, Butch and Sundance are, as veteran actor Jeff Corey, playing a sympathetic sheriff and accidental existentialist, snarls, "two-bit outlaws on the dodge!" They spend much of the movie dodging a posse hired to hunt them down and kill them in the wake of a series of amusing train robberies. The location shooting of their escape is breathtakingly beautiful.

Ultimately, they have to flee the closing frontier, and end up in Bolivia, which is portrayed as a kind of low-rent version of the Old West. Their trip to South America is an intermezzo, done in sepia tint, focusing on their stay in New York, which, with its (relatively) modern conveniences, underscores how anachronistic their lifestyle has become.

Their inability to rob banks in Bolivia without using Spanish-language crib sheets is both hilarious and touching, a kind of paradigm of cultural and technological dislocation.

In keeping with its 1969 release date, the film has a strong antiestablishment cant to it: Authority is faceless, unyielding, and, mostly, inept. It is telling that Butch and Sundance kill no one until they "go straight" as payroll guards. Their criminal lifestyle is romanticized as a kind of "On The Road" on horseback. That this doesn't offend the audience is a measure of how fine this movie is. The warmth and humor overcome both the moral relativity of the characters and their sad ending.

Newman and Redford are wonderful together as the affable outlaws. Newman's Butch is a charming, flaky visionary who is trying desperately to cling to the past. When confronted with the new alarms and teller's cages at a favorite bank, he dismisses the guard's explanation of, "People kept robbing us" with a wistful, "It's a small price to pay for beauty."

As Butch says: "The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles!" In a sense: the Western Outlaw was succeeded by "Public Enemy Number One" when cars succeeded horses, and train and bank robberies became Federal crimes. "Your times is over!," Jeff Corey insists, and he's right.

Redford plays Sundance as the stylish straight man, never quite falling prey to Butch's dreams, but never able to dismiss them utterly: "You just keep thinking, Butch, that's what you're best at!" The onscreen chemistry between Newman and Redford is so palpable that although they only made two films together ("The Sting" in 1973 is a modernized version of "Butch & Sundance"), they can easily be considered one of the finest comedy duos ever, anywhere. The dialogue between them is banter between two very good, very old, very comfortable, friends. Maybe there was a script involved, too.

"Butch and Sundance" may be short on facts, but it speaks a kind of truth for which facts are not needed.

Newman & Redford's First Film Together
Paul Newman and Robert Redford are two of the biggest movie stars of all time. They are also the best of friends and that friendship shines through on their first film together, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. The film is set in the old west, but it has a definite 60's feel to it. Butch and Sundance are anti-heroes who defy the "establishment" by robbing trains. Finally the train company gets fed up and sends an elite team of bounty hunters to track them down. This inspires the film's classic catchphrase, "who are those guys" as Butch & Sundance can't shake their pursuers. The film has a light comical side to it as Mr. Newman is at his charming best as Butch and Mr. Redford elicits laughs as the uptight Sundance. Katherine Ross provides a pretty diversion as Sundance's beautiful schoolteacher girlfriend, Etta Place. Mr. Newman & Mr. Redford are instantly likable in the lead roles and you can feel their real affinity for one another come through in the film. The movie was a major box office hit and won and William Goldman won an Oscar for his crisp and witty script and But Bacarach and Hal David won an Oscar for the film's theme song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" which B.J. Thomas took to number one in late 1969.

Style and Substance
I remember seeing this movie at the cinema as a kid (many years ago)and being knocked out by how COOL Redford and Sundance were. You know the scene in Blues Brothers, the doorway of the transient mens refuge and the rocket launcher, and they just get up, brush themsleves off, music resumes and go on as if nothing happened. That cool. And so when they get to the stage of being concerned "who ARE those guys" we have substance for the actions they take afterwards. Now watching this movie on DVD with my kids, they didn't get enraptured as I did at their age. As you might guess, not enough action for their generation - and yet, when there is action, it plays with as much emotion as the best of hollywood today. A tremendous cast delivering a tremendous performance, this will always be one of my favorite movies.

Sticks pretty well to historical fact
For one when Butch and sundance are being chased up the mountain by the posse Butch mentions Joe LaFors (sp?). I checked a while ago. LaFors really existed as a lawman at the time. But Etta Place (Kathryn Ross)though she really existed was actually not a school teacher. More likely she was a prostitute.

Butch & the Kid
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of the best movies (if not the best!!!) I have ever seen. The action, the interplay and the chemistry between the 2 leading stars (Newman, Redford) is like "poetry in motion". The action is non-stop, as well as the comedy, especially of Newman. Even though there is quite a bit of violence throughout the movie, I would recommend that everyone buy the video!!! ... Read more