Reviews (2)

Rob and Laura Live Again!
Dick Van Dyke is perhaps best remembered tripping down the steps,and falling over the you-know-what. And now you can see it all again! With Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie,Morey Amsterdam as Buddy Sorrell,Rose Marie as Sally Rogers and Ann Margaret Guilbert as Millie Helper. Ann Guilbert today has found new fans on TV's 'The Nanny',as Grandma Yetta.The endless references to the DVD Show are innumerable. Real quality viewing.

A classic
The Dick Van Dyke show may not be the best written,acted,and isn`t the best sitcom in the history of television. But it sure comes close to the best! This lovable classic on this tape is sure to delight any fan of the show. The episodes are hilarious, and I thoroghly enjoyed viewing it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Laura and Rob tell their version of their fight ala Rashomon
"The Night the Roof Fell In" from the second season of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" is another one of those television sit com homages to Akira Kurosawa's film "Rashomon." Rob (Dick Van Dyke) and Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) each have quite different versions of the fight that sent Rob storming out of the house to sleep in the garage. The fun comes as each retells what happens to their friends. Laura sees herself as the perfect Suzy Homemaker who has to deal with Rob, the grumbling meanie, while Rob sees himself as a charming, dancing husband who has to but up with the grumbling spouse. Do not worry, because everything ends up okay in the end of this episodes which gives the two stars a chance to play off their characters. This classic sitcom episode, written by John Whedon and directed by Hal Cooper, first aired on November 21, 1962. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

God recruits agnostic man to spread His Message
George Burns and John Denver are a winning pair as God and the young middle class American guy who has trouble "believing", much less spreading the Good News. The "tests" Denver has for Burns to prove that he really IS God are hilarious. When Denver asks Burns to make it rain (on a sunny day), Burns does just that...but only inside of Denver's car! Eventually Denver does get the "message" and lives his life as a better person. -- This is a wonderful family movie, followed by a somewhat weaker, but no less sweet sequal (Oh God, Book II). A little 70s nostalgia doesn't hurt this film one bit. A winner!

CULT MOVIES 40
40. OH! GOD! (comedy, 1977) Jerry (John Denver) is an assistant-manager for a produce store. He's an honest man who has a wife and 2 kids. Just your normal kind of guy that is until God (George Burns) requests an audience with him. He has picked Jerry to carry his message of good will to an increasingly pessimistic world. But Jerry finds that people are difficult to convert, he even has trouble trying to make his family understand that God appears to him as a kindly old guy. His faith remains strong until his call starts to slowly filter through.

Critique: A surprise box-office hit when first released, it spawned other sequels that proved interesting ('OH! GOD! BOOK 2', 'OH! GOD! YOU DEVIL'). 81 year old George Burns shines as the perennial God, a role that he played with sweet abandonment. His deliveries of lines are perfectly executed. This God seems to have an answer for everything: on creating the world he quips; "to tell you the truth I thought about it for 6 days and did the whole thing in 1". What's most interesting is that the film takes an unbiased, non-religious look at our Creator. This God doesn't believe in religions or its leaders, and sees "human suffering" as being our fault (not his) since we perpetrate the acts. No wonder the very simple themes and in-jokes appealed to so many.

QUOTE: Jerry: "Sometimes, now and then, couldn't we just talk?" God: "Tell you what, you talk I'll listen."

Good movie, good commentary track
As much as I really like this movie, I wish there was a box set including the two sequels. The original is the best, easily, but with the amount of movie series coming to dvd it would only make sense to have the trilogy. "Oh God Book Two" is lackluster, for the most part, but "Oh God You Devil" is quite a corker (with George Burns playing a dual role as God and the Devil).

This is a low-key, laid back kind of movie. This might seem insufferably tame and sedate by many of today's young moviegoers, especially in light of manic "comedies" such as "Bruce Almighty" which had fun with religious-themed humor. But for those of us old enough to remember it- and to remember the sly wit of George Burns- it is a treat to revisit the movie in widescreen. The commentary track with Carl Reiner and Teri Garr is a winner, essentially as laid back as the movie itself but entirely satisfying. Speaking of Ms. Garr, she was quite a fox back in the day and looks great in this movie. God bless her as she struggles with MS.

It's been said before, but the ending of the movie gets a little gimmicky and could've been just as low-key as the rest of the movie. The 'special effects' and theatrics in the courtroom are a bit out of step with the rest of the movie. But otherwise, this one is a real charmer. Now, if only we could get the sequels on dvd too.....

Compelling View of a Very Personable God
When granted an interview with God, John Denver - an assistant manager at Food World, thinks that it is a practical joke by one of his friends. When the invitation turns up again in an unexpected place, it gets his attention - even though he doesn't believe in God.

George Burns plays wonderfully as God and the ensuing scenes where he convinces Denver that he is who he says he is have an enduring and endearing quality. His message is simple. God is alive. God cares. We have been given everything we need to make it work - and it can, if we want it to. Convincing the world, however, is another matter. From the religious editor at the LA Times who thinks Denver is just another fruitcake to Denver's boss at Food World who is offended that Denver would suggest that God would pick an unbelieving assistant manager instead of him, a man who has prayed with Billy Graham, no less, all the personalities come out. After an appearance on Dinah Shore, spaced out weirdos show up on his lawn and harass his kids and wife. Finally, a panel of religious experts agree to give Denver a set of questions that he could not possibly answer (they are written in Aramaic). After completing the questions, Denver delivers his package and a few choice words from God to a stereotypical televangelist (aka "God's Own Quarterback" - having delivered the benediction at this year's Superbowl). The film finally culminates in a courtroom scene where Burns, as God, gives a powerful delivery.

This film has some of the best writing. Burns has many humorous lines - it IS a comedy - but he also has some pretty profound and meaningful lines. In an obvious reference to the film The Exorcist, he comments on how easy it is for people to believe in the devil. But not God. He says that what we have here is some of his best work, that we should take care of it and appreciate it. He says that he knows how hard it can be in these troubled times to believe in God but, if it helps, we should know that he believes in us.

Classic 70's cinema -- weak DVD features
If you're reading this, you've probably already seen it and know it's a great movie. The DVD features are minimal (trailers, a list of awards, and George Burns' movies). Some deleted scenes or outtakes would have been really interesting, but there are none offered.

The commentary track reveals a few interesting things about the movie, but also rambles about non-related things. They admitted they hadn't seen the movie in a long time, so their commentary could have been better had they prepared.

Another weird problem: the music on the main menu is so distorted it sounds like it's being played through a cheap hand radio. But the sound on the movie is good.

If I could rate the DVD features separately, I would give them two stars. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Dick Van Dyke Show is Best classic TV Show Of All Time!
Two great episodes from the best classic TV show of all time! Both episodes are hilarious, I can't decide which one I like best, I guess I like them both equally! Hustling The Hustler which has Buddy's pool shark brother tricking Rob into playing against him is very funny and Phil Leeds is great as Buddy's brother, also in this episode Buddy learns that not every thing is what it seems and not to assume too much! The other episode about Rob finding Laura's secret bank book is very funny and is another episode filled with misunderstandings and what happens when someone makes assumptions and jumps to the wrong conclusion!

Buddy's pool hustling brother and Laura's secret bank book
Two episodes from the second season of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" are offered up on this videotape. "Hustling the Hustler" (Episode #35, October 24, 1962), written by the show's creator Carl Reiner and directed by John Rich, finds Buddy worries that his incorrigible brother (Phil Leeds) is going to take Rob for everything he has in a friendly little game of pool. Then in "Bank Book 6565696" (Episode #34, October 17, 1962), Rob's imagination goes absolutely wild when he discovers a healthy balance is in Laura's secret bank account. Of course, he never gets close to the truth in this episode written by Ray Allen Saffian and Harvey Bullock, also directed by Rich. These are not exactly classic episodes from this great sitcom, but they are still pretty good. The television commercials are a nice touch, although I can provide no additional insights into whether they were actually aired for these episodes or not.

A Surprise In The Waiting!
I will admit that at first I was expecting another cheaply made public domain video. But instead what I found was actually an enjoyable little tape! The commercials are cut into the show (and are not the originals as the DVD Show was sponsored by Kent Cigarettes, not Camels) but the true value is the show itself. The two episodes, "Hustling a Hustler" and "Bank Book 6565696," are some-what classics of the series. (Especially "Bank Book," though it isn't as popular as an episode like "Coast To Coast Big Mouth" or the ever-popular "That's My Boy?!?") The prints of the two shows are not the standard "public domain" versions that you fine, and are actually very nice clean prints. Overall, if you're looking for just a nice, comfortable laugh at a reasonable price, this is a good tape for you to check out.

A classic to own
This is a super buy on this video. Two great episodes PLUS vintage commercials. This is a must for anybody who loves classic television. The first episode is entitled "Hustling the hustler" aired 10/24/62. Buddy's brother, (a pool shark) is in town and gets Rob into a game of pool and Rob doesn't know he's a shark until they bet real money, the results are a true classic. Next is called "Bank Book 6565696", aired 10/17/62 Rob finds Laura's bank book (by accident of course), showing she has money he knows nothing about and with the help of Jerry, Sally, and Buddy poor Rob doesn't know what to think of Laura's hidden loot. Everything he does think turns out to be wrong. Don't let this video go by. Get it and enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Bert Rigby, You're a Gentleman
Idly clicking through channels late one evening, I stumbled upon BRYAF and was alternately intrigued, enchanted and moved to laughter by the adventures and mishaps of this guy who apparently should have been born 50 years earlier. Bert is someone all of us who still like "old" music and dancing can quickly identify with. His repeated failures to succeed in his field of choice are redeemed by his lighthearted determination to keep at it, no matter what--not just to sing and dance for a living, but to be successful enough to return to his native coal-mining town in northern England with sufficient money to buy and restore the old, now-unused local theatre to its former glory.

Throughout the story I found myself holding my breath as Bert was offered all kinds of really good chances to betray the trust of his girlfriend back home. For me, this added an element of suspense I never would have expected in such an obviously "no-brainer" movie.

It may not have had a terribly thrilling plot but I would still rate this movie 4 out of 5 for the enjoyment I got out of it.

High on talent and fun
British actor Robert Lindsay made his debut in "Bert Rigby You're a Fool." This was to be his big film break. Unfortunately the film has been relegated to late night TV and cable. It is a shame because it is a wonderfully charming send up of the glorious MGM musicals. Robert Lindsay, who scored a smash success in London and on Broadway in "Me and My Girl", is a wonderfully talented actor. He sings, dances and has great timing. The film was directed with great care by Carl Reiner. In brief, the plot revolves around Bert who works in a coal mine in Northern England in the 1980's. He loves musicals especially Fred Astaire. He dreams of stardom and gets his chance when he meets Robbie Coltraine, a disreputable agent who gives him his first big break. He finally leaves England, and his pregnant girlfriend, to pursue a career in Hollywood. There he encounters one misadventure after another. In particular is his relationship with Anne Bancroft, the (...) wife of a big Hollywood mogul. However, it is Lindsay who carries the movie all the way. His singing and dancing are a joy to behold. Too bad this little film did not fair better with the masses. Check it out, I think you will like it.

Calling all Gene Kelly fans!
What a lovely film! But if you are not a fan of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, don't bother, you won't like it. Robert Lindsay gives a superlative performance as the amiably foolish though undeniably talented coal miner turned song and dance man, Bert Rigby. One can't help liking Bert: He's optimistic but not annoyingly perky, energetic but not exhausting, and above all else he's a truly honorable gentleman with his heart in the right place. And his 2 minute rendition of the entire film of "Singing in the Rain" is not to be missed. "BRYAF" is a charming, occasionally hilarious movie made magical by Lindsay's presence.

5 STAR RATING FOR ROBERT LINDSAY -BUT NOT THE MOVIE
Robert Lindsay is the most talented and versatile actor around. Tony and Olivier awards for singing and dancing in 'Me and My Girl; Olivier award for 'Oliver', British film and TV awards (BAFTAs) for dramatic work in GBH; marvelous perofrmances in BBC's Shakespeare series including his role as Benedick in 'Much Ado About Nothing' which far surpasses anyone else's; and his recent role as Capt. Pellew in A&E's 'Horatio Hornblower' which gave the series the best acting.

Lindsay sings and dances his heart out in 'Bert Rigby', but, unfortunately, his performance is the ONLY reason to watch this badly written and directed (by Carl Reiner) movie. Reiner did Lindsay a HUGE injustice in this movie. He should have given Lindsay a decent storyline and direction in which to show off his incomparable talents. Too bad this movie wasn't it.

They SHOULD have filmed Lindsay in his spectacular performance in 'Me and My Girl' instead! Why in heaven's name there is not a film of that, I'll never figure out.

Buy 'Bert Rigby' if only to enjoy Mr. Lindsay's singing and dancing.

Too much actor, too little script.
This movie, apparently written as a vehicle for the multi-talented Robert Lindsay, could just as easily have been titled, "Bert Rigby, You're Sooooo Precious". Watch Robert Lindsay as he does Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley and the Keystone Cops. At the same time he is charming every female in sight, wearing muscle shirts, singing duets with the charismatic Ann Bancroft, baby sitting a deserted young boy and playing hero during a bank robbery. Hmmmmm. I began to suspect somewhere after the first 30 minuts that perhaps Carl Reiner was a little too smitten with his star. While I applaud his taste in stars and his attempt to provide him with a worthwhile vehicle, this train wandered in every direction and it was hard to figure out where it wanted to go. Robert Lindsay made a valiant effort but couldn't keep it on track. Worth a perusal (especially for the interaction between Lindsay and Bancroft, alone) if you're not in a hurry to reach the station but, a little judicious editing could have resulted in, "Bert Rigby, You're a Gem". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Two second season episodes of "The Dick Van Dyke Show"
A pair of second season episodes from "The Dick Van Dyke Show" are featured on this video tape. Episode #39, "The Night the Roof Fell In" (Written by John Whedon, Aired November 21, 1962) is another one of those television sitcom homages to Akira Kurosawa's film "Rashomon." Rob (Dick Van Dyke) and Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) each have quite different versions of the fight that sent Rob storming out of the house to sleep in the garage. The fun comes as each retells what happens to their friends: Laura sees herself as the perfect Suzy Homemaker who has to deal with Rob, the grumbling meanie, while Rob sees himself as a charming, dancing husband who is the one who has to put up with the grumbling spouse. Do not worry, because everything ends up okay in the end of this classic sitcom episode, which gives the two stars a chance to play off their characters (it reminds me of an outtake Van Dyke and Moore did once where he cried instead of her).

Then we have Episode #31, "Never Name a Duck" (Written by Carl Reiner, Aired September 26, 1962) in which Rob brings home two baby ducks. Laura has reservations about the whole thing but the ducks become beloved family pets. But then one of the ducks dies, and Richie (Larry Mathews) worries why the other one gets sicker and sicker. This is a rare episode in which father and son share a nice little heart-to-heart talk about life and death. There are not a lot of serious episodes from this classic television sitcom, but this would certainly be one of them. It is strange to find both of these episodes on the same tape, but these are both very good episodes, and the first is a bone fide classic "Dick Van Dyke" episode. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Fatally Funny: A Parody Of The 90's Classic Thrillers
This movie was on tv about a week ago. I could not stop laughing. The comedy is top notch in much the same lines of The Naked Gun/Leslie Nielson movies. On DVD, the experience must be as hilarious as its original release in 1993. Armand Assante (yes a serious actor in a comic role really works although they could have easily used Leslie Nielson for the part) stars as the victim of the scheming Lola (Sean Young) who will stop at nothing to see his marriage ruined. Like the title suggests, the movie is a cross between Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct. Those were the two most standard thrillers during the early 90's period. Both films starred Michael Douglas as the target of a scheming and obscessed woman. The laughs keep on coming as the obvious parodies are executed. I.E. the famous Interrogation Scene in Basic Instict, the murder in the bath tub and the cooked rabbit in Fatal Attraction. Also on here are parodies of Sleeping With The Enemy starring Julia Roberts and Patrick Bergin, a 1991 thriller about a husband who is obscessed with his own wife and who likes to have his own things in the house arranged his way. This movie is really great comedy and really will take you to the 90's. The 90's is long gone and many were too little to remember everything in detail. But it was a time in which movies were full of thrillers. I wish they had made a spoof of "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" on this film too. It was a time of laughing at criminals and their schocking crimes. Remember the Melendez Brothers ? Remember Lorena Bobbit ? And let's not forget the secret plotting of Tonya Harding against Nancy Carrigan. All this happened in the 90's. This was the time of the O.J. Simpson trial after all. I really recommend this movie. Many can easily dismiss it as cheap comedy but there are some genuinely comic moments, such as Armand Assante and Sean Young's lovemaking scene, the final part of the movie is funny too. A must have for fans of comedies of the 90's.

Bad Reviews? I Don't Know Why...
This movie was slammed by critics. The most common review of this said that there was 'just too many jokes' in it. I watched it with a critical eye, and thought it was a really fun movie.

I didn't laugh out loud with tears running down my face, but did spend the entire run time giggling at the antics of all the characters. The cast consists of several Serious Actors (Kate Nelligan, Armand Assante) who play their parts as though they were in a drama. To me, those are excellent comedic acting skills. It's when actors play for laughs that they are not funny.

You might not be tickled by this one if you aren't familiar with the 'film noir' and detective film genre. If you are a fan of those, you will laugh as you recognize all the devices in those films over-used to good effect in this one.

I had a good time watching it...give it a try!

Wonderfully funny movie
Love this movie! After watching it on TV for the umptenth time, have decided to buy the DVD. It will be great to pull off the shelf for a good time! It's a humorous compilation of several good thriller/suspense movies, with a 1950-60s backdrop. Love the scene where they call recess during the courtroom trial.

If you like Airplane, you'll howl at this gem of a movie
This brand of comedy is not for all, but if you like Airplane, Naked Gun, etc., then you'll love this movie. Some like this type of humor only with Leslie Nielson as the lead, but Armand Assante pulls this one off superbly as the dragnet-type of detective who happens to be a lawyer. Sean Young is terrific in her role as Lola, a scheming femme fatale. The movie spoofs other movies, but even if you don't catch them all, the humor is nonstop and, in some cases, hilarious enough to chuck your popcorn all over the floor...

Good film, finally on DVD, but... in full screen?!?
No, thanks. The commentary and outtakes are a perfect addition, but the film's being in awful full screen format ruins it immediately. I'll wait for a real, widescreen version, even if it's without the extras. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Family Tree Becomes A Family Bush
I found this movie so funny and mind-bending. About a woman, Marjorie Turner, who is so bored with her husband, Harry Turner, is persuaded to have an affair by her sister, Jeanine. Marjorie does, indeed, have the affair (which is against her character): Unwittingly, with her husband's brother, Charles Turner Jr. Talk about loving someone to death! A salesman, Nick, enters the hotel room, with the body under the covers. He tries to install vertical blinds, and they fall on the head of the dead chap. Nick thought that he killed Charles. He manages to call Marjorie, to tell her about the news of the death of what he thought to be her husband. (Marjorie tripped over Nick's blinds, things spill out of her purse. She hurries into the lift before Nick discovers her wallet.) Both of them find themselves in a sticky-wicket. Neither can contact the officials (for Marjorie's husband and his family are doctors, and Nick's brother is a policeman.) So they try to make it appear that Charles committed suicide. Brothers and sisters of Marjorie, Harry, and Nick all get involved somehow or another. It's difficult to give details without confusing you (as I said, it's mind-bending) and/or giving out too much information. Kirstie Alley is Marjorie Turner; Bill Pullman is Nick; Scott Bakula is Harry Turner (who, by the way, looks absolutly gorgeous with longer hair and beard at the end); Sam Elliot is Charles Turner Jr.; Jami Gertz is Jeanine; etc. Three families intertwine so much that they are no longer family trees, but a family bush! Enjoy!

Sibling Rivalry - A Family Tree Becomes A Family Bush
I found this movies so funny and mind-bending. About a women, who is bored with her husband, is persuaded to have an affair by her sister. Marjorie does have an affair: unwittingly, with her husband's brother. Talk about loving someone to death! A salesman, Nick, enters the hotel room, with the body under the covers. He tries to install vertical blinds, and they fall on the head of the dead chap in bed (Charles Jr.). Nick thought that he killed Charles. He manages to call Marjorie, to tell about the news of the death of what he thought to be her husband. Both of them find themselves in a sticky-wicket. Neither can contact the officials (for Marjorie's husband [Harry] and his family are doctors, and Nick's brother is a policeman.) So they try to make it appear that Charles committed suicide. Brothers and sisters of Marjorie, Harry, Nick, all get involved somehow or another. It's difficult to give details without either confusing you or giving too much information away. The cast is good. Kirstie Alley as Marjorie Turner; Bill Pullman as Nick; Scott Bakula as Harry Turner (who, by the way, looks absolutly gorgeous with longer hair and beard at the end); Sam Elliot as Charles Jr. Turner; Jami Gertz as Marjorie's sister, Jenenne; etc. Three families intertwine so much that they are no longer family trees, but a family bush. Enjoy!

Horrible
I'll make this review quick: This movie was so awful that I seriously contemplated jabbing my eyes out with a rusty fork so that I would no longer have to watch it. The acting is ok, but for the people in the movie (especially Kirstie), it's very below par. The plot is convoluted and stupid, and by the time 1/4th of the movie has passed, any interest or concern for what happens to the characters is replaced by a concern for how much longer the film can possibly continue. Save yourself the money and time that I will never be able to get back: don't watch this movie.

A funny little Movie
This movie has some scenes in it that make you laugh until you cry. Kirsty Alley's character who is a bored wife of a Doctor has a crazy fling with Sam Elliott's character. She thinks it's a one night stand until she finds out he is her husband's brother returning to the US after being away for years. When her brother-in-law dies of a heart attack in the motel room, the movie takes off as Bill Pullman a nerdy blind salesman tries to help her make it look like her brother-in-law committed suicide. Carrie Fisher plays a snotty Sister-in-law. A Great cast and a funny movie.

Rolling on the floor laughing
There are not many movies I can watch 6 times and enjoy every
time. Kirstie Alley, Sam Eliott, Ed O'Neil, and Carrie Fisher
are all at their best, and this commedy does not hold back any
opportunity to score laughs. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Bert Rigby, You're a Gentleman
Idly clicking through channels late one evening, I stumbled upon BRYAF and was alternately intrigued, enchanted and moved to laughter by the adventures and mishaps of this guy who apparently should have been born 50 years earlier. Bert is someone all of us who still like "old" music and dancing can quickly identify with. His repeated failures to succeed in his field of choice are redeemed by his lighthearted determination to keep at it, no matter what--not just to sing and dance for a living, but to be successful enough to return to his native coal-mining town in northern England with sufficient money to buy and restore the old, now-unused local theatre to its former glory.

Throughout the story I found myself holding my breath as Bert was offered all kinds of really good chances to betray the trust of his girlfriend back home. For me, this added an element of suspense I never would have expected in such an obviously "no-brainer" movie.

It may not have had a terribly thrilling plot but I would still rate this movie 4 out of 5 for the enjoyment I got out of it.

High on talent and fun
British actor Robert Lindsay made his debut in "Bert Rigby You're a Fool." This was to be his big film break. Unfortunately the film has been relegated to late night TV and cable. It is a shame because it is a wonderfully charming send up of the glorious MGM musicals. Robert Lindsay, who scored a smash success in London and on Broadway in "Me and My Girl", is a wonderfully talented actor. He sings, dances and has great timing. The film was directed with great care by Carl Reiner. In brief, the plot revolves around Bert who works in a coal mine in Northern England in the 1980's. He loves musicals especially Fred Astaire. He dreams of stardom and gets his chance when he meets Robbie Coltraine, a disreputable agent who gives him his first big break. He finally leaves England, and his pregnant girlfriend, to pursue a career in Hollywood. There he encounters one misadventure after another. In particular is his relationship with Anne Bancroft, the (...) wife of a big Hollywood mogul. However, it is Lindsay who carries the movie all the way. His singing and dancing are a joy to behold. Too bad this little film did not fair better with the masses. Check it out, I think you will like it.

Calling all Gene Kelly fans!
What a lovely film! But if you are not a fan of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, don't bother, you won't like it. Robert Lindsay gives a superlative performance as the amiably foolish though undeniably talented coal miner turned song and dance man, Bert Rigby. One can't help liking Bert: He's optimistic but not annoyingly perky, energetic but not exhausting, and above all else he's a truly honorable gentleman with his heart in the right place. And his 2 minute rendition of the entire film of "Singing in the Rain" is not to be missed. "BRYAF" is a charming, occasionally hilarious movie made magical by Lindsay's presence.

5 STAR RATING FOR ROBERT LINDSAY -BUT NOT THE MOVIE
Robert Lindsay is the most talented and versatile actor around. Tony and Olivier awards for singing and dancing in 'Me and My Girl; Olivier award for 'Oliver', British film and TV awards (BAFTAs) for dramatic work in GBH; marvelous perofrmances in BBC's Shakespeare series including his role as Benedick in 'Much Ado About Nothing' which far surpasses anyone else's; and his recent role as Capt. Pellew in A&E's 'Horatio Hornblower' which gave the series the best acting.

Lindsay sings and dances his heart out in 'Bert Rigby', but, unfortunately, his performance is the ONLY reason to watch this badly written and directed (by Carl Reiner) movie. Reiner did Lindsay a HUGE injustice in this movie. He should have given Lindsay a decent storyline and direction in which to show off his incomparable talents. Too bad this movie wasn't it.

They SHOULD have filmed Lindsay in his spectacular performance in 'Me and My Girl' instead! Why in heaven's name there is not a film of that, I'll never figure out.

Buy 'Bert Rigby' if only to enjoy Mr. Lindsay's singing and dancing.

Too much actor, too little script.
This movie, apparently written as a vehicle for the multi-talented Robert Lindsay, could just as easily have been titled, "Bert Rigby, You're Sooooo Precious". Watch Robert Lindsay as he does Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley and the Keystone Cops. At the same time he is charming every female in sight, wearing muscle shirts, singing duets with the charismatic Ann Bancroft, baby sitting a deserted young boy and playing hero during a bank robbery. Hmmmmm. I began to suspect somewhere after the first 30 minuts that perhaps Carl Reiner was a little too smitten with his star. While I applaud his taste in stars and his attempt to provide him with a worthwhile vehicle, this train wandered in every direction and it was hard to figure out where it wanted to go. Robert Lindsay made a valiant effort but couldn't keep it on track. Worth a perusal (especially for the interaction between Lindsay and Bancroft, alone) if you're not in a hurry to reach the station but, a little judicious editing could have resulted in, "Bert Rigby, You're a Gem". ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Bert Rigby, You're a Gentleman
Idly clicking through channels late one evening, I stumbled upon BRYAF and was alternately intrigued, enchanted and moved to laughter by the adventures and mishaps of this guy who apparently should have been born 50 years earlier. Bert is someone all of us who still like "old" music and dancing can quickly identify with. His repeated failures to succeed in his field of choice are redeemed by his lighthearted determination to keep at it, no matter what--not just to sing and dance for a living, but to be successful enough to return to his native coal-mining town in northern England with sufficient money to buy and restore the old, now-unused local theatre to its former glory.

Throughout the story I found myself holding my breath as Bert was offered all kinds of really good chances to betray the trust of his girlfriend back home. For me, this added an element of suspense I never would have expected in such an obviously "no-brainer" movie.

It may not have had a terribly thrilling plot but I would still rate this movie 4 out of 5 for the enjoyment I got out of it.

High on talent and fun
British actor Robert Lindsay made his debut in "Bert Rigby You're a Fool." This was to be his big film break. Unfortunately the film has been relegated to late night TV and cable. It is a shame because it is a wonderfully charming send up of the glorious MGM musicals. Robert Lindsay, who scored a smash success in London and on Broadway in "Me and My Girl", is a wonderfully talented actor. He sings, dances and has great timing. The film was directed with great care by Carl Reiner. In brief, the plot revolves around Bert who works in a coal mine in Northern England in the 1980's. He loves musicals especially Fred Astaire. He dreams of stardom and gets his chance when he meets Robbie Coltraine, a disreputable agent who gives him his first big break. He finally leaves England, and his pregnant girlfriend, to pursue a career in Hollywood. There he encounters one misadventure after another. In particular is his relationship with Anne Bancroft, the (...) wife of a big Hollywood mogul. However, it is Lindsay who carries the movie all the way. His singing and dancing are a joy to behold. Too bad this little film did not fair better with the masses. Check it out, I think you will like it.

Calling all Gene Kelly fans!
What a lovely film! But if you are not a fan of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, don't bother, you won't like it. Robert Lindsay gives a superlative performance as the amiably foolish though undeniably talented coal miner turned song and dance man, Bert Rigby. One can't help liking Bert: He's optimistic but not annoyingly perky, energetic but not exhausting, and above all else he's a truly honorable gentleman with his heart in the right place. And his 2 minute rendition of the entire film of "Singing in the Rain" is not to be missed. "BRYAF" is a charming, occasionally hilarious movie made magical by Lindsay's presence.

5 STAR RATING FOR ROBERT LINDSAY -BUT NOT THE MOVIE
Robert Lindsay is the most talented and versatile actor around. Tony and Olivier awards for singing and dancing in 'Me and My Girl; Olivier award for 'Oliver', British film and TV awards (BAFTAs) for dramatic work in GBH; marvelous perofrmances in BBC's Shakespeare series including his role as Benedick in 'Much Ado About Nothing' which far surpasses anyone else's; and his recent role as Capt. Pellew in A&E's 'Horatio Hornblower' which gave the series the best acting.

Lindsay sings and dances his heart out in 'Bert Rigby', but, unfortunately, his performance is the ONLY reason to watch this badly written and directed (by Carl Reiner) movie. Reiner did Lindsay a HUGE injustice in this movie. He should have given Lindsay a decent storyline and direction in which to show off his incomparable talents. Too bad this movie wasn't it.

They SHOULD have filmed Lindsay in his spectacular performance in 'Me and My Girl' instead! Why in heaven's name there is not a film of that, I'll never figure out.

Buy 'Bert Rigby' if only to enjoy Mr. Lindsay's singing and dancing.

Too much actor, too little script.
This movie, apparently written as a vehicle for the multi-talented Robert Lindsay, could just as easily have been titled, "Bert Rigby, You're Sooooo Precious". Watch Robert Lindsay as he does Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley and the Keystone Cops. At the same time he is charming every female in sight, wearing muscle shirts, singing duets with the charismatic Ann Bancroft, baby sitting a deserted young boy and playing hero during a bank robbery. Hmmmmm. I began to suspect somewhere after the first 30 minuts that perhaps Carl Reiner was a little too smitten with his star. While I applaud his taste in stars and his attempt to provide him with a worthwhile vehicle, this train wandered in every direction and it was hard to figure out where it wanted to go. Robert Lindsay made a valiant effort but couldn't keep it on track. Worth a perusal (especially for the interaction between Lindsay and Bancroft, alone) if you're not in a hurry to reach the station but, a little judicious editing could have resulted in, "Bert Rigby, You're a Gem". ... Read more