Reviews (23)

Good Characterization of Stalin, Bad History
In the past, apologists for Stalin (including many of his victims) said that Stalin was good, but he was surrounded by bad people. This film turns this on its head saying that Stalin was bad, but he was surrounded by good people. Both of these are wrong--the leaders of the Bolshevik Revolution and the leaders of the USSR in the period following the revolution were all up to their necks in blood. Robert Duvall gives an excellent portrayal of Stalin, emphasizing that he, unlike his ranting partner in mass murder Hitler, was soft-spoken and basically uncharismatic. Duvall correctly does not use a "Russian" accented English because Stalin spoke Russian with a heavy Georgian accent. Having said this, the historical aspects of the film are very poor. First of all, Maximilian Schell's portrayal of Lenin is way off base. The Old Bolsheviks like Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev, Bukharin, Ordzhonikidze and Kirov are shown to be basically well-meaning people who got trapped in Stalin's web. This is untrue, they were all involved in mass terror, justifying it in the name of a "higher good". In Solzhenitsyn's "Gulag Archipelago", he points out what a pathetic man Bukharin really was and how he so freely shed tears for the injustice committed to his person, and yet he had no pity on the millions of others who suffered. At the end of the film, Khruschev says that Stalin's crimes ("the millions" he liquidated) had to be accounted for, whereas,in reality, he himself took an active role in the Great Terror.
The film shows very little of what the effect of "Stalinism" was on the average Soviet citizen, with the exception of a scene where Stalin's wife confronts the effects of the mass famine in the Ukraine. The film does not really show the "cult of the personality". It would have been effective if the film had shown how, when Stalin would enter a hall full of people, the crowd would applaud for a very long time because everyone was afraid to be the first to stop clapping. Similarly, towards the end of the film, we see a physician nervously examining Stalin without any mention of the infamous "Doctors Plot" frame-up in which Jewish doctors were falsely accused of trying to murder top Soviet officials which would explain the physicians hesitancy in examing his famous patient.

In spite of the many faults of this film, I have still given it three stars rating because it is important for people to become aware of what this monster did to so many millions of innocent people and who was supported by millions of otherwise good people, both inside and outside the USSR.

Robert Duvall's Masterpiece as Stalin
To tell the truth I would not have recognized Duvall in the role he played as Stalin. Nevertheless he did a masterful job even had the Russian/Georgian accent down to a certain degree. Ive seen this film several times which enabled me to know who all the major and minor characters were. Now I feel I have a better grasp of Russian history during this turbulent period of the revolution and Stalin's reign.
Of course as most films go its not 100 percent accurate but comes close and the viewer will get a lesson of Russian history during the first half of the 20th century. Like the other reviews it hurriedly moves over "The Great Patriotic War" in just a few scenes.
The film will also help reveal that Stalin was worst mass murderer in the 20th century or even of all time which most people assume that honor goes to Adolf Hitler. This is known as the other "holocaust" which is lot less known then the Jewish one of Nazi Germany.
I would highly reccomend the film to any enthusiast of Russian history and see how the Russian people suffered during Stalins reign.

History or Hollywood? STALIN delivers an excellent balance
I agree with Leaming. Any time Hollywood depicts history, there are going to be issues of inaccuracy, artistic license, etc. In the case of the film STALIN, this is mostly due to the need to compress about thirty years into less than three hours. The portrayals of the primary characters are sometimes simplistic and inaccurate, but Bukharin and Kirov's characters (for example) are portrayed so as to accentuate the perception of Stalin as a monster (which is accurate). In other words, the truth is adapted somewhat to generate a dramatic foil. Films are never a substitute for reading the real history, but I find that they often whet an appetite when one did not previously exist. The mini-series PETER THE GREAT with Maximilian Schell in the title role is another great example of a film that generated popular interest in Tsarist Russia. SHOGUN, ROUGH RIDERS, LAST SAMURAI, GLADIATOR, GODS AND GENERALS, SHARPE'S RIFLES -- all are examples of films that prompted people to actually read history. So, take the films for what they are -- all in all, everyone who loves history should encourage this terrific trend in film-making!

nevermind the "purist" reviews - this is an excellent film
This film is historically excellent. What most reviewers seem hung up on are accents, make-up and costumes. Most comment that it is historically inaccurate but give nothing very specific. The film is a broad overview of the life of Stalin and could never include every element of his life. All the important stuff is there: the Revolution, the power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin, Stalin's rise to power, The great famines, The Great Purges, WWII, etc. The film gives great insight into Stalin and the paranoia that he experienced and how that paranoia influenced the way he ruled over the Soviet Union. Sure, many of the other characters were somewhat glossed over, but the film is essentially about Stalin and what made him tick - not about the intricate backgrounds of other revolutionaries and supporters. If you don't come away from the film thinking what a bastard Stalin was, then you simply missed the point. The way that he treated his family, friends and so called counterrevolutionaries is illustrated correctly in this film.

The end of the film brings up a very important question that I think many previous reviewers had difficulty with. Fact: under Stalin the Soviet Union industrialized to levels never seen before. With industrialization, this could enable the USSR to compete in the world on par with the US. It would also lead to the development of a nuclear and hydrogen bomb, on par with the US. The film brings up the critical question of whether or not Stalin was necessary for the USSR. That is a powerful and thought provoking question that one carries away from this film. Any film that lingers and makes you think has merit.

The history channel put out a video on the parallels of Hitler and Stalin. As I was watching it I kept thinking, "Gee, everything in this documentary is in the film Stalin."

Is it a perfect film? No. Is it historically innaccurate to merit throwing it away? Absolutely not... Robert Duvall does an excellent and convincing job of portraying a monster.

Problems abound
To all the reviewers who think Duvall captured the "real" Joseph Stalin, please run to a bookshelf and consult a non-fictional history of the man. The real Stalin does not appear in this sometimes facile, oftentimes inaccurate biography of the Russian dictator. Originally airing as an HBO TV movie, there are an abundance of errors in the script, as well as a host of other problems.

First, the make-up is amateurish and truly detracts from the viewing experience. Duvall's mustache is a clear paste-on job and in several scenes, the left side of the whiskers almost falls off his face. It's comical at times but ultimately becomes ludicrous in the extreme. His wig is also absurd and fake looking. While this might seem a minor criticism, the make up on the other chief characters is equally ridiculous and cheap. The costumes are also inaccurate in many instances. The color of Stalin's uniform at Yalta in 1944 was not yellow, the color of his uniform at Postsdam in 1945 was not blue!

The historical inaccuracies in the movie are continuous. The characteizations are facile, transparent and weak. Of course Stalin was evil incarnate and a paranoid schizophrenic, but the script doesn't bother to delve into the question of why this was so. There is little material about either of his two wives, or his children. All of that is glossed over. Another silly aspect are the abysmal accents that all of the actors

The only reason I give this a generous rating of 3 is because Duvall is a brilliant actor. Though horribly miscast (and made up to resemble more of a circus clown that Stalin), his acting abilities do shine through. But as far as accurate history goes, this movie is a complete joke. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Get the "Big Picture" and Enjoy
A very captivating movie. Peter O'Toole is as charming as ever and the love story, in the end, will leave you crying for joy that all is right with the world. Though probably not suitable for kids, it is still a good, clean, funny movie. When the movies over, you feel like you finally get "the big picture". This movie is definitely for the hopeless romantic!

An all-time classic! Must watch!
A beautifully written and produced movie with something for everyone with a tender-heart. The music score gently swept me off my feet and into the movie. It carefully propelled me into the life of the characters. You will laugh with them, and you will cry with them. You will be forced to re-define the meaning of love. You will wonder: how far am I willing to go to bring back a loved one? You will be challenged to ask yourself: would I stand by someone I loved even if he/she was on the verge of death? This movie is worth watching. No kidding. On the side of the characters, I admire Boris (played beautifully and delicately by Vincent Spano) the most. His innocent boy-like nature will charm you. His desire to find true love and his passion to understand "the big picture" will challenge you to think in the same vein.

Eric, you are a genius!
I'm a world-class cynic, but this movie reminds me to keep my mind and heart open.

epalfreyman
This will be short. The movie is one of my favorites, ever. The romance is moving and both realistic and idealistic at the same time. Hemingway and O'Toole take a relationship that should be a joke and make it touching and believable. O'Toole is excellent as the eccentric professor. The theme of love is what holds the movie elements together and it deals with love in many manifestations. I'm not Catholic, but it was one of the few films that didn't turn Catholics into jerks, and I really enjoyed that here was a young couple trying to find love without having to disparage their faith to do it. The movie is charming, witty and touching. If you're a cynic, it won't be for you; but if you believe in love, believe in the big picture, and believe in redemption; this is a film for you.

Creative genius
I must first start out saying that this is one of the few movies that has actually brought me to tears.
Boris and Barbara's relationship struck me as the most sincere and heart wrenching love affair that I have ever witnessed. Peter O'Toole is captivating as the eccentric scientist and David Ogden-Stiers has perpetuated his typecasting with his role as the arrogant intellectual.
This is the first major movie role for Ms Hemmingway and she shows flashes of the talent that made her so famous on TV a few years later.
This is a love story with a cast of suporting characters that make it shine. It also asks some very serious questions about the medical establishment and how terminally ill patients are treated. Your hopes will be raised and your heart be broken by this movie. It is well worth the cost. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Fairie Tale Theater rocks, especially Cinderella!
I love Fairy tales. The first time I saw this movie (and thisone Cinderella especially) I was enchanted and I loved it from thenon. Jean Stapleton gives this movie humor, Jennifer Beals gives it enchantment, and Matthew Broderick gives it a taste of what is still a celebrity in the late 90's! This movie ROCKS!

Faerie Tale Theatre: Cinderella
One of the most romantic episodes in the excellent Faerie Tale Theatre series, this one is the classic rags-to-riches story of Cinderella. Jennifer Beals beautifully portrays the role of Cinderella, and Matthew Broderick makes a delightfully witty Prince Henry. The appearances of Jean Stapleton as the fairy godmother and Eve Arden as the wicked stepmother are superb. The costumes, sets and music are truly divine in this wonderful faerie tale.

Happily Ever After start HERE!
What happens when you have Jennifer Beals playing Cinderella and Jean Stapleton as the fairy godmother? MAGIC!!! This is a wonderful film in the Faerie Tale Theatre series. Each actor/actress gives very memorable performances from Matthew Broderick playing the prince who is looking for love to Eve Arden who plays the unfair dictating stepmother. A perfect family film. A movie that no family or fan of fantasy should be without!

Amazing!
These videos were my absolute favorite as a kid, and at 20, I'm still watching them! They're all so beautifully done and have such wonderful actors! I'm saving all of my copies to show my children some day!

Great Movie
Wonderfully modernized version of the classic tale of Cinderella brought to life with wonderful actors. Great movie . Highly reccomend. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Understand the concept of free love, an excellent movie!
Haunted Summer is a movie about the summer of 1816, when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. It is the story of a few months in the lives of Percy Shelley, George Gordon, Lord Byron, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Claire Clairemont, and Dr. John William Polidori. Byron gives all the members of the household a challenge. They must write a ghost story. Polidori wrote The Vampyre (not Bram Stoker) and Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. The movie shows us the relationship between all these people. Shelley believes in free love, as do the sisters with whom he has eloped, Mary and Claire. the poetry teacher that showed me this movie wanted to leave me with something, she certainly has. I have come to agree with this philosophy and embrace it as my own. Watch the movie.

Inspirational Summer
This is one of the best films I have ever seen, and one few films I would love to own a copy of. I was amazed by the depth of these characters and the actors skill in portraying them. Frankly I was inspired and wanted to learn more. The very next day I went to the library and began to research information about Byron, Percy and Mary. After learning more about these poeple I felt that the director did a excellent job in capturing their true essence. Exposure to their lives and work has helped to improve my own. In the years following my first exposure to this film I have found it increasingly difficult to locate. If I could only find this in DVD my life would be complete and I would live happily ever after.

Shimmering and debauched
You can just feel the creativity spark and sizzle in this movie. It's the summer of 1816, and authors Lord Byron, Mary Godwin (later to be Mary Shelley) and Percy Shelley escape repressive England for Lake Geneva. That part is historically accurate, although how much of the rest is true, who knows? They have many discussions about life and art, use drugs medicinally and non-medicinally, cavort in the bedrooms, get frightened by a storm, and play mind games on each other. All this adds up to an ecstasy for creation, with a realization of the dark side of man's urge to control the natural world. Alice Krige is excellent, passionate and thoughtful as Mary Godwin, who got her inspiration for Frankenstein that summer. Her parents were early feminists and she definitely doesn't simper or believe herself inferior to the men.

The scenery and costumes are all glorious and the other leads are good, including Eric Stoltz as Shelley, and Laura Dern as Byron's lover.

...P>I also loved how uninhibited these people were. They have many of the values that many in our society have today, but they lived almost 200 years ago. They loved to push the limits of man's ability to experience life, all in the service of their art. I wouldn't want to live the way they did, but I'm glad they did, so they could report back to us in their poetry and stories what the "other side" is like. Our culture wouldn't be what it is today without the Romantic visionaries of the 19th century.

MOURNINGS AFTER THE KNIGHTS BEFORE.......
DE SADE WOULD probably have called them 'cheap imitations' but they did infringe upon his terrotory - somewhat. Not a very pleasant group of 'intelligents', kicked-out by staid British society, but with access to cash, etc. they ended badly - except for our Lady who created the Frankenstein tale - Mary Godwin Shelley. [AND what were those whispers about Byron and his sister...?]

HOWEVER, this version of the 'tale' is much better than the excessively dated "GOTHIC" - Ken Russell's version of the quartet - or was it quintet - never quite sure....

ALICE KRIGE leaves us with a clear impression of Mary - a very 'bright' woman - caught between a 'child-lover' [Shelley] and a 'demon-lover' [our almost Mansonish-type Byron]. This version aptly avoids the spectacular and concentrates more in the individual personalities - a calmer focus if that's possible!

The poetry? Nothing really spectacular - amazing how fame [notoriety] clings to youthful death ..... then there is that rather odd tale about Shelley's death by drowning - the body recovered after a while - then burnt, and, of all things, the heart retrieved and preserved by Mary. Somewhat along the lines of "In the Realm of the Senses"? No wonder Poe was inspired by Byron!

The definitive version of this tale still waits......

A Lost Classic
"Haunted Summer" is one of those films that fell through the cracks & sadly was overlooked by most viewers. Being intrigued by the story's premise after seeing Ken Russell's similar film "Gothic" (which is also a wild ride to see in it's own right), I gave it a shot at the video store. Although I enjoyed it then, it only got better with repeated viewings. Each viewing invites thoughts of what the real life meeting between these characters of Lord Byron, Percy & Mary Shelley, Dr. Polidori & Claire Clairmont must have really been like. I think I most enjoyed it's quiet peaceful moments, most notably the serene boat ride the main characters take while Laura Dern's character Claire sings her lovely song. Also of note is the appropriately haunting & incredibly beautiful score by Christopher Young. This amazing soundtrack is also sadly out of print at the moment. Hopefully this hypnotic film will be released one day soon on DVD for all to experience & enjoy. Anyone interested in this subject matter can also check out the film "Rowing With The Wind" (with Hugh Grant & Elizabeth Hurley) which is yet another take on this storyline. All 3 films ("Haunted Summer", "Gothic" & "Rowing With The Wind") have points of interest for anyone exploring the subject matter, but sadly "Haunted Summer" which is the loveliest, is not yet available on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Movie
This version is ten times better than the Walt Disney. As far as I know it stuck so much closier to the book and it inculded the girl, which I do not understand why the Walt Disney version cut her out. It had a great deal of action in it so you are never bored. I'm sure there was nothing offensive in this movie, although it has been a long time since I have been able since I have seen it. The only thing that I find disappointing is that the price is way to expensive for a VHS, so there is now way I can afford it and a classic like this deserves to be on DVD. So I hope that someday, somebody will make it affordable and let it been on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent film - but not exactly a comedy....
This film is based on Paul Erdman's novel "The Silver Bears." Like Mr. Erdman's books, this film is rivetting from start to finish. Not unlike James Bond movies of the 1970s in some respects (exotic locations - in this case Lugano, Switzerland and the Persian Gulf, high finance, sex, corruption etc. etc.). If you have an interest in finance, commodities, or simply a good honest to goodness story with interesting and colourul characters etc. then you will enjoy this film. I for one watch it again and again. Although there is some satire in the movie, and many of the characters are used for humorous purposes, I would not describe this as a comedy movie. First and foremost it is a thriller about corruption, greed and the interplays between a man who works for a criminal organisation and his attempts to break away into a 'legitimate' business of his own. On the way, he is made to question the nature of friendship, love, and more besides. Charles Gray gives an excellent performance (as always). There is a lot of humour and comedy-esque moments - but not more than in a typical James Bond movie of the period. So not a comedy in my opinion - a light hearted romp with comic moments and a thriller theme would perhaps be a better description.

But what ever you call it, one thing it certainly is: First class entertainment. Something for everyone! Buy it. You will watch it again and again! One of my personal favourite movies of all time, and I'm sure it will become one of yours too......

It has it all
This movie is like Catch 22 or Kelly's Hero's in that everyone in it became a star...Tope acting with a good story line leads to a movie that is very enjoyable and a pleasent way to spend a couple hours...if you think Michael Caine, Charles Grodin, and yes even a very young Jay Leno trying to buy a bank from an Italian Count so they can launder mafia money sounds like fun...this is it...a cornerstone of a comedy collection

Low budget screwball comedy well worth it
Plot twists and turns abound. This low budget comedy is delightful. It entertains from start to finish. Lots of throw-away humor. Amazing cast includes Jay Leno (in his first movie), Tom Smothers, Michael Caine, Cybil Shepard. A satirical look at banking, insurance, mob crime, commodities traders: All are shamelessly crooked. Really fine ending. Guaranteed to entertain. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

TheBoy Who Left Home to Find out Aboutr the Shivers
The Shivers is the greatest Faerie tale in the whole theatre.I grew up on these videos. I have been searching for a few years now to purchase these videos.I can't wait for them to become available. I would love to own the whole collection.These classic tales should be available for all children to see and enjoy.I must say The Faerie Tale theatre collection is the greatest among faerie tale production.

Utterly Enjoyable!
The Fairy Tale Theatre Series is wonderful. I watched them as a child, and still enjoy watching them. This one especially. It makes you laugh and at the same time has enough scare to it to make a child feel that they just watched their first horror movie. In actuality there there is nothing horrible about it. A perfect family entertainment movie.

Truly a classic!
Faery Tale Theatre movies are masterpieces! They follow the tales they tell fairly faithfully as they were originally written. I only hope they will soon be re-released as my children are now asking for copies, and I don't want to give mine up!

My favorite out of the Faerie Tale Theatre collection.
I am a collector of these series by Shelly Duvall. I have the complete 26 set of movies. It is a great set of movies for families, young and old alike. My sister's favorite is "Cinderella," starring Jennifer Beals and Matthew Broderick. My Mom's favorite is "Rumpelstiltskin," starring Ned Beatty. This is a great collection of movies and a must for every family. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best Faerie Tale Theatre Ever!
I would have to agree with the previous review that this is the best episode of Faerie Tale Theatre. In adapting faerie tales for film or television, the biggest difficulty seems to be in capturing that sense of awe and wonder that the original stories invoke. Without picture illustrations and a child's imagination to fill in the blanks, the original stories often appear static and lifeless on the screen. At worst, the sublime becomes downright ridiculous. Faerie Tale Theatre is a great and entertaining show, but rarely has it captured that sense of magic. This episode is one time that is has, and the results are truly something to behold. Eric Idle is the only "name" here, but the rest of the cast is equally perfect in their roles. Nicholas Meyer creates an entire other world, utilizing medieval tones in setting and costumes, as well as an eerie score of pipes from composer James Horner. The effect is mesmerizing, and if the use of rhyme as dialogue takes some getting used to, it only adds to the haunting impact in the end. This episode may be too disturbing for the youngest children, but all lovers of faerie tales owe it to themselves to see this. It doesn't have the budget of big-screen fantasies, but I rank this right up there with the NeverEnding Story and the Dark Crystal. If you love those films, then you understand what I mean about the sublime.

Wonderful and surreal...as fairy tales should be.
In the early to mid eighties, Shelly Duvall produced a cable show for the then flagship HBO network called Faerie Tale Theatre. The intent was to bring classic childhood stories to an audience of young and old alike through big name stars, directors, and hip, irreverent writing. Without this series, there would not have been a "Princess Bride". Although many of these were excellent examples of the best television could offer, the finest hour (for me) was director Nicholas Meyer's interpretation of Robert Browning's "Pied Piper of Hamelin". Both faithful to the original poem and liberal in its creative embellishments, Meyer perfectly captured the eerieness of the story. The show starred Eric Idle and he makes a perfect Piper. Tall, pale, with piercing eyes and a hawklike nose, Idle looke every bit the character: part mystic, part mercenary. And his final march out of Hamelin with the children is truly the stuff of innocent nightmares. Without sentimentality, without any concession to cuteness, this episode proved that within all great children's stories lurked something magical and sinister...Just like adulthood. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

my personal fairy tale theatre movie
If your looking for a fairy tale for kids that can make even you laugh this is the one. Robin Williams will lighten the mood every time.

Bad for Children
This film contains language and sexual content. Robin Williams uses profanity and parental discretion is advised. It is a funny telling of the story for adults but not younger viewers... Parents should watch the movie first to decide if it is appropiate for their children, and trust me, it isn't!!!!

Undoubtably one of the best Faerie Tale Theatre videos.
This episode of The Tale of the Frog Prince, starring the hilarious Robin Williams and wonderful Teri Garr, is not only a very well told classic children's tale, but a comedy. It has plenty of bits an adult would find entertaining, none being underhand or crude, while still amusing to a younger audience. I grew up watching this series; I loved it then, and I still love it now ... A very good movie to see, and a deal if you can buy it anywhere!

Hilarious, but for adults
This is a hilariously funny version of a children`s fairy tale. Both Robin Williams and Teri Garr do a superb job in their portrayals of the frog-prince and the princess, but you will, most likely, be surprised at how well Rene Aberjonois (Clayton, fron the t.v. series Benson) does comedy. The only caveat is that because of the language and some the situations I would not recommend this video for pre-teens, but anyone else will definitely be amused! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Cluttered and Weighty
Initially released as "Cutter and Bone", this movie was pulled from theatres and retitled after several critics panned it. Inexplicably, it became a film festival favorite and developed a minor cult following upon its re-release. My verdict? Those early critical drubbings were well-deserved. For despite a potentially dynamic plot setup and one successful performance, the movie is ultimately done in by a lackluster screenplay, some uneven acting, and substandard direction.

It all begins promisingly enough, with a fascinating title sequence followed by the introduction of Jeff Bridges as a two-bit gigolo who becomes a suspect in a murder investigation. So far, so good. Then John Heard enters as an obnoxious, bigoted, profane Vietnam vet-cum-amateur detective who uses his physical disabilities to excuse his ethical and moral shortcomings, and S-s-s-s! The plot quickly deflates into a slow, muddled study of his unpleasant character, losing its promising elements of suspense and mystery, and leaving the actors with the impossible burden of maintaining audience interest. Tellingly, Bridges, who can convey character nuances with a subtle flicker of his eyes or shift of his lips, is great in his role; but Heard, who relies mainly on a gruff laugh and a gravelly voice that wavers unsteadily between slurring and over-enunciation, is merely grating in his. As Heard's wife, the usually fascinating Lisa Eichhorn is thwarted in her underwritten and choppily edited role, and Ann Dusenberry -- whose odd character simply disappears without explanation near the end -- recites some of her lines as if they embarrass her (as well they should). None of the actors is assisted by Ivan Passer's lackadaisical direction, which lacks both energy and cohesion, and only the final abrupt cut that ends this mess shows any prowess on the part of the editor. Recommended for devotees of the consistently marvelous but underrated Jeff Bridges; other viewers beware!

Truly excellent Cinema
One of my all-time favourite films this is an example of first class cinema. Jeff Bridges and John Heard are unlikely friends, more friends of convienience though at the heart there is something solid. A lot of reviews of this film state that its too simple - a murder mystery in essence and a partial study of relationships. Though its more than that for me, its a study of the best and worse of people AND the weary way one can live ones life if we let life get on top of us. Bone (Jeff Bridges) is totally tired of life - seeking thrills if he can be bothered - only deciding on a life changing course of action in the final frame of this film. Cutter (John Heard) is a drunk Veteran - immoral to everyone but those truly close to him.

Im trying to not give too much away but I consider this to be a truly classic film. And what a score!

My apologies for a rambling review - watch this.

an engrossing murder mystery
When Cutter's Way was first released in theatres in 1981, it tanked at the box office thanks to bad press from The New York Times and a nervous studio still smarting from the bath it took on Heaven's Gate. A good film almost disappeared from sight. Fortunately, the advent of video, and now its debut on DVD, has given this unusual film a second chance that it so richly deserves.

Jeff Bridges proves once again that he is one of the best American actors working in film today. He portrays Bone as a man afraid of commitment, content to do little, but fall back on his pretty boy looks to bed any woman who crosses his path. As one character tells him, "Sooner or later you're going to have to make a decision about something." This could be the underlying thesis of the whole film: making decisions, taking a stand about something.

John Heard's Alex Cutter is on the opposite end of the spectrum. He desperately wants to get involved in something, anything to stop living life in a bottle of alcohol. And so, he latches on to the murder mystery with the ferocious tenacity of a pitbull. Heard plays Cutter like a character straight out of a Tom Waits song. His performance, complete with raspy voice and cynical outlook on life, recalls many of Waits' down-on-their-luck losers that populate his songs.

The actors vividly breathe life into their respective characters creating the impression that they exist beyond what we see on the screen, that in some way we already know them and that they'll continue to exist after the film ends.

Director Ivan Passer also deserves credit for creating this world. From the haunting opening shot of a parade, caught in dreamy slow motion (thanks to Jordan Cronenweth's superb cinematography), filmed at first in black and white and then as the credits fade in and out it gradually becomes colour, Passer draws the audience into his absorbing drama. Cutter's Way contains strong visuals to contrast the ambiguous story. Nothing is spelled out for the audience, even right up to its conclusion. Do we support Cutter's obsessive conspiracy theories or Bone's refusal to get involved?

Following in the grand tradition of short changing this movie, MGM has decided to include only the theatrical trailer on the DVD. What about a retrospective featurette? All the principals are still alive and I'm sure would love to talk about this movie. Or an audio commentary? Jeff Bridges contributed an excellent one on the Against All Odds DVD so he's hip to the format. A lot of missed opportunities here.

Sometimes funny, rather poignant psychological thriller
I was interested in this film because may years ago I had read the book, "Cutter and Bone" on which it was based. I remembered it took place in the post-Vietnam era and one of the characters was a hard-drinking, foul-mouthed, crippled Vietnam vet. I had forgotten that the book had depressed me then. But viewing this video brought it all back to me. And I was depressed all over again.

The film is set in Santa Barbara and stars Jeff Bridges, as a drifter with an eye for women. John Heard plays his best friend, the Vietnam vet, and Lisa Eichhorn plays the vet's alcoholic wife. John Heard's makeup is great as it really looks like he has only one leg, one arm and one eye. He's a sorrowful sight but he's quite unlikable as he's an angry, scheming character with a sense of high drama. Some of his dialog is brilliant and opens a lot of cans of worms about what happened in Vietnam.

When Jeff Bridges stumbles upon a murder by an "upright citizen", John Heard convinces his friend to blackmail the murderer with the help of the victim's sister, played by Ann Dusenberry. What follows is a sometimes funny and rather poignant psychological thriller, with an underlying sense of tragedy. It's fast paced, well acted and deals with an interesting theme. I should have loved it. Right?

Wrong! I just didn't like it. It wasn't because the film wasn't good. I just didn't like the sense of anger and hopelessness throughout. And I didn't like any of the characters. The film ran a mere 105 minutes but I couldn't wait for it to end. I won't give it a poor recommendation though, because the film it did have its good points. I just couldn't get it to it.

The System Wins out Every Time
This film is a throwback to the dark noir of the 40's and 50's.One character seems to be living in a paranoid fantasy that eventually turns out to be the truth.Not many films examine the dark side of big business or the fear that it spreads from person to person.John Heard plays Cutter,a man who no longer adheres to a social code.Society gave him a war to die in so a select bueracratic group could grow fat and he no longer feels a need to justify their power over his soul.What this film shows is that when a civilization's foundation is corrupt at the very core,you will either spend your entire life living a lie or you will fall victim to other people's entrapment.Catch-22 either way,the lucky ones regain their dignity by dying young. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Faerie Tale Theatre: The Three Little Pigs
Hilarious episode from the Faerie Tale Theatre series with an all-star cast. Billy Crystal as well as his on-screen brother actors are excellent as the three pigs, and Jeff Goldblum is show-stealing as the Big Bad Wolf. Valerie Perrine is a knock-out and makes a surprisingly sexy pig in this faerie tale. A great comedic hit for the entire family to enjoy!

I love this series!
My brother, sisters and I grew up watching the Faerie Tale Theatre collection, and loving them all. By the way, they're not just for kids! My mother loved them so much she went out of her way to find them for my little niece to enjoy. I highly recommend them to anyone with (or even without) children to view them!

cute and appealing
Billy Crystal, Valerie Perrine, Doris Roberts and Jeff Goldblum star in the new telling of the tale from FAERIE TALE THEATRE.

One of the more light-hearted entries in the series, its a delightfully comic piece, played out by master comedians Crystal and Roberts, with the beautiful Perrine cutting a mean figure as a porker indeed.

The series was a huge success, boasting a huge multi award-winning cast (Tonys, Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, etc), and creator/producer Shelly Duvall has earned laurels for one of the finest family series in years.

Best of the Fairie Tale Theatres
I must have rented this video 40-50 times for my then pre-school age son and daughter. We all had the lines memorized. Billy Crystal is terrific as one of the pigs (Peter, Paul and Larry) and Jeff Goldblum is a howl as the wolf. The whole cast is great. This is truly a film that everyone in the family will love. The best.

As Unforgettable as Nat
This was a household staple rented over and over from our local video store, played over and over for all ages whenever our guests seemed willing. There was never ever anything but laughter and appreciation; I'm still trying to find the Samuel Barber music played just so. Please let me know if you know where I can get a copy... there are future grandchildren and grandnieces/nephews in my life whose lives will be incomplete without it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Enough of Washington Irving's Magic Resonates
RIP VAN WINKLE is the kind of pseudo-fairy tale that can mean nearly anything that the reader wants. In the hands of director Francis Ford Coppola, RVW is a surprisingly entertaining version of the Washington Irving novel that was resurrected by the Fairie Tale Theater. A previous reviewer castigated Coppola for what he termed the cheapness of the sets. Yet, as I watched the film for myself (no children involved), I was carried along by what I saw as a deliberately surreal style that successfully mimicked the much more somber tone of the text. Rip (Harry Dean Stanton)is presented as a henpecked husband of wife Vilma (Talia Shire), a woman whose cacophanous shrewishness more clearly suggests Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch of the West than the shrill yelping of say Hillary Clinton. In such a non-threatening world, Vilma's harsh voice and equally harsh hairdo do little more than serve as plot devices to propel Rip into the haunted mountains of the Catskills, where the tale's true power resides. Rip leaves the outer level surreal world of his village to enter the inner level surreality of the Magic Mountain of Commander Heinrich. There he sees the magical ghosts whose own deaths 150 years ago prefigure his own looming sleep death of twenty years. Rip's return is a balancing of his own confusion of his long sleep with an equally confusing long sleep of the burgeoning united colonies. The silliness of the mayor (Tim Conway) suggests the subtext that the changes in Rip's village--astounding as they must seem to the bewildered Rip--are only the precursor to further changes that involve granting rights to women and people of color. When Rip finally accepts the reality of his new life, so does the viewer accept the notion that even the seeming reality of momentous changes must be viewed against future and even more momentous ones. RIP VAN WINKLE succeeds in resonating this message as well as far more "serious" films.

Faerie Tale Theatre: Rip Van Winkle
Atmospheric and delightful version of the Washington Irving classic from Faerie Tale Theatre. Francis Ford Coppola creates a spellbinding film with Harry Dean Stanton turning in a great performance as the man who liked to sleep alot! Talia Shire is wickedly funny as Rip's wife, Wilma. Alot of people probably think the same thing as I do, that the sets are a little too fake such as the sheet used for water when the goblins talk about their misfortunate shipwreck. Overall however, it's another excellent episode.

Francis Ford Coppola seems to be directing in his sleep....
First of all, let me state that Faerie Tale Theatre is one of the best children's series ever made. It walks the fine line of being entertaining for both children and adults without pandering to either. However, this is by far the weakest entry in the series and should be avoided by all but completists. The dark aspects of Washington Irving's book have been toned down in service of a bland script and oddly tacked-on environmental message. There are glimpses of the sort of magic and wonder the story invokes, but mostly this is a lifeless and static adaptation. Francis Ford Coppola is the most acclaimed director to work on the show, but he's directing on autopilot here. The script by Mark Curtiss and Rod Ash (who have notably written the most as well as the lamest scripts in the series) wanders aimlessly in the first half before crashing to a halt in the second. Harry Dean Stanton as Rip is one of the few good things here, but Talia Shire is woefully miscast (although I think that was the point) as Rip's overbearing wife. The series always runs on a shoestring, but here it really shows. During Hudson's flashback of the storm at sea, even young children will be rolling their eyes at the toy boat tossing around on a blanket. Some of the set pieces do deliver (most memorably the encounter with the ghosts) and Carmine Coppola's music is pretty enough, but I can find little else to recommend here. Maybe if you need help falling asleep.... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Definite kid-pleaser
My three-year-old daughter fell in love with this the first time we borrowed it from the library. I enjoyed it myself; my only gripe is Conchata Ferrell's performance. This usually very talented actress seems bored to tears and injects absolutely no feeling into her role as Thumbelina's mother. It's as if she was directed to perform as stoically as possible. I don't get it at all. I am also not impressed with Carrie Fisher's singing here. I know she is capable of singing quite beautifully, I just don't think the folkish songs in this tale are well suited to her instrument. It's hard to pull off such dirges unless the singer has that ethereal, almost mediaeval quality to her voice (think Loreena McKennitt, Mediaveal Baebes). But those minor complaints are of no consequence whatsoever to the intended audience. Children will certainly be enchanted! It's witty script and a fun production.

The Little Thumb with a Big Heart
"Thumbelina" is a fantastic retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, "Little Thumb".

Produced in 1983 (and released the following year), as part of Shelley Duvall's charming live-action "Faerie Tale Theatre", the narrative is told with good humour, imagination, and a great sense of fun. The magnificent cast adds much colour and warmth to the proceedings. In particular, Carrie Fisher, in the title role, delivers a captivating performance. She makes an extremely attractive heroine, not to mention one who's "more than just another pretty face". She's an absolute delight, adding her unique qualities to the role. Not only is she pint-sized in real life (although not quite as tiny as a thumb!), she has a lovely, deep voice that is quite at odds with her diminutive stature. When she sings, it is a beautiful and rewarding experience. Indeed, she sings with "an angel's voice". (This is also a highlight for any Carrie Fisher fan, as she began her career as a singer, and yet she only sings briefly in "Hannah and Her Sisters", 1986, and in the Walt Disney live-action comedy, "Sunday Drive", also released in 1986.)

Carrie Fisher is supported by equally delightful character actors. The late Burgess Meredith is in top form as Mr Mole, the second would-be husband of Thumbelina. Likewise, William Katt makes a very positive impression as the Prince of the Flower Angels.

This wonderful fairy tale is further enhanced by excellent production values, including great music, atmospheric sets, and good costumes and creatures like Mother Toad, her hapless son, Herman, the Fieldmouse, and the Swallow.

The script faithfully follows the original story, although the gender of the Fieldmouse has been changed, making for a more convincing friendship with Mr Mole to exist, as well as creating a heartfelt guardianship of Thumbelina along strictly platonic lines.

This well-written and perceptive tale ("I'm always the bride, but never the bridesmaid") makes for enchanting family entertainment. "Thumbelina" delivers a great message, too, but above all, it's storytelling at it's most memorable.

I applaud executive producer Shelley Duvall, and all involved, for giving such a wonderful gift. It's up there with Jim Henson's equally engaging "Storyteller" anthology series, produced in the late 1980s, and the "The Doll", an Emmy Award winning episode of "Amazing Stories" (of the same era).

For me, it's an extra special treat because Carrie Fisher became much more than just Princess Leia with this performance. Besides, she continues to melt me every time she smiles as the Ultimate Flower Angel! Let's hope that this "Faerie Tale Theatre" production, along with my other favourites like "Beauty and the Beast", are re-released soon. Preservation on DVD for future generations is highly recommended. ... Read more

Description

Award-winning comedy (American National Society of Film Critics) revealing the hilarious lifestyles of the residents in a small country town.Brilliantly photographed by cinematographers Josef Strecha and Miroslav Ondricek (Amadeus, A League of Their Own), this spirited farce is never timid, never afraid to reach for the outlandish or sublime.With stunning performances and an unforgettable ending, director Ivan Passer (Cutter's Way) wonderfully illustrates how the simple life can often lead to the absurd. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Czech Film Renaissance of the 1960s
During the sixties, before the Russian brutal invasion, the first "Velvet Revolution" in Czechoslovakia manifested itself, among other areas, in a creative new freedom in filmmaking; the films that emerged from that period stand up to the best of Italian Neo-Realism or the French New Wave.

Ivan Passer was Milos Forman's writing partner and his exquisite humor and story telling savoir made itself felt in Forman's early Czech comedies. Then Mr. Passer made his own masterpeice, Intimate Lighting, about the quixotic dreams of two musician friends, one who left their small hometown to become"successful", the other still a music teacher and part of the hometown's chamber music quartet. Intimate Lighting vibrates with pathos and comedy; with a compassionate and ironic eye Passer shines a poetic light on our illusions and small victories. To highlight: a magnificently humorous scene where the diners covetously gawk at the last piece of chicken left on the table, and a drunken twist at the end on the "off into the sunset" scene. A must see for anyone who appreciates fine filmmaking, a good comedy, or wishes to take a peek in the window of a time tragically lost. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Little Mystery
This is an odd little mystery with a quirky charm all it's own. It's the kind of film you find yourself liking a lot but your not sure why. It starts slow and a little dumb but gets better as it goes along and you suddenly realize your pretty interested in what's going on and it's odd charm has gotten to you. It's the kind of film you catch late, late at night on cable when you can't sleep that ends up staying with you the next day.

Mark Harmon gives another self-effacing performance as P.I. David Shepard, who doesn't drive to well and is always looking for his glasses. Pretty and sexy Mimi Rogers is Valerie McCoughlin, whose husband has been missing for awhile. She hires Shepard to find out exactly what happened to him. She finds she didn't really love him that much anyway and though Shepard discovers evidence he ran off he tries to keep digging just so he can hang around with her a little longer.

While he's doing this, of course, the chemistry between the two takes over and her missing husband wouldn't matter much anymore were it not for the facts Shepard uncovers about him. It turns out he may not have just run off after all, and though the cops have a body in the morgue they think is him things may be a bit more complicated than everyone first thought.

M. Emmet Walsh has a nice turn as David's pal Harry and Paul Gleason has a likable role as Lieutenant Petkavich. Michael Boatman of "Spin City" fame is his partner, Sgt. Teal, and it's all easy going fun. This movie doesn't seem to be doing much but charming us a little until the end, when David realizes the nightmare he's had all his life may actually be tied to Val's husband and why he disappeared.

Harmon and Rogers are nice together and there is a late night kind of jazz score that adds to the atmosphere of this unusual little mystery. It doesn't try to be more than it is and has a nifty little ending in perfect tune to the special atmosphere created throughout. Pop this one in and stay with it. It has a goofy tone and a special charm you'll enjoy if you give it a chance. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Puss in Boots
This is a great movie. It's real light hearted and comical. The characters are all very love-able, except for the ogre of course! I also thought it was neat that all the main characters are African American. I highly recommend this film if you're looking for a good, clean, fun movie to enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice, Quiet Cable Movie
Any movie with Alfre Woodard is worth watching. This Showtime
movie starts out rather slow perhaps because it wants to show
the laidback South. Woodard stars as a lawyer who returns home
to attend her mother's funeral. This event changes her life
forever. Blair Underwood is very good as "The Magic Man".
Good family entertainment and it is nice to see that people in
the South can be decent to one another. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Faerie Tale Theatre: The Nightingale
Mick Jagger stars as the Emperor of Cathay in this beautiful and lavish production from Faerie Tale Theatre. It's one of the most touching faerie tales, and it turns out to be one of the best episodes from this series. Jagger turns in an excellent performance as the Emperor, and Barbara Hershey is absolutely charming as the loyal kitchen maid. A spellbinding episode that is one of my favourites.

Sweet and affecting
Mick Jagger stars as the Emperor of Cathay in THE NIGHTINGALE, FAERIE TALE THEATRE'S great new telling of the tale.

He is quite good in his acting role here, although one can't help thinking that someone more suitable could have been found, considering the series' impeccable casting in all its productions.

Barbara Hershy plays the Little Kitchen Maid who opens the Emperor's heart by bringing him the magical Nightingale, who is voiced by Shelly Duvall (creator and producer of the series).

Also featured are Mako and Edward James Olmos. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My favorite childhood movie!
My sister and I were recently discussing our favorite movies when we were little. And this one was it. We had the disney movies and stuff, but this movie is funny and a great story. We use to watch this movie a lot! A great, perfect movie for children.

Fond Memories
I rented every volume of the Faerie Tale Theatre that the video store had at least 100 times when I was a kid. All these years later, this is the one I remember the most. That must say something for the quality of this story. Kids and parents will love it.

The Princess Who Had Never Laughed
I really enjoyed this movie. It was very comical. It's the funniest Faerie Tale Theatre film I've seen yet. And it teaches a very good moral too! A great family film! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A unique time capsule...
I saw this film in the bargain bin, and couldn't resist. Two of my favorites, Carroll O'Connor and Ernest Borgnine, both in a film from 1974. The clothes, hairstyles and attitudes of the day shine through beautifully, and do not disappoint.

However, all is not quite as it seems.

The film starts out very strongly as a mild comedy, but somewhere along the way it transforms into something else, taking unexpected side-trips into dark, gritty, even ocassionally violent scenes. The effect is interesting and memorable, but not altogether effective in my opinion. The film could have easily been either a comedy, or a serious drama, but Czech born director Ivan Passer tried to do both, and with mixed results.

In short, the film is not what you will expect it to be based on the first half. While somewhat disturbing when venturing into serious, gritty drama, this should not dissuade the viewer from watching the film. These moments are handled with great skill, and even a kind of flair that forces you to keep watching. And by the time some of the darker elements begin popping up, you care so much about these characters that you wouldn't turn away even if you could.

You can tell that the studio really didn't know what to make of this one. As the included trailer and TV spots attest, the studio promoted the film as a pure comedy, something that the film really isn't. At least, not entirely.

Great moments abound, both comedicly and dramaticly. One serious bit I especially liked was O'Connor, when his character discovers his daughter in a darkened kitchen. Lit only by a candle flame, we see the character's dawning realization that his daughter is high. Putting this in context with the death of the late actor's son, and O'Connor's subsequent efforts to inform youngsters about the danger and tragedy that drugs can cause, the moment is all the more poignant.

The ending is tough (and I felt, somewhat unnecessary), but excellently handled by all involved. The epilogue that follows is perfection, and of a kind never seen in Hollywood anymore.

It really is too bad that the film is somewhat deceptive; starting as a comedy, winding up as more of a drama. Perhaps this is why the film is not as well-known as it could have been, or should be today.

This film is definitely a must-see for fans of Carroll O'Connor, or fans of early-70's movies. The DVD transfer is pretty good, too.

Try this one out.

Well worth the wait!
After being out of print for many years, Law & Disorder is back and better than ever! Set in the lower east side of Manhattan, this film perfectly captures the mid 70's. Willie (Carroll O'Connor) and Cy (Ernest Borgnine) are regular working guys who join an auxiliary police force in order to curtail crime in their neighborhood. Although a spoof in many aspects, there are many dramatic vignettes -- including a tear-jerker ending! The film was shot on-location -- Grand Street, Canal Street, the FDR Drive -- it's lower Manhattan at it's finest. If you want to see what it was like to be involved in a volunteer police group before PC's and cellular phones modernized the force, here it is! I've been waiting for years to see this movie again and I am thankful to have it in anamorphic DVD quality. ... Read more