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The 1974 film version of Mame stars legendary Lucille Ball and isbased on the 1966 hit Broadwaymusical, not the 1958 movie. When 10-year-old Patrick Dennis's father dies,he is sent to live with his eccentric Auntie Mame. Mame may know nothing aboutbeing a parent, but she's got love and spontaneity in spades, and Patrick bloomsin the time spent with her. Though Miss Ball seems sadly miscast whenMame begins (she's too old and can't sing), by the time the movie reachesthe famous foxhunt scene when Mame accidentally wins the hunt, and in turn theheart of gallant Beauregard Burnside, you start to believe Lucy is Mame.

Reprising her Broadway role (for which she won a Tony), Bea Arthur plays Mame'sboozy pal Vera Charles. Songs include the now-classic "We Need a LittleChristmas" and "Bosom Buddies" plus "Loving You," sung by Robert Preston's Beauand written for this movie. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Reviews (111)

Ball shines in a true gem of a film
"Mame", based on the 1966 Broadway smash about the adventures of a madcap grande dame auntie and her hapless nephew Patrick, was revitalized for this glorious 1974 movie adaptation. Starring a sixty-three-year-old Lucille Ball, the film became controversial through the years because of Ball's "inadequacy" to play the role and that Angela Lansbury, who had immortalized the title role in the musical "Mame", should have played the role. Perhaps so. Who knows, the film probably would have benefited greatly from Lansbury's classic performance. But Lucille Ball triumphs in the role of Mame, and projects an infectious flamboyance with such verve and joy and she also projects a genuine tenderness and warmth through the role. And yes, Ball is by no means a singer, but again, there is so much warmth shining through Jerry Herman's classic "Mame" score, with Ball's lower-key, rueful singing. Ball is even quite glamorous in the film, sometimes almost resembling a mature Vivien Leigh early in the film. And there is the classic "Lucy" humor in the role, which will delight Ball's "I Love Lucy" fans and filmgoers. No question about it: Lansbury will always be the ultimate musical "Mame", but no question about it: Ball is a triumph in the role,and if she had to leave films, she left on a glorious note.

Aside from controversy surrounding the Ball performance, the film is nothing short of a delight. Jerry Herman's "Mame" score includes such favorite classics as "It's Today", "We Need A Little Christmas", "If He Walked Into My Life", and of course, the wonderful title tune, "Mame", stunningly photographed, choreographed, and sung by a crowd of Southerners in reverence of Mame.

Casting is also inspired. Beatrice Arthur reprises her Tony-winning role as Mame's gin-soaked, haughty actress best friend, Vera Charles, and Robert Preston scores as Mame's Southern husband Beauregard Burnside, and Jane Connell is hilarious as the befuddled nanny Agnes Gooch.

The film is also full of many, many golden scenes: "Mame"'s opening party sequence, Mame's disastrous stage debut, Mame's whirlwind fox hunt, Mame's round-the-world honeymoon, Mame meeting the parents of Patrick's uppity girlfriend, and Mame leading Patrick's little boy to new adventures at film's end.

Ball also recruited many of the original Broadway performers and technicians for the film, with Beatrice Arthur's performance and Onna White's choreography and Gene Saks's direction. It was a wonderful decision, because this gives the film much of the flavor of the Broadway show. So, in the final analysis, "Mame" is indeed, for all the messiness and controversy, a truly wonderful gem of a movie musical, and one that should be treasured by movie audiences for a very long time.

one of my absolute favorites
mame is one of my favorite movies! i am a fervent lucy fan, and was delighted when i saw this movie on the video rental shelf a couple of years ago. i rented it, and was blown away, it's a comedic masterpiece! any lucy fan, or anyone who likes a good comedy needs to see this movie. one of the best comedies ever made!

A fine musical product
Is Lucille Ball the best Mame? No. Is she the worst? No. It's actually a treat to see her in the role, husky singing aside. Ball was in RKO and MGM musicals in the 30's and 40's where she played sassy and brassy. Seeing her play something slightly softer and more vulnerable is a welcome change.

Comparisons to the Rosalind Russell version puzzle me; this one is a musical, that one is not. A musical introduces a different nuance to a story and character which will result in a slightly different interpretation. Grace Kelly in "High Society" was not Katherine Hepburn in "The Philadelphia Story", but it would have been somewhat shocking to see Cary Grant break out into song about Kate. Seeing Bing Crosby do it about Grace made sense.

Even if you don't like Ball's performance, it's only a minor flaw in what is a great package: clever songs, scenery-chewing Vera, hilarious Gooch, and some truly funny lines. Mame is still irrepressible, Patrick learns his lesson, and the foxhunt scene is a grand big production number.

Lucille Ball is Auntie Mame
I love Mame Lucillle Ball, is so beautiful and graceful she should of got an award for it.I dont why people bash poor lucy for her performance in mame?. The 1959 version of Auntie Mame starring the repulsive Rossalind Russel and ugly Coral Brown that shame full peice of crap

I love Mame !
Lucille balls, version of Mame was astounding she has the grace and the beauty and class to be auntie mame. She dances beautifuly and her costumes were simply stunning. Rossliand Russels, version was very disapointing and would not reccomend that version she had no class to play the elegant Mame Dennise and her clothes didnt look authentic from the era .I reccomend lucys version. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

cute Hawn comedy
Goldie Hawn, in her movie debut, walked away with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this wonderful movie. She stars with Ingrid Bergman and Walter Matthau.

CACTUS FLOWER is a sublime comedy of matchmaking and errors, played out by a tart cast that knows just how to play things.

Bergman is precious as Stephanie, the straight-laced receptionist/assistant of a womanising dentist (Walter Matthau) who is secretly in love with him. He has a ditzy girlfriend, Toni (Goldie Hawn) who wants to marry him. He is a confirmed bachelor and wishes to remain one, so he tells Toni he is married to Stephanie! Stephanie wants no part of the plan, but finds herself living out her fantasy of being married to the man of her dreams.

Very enjoyable comedy, with an intelligent script, one that you will really love!

Delightful comedy with excellent cast!
This classic comedy of mix-ups and mistakes is sure to please. Walter Matthau is the "dirty married bachelor", dentist Julian who lies to his girlfriend, Toni (Goldie Hawn)by pretending that he is married. When he discovers that she tried to kill himself for him, he invents a little more so that he can get a "divorce" from his "wife" and marry Toni. But since Toni won't be a "house-wrecker", he also has to come up with a wife! Ingrid Bergman as Julian's stiff Swedish nurse is excellent as she comes to his aid. As can be expected, the situation gets stickier and stickier as the movie gets funnier! Anyone who enjoys mix-up situation comedies will love this movie. Other suggestions are "Housesitter" (Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn) and "9 to 5" (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton). Happy watching!

Frothy romantic comedy
Peace and love, but not quite this much. Romantic comedy "Cactus Flower" is flirty, frothy and very amusing (not to mention it's nice to see a gal in her fifties shown as being attractive by the movie industry). It's predictable and lacking in twists, but it's entertaining by itself.

Bachelor dentist Julian Winston (Walter Matthau) met the ditzy but sweet Toni (Goldie Hawn) a year ago, but to avoid the looming threat of commitment, he claimed he was married with three kids. But Toni tries to commit suicide -- a faulty attempt botched by her attractive playwright neighbor Igor (Rick Lenz). When Julian learns of it, he decides to marry her, and pretends that he's getting a divorce from the wife he doesn't have. Small problem: Toni wants to meet her personally.

Julian tries to convince his straightlaced nurse Stephanie (Ingrid Bergman) to pretend to be his wife. At first she says no way, but then agrees (partly because she is secretly in love with him... of course). Except then Toni thinks that Stephanie is still in love with Julian, and that his kids will be traumatized by the divorce. So then Julian tries to recruit a fake boyfriend for his fake wife, to give an excuse for the fake divorce... and the web of nonexistant lovers starts to spread.

This film is a fun film, not a great film; it's froth, and pretends to be no more. In fact, I guessed the outcome of the movie (give or take a cactus and mink stole) within the first ten minutes. But getting there is half the fun. It's cute to see the little web of lies getting worse and worse, right down to the womanizing pal Harvey telling his idiot girlfriend that he's an agent for the CIA.

The trappings of "Cactus Flower" are a bit dated now -- the dancing, the store of vinyl records, the clothing, the hippie putting flowers on people's windshields. Fortunately, the script has aged pretty well if you know what "square" means. The cluelessness of Hawn's character starts to grate on the nerves (surely NO ONE can be this dim), but it has some funny dialogue.

Ingrid Bergman usually got stuck in dramatic, often melancholy roles, but here she gets to bust loose with plenty of acid-tongued barbs, the "dentist" dance, not to mention a funny, sexy dance with Igor and a mink stole. Matthau does an excellent job as the increasingly uptight, habitual liar Julian, whom we like despite his jerkishness. Hawn is merely okay; she spends a little too much time biting her lip and looking fawnish, and Lenz is extremely funny, charming and quite underrated.

The witty repartee and amusingly predictable plotline make this a fun watch, if you're in the mood for something light and bizarrely romantic. Cute and entertaining.

Lots of laughs!
Will established dentist Julian Winston (Walter Mathau) end up with Toni (Goldie Hawn), his young and goofy mistress or his assistant and fake 'wife' Stephanie (Ingrid Bergman), solid, smart and secretly in love with her boss?

This is one of my family's most beloved movies. Clever and funny, with a cast that shines in every scene. I agree with other reviewers that Ingrid Bergman's comedic timing is superb! And Goldie Hawn is so very young in it, and already a high-class performance that won her an award.

What?!...Ingrid Bergman, Walter Matthau, and Goldie Hawn?!
Being an avid movie and music fan, I'm always happy to find hidden gems in either artform that can take me by surprise. I will also say that on most occasions I usually tend to agree with the critics in their attitudes and assertions. However, this was not such a case. When I recently stumbled upon this movie, I had never heard of it; the cast immediately intrigued me, especially Ingrid Bergman (in a 60's comedy?!) I did a little research and was dissappointed to see that most of the reviews of this film were either lukewarm or negative, with most of the complaints being made about the "miscasting of Ingrid Bergman". Interesting enough, Goldie Hawn managed to win an Academy Award for her role...(was 1969 that bad a year for actresses?).

Anyway, I wasn't expecting much when I finally watched it, especially after reading Leonard Maltin's review. However, I quickly found myself thouroughly enjoying the scenarios unfolding. Lighthearted, yes...but very fun. It is very much in line with the Neil Simon plays/film of the era, having also been derived from a Broadway play. I have to say that good old Leonard is wrong on this one, as are many other critcs. The most astonishing error is the claim that Ingrid Bergman was miscast and has no comedic timing. She was a riot to watch in a role like this; I'll say the best moments in the film are hers. To my eyes, Bergman appears to be having a blast with this role and it is quite apparent. At this point in her career, her mid 50's, it is wholly enjoyable to see the still beautiful Bergman having some lighthearted, carefree fun.
I am surprised that the Academy chose to honor Goldie Hawn for her performance. I found her to be a tad too cooky, even for a '60's go-go girl. Walter Matthau, however, plays the role of a sneaky dentist quite well and is fully enjoyable.
Apart from the actors' performances, I did also enjoy the look and feel of the film. While many films from the 60's and 70's appear, to me, to be hopelessly dated in both of these aspects, I found that the "1969" in this film looked great. It was actually very appealing...oranges,browns, flowers, and miniskirts, et.al.
All in all, a very satisfying, simple little romp. Look folks, I'm not saying this is a masterpiece by any stretch, but I definately found this worthy seeing. The DVD has no extras to speak of...just a trailer of the film, as well as trailers for two other completely unrelated film (?) However, the transfer of the film to DVD is surprisingly satisfying...colors are rich and vibrant, with minimal artifacts, film dirt/damage. Also, and thankfully, the Widescreen is anamorphic. Of course, there is the obligatory inclusion of the Standard (aka butchered)Version on the flipside of the disk, for those who haven't made the transition to the CORRECT way that is widescreen. (ok...so maybe that was a little unnecessary)
So if you've possibly not seen or heard of this film and are interested, don't listen to the critics on this one. Give it a try, it's a good time. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Neil Simon's terribly funny play about roommates Oscar the slob and Felix the neurotic was first committed to film in this 1968 production, directed by Gene Saks (Barefoot in the Park). Perfectly timed, ingeniously rendered, not a hair out of place in the history-making performances of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon (or the great support cast), The Odd Couple is a movie that one just has to see every two or three years to stay happy. The poker-game sequence in which Oscar's cronies seem to be falling under the sway of fussy Felix's talent for making sandwiches is priceless. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (26)

The Original And Still The Best, With An Exception or Two
The story is a classic. Poor neat Felix is going through a divorce, and old, sloppy friend Oscar takes him in. Both go through mid-life crises, and we get to meet some great character actors along the way.. besides Matthau and Lemmon, of course! John Fielder is magnificent. We all know the film by its countless viewings on TV ... and of course the TV series. It's FINALLY nice, through the magic of wide-screen, to see the ENTIRE poker game. To see the ENTIRE messy apartment ... and those classic New York street scenes. What's not so nice are the color and sound. Neither has held up that well, though Paramount must have made their best efforts to put together something out of bad '60's negatives and/or prints. The color is so muted, and so is a lot of the sound for whatever reason. Still, the DVD version is much better than the pan-and-scan VHS version currently offered. Can't do too much about that '60's color.

Odd Men Out Are Still In Style
Perhaps prolific playwright Neil Simon's best known work, the 1968 film adaptation of The Odd Couple, helped to give birth to one of cinema's best comedy teams. It is clear from the begining that Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon were a match made in heaven.

Recently divorced fussbudget and neatfreak Felix Unger (Lemmon) is down on his luck. With nowhere else to turn, he finds himself, reluctantly, on the doorstep of pal Oscar Madison (Matthau), who is himself divorced. Oscar is a total slob and proud of it. The film is all about how these total opposites, can live with each other, without losing their sanity.

While I never saw the play, (save for a High School produced short version) the filmmakers didn't mess with the formula. Adapting stage plays on film, can at times, seem quite limiting . Not here though. Director Gene Saks has great sense of what works. The chemistry between Lemmon and Matthau is undeniable. The performances are pitch perfect--even from the supporting players. Simon's story and script is timeless and holds up very well...The movie may have been made over 30 years ago and yet...I always liked watching the TV series, still, nothing beats the film version.

It's great to finally be able to see the movie in the widescreen format, though, a cleaner print is called for. The only bonus material on the DVD is the film's theatrical trailer. Both of these great actors are sadly no longer with us, but thankfully their work will live on, in the films they left behind. Recommended with a **** and 1 quarter rating.

A Perfect Comedy Team in the Perfect Comedy
Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy? This movie proves that the answer is no. Oscar is a sloppy New York sports writer. Felix is a fussy neat freak who writes the news for television. Both are divorced and share an apartment together. Felix complains about a pickle on the floor, and Oscar complains about Felix washing Oscar's poker cards. Yes, they get on each other's nerves endlessly, that is, until Oscar throws Felix out. This movie is one of my all-time favorites, and unlike other movies I've seen, it doesn't get stale with repeated viewings. All in all, a classic comedy by Neil Simon.

Enjoyable comedy
This is a very funny movie with two excellent comic performances from Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Lemmon makes Felix a sympathetic and three-dimensional character, melancholy and depressive as well as fussy and compulsively neat. What's frustrating for me is that I love Lemmon's Felix, while for Oscar I prefer Jack Klugman, who played the role in the TV show THE ODD COUPLE. My ideal pairing would be Lemmon and Klugman, with the rest of the supporting cast (including the wonderful John Fiedler). Oh, well...

For me, the best part of this movie is the SUPERB theme music by Neal Hefti, which I think should have won an award. In the theme we hear a musical "portrait" of Oscar and Felix, before we even hear either of them speak. Enjoy it!

THE ODD COUPLE: The Movie
Neil Simon's THE ODD COUPLE has been a hit in three different incarnations. First, in 1965, there was the Broadway production starring Art Carney and Walter Matthau as Felix Unger and Oscar Madison. The play was filmed in 1968 with Matthau and Jack Lemmon, then turned into the TV series featuring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. Though the movie opens up the one-set original to include scenes in restaurants, streets, a motel, a ballpark, and a bowling alley, the sequences set in Oscar's Riverside Drive apartment form the heart of the play; director Gene Saks keeps these intact for the movie. Matthau's deadpan Oscar is the perfect foil for Lemmon's melancholy yet funny Felix. The scenes involving the two are alternately riotous - as when Oscar becomes fed up with Felix's constant fussing - and touching - as when Felix cries in front of the Pigeon sisters, his and Oscar's dinner dates. John Fiedler shines as one of Oscar's four poker-playing buddies. THE ODD COUPLE, in whatever version, is ultimately a comedy about friendship enduring despite differences, and this theme is communicated superbly by the team of Lemmon, Matthau, and Saks. ... Read more

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Devotees of Neil Simon's repartee, such as in his Goodbye Girl and Brighton Beach Memoirs, will enjoy this earlier tale of domestic dispute between newlyweds.Corie (Jane Fonda) is the young housewife trying to keep life exciting while making a home for her and her husband, Paul (Robert Redford), on the fifth floor of a Greenwich Village walkup apartment. He's working hard at starting his career as lawyer; she's eager to be romantic and spontaneous; and the two have plenty to squabble about. The film suffers a bit from Corie's excessive perkiness and the odd lack of chemistry between the two actors. But those who find the dramatic conventions a bit stiff (some of the dialogue and action seems more suited for stage than screen) may still smile at the dated look (circa 1967) at home life. Mildred Natwick is superb as Corie's mother, and Charles Boyer milks his role as the elderly bohemian neighbor upstairs. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (25)

"SHAMMA SHAMMA!"
This is a great romantic comedy it has the charm of woody allen and billy crystal's films and it has the humor of its writer Neil Simon. The story takes place in the mid 1960's and involes a young newlywed couple played by Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.
After spending six "wonderful days at the Plaza" as miss Fonda so well put it they go home to start the marrige. They move into a one room apt. on the east side of new york and it's a walk up six flights. in the film we meet some very funny charecters like Victor Volasco and Corrie's mom who happend to still the hole film. This is a great sit at home date movie and im sure you'll love it! "Shamma Shamma"

Just a delight!
An old friend (and fan of goofy romance) recommended this film to me. It took 6 months and I finally got around to seeing the DVD. The DVD has the original trailer and looks great. The sound is solid, but you aren't buying this DVD for the effects. You are buying this for the film.

Pauline Kael called this film, "a trifle and almost amusing in a harmlessly, pleasantly stupid way" (5001 Nights at the Movies). She missed the whole point of the film. You don't take a movie like this seriously. You let the charm of Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, and the bouyant Charles Boyer take you away. You just laugh and enjoy. The story of two young newlyweds is age old. You can see where Dharma and Greg get their inspiration, and the 90 minutes of this film are far better than any episode of that show. I immediately fell in love with Fonda's Corrie.

Charles Boyer steals the movie. At times it is a bit dated (like Corrie's mom's advice about making a happy marriage), but that is no matter. If you want to smile and fall in love, see this film.

It looks great on DVD. Do yourself a favor, ignore the junk playing at a theatre near you and enjoy this one at home as winter comes.

Charming
What a neat little movie. Goes by in a flash. Jane Fonda is fun and has never looked better. Fun. Silly. Predictable. Harmless. A small quiet gem.

I Love This Movie!
Barefoot in the Park is one of my favorite movies, I taped it when it was shown in Letterbox Widescreen on TCM and when I get around to it I'm going to buy it on DVD. This is a very charming movie and has a wonderful cast! Jane Fonda is absolutely charming as spunky, fun-loving newlywed Bride Corrie Bratter and Robert Redford is very good as her uptight husband Paul but also good are Mildred Natwick as Corrie's mother and Charles Boyer as eccentric neighbor Victor Velasco and I highly recommend this charming movie!

Best of Neil Simon Romantic Comedy
My two favorite Jane Fonda movies are "Sunday In New York" and this one. Redford & Fonda are super. Great soundtrack. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

True to the Show.
Unlike the 1963 film of the same name, this 1995 made-for-television movie of the classic musical stays true to the source. The film contains just about everything from the stage musical plus three new songs. The acting is great, the songs are a blast, and the settings/scenery capture the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio perfectly.

Tyne Daly as Mae Peterson, George Wendt as Mr. McAfee, and Vanessa Williams as Rose Alvarez are perfect.Jason Alexander is a delight as Albert Peterson, but seemed to have trouble with some of the songs and I therefore liked Dick Van Dyke's Albert from the original film better. Chynna Philips, on the other hand, just doesn't seem believable as Kim: she appeared way too old and just couldn't hit the right notes of her songs. Ann-Margaret was by far the better Kim. Also, I didn't like the fact that Hugo carried a guitar around (too Conrad Birdie wannabee, which Hugo definitely is not) and the scene at the end of the play where Kim announces her engagement to Hugo was cut. Other than that, the film really has no flaws.

This version of BYE BYE BIRDIE is far superior to the original. At just around two hours, it's just like watching the play, but in your own home.

Funny and Entertaining
This 1995 made for TV movie is millions of miles away from the tacky propaganda-filled 1963 film. This version follows the real story and doesn't leave out any key parts or songs. The casting was done well, especially Tyne Daly as Mae Peterson (hilarious) and the actor who plays Conrad Birdie--an amazing voice! George Wendt plays the role of Mr. MacAfee and not only can he sing but is a riot in the Ed Sullivan scene. However, Chynna Phillips is not a great choice for Kim--she looks too old, her singing voice is only so-so (Kim's songs have all been lowered an octave) and the way she interpreted the role made Kim seem snotty. One of the best scenes is when Ursula and co. are doing "Bye Bye Birdie" at the malt shop--their voices and enthusiasm are unbelievable. All in all, it's a great show, excellent viewing for anyone wanting to produce or direct the musical.

Fabulous!
I actually saw this version before I saw the 1963 version, and so I was used to the 1995 one. That said, when I saw the 1963 version, I was appalled. That scrawny teenager for the role of sex-symbol Birdie? Ann-Margaret, on the other hand, actually looked the part of a fifteen year old, as oppesed to Chynna Phillips. Tyne Daly, Vanessa Williams, George Wendt, the man who played Conrad, and the girl who played Ursula far outstripped their predecessors. Jason Alexander was a delight in playing up Albert's neurosis, but he just wasn't as delightful as Dick Van Dyke (but who is, really?). Speaking of delightful, I was pleasantly surprised to see Uncle Arthur from "Bewitched" in the first film. The story line of the 1995 version was also more coherently flowing than that of 1963. I absolutely loved the new songs, especially the one just coming into Sweet Apple, where Rosie and Albert were giving the press the "true" story of where Conrad came from. The big dance numbers were also so much better choreographed and filmed in 1995, particularly the "Goin' Steady" and "Sincere" numbers. To tell the truth, I could not watch all of the 1963 version, where I have seen the 1995 version at least 10 times.

Outstanding
Vanessa Williams and Jason Alexander sparkle! The music is great, particularly Tyne Daly's rendition of "Mothers Aren't Important Anymore." The movie stays with the original story line, which means you get some real depth in terms of the relationship between William's and Alexander's characters. It is funny and clever. My whole family has enjoyed it for years, and still does (my children currently range in age from 14 to 24). IT SHOULD BE ON DVD!!!!!!!!

Bye Bye Bad Movie
Ugh! I know I shouldn't compare this to the 1963 movie, but [this] "Bye Bye Birdie" is inferior to the 1963 "Bye Bye Birdie" of the same name. The older movie has more spunk, character and better singing (Van Dyke, Margret, Rydell and yes, Paul Lynde & Pearson). The actors projected more fun on the screen in the older movie than this one. Arrrgh - Chynna Phillips singing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Gene Saks, an old hand at directing Neil Simon's work on film (The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park), here takes a stab at Simon's most autobiographical work, which stars Jonathan Silverman as an aspiring writer living with two families under one roof in 1937 Brooklyn. Following his old working formula, Saks keeps an eye on the cast's energy and timing but otherwise stays out of the way and lets Simon's story and dialogue tumble wonderfully from the mouths of good actors. Cast in the lead in this 1986 film, the young Silverman (later the star of NBC's Single Guy) makes a very good impression, as does Bob Dishy as his narrator-father. The DVD release has a full-screen presentation. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Racey topics aside
This is rated PG 13 but I would advise against having your 12/13 year old daughter watch it. There is much talk of male masturbation. If you let her watch be prepared for a LONG talk afterwards! :-)

Aside from that, it is a great movie that exudes love, desire and real life. The acting is superb. This is one of the best Neal Simon movies ever, I think.

From Stag to Screen
If this was the first time I had ever seen "Brighton Beach Memoirs" I might be impressed, but it's not so I'm not. I saw the play on stag and I have to say that is so much better in real life. The movie really wasn't that bad, but the stag will always be my first love.

so good to see this back!
I have seen BOTH vhs and dvd versions of this classic and i pick the vhs version hands down. the audio on the dvd is pathetic! I bought the dvd and the color is sepia-like. Tell universal to keep vhs alive. It IS superior.

Threre's no choice better than jon silverman for eugene.
He really made it a COMEDY.

A Comedy-Drama Masterpiece
Five stars for the story; four stars for the DVD only because I cannot fathom why - with all the advancing technology and options available - any DVD theatrical release would not be offered in a wide-screen format. Otherwise this has to be the best Neil Simon work I have ever seen. Although I am from a much newer generation, I could identify easily with many of the characters, both from similar personal experiences, and from the culture within which I was raised. I would highly recommend this film, but only to true drama fans (of any age) and to older generations who have lived the times portrayed in this delightful romp. There is mild adult content, so be wary if you allow your young teens to watch. This is one of those rare classics that never received the publicity it deserved on the big screen; but then it can only appeal to a certain audience. If you feel like going out on a limb and watching something different or you want to conjure up old memories of yester-year, then by all means watch this film and enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Racey topics aside
This is rated PG 13 but I would advise against having your 12/13 year old daughter watch it. There is much talk of male masturbation. If you let her watch be prepared for a LONG talk afterwards! :-)

Aside from that, it is a great movie that exudes love, desire and real life. The acting is superb. This is one of the best Neal Simon movies ever, I think.

From Stag to Screen
If this was the first time I had ever seen "Brighton Beach Memoirs" I might be impressed, but it's not so I'm not. I saw the play on stag and I have to say that is so much better in real life. The movie really wasn't that bad, but the stag will always be my first love.

so good to see this back!
I have seen BOTH vhs and dvd versions of this classic and i pick the vhs version hands down. the audio on the dvd is pathetic! I bought the dvd and the color is sepia-like. Tell universal to keep vhs alive. It IS superior.

Threre's no choice better than jon silverman for eugene.
He really made it a COMEDY.

A Comedy-Drama Masterpiece
Five stars for the story; four stars for the DVD only because I cannot fathom why - with all the advancing technology and options available - any DVD theatrical release would not be offered in a wide-screen format. Otherwise this has to be the best Neil Simon work I have ever seen. Although I am from a much newer generation, I could identify easily with many of the characters, both from similar personal experiences, and from the culture within which I was raised. I would highly recommend this film, but only to true drama fans (of any age) and to older generations who have lived the times portrayed in this delightful romp. There is mild adult content, so be wary if you allow your young teens to watch. This is one of those rare classics that never received the publicity it deserved on the big screen; but then it can only appeal to a certain audience. If you feel like going out on a limb and watching something different or you want to conjure up old memories of yester-year, then by all means watch this film and enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Film-Version of Neil Simon Stage Classic
The fast-paced, witty script follows Neil Simon's stage play almost verbatim. Countless funny lines and come-backs make this a very entertaining comedy. Mid-life crisis seems to hit almost every character. Having an affair was the "in" thing, portrayed as a survival necessity. The "loverboy" is quite nervous about cheating on his wife of 22 years (with whom he has 3 children). Opportunities seem plentiful. Saying prayers for guidance is like a fettish to this man.

Somehow the production of ths 1970s NYC setting and action feel like a French or Italian comedy. There definitely is a European flavor (of the 70s). The cover of the DVD promises a letterbox format, yet delivers only a VERY squeezed TV version. There are no added features whatsoever. Those are the only disappointments in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable comedy. Fans of Neil Simon's work will have a great time.****

Very funny film
I'm not going to summarize the film because others already have. But I do want to rescue Last of the Red Hot Lovers (LRHL) from previous comment about this being a tepid, so-so movie. My wife and I have watched this movie on VHS off and on for years and it never fails to get us rolling. I love Neil Simon and this is one my favorite movies of his plays. Neil Simon is wonderful at drawing out the rediculous in common, real-life experiences, and the New York City sacastic Jewish humor is priceless.

Who can forget Barney Cashman's mid-life crisis prayers: "....I look today older than yesterday. A few years and it'll all be over. Please God, don't let it be over. Let something terrific happen today. Anything, just as long as it's something, Amen!" Or when cynical, sated, chains-smoking Elaine Navazio (Sally Kellerman) arrives in Cashman's mother's squeeky-clean, paper-thin walls, nothing-can-appear-out-of-place-when-we're-done apartment for a secret liason with Barney. Elaine: Cough...hack...hew...cough......cough....hew..hew....cough...hack...cough....Do you have a cigarette? Barney: A cigarette? My God, wouldn't you rather have some water? Elaine: I can't smoke water.

The scene when Barney smokes pot with the Paula Pentiss character made me choke laughing. "I can't feel my heart. What the hell happen to my heart!"

And fish-restaurant owner Cashman habitually smelling and trying to douse the fish smell from his fingers: Elaine: Again with the fingers. That's the second time you smelled you fingers since I been here. Barney: No, no, I was just cheking my watch. Elaine: Oh, is it time to smell your fingers?

Forget that the movie may not be a perfect adaptation of the play. Most people who see movies never read the written material they're based on anyway. This movie is funny and has more hilarious, memorable one-liners than any other movie I can think of (The Princess Bride is right up there). I've owned LRHL in VHS for years and look forward to getting it on DVD.

tepid
This film based on Neil Simon's Broadway hit has a terrible reputation, but I've seen worse adaptations of stage plays. Its structure is similar to Simon's Plaza Suite where 1 actor encounters 3 different women. This time the actor is Alan Arkin, who is experiencing a middle age crisis and has an adolescent desire to have sex with a woman other than his wife. Simon is best at observing the ridiculousness of people in stressful situations, so we don't have high hopes for Arkin's chances. In the first encounter, Arkin is overshadowed by Sally Kellerman, here using unexpected (for her) Jewish intonation. She is dressed to recall Barbra Streisand's Doris from The Owl and the Pussycat, with large sunglasses and a fur coat. Kellerman gives the best performance of the three women, since her role is probably the better written, and allows her to keep her dignity. Simon also gives her character all the jokes about how Arkin is using his mother's apartment as a meeting place, a joke which extends to the second encounter where Arkin reacts to the woman's careless use of the contents. Simon wants us to see Arkin's fantasy as arrested development, but I think he also thinks we should still empathise with the man. As the second woman, Paula Prentiss sings well but overdoes her kooky manic act, though ironically it allows Arkin to be his best. He is very funny when he smokes pot with Prentiss, though Simon doesn't know how to end the scene. In the third encounter, Renee Taylor begins well with her brand of stylised hysteria and Arkin has an experienced agenda. But soon her depression becomes tiresome, and he chasing her around the room unfunny. The film opens each episode with a subjective camera with Arkin narration and the preamble before the encounters is self-consciously theatre. Also the woman are all strangely dressed unflatteringly - Kellerman's dress emphasises her bosom, Prentiss' hotpants her long legs, and Taylor's hairstyle prefigures her Ma on The Nanny. The film also presents Arkin's wife in a party scene that pre-empts the Taylor encounter, which throws the tone since the humour relies upon her being an abstraction. Once the wife becomes real, the intended comedy becomes drama, but thankfully Simon caps Arkin's predicament with a tart epilogue.

THE GENIUS OF ALAN ARKIN
NOT FOR EVERYONE, BUT A MUST FOR ALAN ARKIN ENTHUSIASTS AND THOSE WITH A LUST FOR DRY HUMOR AND WIT. ALAN ARKIN GOING THROUGH A MID LIFE CRISIS IS AS FUNNY AS IT GETS. A SCENE WITH HIM AND PAULA PRENTIS SMOKING POT IS LTERALLY LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY.

Laugh out loud funny!
I think Alan Arkin is a master at what seems to be unintentional humor. He is very funny in this movie ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Racey topics aside
This is rated PG 13 but I would advise against having your 12/13 year old daughter watch it. There is much talk of male masturbation. If you let her watch be prepared for a LONG talk afterwards! :-)

Aside from that, it is a great movie that exudes love, desire and real life. The acting is superb. This is one of the best Neal Simon movies ever, I think.

From Stag to Screen
If this was the first time I had ever seen "Brighton Beach Memoirs" I might be impressed, but it's not so I'm not. I saw the play on stag and I have to say that is so much better in real life. The movie really wasn't that bad, but the stag will always be my first love.

so good to see this back!
I have seen BOTH vhs and dvd versions of this classic and i pick the vhs version hands down. the audio on the dvd is pathetic! I bought the dvd and the color is sepia-like. Tell universal to keep vhs alive. It IS superior.

Threre's no choice better than jon silverman for eugene.
He really made it a COMEDY.

A Comedy-Drama Masterpiece
Five stars for the story; four stars for the DVD only because I cannot fathom why - with all the advancing technology and options available - any DVD theatrical release would not be offered in a wide-screen format. Otherwise this has to be the best Neil Simon work I have ever seen. Although I am from a much newer generation, I could identify easily with many of the characters, both from similar personal experiences, and from the culture within which I was raised. I would highly recommend this film, but only to true drama fans (of any age) and to older generations who have lived the times portrayed in this delightful romp. There is mild adult content, so be wary if you allow your young teens to watch. This is one of those rare classics that never received the publicity it deserved on the big screen; but then it can only appeal to a certain audience. If you feel like going out on a limb and watching something different or you want to conjure up old memories of yester-year, then by all means watch this film and enjoy! ... Read more