Amazon.com

The suspense of Miss Marple: The Body in the Library isn't of the edge-of-your-seat variety; instead it's like a perplexing puzzle that keeps niggling at the back of your mind. Just as one piece of the puzzle falls into place, another gap opens up, thanks to one of Agatha Christie's most intricate plots. Considering what a long movie this is (150 minutes, lengthier than most Christie adaptations), it's impressive how tightly the mystery grips the viewer's attention. And not a second of Joan Hickson's marvelous performance as Miss Marple should be missed (the other performances fall short--except for Gwen Watford as Dolly Bantry, in whose library the body is found). To people meeting her for the first time, Jane Marple appears to be a sweet but possibly senile old dear, whose comments on the murder investigation are more likely to involve an obscure recollection of a frog jumping out of someone's coat than to have any direct bearing on the case. But as Christie fans know, beneath that dithery exterior lies one of the shrewdest minds in England. Hickson's understated portrayal reveals the humor in her character without ever making a mockery of Miss Marple, and the results are delightful to watch. --Larisa Lomacky Moore ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Could this happen here?
Mrs. Dolly Bantry (Gwen Watford) tries to inform her husband of the reported body and is accused of imagining the report due to reading trashy books in bead at night. As usual Jane is always in the right place to view the potential suspects. Clues are everywhere yet who would mix body's and books?
Speaking about night I would not start this film to late, as it seems to go on forever at 151 minutes. As it was a made for TV (1984), I suspect that this video is a composite of a series. And there are places where it takes leaps to different situations with out any transition. You can guess the plot in general but the details are surprising. It is wrapped up so quickly that you will need to run the ending a few times to put it all in perspective

Beautiful Miss Marple Whodunit
Well done piece of British escapism. Wide range of suspicious characters and Joan Hickson is the one and only Miss Marple. One of my favorites in this series ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the tradition of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Hammer Studios drew aging Tallulah Bankhead out of retirement to play the fanatical matriarch of Die! Die! My Darling! (in Britain the film was simply titled Fanatic). Stefanie Powers, fresh from a string of juvenile and ingenue roles, plays her first adult, a thoroughly modern (and sexually liberated) woman who steps out of her time and into Bankhead's decaying mansion, a bit of southern Gothic nestled in the rural England countryside. Her courtesy call to the mother of her deceased lover turns into a cat-and-mouse thriller as the dotty, scripture-reading old lady dedicates herself to "cleansing" the befouled girl in memory of her son. Richard Matheson's smart screenplay (from the novel Nightmare by Anne Blaisdell) gives Powers a scrappy character, defying Bankhead and struggling to escape at every turn, while Bankhead's increasingly deranged campaign is given a delicious dimension with a marvelously schizophrenic backstory. Director Silvio Narizzano tends to overplay his hand at times and at one point steals a scene right out of Psycho, but he happily makes the battle of wits the central focus, letting the gothic elements stand as flourish. Peter Vaughan costars as a sleazy, salacious caretaker who can't keep his paws of their captive and Donald Sutherland has a small role as an idiot odd-job man devoted to his bizarre little family. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (8)

DELICIOUSLY CAMPY
DIE DIE MY DARLING was one of Hammer's diversions into "psychological horror", and it is a very interesting and well-made film. Scripted by the talented Richard Matheson, the story unfolds lazily, although we know the minute Stefanie Powers meets the irrepressible Tallulah Bankhead, the fun is about to start. Bankhead's remarkably smoky voice propels this fanatical old woman, and her performance is remarkably restrained; I think she did better in some ways than Bette or Joan in their "horror" movie days. I actually came to hate the woman with each ridiculous dependence on her Biblical reasoning for tormenting Powers. Powers herself does an excellent job in going from the sweet young thing to the venomous hussy who wants to tell Bankhead exactly what kind of girl she is. Yootha Joyce as Anna, and Peter Vaughan as her lecherous husband Harry, are very good in supporting roles; Donald Sutherland's idiot role demonstrates what a versatile actor he was going to be.
The film's opening credits, with the cat chasing the mouse, and the unusually bouncy jazz score, indicate that what's about to happen is being done tongue in cheek; yet the movie has a dark underlying evil that crescendos into a descent into madness.
This is a good, sturdy film.

As It Says In The Bible, I Must Kill! Kill! My Darling!
Stefanie Powers is Patricia "Pat" Carroll, a beautiful young american woman visiting England with her fiance. While there, she decides to keep a promise she'd made to her late boyfriend's mother (Tallulah Bankhead) and pay her a visit. Bad idea! You see, mum is actually a hyper-religious maniac who's been going increasingly bonkers in her moldering old mansion. Pat arrives and the fun begins. Mrs. Trefoile (mum) is distressed by Pat's attitude and worldly ways. She had figured that Pat would remain a devoted "wife" to her dead son, saving herself for him in heaven. Pat does not measure up to mum's expectations at all! So, with the help of her housekeeper Anna (Yootha Joyce) and Anna's lecherous husband Harry (Peter Vaughan), mum sets out to "save" Pat by kidnapping, starving, and torturing her with hours of monotonous bible teachings. When Pat finally stands up to her, mum pulls a gun on her! Now, THAT'S some old time religion! Pat's clothes are shredded, her make-up destroyed, and her jewelry confiscated. Mum has a "simpler" life in store for her. Thankfully, Pat is not a complete mush, and does try to escape many times. Her character is fairly realistic and sympathetic. Mrs. Trefoile is of course the demented center of this story. Her hidden basement room contains the truth of her existence. What's in there? Why does she go there late at night? DIE! DIE! MY DARLING! is a tense cat and mouse flick with some nice sharp turns. I loved every minute! Check out Donald Sutherland as the gardener! Highly recommended...

Camp classic comes to DVD
This is a film that is great fun if you like Tallulah Bankhead and camp. Bankhead didn't make very many films, especially in her later years, but she did this one basically for the money and because other distinguished actresses (Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Olivia de Havilland, etc.) were making horror films.

In "Die, Die, My Darling", a Hammer production (originally titled "Fanatic" in England where it was filmed), Tallulah plays a religious zealot who cannot get over the death of her son. When her son's former fiancee (Stephanie Powers) arrives to pay her a visit, she becomes more and more enraged when she finds that Powers has participated in all kinds of ungodly things like falling in love again and heaven forbid, wearing make-up! She then traps Powers in her attic where she torments her. It's all quite over the top, offering a minimum of suspense, but it is, nevertheless, quite entertaining.

Bankhead filmed the movie just a few years before she died. She was plagued by a number of health problems at the time (most of them caused by too much drinking and smoking). She wears no make-up, her hair was dyed gray and put in a bun and there were many harsh, unflattering close-ups. Before the film was released, it was shown to Tallulah and a small audience of her friends. After her first scene, she stood up and told everyone, "Darlings, I must apologize for looking older than God's wet nurse."

"Die, Die, My Darling" is a hoot to watch. The role had to have been 180 degrees from Tallulah herself, but she pulls off the role flawlessly. She delivers Bible verses in her sonorous voice in a rapid-fire manner. Her double takes, as in response to Powers appearing in red dress and red lipstick, are hilarious. It was Tallulah's only appearance in a color film and she is practically unrecognizable except for her distinctive voice, which gives her away.

It is great to see this film restored to dvd. The picture has never been sharper - you can actually see a fly buzzing around Tallulah in one scene where she is lying on her bed! The film featured a muted color palette and they appear true and not saturated. The sound (Dolby Digital monaural) is decent for a film over 40 years old. The extras are a disappointment though and feature only three trailers ("Homicidal", "Strait Jacket" and "Mr. Sardonicus").

Remember: NO Lipstick!
I enjoyed the powerful performances turned in here by Miss Powers and Miss Bankhead. Bankhead appears to be having a ball as a bible-spewing nut case, who proceeds to torture the daylights out of her deceased son's ex-fiancee, after she comes for a friendly visit. The beautiful Stefanie Powers is perfect as the tormented prisoner of the wicked old battle-ax. A very good ending as well. A movie well worth your viewing time. Keep an eye out for Donald Sutherland as a dim-witted servant.

Holy Zealot!
Die! Die! My Darling! is a great movie. The basic story is that this chick (Stefanie Powers as Pat) goes to pay her belated condolences to the mother of a man she was once engaged to (mother being Tallulah Bankhead as Mrs. Trefoile), but who had died. The mother..., decides to hold Pat captive after learning about her plans to marry (or remarry, since Mrs. Trefoile considers Pat and her son to be married in the eyes of the lord). Sinner, repent! So, Mrs. Trefoile keeps Pat a prisoner, on a diet of scripture and not much else. Bankhead is great as a fundamentalist who is so fundamental she's in a religion all her own! If you want your supper in her house, you better get down on your knees, bow your head and sit through about 20 verses of scripture. And then, if you're lucky, you'll get a miniscule portion of some bland concoction. Remember, the Lord wants us to lead simple lives!

In light of her personal life, the fact that Tallulah Bankhead plays a religious fanatic is just so ripe with irony. Her performance, while not up there with the old hag horror movies of Crawford and Davis, is still pretty solid and surprisingly not as campy as I expected. Yeah, if you didn't know who Tallulah was, you might not detect the booze-drinking (even on the set of this film), ...lady that she was. Also of note is a young Donald Sutherland as a mentally handicapped servant at the Trefoile house. ... Read more

Description

Paul Scott's STAYING ON This delightful drama, based on the award-winning novel by Paul Scott (The Jewel in the Crown), reunites the magnificent Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson for the first time since their appearance in the classic 1947 romance, "Brief Encounter." Retired Indian Army colonel Tusker Smalley and his wife Lucy made the decision to stay on in India after the British withdrew in 1947. While most of their friends returned home, Tusker decided to continue in military service. Now retired, he and Lucy are the only remaining British residents in the once-busy hill station of Pankot. Residing peacefully in a bungalow annex of the run-down Smith's Hotel, aided only by their long-suffering servant Ibrahim, their peace is about to be disturbed by the hotel owner, Mrs. Bhoolabhoy, whose plans for the hotel - and their bungalow - will permanently change one corner of India that had remained forever England. Stunningly filmed at the hill station of Simla at the foot of the Himalayas, a once-popular retreat for the British in India, STAYING ON is a memorable dramatization of this acclaimed novel, which perfectly captures a place, a time, and two timeless performances from Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Sequel to Jewel in the Crown.
This is an excellent rendering of Paul Scott's book Staying on, which is in itself a sequel to the Jewel in the Crown Quartet also writen by Paul Scott and also made into a TV Drama by Granada the same British compny that made the Jewel in the Crown sereis.
Staying on is a double success, it is an excellent rendering inhnto film of the book itself and in acting and dialogue it does not fall below the excellent TV series the Jewel in the Crown.
The story is set in post independent India, COL Tusker Smalley of the British Indian Army decides to stay on after India gains independence. He stays on as COL of his regiment.
Yes these things happened many British officers stayed on in the Indian Army and many British civil servants stayed on also. They were kept on by the Indian Government. The plot is set some 10 years after Independence when Smalley in his late sixties or early seventies is already pensioned off and living in a small cottage.
The film captures all the poignancy of the end of Empire and how it affected the British and Indians on an individual basis and above all it shows that despite claims to the contrary British Rule was not over resented by the Indians. They wanted Independence yes but the British were rather liked. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Perhaps the most striking feature of this strikingly different film is the moral ambiguity of all its characters. While contemporary cinema seems mired in simple distinctions between good and evil, Georgy Girl presents an odd assortment of losers and users who live in a world without an absolute ethical center. Lynn Redgrave stars as the homely girl who takes on the role of mother to her beautiful roommate's unwanted baby. With her father's employer trying to take her on as a mistress and her roommate's husband taking her on as an easy lover, Redgrave's Georgy navigates the narrows between prostitution and purity as she tries to hang on to the baby she has grown to love. Worth viewing for the seamless performances and the complex understanding of ethical interaction. --James DiGiovanna ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Poignant Comedy Drama
Here's another gem from the '60s. The corny title song doesn't do justice to this poignant comedy drama starring Lynn Redgrave as the sweet shy quirky British lass who must confront the fact that she is a freak in the nihilistic world of Swinging London. The 1st rate comedy drama also stars Alan Bates and James Mason. Set in London it really gives the '60s British feel. Weather throughout the film: rain followed by showers. Most poignant is the interaction between Bates, the perpetual clown, and Redgrave, only a clown to hide the frown. A must see for anyone into '60 culture.

"Hey there, Georgy Girl!" -- What a wonderful story!
Lynn Redgrave and James Mason are perfectly cast as the pudgy, ugly duckling Georgy and the lonely, aging millionaire who adores the young woman without means. Redgrave's roommate is a cold-hearted and embittered woman, who banks on her good looks to get her what she wants out of life. Although the roommate becomes pregnant by her fiancee, the young man soon realizes that he fancys the homely but sweet Georgy over the constantly complaining woman about to give birth to his child. The baby is born and is instantly rejected by the mother. Georgy is determined to protect the innocent child and to bring her up by herself, if she had to. The ending is one of my favorite film conclusions ever. You will not be disappointed! -- This film was ahead of its time in 1966 England (and the world). Despite the progressive themes, both the film and its infectious theme song became enormous successes. If you know the song, look for a much more elaborate rendition in the film, featuring many extra lines. The same was done with the legendary "Song From Moulin Rouge" (1952). -- "Georgy Girl" receives my highest recommendation!

Why isn;'t GEORGY GIRL on DVD???
Georgy is a young adult with noone to love her (so it seems at first) except her parents' rich employer, who chases her in private.

The plot itself doesn't convey how fun (and sometimes wacky) this film is to watch. I remember the GEORGY GIRL song as a big hit back in 1966. But I didn't see the film till grown...

Couldn't have seen "GEORGY" then...Mom wouldn't have let me. GEORGY a little edgy for the times (the mod London mid 196's)...but I would let my daughter see it now...& we would wade thru Georgy's choices together
...(& learn & have fun at the same time).

Without giving it all away, James Mason is fun and weird; scary and even kind...all at the same time--- as he pursues Georgy. Watch his wardrobe versus the other leading man's (Alan Bates)wardrobe. Savile Row versus...Fruit of the Loom. Shocking then...Funny now. And Alan is as casual in pursuing Georgy as when in his "fruit of the looms"...

Georgy dives into love and makes her mistakes, but one of her choices is --- outstanding. And life defining. (I imagine her making similar choices &becoming later---when she gets power---a great lady of London.)

You go girl!!! (Again, I'm not telling you more.)

She's the cousin, older sister, friend that most girls want... So she belies the "ugly duckling" film inage. And actually, despite the film's not quite happy ever after ending.....in the car...
(Watch her face. She conveys without words "WHAT HAVE I JUST DONE!!???!) I always imagine "Georgy" rising above that too & actually finding an unlikely but loving "prince charming".
THIS FILM NEEDS TO BE ON DVD...NOT EXPENSIVE OLD VHS ($40 ++)

One of the Best!
This is easily one of the best and most endearing films to come out of the 60s. Everything seems to work in it; wonderful story, great performances, it just gels. It made me both laugh and cry. No matter how many times I see it, I still cry at the end when Georgy and her new husband are riding off with the baby. Highly recommended!

Charming, offbeat, and unusual.
This movie was better than I remembered it (saw it as a child). James Mason is a delight, the scripting reasonably well handled with a few minor obscurities, and the actress who played Meredith delightfully convincing in the role. Lynn Redgrave was winning and funny; yet handled the dramatic moments with exquisite vulnerability appropriate to the moment. Very enjoyable. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

TERENCE STAMP IS AMAZING!-ClydeisHungry@aol.com
Terence Stamp delivers a beautiful performance in this film. This is one western that is worth watching. It doesn't have the "typical" theme most western's have. This is more of a human story. The story of a young man who was raised by people not of his kind, growing up this is all he knows until he comes face to face with the harsh realities of what the rest of the world has to offer. Showing how sometimes the human spirit isn't always the greatest assest. This film was well written and well directed if you haven't seen "Blue" check it out I guarantee you will like it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must-see for Ingrid Bergman fans
I watched the video two nights ago. The movie is recorded in EP mode, HI-FI. The sound is not very clear, and the story line is not very developped. However, I am a big Ingrid Bergman fan, and her being in it, is what makes the movie so enjoyable to watch. Too bad the picture isn't that clear either. But listen... for (this price) this movie is a well worth addition to my Ingrid collection! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not worth [it]
I bought this movie thinking it was a different Demi Moore movie. Demi is barly even in this movie, even though her picture is pasted all over the front cover. The dvd is very poor quality. A buzzing sound is in the background throughout the movie and the picture isn't sharp. It is a made for TV movie, and not a good one. It is about a boy who plays football and gets hurt and can no longer play. He feels his life is over and crys about it for about 75 minutes of the film. Don't even rent it on 99 cent night.

Choices - A Disappiontment
I hate to give a bad review but... "Choices" was a BIG disappiontment. "Choices" is about a disabled high school athlete, (played by Paul Carfotes) and his girlfriend Carri. (played by Demi Moore.) I am all for rooting for the under dog but please... This movie is so bad it put me to sleep.

When I went back to watch this movie a second time I was still very lost. "Choices" is suposed to be about a disabled athlete and his girlfriend. However, I did not catch on to what the the problem was until the movie nearly ended.

All actors did an ok job given the weak story and dialogue. One actor I was impressed with was, Victor French, of "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway to Heaven" fame. Of all the cast, I think victor gave the strongest performance. Victor's performance is also the reason for my two star rating.

In my opinion, spend your money on something else. Chances are, this movie would be collecting dust in your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not worth [it]
I bought this movie thinking it was a different Demi Moore movie. Demi is barly even in this movie, even though her picture is pasted all over the front cover. The dvd is very poor quality. A buzzing sound is in the background throughout the movie and the picture isn't sharp. It is a made for TV movie, and not a good one. It is about a boy who plays football and gets hurt and can no longer play. He feels his life is over and crys about it for about 75 minutes of the film. Don't even rent it on 99 cent night.

Choices - A Disappiontment
I hate to give a bad review but... "Choices" was a BIG disappiontment. "Choices" is about a disabled high school athlete, (played by Paul Carfotes) and his girlfriend Carri. (played by Demi Moore.) I am all for rooting for the under dog but please... This movie is so bad it put me to sleep.

When I went back to watch this movie a second time I was still very lost. "Choices" is suposed to be about a disabled athlete and his girlfriend. However, I did not catch on to what the the problem was until the movie nearly ended.

All actors did an ok job given the weak story and dialogue. One actor I was impressed with was, Victor French, of "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway to Heaven" fame. Of all the cast, I think victor gave the strongest performance. Victor's performance is also the reason for my two star rating.

In my opinion, spend your money on something else. Chances are, this movie would be collecting dust in your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not worth [it]
I bought this movie thinking it was a different Demi Moore movie. Demi is barly even in this movie, even though her picture is pasted all over the front cover. The dvd is very poor quality. A buzzing sound is in the background throughout the movie and the picture isn't sharp. It is a made for TV movie, and not a good one. It is about a boy who plays football and gets hurt and can no longer play. He feels his life is over and crys about it for about 75 minutes of the film. Don't even rent it on 99 cent night.

Choices - A Disappiontment
I hate to give a bad review but... "Choices" was a BIG disappiontment. "Choices" is about a disabled high school athlete, (played by Paul Carfotes) and his girlfriend Carri. (played by Demi Moore.) I am all for rooting for the under dog but please... This movie is so bad it put me to sleep.

When I went back to watch this movie a second time I was still very lost. "Choices" is suposed to be about a disabled athlete and his girlfriend. However, I did not catch on to what the the problem was until the movie nearly ended.

All actors did an ok job given the weak story and dialogue. One actor I was impressed with was, Victor French, of "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway to Heaven" fame. Of all the cast, I think victor gave the strongest performance. Victor's performance is also the reason for my two star rating.

In my opinion, spend your money on something else. Chances are, this movie would be collecting dust in your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Could this happen here?
Mrs. Dolly Bantry (Gwen Watford) tries to inform her husband of the reported body and is accused of imagining the report due to reading trashy books in bead at night. As usual Jane is always in the right place to view the potential suspects. Clues are everywhere yet who would mix body's and books?
Speaking about night I would not start this film to late, as it seems to go on forever at 151 minutes. As it was a made for TV (1984), I suspect that this video is a composite of a series. And there are places where it takes leaps to different situations with out any transition. You can guess the plot in general but the details are surprising. It is wrapped up so quickly that you will need to run the ending a few times to put it all in perspective

Beautiful Miss Marple Whodunit
Well done piece of British escapism. Wide range of suspicious characters and Joan Hickson is the one and only Miss Marple. One of my favorites in this series ... Read more