Amazon.com

Paul Newman, an American original, would seem to be the perfect choice to direct a film adaptation of the second novel by another American original--Ken Kesey. But Kesey's novel, written under the influence of both LSD and growing fame, was a mishmash, and Newman's film can't rescue it. It also seems strange to see the ultraliberal Newman starring as a strike-busting logger who honors a contract on principle, rather than observe union concerns, bringing all sorts of misery down on his family. Henry Fonda is interesting as Newman's father, but the film never finds its footing. One killer sequence, however: Richard Jaeckel, as Newman's brother, trapped under a log in a river, slowly drowning despite Newman's best efforts to save him. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Sometimes a great movie...
What better way to see this movie than when I first saw it in '71. I was a junior in Forestry College, watching it in the frat house. There's not too many movies that Paul Newman or Henry Fonda made that were not good. If you choose moviews by who the major stars are, you won't be disappointed in this one.

I've done logging, but would not choose it as a career. These are the kind of people who can. It is a butt-kicking, rough and tumble, tough fisted, never give and inch movie, worthy of the talents of the entire cast. The drowning scene is a real tear-jerker, but chainsawing the union boss's desk in half is SO Neuman-esque. Tossing sticks of dynamite at the union bigwigs and blowing up their rowboat is not exactly out of character for Fonda, either. An absolutely unforgettable movie, with perfect casting.

Sometimes a Cinematic Notion
OK, in fairness; I came to this film on the strength of my long, enduring affection for the work of Ken Kesey. Sometimes a Great Notion, the novel, is as dense and intense a read as one can find out there by any (and I mean ANY -- Faulkner, Hemingway, the works) American author. I've read this superb novel many times, and savored every word with every reading.

...then I saw the film.

Again, in fairness; I had doubts that ANY film under 2 hours would begin to do justice to the novel. I was right. I had suspicions that perhaps Paul Newman and Henry Fonda weren't quite, well, BIG AND TOUGH ENOUGH to do due justice to the Henry and Hank Stamper father/son team. I was almost right -- physically, they weren't the looming figures that roared across Kesey's pages. But Newman and Fonda ain't bad either, not by a long shot. Their abilities almost obscure the fact that they don't fully seem like lifelong lumberjacks from the wild coast of Oregon in the middle 20th century. They seem like superb Hollywood actors who are acting like lumberjacks. But that's OK, too. Fonda and Newman break even in my book, in terms of how they portray the fictional characters. I can't fault actors for scenes that aren't there, and my biggest problem with the film was a lack of depth -- the novel has several parallel, ongoing story lines that all weave together with magic and drama. By nature, cinema is a more linear story-telling device in that regard. Kesey's magnificent command of language, and voice, and perspective, and verb tenses helps to define this sprawling masterpiece -- that's a tough sell on the big (or little) screen.

I wish the cutting room had eaten a little less footage. The romance between Lee and Viv is, essentially, missing in action. And with it, the dramatic narrative that powers much of the core of the novel.

On the positive side, Richard Jaekel was excellent as Joby -- to the extent that he was on-screen. I found myself looking for his Christian aphorisms and life's-only-gettin'-better outlook, and finding less than I'd hoped for. Sure, he seems jolly enough half the time -- but I found myself wondering if that was because I KNEW he was supposed to be happy and full of Biblical jibberish. Again, the novel vs. the cinema -- and again, cinema fails where 600+ pages of copy succeed. The drowning scene, in fairness, is unforgettable. Of course, it was that way in Kesey's novel, too.

I'm glad to know Ken worked with Paul, as the film evolved. That Ken found the final product more successful than One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest-The Movie is a mixed blessing. I agreed with Ken about Cuckoo's Nest and Jack Nicholson (although I love Jack's work, too). I wish Ken were alive today, and perhaps he could shed some light on what he felt worked best in this film.

The Union sub-plot was touched on, but not fully explored. Same with the 'suicide'/death of Willard the theater owner (we never even learn he has a laundromat or a wife or any of the rich details that make him unforgettable in the book). Same with the love triangle. Same with the Stamper family history. The film was good, unquestionably, but not nearly as profound nor as deep as the novel.

With that said; go out and read the novel, and THEN sit down and watch the film. My vote goes for a RESTORED DVD RELEASE with whatever worthy footage was sacrificed for the Faux God of Running Time! This is an admittedly complex and far-reaching tale, and one that's hard put to do justice to itself in 112 minutes, give or take.

As is often the case, a great movie doesn't do justice to a great novel. In this case, it was almost impossible to succeed along those lines (Hey, does anybody PREFER the cinematic Moby Dick to the Melville novel? Case closed!).

On balance, Paul Newman and Henry Fonda and Lee Remick and Richard Jaekel in a Ken Kesey story...!? Does it GET better than that? Only Ken Kesey could have authored a novel that surpassed this film, talent and all. And he did! Check them both out -- book and film.

You'll be glad you did.

Great Movie
Saw this movie 20 years ago. I can still remember it.

Raw, Real Powerful
I've read the reviews written by people who have no real experience in logging, and apparently in real life! No, it doesn't follow the book that closely, but what movie does? I have worked in and around logging and outdoor people most of my adult life. I have also worked with more liberal "soccer family" types, both for the government and within private forest industry. I've worked in southeast Alaska and in the humid southeastern U.S. This is a real movie representing real people and the real ideas of those people. Paul Newman has a gift for finding parts that fit him and represent the actions of real people. I've known many just like him, some born into the logging or construction industry, and some that found themselves there, even one philosophy graduate that found "real" life much more inviting than an artificial liberalism pushed upon him at the university. This is a movie about life, the good and the bad, and about the real people that live it.

Trapped Beneath
I only want to tell you of one scene in this film. It's too bad that one sequence's strength can't be carried throughout the rest of the picture. Richard Jaeckel, playing Newman's brother, get's trapped under a log under water and Newman has to keep breathing air into him. An unforgetable scene. If you don't mind seeing a film, just for the pleasure of one unbreakable moment, then see this one. A 5 star, and very powerful, Newman-style scene. I do respect those that like this movie, because Paul Newman is always great in whatever he does. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Paul Newman directed this poetic, sunlight- and memory-drenched film version of Tennessee Williams's classic memory play. The casting is surprisingly adept, considering that several of the performers would seem to be too old for their roles. John Malkovich plays Williams's stand-in, Tom Wingfield, a dreamer who lives with his domineering mother Amanda (a luminous Joanne Woodward) and his fragile, limping sister Laura (Karen Allen). Mom wants nothing more than to marry off shy-flower Laura and keeps bugging Tom to bring home a guy. So he corrals coworker James Naughton for an evening--and Amanda treats it as though Naughton's signed up for the nuptial short-course. Woodward is alternately touching and harridan-like as this smothering mother who means well, while Malkovich is perfect as the would-be writer longing to break free. And Allen brings surprising strength to the role of Laura. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Amazingly effective film adaptation
It is incredibly rare to find a film adapted from a play that actually works and remains faithful to spirit of the original story. "The Glass Menagerie" is one of the infinitesimally few efforts that manages to do both. Casting, direction, and acting are superb, with an especially priceless performance by John Malkovich as the poetic but stifled Tom Wingfield. The entire film is worth watching for his "opium den" rant at Joanne Woodward, though the remainder is in no way lacking. This is a much underrated, gut-wrenching, true cinematic treasure.

Funny and Passionate
Although I thought that "The Glass Menagerie" was an exceptional play, I think that the movie version is even better. In my opinion, it is rare when justice can be done to a written work when it is transformed into a movie. So many wonderful classics tend to get botched up by directors that alter the text of the original work and add or delete scenes along the way. Paul Newman, however, has kept "The Glass Menagerie" exactly the way it was written, and I think that is the primary reason why the movie turned out so good. Another reason might be that the cast of this movie seems perfectly fit to fill the roles that Tennessee Williams created. Joanne Woodward is absolutely hilarious as Amanda Wingfield. Not only does she perfectly fit the role of overzealous mother, but she also makes a delightful comedienne as well. I watched the movie right after reading the play, and even though I knew what Amanda was going to say next, I burst out laughing nonetheless. The sheer humor in Woodward's performance is to be commended. John Malkovich also seems cut out for the role of Tom Wingfield. Tom is somewhat of a mystic that enjoys philosophical media such as poetry; the thoughtful expression on Malkovich's face conveys this aura perfectly. The best parts of Malkovich's performance often come when he isn't saying anything at all. The incredulous glances that he gives Amanda every so often add dynamic to the acting and articulate the relationship between Tom and Amanda even better than words can express. Karen Allen's role as Laura Wingfield emphasizes the things about Laura's character that make her so important. In the movie, Allen seems even shyer than Laura is in the script, but this only enhances the meaning of the play. Finally, James Naughton's performance as Jim O'Connor is so romantic that the viewer can't help falling in love right along with Laura. His charm seems to be the "icing on the cake" for the climax of the outstanding script and extraordinary acting. "The Glass Menagerie" movie definitely has a lot of things going for it: Tennessee Williams as the playwright, Paul Newman as the director, and a fantastic set of actors that make the entire production better than even Williams could have imagined. I definitely recommend the movie version of "The Glass Menagerie," especially if you don't have time to read it. It is one of the most enjoyable movies that I have had the pleasure of watching.

11th grade assignment
I recently graduated just this year, and the year before last, when I was a junior in high school, my English 11 teacher, Mrs. Picklesimer (ha ha laugh if you wish) showed us this video, after us reading the story in our literature books, of course. I loved the movie so much, I asked her to allow me to borrow it and she did, but she had to keep reminding me to bring it back, because I loved it so much! So, thank you, Mrs. Picklesimer (now Ms. White) for showing us this movie.

Fascinating
A near-perfect film version of a downright gloomy play, "The Glass Menagerie" successfully captures the atmosphere of futility and hopelessness that permeated the play and made it such a success. The choice of actors is quite good, and I am thankful that the complete plot was preserved, rather than attempting to alter it in favor of a more active storyline. Eccentric, yes, depressing, yes, effective - quite so.

The Glass Menagerie
This atmospheric, claustrophobic version captures the essence of the play. Woodward was especially good as the talkative, controlling mom -- like an annoying, buzzing mosquitoe. Malkovich was overly tight in the part, tightly wound, wounded and a bit bitchy. I found his mannerism a bit eccentric and overwrought. Generally, a good flick of a great play. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good But Not Great, but Good
I was surprised by Leonard Maltin's negative review of this movie. This is not a great movie, and it does meander a bit, but it is a quiet, thoughtful look at a young man trying to find his niche, a father trying to rediscover his niche or create a new one, and the mixture of conflict, pride, disappointment, and love that flows between them. I have this one on tape and watch it once a year or so.

Great acting? No.

Good acting? Yes.

Great story? No.

Good story? Yes.

A lot of heart and reality? Definitely.

Overall: Very Worth Watching ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Shadowbox is powerful
Living with a terminal diagnosis, working with, loving someone with a terminal diagnosis? This video is for you. It is powerful, incredibly realistic in its portrayal of anger, denial, fears, as well as hope and humor. As a hospice employee I've seen hundreds die, just as these characters in Shadowbox have. This would be great film to share with Hospice employees, and with medical staff who often don't understand all that the patients and their families experience. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Amazingly effective film adaptation
It is incredibly rare to find a film adapted from a play that actually works and remains faithful to spirit of the original story. "The Glass Menagerie" is one of the infinitesimally few efforts that manages to do both. Casting, direction, and acting are superb, with an especially priceless performance by John Malkovich as the poetic but stifled Tom Wingfield. The entire film is worth watching for his "opium den" rant at Joanne Woodward, though the remainder is in no way lacking. This is a much underrated, gut-wrenching, true cinematic treasure.

Funny and Passionate
Although I thought that "The Glass Menagerie" was an exceptional play, I think that the movie version is even better. In my opinion, it is rare when justice can be done to a written work when it is transformed into a movie. So many wonderful classics tend to get botched up by directors that alter the text of the original work and add or delete scenes along the way. Paul Newman, however, has kept "The Glass Menagerie" exactly the way it was written, and I think that is the primary reason why the movie turned out so good. Another reason might be that the cast of this movie seems perfectly fit to fill the roles that Tennessee Williams created. Joanne Woodward is absolutely hilarious as Amanda Wingfield. Not only does she perfectly fit the role of overzealous mother, but she also makes a delightful comedienne as well. I watched the movie right after reading the play, and even though I knew what Amanda was going to say next, I burst out laughing nonetheless. The sheer humor in Woodward's performance is to be commended. John Malkovich also seems cut out for the role of Tom Wingfield. Tom is somewhat of a mystic that enjoys philosophical media such as poetry; the thoughtful expression on Malkovich's face conveys this aura perfectly. The best parts of Malkovich's performance often come when he isn't saying anything at all. The incredulous glances that he gives Amanda every so often add dynamic to the acting and articulate the relationship between Tom and Amanda even better than words can express. Karen Allen's role as Laura Wingfield emphasizes the things about Laura's character that make her so important. In the movie, Allen seems even shyer than Laura is in the script, but this only enhances the meaning of the play. Finally, James Naughton's performance as Jim O'Connor is so romantic that the viewer can't help falling in love right along with Laura. His charm seems to be the "icing on the cake" for the climax of the outstanding script and extraordinary acting. "The Glass Menagerie" movie definitely has a lot of things going for it: Tennessee Williams as the playwright, Paul Newman as the director, and a fantastic set of actors that make the entire production better than even Williams could have imagined. I definitely recommend the movie version of "The Glass Menagerie," especially if you don't have time to read it. It is one of the most enjoyable movies that I have had the pleasure of watching.

11th grade assignment
I recently graduated just this year, and the year before last, when I was a junior in high school, my English 11 teacher, Mrs. Picklesimer (ha ha laugh if you wish) showed us this video, after us reading the story in our literature books, of course. I loved the movie so much, I asked her to allow me to borrow it and she did, but she had to keep reminding me to bring it back, because I loved it so much! So, thank you, Mrs. Picklesimer (now Ms. White) for showing us this movie.

Fascinating
A near-perfect film version of a downright gloomy play, "The Glass Menagerie" successfully captures the atmosphere of futility and hopelessness that permeated the play and made it such a success. The choice of actors is quite good, and I am thankful that the complete plot was preserved, rather than attempting to alter it in favor of a more active storyline. Eccentric, yes, depressing, yes, effective - quite so.

The Glass Menagerie
This atmospheric, claustrophobic version captures the essence of the play. Woodward was especially good as the talkative, controlling mom -- like an annoying, buzzing mosquitoe. Malkovich was overly tight in the part, tightly wound, wounded and a bit bitchy. I found his mannerism a bit eccentric and overwrought. Generally, a good flick of a great play. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Rachel, Rachel, A Triumph!
This incredible film from 1968 continues to stand the test of time. Woodward received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her sensitive portrayal of Rachel Cameron, a 35-year-old New England spinster who lives with her domineering, possessive mother. This is the story of a lonely woman who looks to find love with a man from her haunted past and how she breaks out of her shell. Estelle Parsons also gives a stellar performance as Rachel's emotionally tormented friend and co-worker, Calla. Ahead of its time, "Rachel, Rachel" also gives a positive view of lesbianism and acceptance. Paul Newman's directorial debut is a melancholy masterpiece that should not be missed.

Excellent actress, awful script.
The story line was extremely dark and dismal though the acting was wonderful. The premise and flashbacks of a seemingly dysfunctional childhood and a built-in funeral parlour in the childhood home was eccentric and depressing. I could appreciate Ms. Woodward's performance, but the story line was just too creepy.

EXCEPTIONAL CHARACTER STUDY
Paul Newman made his directing debut with this story and he does a great job; whenever it threatens to bore, something always saves it. Rachel teaches by day, wearing simple, practical dresses and her hair up. By night she caters to her domineering mother by preparing refreshments for her parties. This sexually repressed spinster schoolteacher, however, gets one last chance at romance in her small Connecticut town. Woodward mixes just the right amounts of loneliness and sweetness in the leading role. Won Golden Globe and New York Film Critics awards for both Woodward and her husband Newman for best actress and best director respectively (they took home four awards between them).

nice movie
I was very impressed with Rachel, Rachel. Its style is avant-garde, without overdoing it. The story is very well-written and acted.

Joanne Woodward is terrific!
This is a quiet, insightful film that is blessed with a wise and wonderful performance by Joanne Woodward. Directed by her husband, Paul Newman, this film explores the plight of a 35-year old woman who has come to the crossroads of her life. She is a decent, lonely and loyal person who realizes that she must make a major change in her life, or continue an unfulfilled and sterile existence in a small town that offers her no chance of real happiness. Paul Newman really shows his skill as a director in bringing this story to life. Here, Joanne Woodward proves that she is one of the finest, if not THE best, actress of her generation. She makes the viewer care about Rachel Cameron; you feel her loneliness, her despair, her fears, and finally, her hope for a better future. Woodward's skill as an actress has always been her courage to portray unglamourous, real women with all their imperfections and foibles. This is a great performance. The ensemble supporting cast in this film is also wonderful. The sadly underappreciated Estelle Parsons gives a gutsy performance as Rachel's equally lonely school teacher friend. Kate Harrington, as Rachel's demanding mother, and Geraldine Fitzgerald are also fine. This is a great slice-of-life film that, in its own quiet but powerful way, tells you a lot about the human condition. Kudos to Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good But Not Great, but Good
I was surprised by Leonard Maltin's negative review of this movie. This is not a great movie, and it does meander a bit, but it is a quiet, thoughtful look at a young man trying to find his niche, a father trying to rediscover his niche or create a new one, and the mixture of conflict, pride, disappointment, and love that flows between them. I have this one on tape and watch it once a year or so.

Great acting? No.

Good acting? Yes.

Great story? No.

Good story? Yes.

A lot of heart and reality? Definitely.

Overall: Very Worth Watching ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good But Not Great, but Good
I was surprised by Leonard Maltin's negative review of this movie. This is not a great movie, and it does meander a bit, but it is a quiet, thoughtful look at a young man trying to find his niche, a father trying to rediscover his niche or create a new one, and the mixture of conflict, pride, disappointment, and love that flows between them. I have this one on tape and watch it once a year or so.

Great acting? No.

Good acting? Yes.

Great story? No.

Good story? Yes.

A lot of heart and reality? Definitely.

Overall: Very Worth Watching ... Read more