Reviews (5)

THE BEST ANNA KARENINA THAT IS AVAILABLE - BUT
This beautiful classic love story with its beautiful classic stars has been slashed almost beyond recognition. What is even more upsetting is this version of this movie in its original presentation was at least 2 hrs 18 mins. long. I know this to be true because I saw it on TV and taped it at that time. (Since giving this review, I have learned that even the version I taped had been cut. I understand this movie originally ran about 2hrs & 40 mins.) I have been hunting for this movie as it was originally meant to be seen for years. I bet there are many, many people who would have been happy to pay additional cost to get "the whole thing". I rated it 5 stars because the costuming & locations are so beautiful and the chemistry between Christopher Reeve and Jacqueline Bisset is a sight to behold. But whoever made the decision to produce this short version should be ashamed. My big hope now is that it will be rerun and I will be fortunate enough to catch it and tape it again.

Okay Version of Tolstoy Tragedy
Jacqueline Bisset's version of Anna seems to concentrate on her mental health.She plays Anna as a mentally unstable,emotionally stunted woman who desperately clings to her Vronsky (Christopher Reeve) as though if she does not have him than she is lost forever. She perception of the role's mentality is very interesting,as the others who have played her (Garbo,Leigh and Marceau) all live up to this barren,vampish woman looking for a lover.

Also starring Judi Bowker,Joanna David and David Ogilvy

The best "ANNA KARENINA" of them all!
I loved this movie and keep watching it over and over. Leo Tolstoy would have been very proud of this movie. The ending is just as sad and tragic as in the book. The actors are superb and the movie sure captures the beauty of Russia in the 1800's. It is a beautiful story of the classic love triangle. But there are a few things that are wrong with it. It is too short for a great love epic ( the movie is only 94 minutes long) and the director should have not used too many scenes with trains. But this is a great movie with beautiful sets and the spirit of the aristocratic Russia in the 1800's (unlike the 1997 version with tons of porno shots and miscast actors.) Trust me, You have to get this movie. It will be enjoyed by generations to come.

The best Anna Karenina of them all!
It is abeautiful epic of the classic love triangle. Tolstoy would have been very proud of this wonderful production. The ending is just as sad and dramatic as in the book. The actors are wonderful.But the movie is very short for such a great story (it is only about 94 minutes long) and the director might have been more wise not to include so many scenes with trains. All inall it is a great movie and I enjoyed it. But I cried for an hour because of the ending. It is the most beautiful Anna Karennia.Trust me, you just have to get this movie.

A Beautiful Telling of the Classic Story
Of all the various versions of Anna Karenina, this is my favorite. Christopher Reeve is the definitive Vronsky. Beautifully filmed and full of passion, it's a beautiful film to watch over and over. The only fault, is the failure to include the vitally important character of Levin. ... Read more

Reviews (596)

A marvelous adaptation of one of the great novels.
This A&E/BBC miniseries is a true masterpiece, bringing Jane Austen's most popular novel to life in a near perfect production. It has everything: authentic Regency Period atmosphere, costumes, settings, a beautiful musical score, excellent performances by a well-chosen cast. Andrew Davis's script does full justice to Austen's original. Colin Firth is excellent as Mr. Darcy, but Jennifer Ehle just takes my breath away with her magnificent performance, which catches every nuance of Elizabeth Bennet's character exactly right in every scene. It is a pleasure to watch all 4 1/2 hours straight through again and again. As a longtime devoted admirer of Jane Austen's works, I am very critical of any movies based upon her novels, but this has to be one of the very best adaptations of any major literary work.

WORTH OWNING AND REPEAT VIEWING
I'm usually very hesitant about adaptations from book to film (especially classics), but this movie does justice to Jane Austin's timeless masterpiece. I rented this movie on a whim, thinking that it would at least be somewhat entertaining, but to my surprize and great pleasure, it not only captivated the true essence of the novel but the characters really came alive and stayed true to the story the whole way through. I eventually bought the DVD and I have NOT had "buyer's remorse" ever since. I get caught up in every moment of every scene of every viewing.

There are no annoying "Hollywood stars" in it like in Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility, yet the acting is incredible. Although I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility (on the second viewing because the first time I watched it I fell asleep), it doesn't hold a candle to Pride and Prejudice. This adaption lets your imagination steep in the imagery, language, and essence of the film so you never get "pulled out" of a scence. If you're unsure as whether or not to buy this gem, just do what I did and rent it for the weekend. You'll soon discover that your movie collection will be lacking without this rendition of Pride and Prejudice.

Superb, true to Jane Austen adaption
This version of Pride & Predjudice is my absolute favorite. I have owned the tapes and the original DVD. As far as the movie itself goes, the characters are all perfectly cast. From the embarassingly annoying Mrs. Bennet, the sweet oldest sister Jane, the condescending and IQ challenged Mr. Collins, to the feisty Elizabeth and the Proud Mr. Darcy, you will find yourself engrossed in every character's story. The script was written to stay true to the original novel. The scenery in breathtaking, and you will find yourself paying as much attention to the beautiful countryside as you will the drama.
As for technical details, the biographies that are included on this special version are simply printed words on the screen. Interesting information, but each bio is only one or two paragraphs long with a complete list of credits for only a few of the characters. The mini featurette is okay.
My bottom line: if you love romance, drama, and history then this is the movie for you. If you already own it on tape or have the original dvd, save your money and enjoy the version you have.

Period Movie - Lovely to watch
As an avid lover of period movies, I received this particular one last Christmas. I've been able to watch it multiple times. I love Colin Firth's portrayal of a proud and prejudice man who finally learns there are more important things. It's funny and romantic and the dialogue, as with any period piece, will keep you on your toes . . . maybe that's why I can re-watch so many times. It is a timeless movie!

Colin Firth...need I say more? Great Movie Colin Firth aside
This movie is so amazing I've watched it so many times and I never get tired of it. I thought this was by far the best film adaptation of the novel. Colin Firth portrayed Mr. Darcy exactly as I pictured him in my mind. I loved all the characters and felt like the actors/actresses lived up the their characters in the novel. While the picture quality may not be that great (read several comments about it) it didnt bother me one bit. The locations they filmed were simply beautiful, the story and characters entralling, and the costumes and scenes eye catching....I didnt even notice the quality. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good story, but not enough depth...
Entertaining, but somewhat boring. Great acting, costumes, editing...just seemed like something was missing.

Die Hard Cookson Fans Will Love This
The Cinder Path was a long-awaited movie after growing up reading as many Catherine Cookson books as I could get my hands on. I have always been a die hard fan since I first read The Dwelling Place. This story, like most of Cookson's others, present a true-to-life hardship and how the characters react, deal with, and survive the sometimes cruel and unfair obstacles life throws their way.

This film features a pre-Hollywood Catherine Zeta Jones as the haughty and spoiled brat. She plays this role to a tee and was (before being "spoiled" by Hollywood) one of my favorite actresses previously because of this role.

Everyone can enjoy this movie, relate to the hardships and life's tough decisions. All in all, it has a great message, but learning life's lessons is not all that easy.

Dissapointing
I rented this purely for Catherine Zeta-Jones, and was dissapointed. The story is dull and depressing, with no redeeming qualities, bosting immorality (on both main characters' parts) and dryness. The guy does eventually get over his father's cruelty, but it doesn't change him for the better, while his wife sleeps with every soldier to come along. Overdrawn, and more of a guy's film than a girl's, with all the war sequences. Also, more than one character gets away with murder.

LOST INTEREST
While this movie had the potential for being a better movie,and I could see why some would enjoy the story, it was hard for me to stay interested. I lost interst when the male star entered into the army. For some reason I found the rest of the movie less than what I wanted to watch. The actors are very good. The only problem I found was the story line. Wish I had known more about the movie before purchasing the movie.

Catherine Cookson's poignant and beautiful novel comes alive
All his young life Charlie McFell, his familiy and the farm hands were tyranzied by his dictatorial father, which punished brutally on the Cinder Path. As his father met with an "accident" and died, young Charlie was ill-equipped to manage the farm. He is pressured into a loveless marriage with the haughty and faithless Victoria, leaving her sister Nellie, who secretly loves him, heartbroken. As World War I breaks out he is forced to join the British Army and the horrors and hardship of the frontlines finally let him become a man of strength and character. He is now able to overcome the heartbreak, blackmail, cruelty, revenge and deception to ultimately find his true love.

The Cinder Path is based on the bestselling novel of Catherine Cookson. If you love period Jane Austen-like romantic drama this one is for you. Why did I not give five stars? I did not like the extensive war and battle-scenes. Furthermore, I thought it a shame that this DVD does not feature any extras (no widescreen, foreign languages, subtitels, behind the scenes information). But all in all it is a beautiful crafted movie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Political drama? Perhaps. Taut espionage thriller? Hardly
This reviewer has not read John Hale's novel. An Amazon.com editorial review notes the book is not a spy thriller but rather, "a sad commentary on corruption in intelligence circles." One shouldn't expect "the excitement of a Forsyth, Ludlum, or Higgins."

The 36-year-old Nigel Havers (who has a viable "family-resemblance" to his "father" Frank) portrays a 28-year-old Bob Jones. As one intelligence eavesdropper remarks, Bob is a "self-righteous little prick." How true. Bob is a Russian language specialist at British intelligence GCHQ. Despite age and experience, his world view is a 17-year-old's. He sees lies and paranoia throughout GCHQ. "Nothing is as it is made out to be." Bob sees "burglary, bribery, blackmail, drug trafficking ... (even) murder!" (the horror, the horror). Why, (he says) "Our secret world is on exactly the same tack as theirs." British intelligence is as corrupt as the Americans' and the Russians.' Despite patriotic father Frank's (Michael Caine) advice to not rock the boat and either continue this necessary and important work quietly; or at least exit gracefully; Bob plans to quit with a whistle-blowing bang, thereby being a "man in the white hat" who "always wins in the end," thus saving England, perhaps the world.

To add insult to injury, Bob is also stucking his acquaintance Alan's wife, Cynthia, married with child, presumably Alan's. This stucking may be a factor in Alan's death: Cynthia had just so advised Alan, telling Bob that Alan took it "terrible." Was it carbon monoxide suicide or perhaps another GPSC murder? We'll never know, but it apparently has a big effect on paranoid Bob. It's also difficult to see what (beyond plot requirements) Cynthia sees in Bob (or for that matter what he sees in her): Alan was better-looking than Bob and an extroverted but faithful reveler to boot, though admittedly with unsavory political connections.

The film succeeds brilliantly if intended to portray Bob an ideological idiot. Indeed, Bob gets his just deserts after just 45 grueling minutes, markedly improving the film's gene pool in the process, likely not the reaction intended. And that is the principal problem with this film. Induced by the script, Havers does well but his portrayal so poisons the water that it is difficult for subsequent sympathetic engagement. Even worse, the bad guys' performances and motivations are so strong (if Bob carries out his threat, he'll create a first magnitude British intelligence failure) that the film risks making them the true white hats despite their government-sanctioned murderous intentions! In this sense, the film has a refreshing ambiguity.

Prolog being over, the story gets down to brass tacks. Bob's grieving father Frank tries to find out why Bob died and if he can do anything about it. He risks getting acquaintances bumped off just before they can spill the beans (a time-honored movie tradition). And when Frank confronts someone about Bob's (and others') deaths, the intelligence folks are so (literally) wired in that they know all about it and other "private" and politically sensitive conversations Frank and son had as they strolled through "safe" terrain. (Watch for the guy with the "suitcase" and ear phones, the nearby upper floor open window, the trailing taxi, the brief glimpse of a major player at the subway "accident".) But when Frank finally confronts someone much higher in the food chain, presumably under more intense scrutiny, said agents must be out to lunch, conveniently facilitating a plot twist.

The performances of Caine, Barry Foster as Charlie Gregg, Kenneth Colley as Pickett and the several intelligence agents (including James Fox and Gordon Jackson, with character names like "Lord" and "Bruce" never occurring in conversation) are actually quite good, as is John Gielgud (as always) who's lesser supporting role as Sir Adrian Chapple has pretty limited screen time. The dual-sided DVD presents both a widescreen (16x9) and a pan scan version. The widescreen picture and sound are generally satisfying. The pan scan version is surprisingly crisp and pleasing.

Final Capstone of Cold War Films
The Whistle Blower is the capstone of the Cold War films.

Michael Caine is in top form - this is one of his best parts.

While there are some parts that spin media culture, it has a transcendent quality that will provoke your thought.

who is the enemy ?
Based on a novel by John Hale, this 1987 film is a cold war spy story with more twists and angles than can be absorbed in a single viewing.
The boundaries between right and wrong are blurred, in this complex plot where co-workers in the secret service are asked to spy on each other, truth-seekers are murdered, and the guilty are kept protected in their luxurious nests.

With an excellent cast that includes James Fox, Nigel Havers, John Gielgud, Felicity Dean, and many top-notch character actors, it's a fast paced hour and 40 minutes...one of my favorite parts is how they manage to get information out of the imprisoned double agent, making him believe that he has escaped.
Also adding a lot to the film is the lovely soundtrack by John Scott.

Michael Caine is powerful as the former spy and bereaved father, who investigates his son's death. Part vulnerable, part tough guy, it's a subtle, touching, and brilliant performance, and its believability makes this intricate thriller a 5 star film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This handsomely mounted American-British coproduction (filmed in the picturesque Czech Republic) combines the elegance of British period productions--candlelit glow, gauzy softness, and the hazy atmosphere of light smoke and dust--with the energetic pacing, gliding camera work, and driving editing of American films. The Scarlet Pimpernel, the dashing hero played with zip and gallantry by Richard E. Grant, hides behind his secret identity of British aristocrat Percy Blakeney, society wit and court bon vivant. His callous front is so convincing he even fools his French wife Marguerite (Elizabeth McGovern), who quietly suffers the neglect and scorn of her husband. She has a secret and is soon blackmailed by the head of the French Secret Police, Chauvelin (Martin Shaw), to help track the Pimpernel, but upon discovering her husband's covert identity she risks her life in a desperate trip to England to warn him as Chauvelin's forces close in on them both.Grant cuts a larger-than-life swathe as the swashbuckling hero of the French Revolution and he brings an over-the-top enthusiasm for the calculatedly brazen social antics of Percy; he seems to be having the time of his life in both roles. McGovern's affected performance is less convincing, though she comes to life in the second half when Marguerite exhibits a fierce defiance in the face of sure death. But the show belongs to Grant. With a hearty grin on his face and a glint in his eye, he attacks the role with all the cocky confidence of a 17th-century superhero. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
I usually love BBC/A&E productions, but was very disappointed by their adaptation of The Scarlet Pimpernel. A mediocre cast and bad lines ruined what could potentially be a wonderfully exciting movie. The man who played Percy showed little emotion, and just didn't suit his role well. There was little chemistry between Percy and his wife, making for a very flat romantic plot in the movie. Though it was only three hours long (very short by BBC standards!), it seemed to be monotonously slow. In my opinion, the only worthwhile performance was by Emilia Fox, who portrayed the traitorous actress Minette. The only reason I wouldn't give this drama one star is because of its excellent costume/set design, which is always an added bonus in any period film.

Yuck!
Usually I enjoy A&E's adaptions of novels (notably Ivanhoe, Horatio Hornblower, and Pride and Prejudice), but this version of The Scarlet Pimpernel was such a disappointment! Reasons for this have been given in some of the other reviews: actors didn't seem to fit the roles, or didn't enjoy what they did with the story. I really disagreed with A&E having Percy go to a brothel for info, while at the same time, encouraging his young friend to "enjoy" himself. Quite a dark version. Skip this one. If you want to see a GREAT Pimpernel movie, see the one starring Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, and Ian Mckellen!

Poor Adaptation
This was the worst version of the Pimpernel I have ever seen. It had poor casting (the actors neither looked their part, or played it very well,) and the story line was nothing like the book. Percy wasn't charming and funny as he should be, Marguerite didn't seem to do her witty lines very well, and Chauvelin was too old and not sinister enough. For any fans of the book, play, or other movies I strongly suggest the 1982 version with Antony Andrews, Jane Seymore, and Sir Ian McKellen. that is the best one.

I loved this AandE adaptation
I personally thought that this Pimpernel was masterfully done and had a very good cast. Richard E.Grant's portrayal of Sir Percy was thoroughly good and devilishly clever, and Ms. McGovern's performance as Marguerite St. Just/Lady Blakeney was one of the best that I have seen. And as for Martin Shaw's performance as Paul Chauvelin, I absolutely loved him. So all in all it was and is a splendid adaptation.

Good production, bad adaptation
"The Scarlet Pimpernel" is Baroness Orczy's best-known work, a delightful, swashbuckling period piece. It is *not* contemporary social commentary on the French Revolution; the book is as far from historical accuracy as this film is far from the book. But in the end it is not historicity, or even plot, which make both book and film so entertaining -- but character. Orczy created the first masked superhero when she created Percy Blakeney, and he has enduring appeal for many of the same reasons Clark Kent has: the contrast between man and hero is so great. This production was true to the book in tone only -- not in plot -- and moreover it loses Marguerite, so vital and vibrant in the book. She is reduced to the typical bit-part beauty. So the only reasons to watch it are for a delightful Percy Blakeney, and a delicious visual re-creation of the 18th century. However, that is quite enough to make it worth your while, if tone rather than plot is your interest. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

"I'll send my groom to horsewhip you."
In spite of a glittering international cast, sumptuous costumes, incredible sets, and a script written by George MacDonald Fraser, the film "Casanova" pays poor service to the life of Casanova. The story begins with Casanova (Richard Chamberlain) imposing himself on three women in a carriage, and then, after evading creditors, Casanova lands in prison where he reminisces about some of the highlights of his life. Casanova's women, for the purposes of this film, include Hanna Schygulla, Faye Dunaway (delightfully naughty), Ornella Mutti, and Sylvia Kristel. Other big names in the cast include Sir John Gielgud, and Frank Finlay. (Ironically, Frank Finlay starred as Casanova in a marvelous 1971 BBC mini-series of Casanova's life. Rotten bad luck this mini-series isn't available).

The film fails on several levels--for a start, if you've read Casanova's memoirs, you know that he was a wonderfully original story teller, but apart from that, the memoirs laid out the foundations of Casanova's character. It is clear to the reader why Casanova led the life he did. In this film version, however, Casanova is almost a caricature of the legendary lover. The film is not funny enough to be tongue-in-cheek, and not bawdy enough to be a really naughty version of Casanova's life. Also the film lacks wit and is rather tedious. It is as though the audience is supposed to accept the mythological status of Casanova as a given and sail on from there--at no point are we really privy to any single detail as to what makes Casanova a great lover, for example. The women just drop like flies at his feet. We don't see Casanova, the lover, in action--we don't see him setting up a plan to seduce a woman who wishes to hang onto her virtue. The BBC mini-series gave many examples of Casanova's prowess in the art of seducing women--this film does not, and instead Casanova seems like a well-dressed Venetian ne'er-do-well. Two stars for a film that is pretty to look at--displacedhuman

A truly touching film with a great meaning
Richard chamberlain portraits the perfect casanova, the storyline has an amazing twist about true love. This film truly touched my heart which was entertaining and witty as well. I can't wait for it to be released on dvd.

The best moovie about casanova's soul.
Fantastic sound track. Fantastic Photo. Light, customers, actors. I saw this film in brazilian television. I'm searching for this picture by 14 years. It's not available here in Brasil. I want to get a legended version. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Best British Drama Series You've Never Seen
VOLUME FIVE (two episodes on this tape) OF A FIVE VOLUME SERIES

I swear, I've not met many people who have actually seen "Danger UXB." But those, maybe like me, who's whole family would wait with eager anticipation each week for the next episode to come on, speak so highly of it that you would think that it ranked with the classics "Upstairs Downstairs" and "The Jewel in the Crown."

"Danger UXB!," they'd say. "That series is SO wonderful!! Don't you remember how you felt knowing that your favorite character whom you'd just spent three episodes growing to love might be taking the last step of defusing the Nazi's horrible invention of an 'unexploded bomb' where the fuse is designed to detonate as it is being removed and you don't know if that next moment will be their last!"

This series is like the video equivalent of a "page turner."

British bomb demolition teams, their lives and loves.
Set during the early days of WWII in London, Brian Ash discovers a world at first frighteningly terrifing, demanding all the courage he can generate, just to survive the next UnExploded Bomb defusing. Early on during the German air attacks on England, duds and booby-trapped delayed action bombs began to liter every crowded London neighborhood. Some remain there to this day; deadly, threatening. The men of the bomb demolition squads and the women they loved gradually become acoustomed to this stressful lifestyle routine. If it were only imaginary and fiction! But it isn't! Based on this dreaded historical time during the Englanders' finest moments the viewer is at once struck with what the times were truly like. It really happened! ... Read more

Description

A detective returns home to Laguna to regroup after his partner is killed, only to find himself enmeshed in a strange series of murders. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best British Drama Series You've Never Seen
VOLUME THREE (three episodes on this tape) OF A FIVE VOLUME SERIES

I swear, I've not met many people who have actually seen "Danger UXB." But those, maybe like me, who's whole family would wait with eager anticipation each week for the next episode to come on, speak so highly of it that you would think that it ranked with the classics "Upstairs Downstairs" and "The Jewel in the Crown."

"Danger UXB!," they'd say. "That series is SO wonderful!! Don't you remember how you felt knowing that your favorite character whom you'd just spent three episodes growing to love might be taking the last step of defusing the Nazi's horrible invention of an 'unexploded bomb' where the fuse is designed to detonate as it is being removed and you don't know if that next moment will be their last!"

This series is like the video equivalent of a "page turner." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Superb treatment of little known WWII specialty
Danger UXB is the story of British soldiers engaged in bomb disposal. It is a story of the officers and men, who as a team performed this dangerous task on a daily basis from the start of the war and well beyond the end of it.

This is an ensemble cast that works well together from the young officer freshly commissioned and assigned to bomb disposal ("don't you have to volunteer?")to the scientists working hand in hand with the military to come up with new ways to disarm more and more complex bomb fuses. You have the fussy civilians worrying about their stores, to the bomb out people looking to see where they'll be living for the next few days.

The series bings out the interesting point that it is much more of a problem if a bomb does not explode than if it does. The disruption to normal acitivity is shown quite well.

The team aspect is underscored because even though the officer is disarming the bomb, the sappers are out there digging for it and one wrong shove with a shovel or bang with a pick and the whole group thing goes up in a bang.

This is a specialty of military service with few walking wounded, you are either alive and sitting on a bomb or dead and only the birds can find the pieces.

I had a particular encounter with British Bomb Disposal when I was in Berlin, Germany in the late 70s on military service with the US Army. I came home one afternoon and found the whole street blocked off. When I asked an MP what was up, he told me that there were two bombs, one American and one British, that had buried in the mud and were discovered when a new autobahn was being built. So while we waited, British and American bomb disposal personnel were working on bombs that were over 25 years in the mud and clay soil, just waiting to explode. From this I viewed Danger UXB in a much more positive light.

I found this to be an exciting and well put together series. It is a typical British top drawer program that Masterpiece Theater is to be commended for finding and introducing to American viewers. I recommend this to any person interested in British military history and World War II.

Very memorable, inspiring, emotional.
It's been over 15 years since I saw this on PBS... yet it's not something easily forgotten.

The Best British Drama Series You've Never Seen
VOLUME ONE (the first three episodes on this tape) OF A FIVE VOLUME SERIES

I swear, I've not met many people who have actually seen "Danger UXB." But those, maybe like me, who's whole family would wait with eager anticipation each week for the next episode to come on, speak so highly of it that you would think that it ranked with the classics "Upstairs Downstairs" and "The Jewel in the Crown."

"Danger UXB!," they'd say. "That series is SO wonderful!! Don't you remember how you felt knowing that your favorite character whom you'd just spent three episodes growing to love might be taking the last step of defusing the Nazi's horrible invention of an 'unexploded bomb' where the fuse is designed to detonate as it is being removed and you don't know if that next moment will be their last!"

This series is like the video equivalent of a "page turner." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best British Drama Series You've Never Seen
VOLUME FOUR (two episodes on this tape) OF A FIVE VOLUME SERIES

I swear, I've not met many people who have actually seen "Danger UXB." But those, maybe like me, who's whole family would wait with eager anticipation each week for the next episode to come on, speak so highly of it that you would think that it ranked with the classics "Upstairs Downstairs" and "The Jewel in the Crown."

"Danger UXB!," they'd say. "That series is SO wonderful!! Don't you remember how you felt knowing that your favorite character whom you'd just spent three episodes growing to love might be taking the last step of defusing the Nazi's horrible invention of an 'unexploded bomb' where the fuse is designed to detonate as it is being removed and you don't know if that next moment will be their last!"

This series is like the video equivalent of a "page turner." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2 superb episodes from the first season
This videotape includes 2 episodes from the historic first season of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, the delightful series about the lives and loves of the Bellamy family (upstairs) and their servants (downstairs).

"I Dies From Love" - Lowly, put-upon scullery maid Emily (Evin Crowley) is especially miserable lately, owing to the fact that she has developed a serious crush on the handsome footman from another household. She finds little comfort from her fellow servants, and when Lady Marjorie (Rachel Gurney) orders Emily to break off her relationship, it gives way to a terrible tragedy...

"Why Was Her Door Locked?" - Mrs Bridges unwittingly drags the entire household into scandal when she 'kidnaps' a small baby.

Two of the best episodes of the first season, and featuring Jean Marsh, Gordon Jackson, Christopher Beeny and David Langton. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fascinating
I watched this when it was first shown on PBS. Great series. Very well acted, with good characters. And most importantly very well written.
If you haven't seen this one, you should!

The Best British Drama Series You've Never Seen
VOLUME TWO (three episodes on this tape) OF A FIVE VOLUME SERIES

I swear, I've not met many people who have actually seen "Danger UXB." But those, maybe like me, who's whole family would wait with eager anticipation each week for the next episode to come on, speak so highly of it that you would think that it ranked with the classics "Upstairs Downstairs" and "The Jewel in the Crown."

"Danger UXB!," they'd say. "That series is SO wonderful!! Don't you remember how you felt knowing that your favorite character whom you'd just spent three episodes growing to love might be taking the last step of defusing the Nazi's horrible invention of an 'unexploded bomb' where the fuse is designed to detonate as it is being removed and you don't know if that next moment will be their last!"

This series is like the video equivalent of a "page turner." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a great collection of episodes
This videotape couples together the first and last episodes of the memorable first series of UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, one of the greatest and most influential series ever made.

"On Trial" - Into the Bellamy household at Eaton Place comes Clemence (Pauline Collins) who is looking for a job. Kind Lady Marjorie (Rachel Gurney) takes her on a trial basis, after re-naming her Sarah. However, Sarah may find herself having to look for another position when its found that someone has been stealing from the kitchen...

"For Love of Love" - Elizabeth Bellamy (Nicola Pagett) reluctantly bows to her parents demands and marries Lawrence Kirbridge (Ian Ogilvy), and James (Simon Williams) takes up an affair with Sarah who is now a music-hall singer.

If you rather, all 5 seasons are available in their entirety on DVD and videotape. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pelham Grenville Wodehouse's immortal characters are brought to glorious life in this hilarious series, starring Hugh Laurie as the chinless but charming Bertie Wooster and Stephen Fry as his valet and frequent savior, Jeeves. Superb period detail, performers who seem to have been born for these roles, and a hearty helping of Wodehouse wit make these shows essential viewing for anyone in search of a sophisticated chuckle.

In "Pearls Mean Tears" Bertie takes a seaside vacation with the dreaded Aunt Agatha, who continues her efforts to marry him off to the proper sort of girl. Sometimes, however, appearances can be deceptive, and when the aged A's pearls are purloined, everyone is under suspicion. If that weren't enough, Biffy Biffen is in town and as confused as ever--this time he's managed to get engaged to two different women. Of course it's up to Jeeves to unmask the thieves, straighten out the romantic entanglements, and save the day once again. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE BEST OF SERIES TWO
Bertie recieves an unexpected call from Aunt Agatha to join her at Westram On Sea. To Bertie's indignation his aunt has led him there to meet a potential wife and her charming curet brother.... More is at foot and this particular story has an excellent sub plot tieing in Jeeves niece and Berties good friend "Biffy". As ever Jeeves provides the super dry wit and a 'satisfactory conclusion to the proceedings'! BUY IT ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good story, but not enough depth...
Entertaining, but somewhat boring. Great acting, costumes, editing...just seemed like something was missing.

Die Hard Cookson Fans Will Love This
The Cinder Path was a long-awaited movie after growing up reading as many Catherine Cookson books as I could get my hands on. I have always been a die hard fan since I first read The Dwelling Place. This story, like most of Cookson's others, present a true-to-life hardship and how the characters react, deal with, and survive the sometimes cruel and unfair obstacles life throws their way.

This film features a pre-Hollywood Catherine Zeta Jones as the haughty and spoiled brat. She plays this role to a tee and was (before being "spoiled" by Hollywood) one of my favorite actresses previously because of this role.

Everyone can enjoy this movie, relate to the hardships and life's tough decisions. All in all, it has a great message, but learning life's lessons is not all that easy.

Dissapointing
I rented this purely for Catherine Zeta-Jones, and was dissapointed. The story is dull and depressing, with no redeeming qualities, bosting immorality (on both main characters' parts) and dryness. The guy does eventually get over his father's cruelty, but it doesn't change him for the better, while his wife sleeps with every soldier to come along. Overdrawn, and more of a guy's film than a girl's, with all the war sequences. Also, more than one character gets away with murder.

LOST INTEREST
While this movie had the potential for being a better movie,and I could see why some would enjoy the story, it was hard for me to stay interested. I lost interst when the male star entered into the army. For some reason I found the rest of the movie less than what I wanted to watch. The actors are very good. The only problem I found was the story line. Wish I had known more about the movie before purchasing the movie.

Catherine Cookson's poignant and beautiful novel comes alive
All his young life Charlie McFell, his familiy and the farm hands were tyranzied by his dictatorial father, which punished brutally on the Cinder Path. As his father met with an "accident" and died, young Charlie was ill-equipped to manage the farm. He is pressured into a loveless marriage with the haughty and faithless Victoria, leaving her sister Nellie, who secretly loves him, heartbroken. As World War I breaks out he is forced to join the British Army and the horrors and hardship of the frontlines finally let him become a man of strength and character. He is now able to overcome the heartbreak, blackmail, cruelty, revenge and deception to ultimately find his true love.

The Cinder Path is based on the bestselling novel of Catherine Cookson. If you love period Jane Austen-like romantic drama this one is for you. Why did I not give five stars? I did not like the extensive war and battle-scenes. Furthermore, I thought it a shame that this DVD does not feature any extras (no widescreen, foreign languages, subtitels, behind the scenes information). But all in all it is a beautiful crafted movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pelham Grenville Wodehouse's immortal characters are brought to glorious life in this hilarious series, starring Hugh Laurie as the chinless but charming Bertie Wooster and Stephen Fry as his valet and frequent savior, Jeeves. Superb period detail, performers who seem to have been born for these roles, and a hearty helping of Wodehouse wit make these shows essential viewing for anyone in search of a sophisticated chuckle. In "Jeeves in the Country," Bertie's incessant and tuneless trombone playing drives his faithful valet to distraction, resignation, and a new position as Chuffy Chuffnell's gentleman's gentleman.Bertie meanwhile moves to the country, where he can practice in peace, or so he hopes. But when Chuffy's engagement to a wealthy American heiress hits unexpected complications, Jeeves and Bertie must try to put things right, and it's not going to be easy. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (2)

LOVED IT!
This adaption of my favourite P.G. Wodehouse book had me laughing throughout. All the stars are great in their roles, not a bad actor among them. The drunken butler was so funny in this program,and is as well my fave guest character of any Wodehouse book. The dialogue is great, but what did I expect, I love the book for that very reason. All in all, a very funny great time. You'll love it!

Funny funny funny.
Another funny Jeeves and Wooster! In this one, Bertie goes to the country, with a trombone; Jeeves leaves, so bertie (as always) gets himself into a mess. The scene on the boat is especially funny. Also Bertie is forced to dress like a Minstrels! Anyone with a sense of humor should not pass these shows up! Buy it! ... Read more