Reviews (10)

A beautiful woman starts killing off Kirk's landing party
"That Which Survives" finds the Enterprise checking out the surface of an unknown planet when a beautiful woman (Meriwether) shows up and kills one of the crew. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is thrown 990 light-years away from the planet. After the woman, Losira, comes back and kills another of the crew and then returns announcing she has "come for" Sulu, Kirk figures out she is "programmed" just to kill one particular person at a time. Kirk and the others discover an underground entrance and find another one of those pesky computers protecting the dead planet by creating deadly Losiras to take care of the unwanted visitors. Of course, if this computer is powerful enough to send the Enterprise across the galaxy I think it might come up with a better defense mechanism than a person specific assassin. But then if these computers did not have some sort of Achilles heel the Enterprise would be commanded by the second in command on the night shift in Engineering. Despite the nice title, "That Which Survives" is an average Trek episode at best.

Not as bad as Spock's Brain, but.....
As already noted, this one is a forgettable Trek, to be sure. But somehow, Trek, even when it is bad, is still pretty good.

Outside of a few good moments, such as Sulu firing his phaser at Losira's feet (pretty good explosion FX), and the nifty way the holograms disappear, this one blows pretty badly. Still, it's better than the latest reality drama, or any episode of "Lost in Space."

Watch this one instead of the next "WWF Smackdown" -and save your brain.

The collapse begins abruptly with (IMO) the worst episode
Only the Sulu fan club (he features prominently here) could disagree that the best thing about this episode is Lee Merriweather-and she plays an automaton! A lot of the old tricks are here, like Kirk outsmarting a computer (come to think of it, even the computer console looks familiar!).
Basically, this should have been a half-hour show (actually it shouldn't even have been a show). Senseless dialogue is contrived, both on the planet and on the Enterprise, just to pass the time until the next commercial. Hard to find a worse episode, in my opinion.
Tidbit: For the remainder of the show, the final credits would
feature the 2nd season theme music. While this is a very minor detail in itself, it seems symbolic of other changes. The episodes become more formulaic as the parties concerned begin to see the writing on the wall for the show. The absence of new music, as budgets draw tight, also contributes an increasingly stale and defeatist feel to the late episodes.

Neglected
As all fans know, this is a third/last season episode. Trrue Trekkies have little good to say about this episode and I agree it is far from perfect but it has some of the nicest visual effects of the series.

The acting is Monday-morning-terrible and the whole production is uneven but this is far from the worst episode. There is an effort and an interesting story, though it seems crammed in a 45 minute network show.

This story might have been better utilized and expanded in a feature film but who will ever know.

For Trek fans only. It deserves a second viewing.

Beauty survives?
In this, the 69th episode of classic Trek, Kirk and crew are exploring ruins found on a class-M planet that seems to have developed a livable climate in only a few thousand years.

The Enterprise landing party is attacked by Losira, a woman who kills a crewman with just a touch of her hand. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is thrown almost a thousand light years away by the planet's hidden defense system.

More landing party members are attacked by Losira, until it is discovered that she can only attack the party member that she calls by name. The remaining party then keep her from attacking the named crewmember. Meanwhile, Scotty repairs some sabotage to the engines that Losira had accomplished before throwing the Enterprise out of orbit, and then hurries back to Losira's world.

Kirk discovers a hidden room with a highly advanced computer, and the defense mechanism there creates three Losiras - which keep them from protecting each other as they had previously. The cavalry, in the form of Spock and a landing party, arrive just in time to deactivate the computer.

The previously taped message reveals that the planet had been artificially enhanced by colonists, who were affected by a disease that killed them all off. The disease then followed the colonists back to their homeworld, supposedly wiping out the entire civilization. Nothing but the computer program, which defends the planet from anyone who is not of Losira's race, remains. The colonist's relief ship never arrived.

Kirk says beauty survives, because the computer continues to project an image of Losira even after delivering the message about the colonist's destruction.

My score - 5 out of a possible 10. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After destroying 4 billion people in the Malurian star system, a 21st- century NASA probe called Nomad--carrying friendly greetings to whateverunknown, extraterrestrial race might find it--has a violent encounter with theEnterprise, nearly blowing the starship out of space. Hoping to sidestepanother attack, Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy)invite the diminutive, computer-driven, impossibly powerful spacecraft aboard tolearn how its peaceful mission was supplanted by a program to destroy life.Written by John Meredyth Lucas, who was intrigued by the idea of a sentient,almost godlike machine that turns against its creator, "The Changeling"transcends, fortunately, Star Trek's cash-strapped special effectsdepartment to become a compelling drama. (Let's just say that Nomad lookslike a cross between the Tin Woodman and a 1960s beach radio.) Particularlymemorable is Spock's mind-melding scene with Nomad, in which the Vulcanis shaken by the probe's chaotic memories of being captured by a machine planetand given destructive impulses. Frequent Trek director Marc Daniels wasparticularly proud of the way his crew made Nomad appear capable ofindependent movement: There was one model for hanging from a wire, a second forstanding on a floor, and a third for riding on a dolly (to get a sinister,point-of-view traveling shot). If "The Changeling" sounds vaguely familiar, itshould: The script was rewritten as the basis for Star Trek: The MotionPicture. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Uninspired
This episode, which features a confused and destructive floating robot, is an unspectacular offering. Like several episodes, it ably enough explores the unfortunate fact that technology is fallible, and that even with the best intentions, things can and do go wrong. This ship-based episode is less exciting than some of its neighbors, although there are a few dramatic scenes. On the negative side, the idea that Uhura could be rapidly re-programmed would be laughable if it wasn't so insulting to her. Also tedious is Kirk's outwitting of Nomad. And just how did NOMAD manage to mesh so smoothly with 'the other.'? Shouldn't he look a little the worse for wear? As a final gripe, I'll note that NOMAD wasn't much of an actor, although I suppose he didn't have much to work with.

TV version of first plot for The Motion Picture
"Chageling" the basis for Star Trek the Motion Picture

In this one we get to see on a TV scale; the same plot of Star Trek: The Motion Picture played out here.
We have the long lost satellite from outer space taken by an alien intelligence. We get to see Scotty killed and revived by the amazing little machine. It's all because the computer thinks that Kirk is the computer's creator "Roykirk" ; because it was damaged in space. It's an implausible plot but OK if you can suspend you belief in reality for a while to enjoy this. Despite the enormous plot hole (the Roykirk thing) it's the same story for the movie condensed into a 50 minute episode. If you see this one you'll still enjoy how Kirk outsmarts the computer. I was impressed that the machine was very compact and yet could lay the Enterprise in ashes if not treated properly. Size and power were not exclusive here. The docile looking machine proved to be a profound menace.

Good idea, but a movie??
Ever see the first Star Trek movie? This show was the low budget version.

James Kirk (a.k.a. the Creator) outwits another Computer
"The Changeling" was always an interesting episode, even before it served as the template for "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." The Enterprise discovers that all humanoid life in the Malurian system has disappeared when the ship is attacked by a tiny vessel. When Kirk hails the vessel, the attack suddenly stops and "Nomad" is beamed aboard. It turns out that once upon a time it was a probe from Earth sent into deep space to contact alien life, where it was damaged and eventually met up with a probe from another civilization that was designed to collect soil samples and sterilize them. The two probes somehow end up merging into a single entity, so that now Nomad believes its mission is to contact alien life and sterilize it. The only reason the life forms on the Enterprise have not been sterilized is because Nomad has mistaken James Kirk for its "Creator," Jackson Roykirk. Nomad is not impressed by the biological life forms on the Enterprise, although it does allow that the Spock unit is well ordered. "The Changeling" is another one of those episodes where Kirk uses logic to defeat a superior computer while Spock looks on in amazement. However, the bit where Nomad erases Uhura's mind would be more chilling if they did not retrain her in about a week. Still, this is an above average episode and one of the better confrontations between Kirk and a super computer.

The Enterprise vs a machine that can destroy Mankind.
One of the best Star Trek shows from the original series finds the crew of the Enterprise up against a machine called Nomad which has destroyed a solar system and will repeat the same path of destruction to Earth, unless the Captain can find a way to destroy it before it's too late. Written by John Meredyth Lucas. Directed by Marc Daniels. Music Composed and Conducted by Fred Steiner. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A war between the Klingons and Federation is imminent, and it's up toCaptain Kirk (William Shatner) to persuade the peaceful, agrarian planet Organiato sign on with the good guys before the Klingons overwhelm the place. What'sthe rush? Organia is in a strategically valuable position for whichever warringside claims it first. The only problem is, the Organians don't seem to care.Kirk and First Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy) make an awfully good pitch forFederation protection, but the planet's Council of Elders rejects the offer as atacit invitation to violence on their world. Worse, the Council takes littleheed of a Klingon invasion, insisting there is no problem and earning the enmityof both Kirk and Klingon Commander Kor (John Colicos). Essentially a Cold Warsatire disguised as a Federation-Klingon showdown in most unusual circumstances,"Errand of Mercy" is the brainchild of producer-writer Gene L. Coon, who makes awonderfully convincing case for the absurdity of each side's claim to moralsuperiority. Highlights of the episode include the enigmatic, retiringperformances of the Council members, and the Butch-and-Sundance banter betweenKirk and Spock as they set about trying to become a two-man Resistance targetingKlingon munitions. The episode is directed by John Newland, best known as thehost of the supernatural television series, One Step Beyond. --TomKeogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Perhaps a bit overrated
This thoughtful episode introduces us to the Klingons, who along with the Federation are seen here currying the favor of the peaceful and pastoral Organians. While thoughtful and somewhat slow, this episode is not without it's share of tension. We share the anxious feeling of time having stopped before the onset of war; only the Organians seem curiously subdued. The episode eventually hits us with a very nice twist, which is intelligent in that it eventually forces us to see the Klingon and Federation positions as more similar than different; the real distinction is with the more advanced Organians. This is one of those examples of how watching Star Trek could be simultaneously humbling in its depiction of our current society and uplifting in its optimistic vision of a possible future.

The Organians stop the Klingon-Federation War
"Errand of Mercy" provides one of the most problematic story lines in Star Trek history. The Federation and the Klingon Empire have started fighting again and the Enterprise hurries to Organia, a strategically important planet. Wanting the cooperation of the Organians, Kirk and Spock beams down and find the universe's most passive people, who are not at all concerned that the big bag Klingons are coming. The Klingons do show up, stranding Kirk and Spock on the planet where they are disguised as Organians and get to witness the arrival of Kor, the Klingon military governor. Kirk and Spock begin a two-person resistance movement, blowing up Klingon supplies. The Klingons retaliate against the population, but then Ayelborne, leader of the Organians, decides he has had enough of all this nonsense. One of the things I most like about "Errand of Mercy," is that it is one of the few times that the Enterprise encounters a race of superior beings who are not seriously flawed in some way. You even get Kirk put in the uncomfortable position of insisting on the right to make war and kill millions of people. This also becomes one of the most problematic episodes in Star Trek history, because the Organian Peace Treaty makes it impossible for the Federation and Klingon to go on killing each other. At least in theory (you have to admit, they have the enforcement capabilities); in practice, the two civilizations would continue to have fun with each other in future Star Trek episodes.

A Pretty Good Story -- a Brilliant Portrayal of a Villian
John Colicos turns in a standout performance as Kor, the first Klingon to appear in the series. Kor is strong, cunning, ruthless, and a little bit charming. The peaceful Organians are also very compelling characters. Throughout the episode, there is just a hint that there is more to the Organians than meets the eye.

There is some action in the story, along with a little suspense, but it would have been nice if there was a little more of both. Additionally, we are never shown the Klingon vessel.

In spite of these flaws, this is a very good episode with a very strong supporting cast. A definite must for any Star Trek fan.

Federation vs the Klingons.
The Captain and Mr. Spock are trapped on the planet Organia which is occupied by the Klingons just as war with the Federation begins. The two fight to stay alive while the Orgainians plan a surprise ending for both sides. Actor John Colicos turns in a great performance as Commander Kor. This episode also predicts the future for Federation/Klingon relations. Another great story from Gene L. Coon.

First episode with Klingons
This was the episode that introduced the Klingons with an excellent performance by John Colicos of Battlestar Gallactica. Kirk and Spock land on a very placid planet with a society reminiscent of Medevil Europe finding it to be overrun by Klingons and the inhabitants remaining amazingly passive about it. Kirk and Spock disguise themselves as citizens, but the Klingons soon find out their true nature. This is apparently the only episode with the exception of the first two that Dr. McCoy didn't appear in, for some reason. I guess he was on leave. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

One of the best movies of all time!!!
"White Lightning" is the best Burt Reynolds movie of all time Bar None. I have seen it over and over and i never get tired of watching it!!! Absolutely the best moonshiner movie ever made!!!

Dirty movie
This is o.k if your in the mood for it. White Lightning is a quiet type subdud movie. when you watch it you get kind of a dirty feeling of sweaty hot poor towns and smelly sweaty people. there is alot of cigarette smoking in it and you just get a hot southern feeling of poverty. People in this movie look like they need a shower bad especially Burt Reynolds. But the acting is pretty good and overall I think it has a good story line but just dont eat a cheese sandwich watching it because the people are pretty rugged and dirty and kind of smelly looking.

Burt is GATOR!
Burt stars as Gator McKlusky a moonshine runner serving time in a Arkansas prison. His brother is killed by a corrupt sheriff (Ned Beatty), so Gator agrees to go undercover to exspose the sheriff and get his brothers killer. The action is awesome. Car chases, brawls and Burt's signature humor. The DVD transfer is good but sadly the film is FULL FRAME and not WIDESCREEN. I guess MGM figured only rednecks would buy such a film and didn't bother with a 16x9 transfer. And no the film is not edited the language was re-dubbed in parts of SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT also to get a PG rating, cinema was only PG or R rated in the 70's. The 1976 classic GATOR is the sequel.

Again
I don't think this movie was edited for its dvd release. I watched it recently, and in my mind I put back in all the swear words that were re-dubbed. NO WAY could this movie have gotten a PG in 1973 if all that swearing had been included. And it was originally PG, not "R" or "PG-13" (which didn't exist in 1973). I'm an old guy, 42, and I saw this back in the day with my parents. I was 12 and we didn't go to R rated flicks as a family. And, as I wrote before, I own the original poster and it says "PG."
I still think the swearing was edited out by the studio just before the movie's theatrical release, to tone it down from an "R" to a more-profitable, family freindly PG. Reynolds had just gotten popular (from Deliverance, talk shows, and posing nude in Ms Magazine) and they wanted to change his new movie from playing only the drive-ins to playing in the family theatres. This kind of last minute fiddling was often done in the old days when movie companies wanted to get a certain rating (and is today, but usually for sex instead of for language).

If anybody out there has seen a version with all the extra swearing kept in, please write me and let me know when and where! And let's get that director's cut out on dvd if it exists!

"Women and da Po-leeece"
Great flick, lousy Thought Police DVD. This PG-13 version lacks the teeth of the theatrical release. Why shucks, I've heard racier language on Sesame Street dadgummit.

Burt is Burt, Bo Hopkins was an unappreciated gem...but they both lose "cool" points for driving 72" Ford LTDs, which no self-respecting moonshiner would have ever been caught dead in.

Hey MGM, give us the real deal consarnit! 4 stars for the DVD transfer, 1 star for the editing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine both received Emmy nominations for their performances in this made-for-TV movie. The plot follows Nelson Mandela's 27-year struggle to end apartheid. That segregation was abolished without bloodshed also had much to do with the political maneuverings of South African President F.W. de Klerk, played with convincing and tired resolution by Caine. Poitier plays the more powerful personality, and shines as the self-assured leader. Filmed in Cape Town, this extremely talky and sometimes static film is intriguing as a historical study. As a drama, it is a bit dry. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Showing
this Made for TV Movie truly Captures so many Elements within the South African Commnunity.MR.Mandala&Mr.Deklerk were Portrayed Very Strongly respectively by Sidney Poitier&Michael Caine.A Strong Performance.

When Vision Is Not Enough...Make It Reality!
This video is an excellent follow-up to the former video produced where Danny Glover plays Mr. Mandela. It takes up where the other video leaves off! Not only does it do an excellent job of portraying the struggle of a people but enables you to see all prospectives involved, namely those of the white South African community. My whole family is inspired by the life of Mr. Mandela and all those involved. And after seeing this version of the circumstances, I was able to see the sacrifices of Mr. DeKlerk also! I am inspired to achieve those visions in my own life and not to fear what man or society may do to me! Thank God for men with a vision and a will to see it became a reality!

the best video i have seen
yyoui will love this version as it shows mandella in his 27 years sentanc ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Captain's log. Stardate: Armageddon." Kirk's rather dramatic proclamation comes in the middle of a most unusual battle: Klingons and Federation crew members clash with gladiatorial broadswords and cutlasses on an Enterprise careening out of control. Michael Ansara guest stars as Kang, the fierce Klingon general who accuses Kirk of destroying his warship and killing hundreds of crewmen, while the Enterprise crew blames the Klingons for the brutal destruction of a human colony. Emotions are pitched into a racist frenzy and blood lust grips both crews as a mysterious being of pure energy (a psychedelic lightshow of shimmering colors) both feeds and feeds off their hatred. The Trek take on jingoism, race hatred, and the lies of war is actually more subtle than it first appears (compare the human and Klingon descriptions of one another's "common knowledge" atrocities--they're almost identical!), but nothing beats the sight of Kirk, Kang, and their crews laughing together in the show's first moment of interspecies male bonding. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Do I see the beginning of the fulfillment of a prophecy?
In the first-season episode "Errand of Mercy", the Organians impose a peace treaty upon the warring Federation and Klingon Empire. As they do this, they tell both Captain Kirk and Commander Kor that one day in the future, the Federation and the Klingons will become fast friends and work together. As we know, this did eventually come to pass with the Khitomer Peace Conference in Star Trek VI and with subsequent peace initiatives. But here, two years after "Errand of Mercy," we see the crew of the Enterprise and Commander Kang's crew *working together* to defeat the Beta XII-A alien.

I've read that they originally wanted John Colicos to reprise his role as Commander Kor in this one, which I think would have been fantastic, but Colicos was not available, though he supposedly really wanted to do it. Even so, Michael Ansara does a masterful job in portraying Commander Kang, and adds another interesting Klingon character to Star Trek lore, which has appeared again in both Deep Space Nine and Voyager.

To quote Kang: Only a fool fights in a burning house
In "The Day of the Dove," the Enterprise finds a colony that has been destroyed. Then a Klingon cruiser shows up and Kang, its captain, insists the Enterprise has slaughtered his crew. Unbeknownst to both parties, an energy being has set them up so it can feed off their violence. Back on the Enterprise the entity makes it so that most of the ship's crew is trapped, leaving an equal number of Klingons and Starfleet personnel running around with swords (phasers would kill people and spoil the fun, so the entity changed them into swords). I sort of expected the Organians to show up and deal with the entity, but that is not to be the case. There is something to be said for Kirk and Kang making peace with each other once they realize the alien threat, especially when Spock stands by and encourages them all to make the entity flee from their laughter, so while I do not consider this a classic, it is certainly well above average Star Trek.

Another Great "Bottle" Episode
By the time this episode aired, NBC and Desilu had began to realize what TV viewers already knew: Star Trek's "Bottle Shows" -or those taking place entirely or mostly on the Enterprise- were frequently the best ones, and "Day of the Dove" was no exception.

This episode is Star Trek with it's powerful moral subtext at it's best, clearly showing the insanity of race hatred and the futility of war. It has great scenes and lines, beginning with the smack in the mouth Kirk receives from Kang, to the ending scene of Kirk, Kang, and company all making merry to drive out an evil alien that thrives on hate.

Special FX were also quite good for the day, and this episode features a Klingon Battle Cruiser getting blown to bits by the Enterprise (the only episode showing this). But, you won't see this on TV, this scene is frequently deleted in reruns to save time for more commercials. Get the tape!

This strong episode could have been even better
This action-packed and creepily atmospheric episode concerns a fight to the death (and beyond?) aboard the Enterprise against the Klingons. We are dropped right into the episode, with immediate violence, which pulls us into the episode's urgency and ominousness. The parties really appear quite powerless to stop their decent into total warfare. We are given our richest depiction of Klingons here, most notably in the thoughtful Kang (played by Michael Ansara). The lighting and nervous score contributes to the sense of doom and insanity aboard the ship.

This episode also has a stronger moral foundation than many 3rd season shows. We see people forced to set aside their differences and mutual suspicion in order to break the cycle of violence. Also present are the ideas that some entities thrive on hate, hate corrupts absolutely, and that laughter is sometimes the best medicine. One of the few negatives to be said about this episode is that the conclusion is ho-hum, convenient, and rushed. Better handled, it could have been one of the few 3rd season episodes to end on an uplifting note. By this point in the show, however, momentum was starting to build, as opportunities were allowed to slip away. more on this in reviews of later episodes.

Tidbits: A fraction of the scene in the corridor between Chekov and Kang's daughter shows up in the movie Koyaniskatsi.

To Bouldly go where no adventurer has gone before!
This film is adventurous. I like the alian entity takes over the Enterprise making the Klingons and the humans fight each other. I like the Klingon commander Kang, and his wife. This film is great. I like it alot. It makes a fine film to listen to. It's highly recommended to any treckie in the future. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's blunt and then there's really blunt. "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" is certainly the latter, a thick fable about the absurdity of intolerance, a story so obvious it becomes energized by its own, sheer audacity. Frank Gorshin, a 1960s television icon for his recurring role as the Riddler on Batman, plays Bele, an extraterrestrial cop pursuing a fugitive named Lokai (Lou Antonio). The latter is chalk-white on the right side of his body, and ebony-black on the left, an arrangement despised as inferior by Bele and his race, whose own color scheme simply reverses the two. While Captain Kirk (William Shatner) decides what to do about Lokai's request for asylum, the old race hatred between both sides looks increasingly ridiculous. Interestingly, the episode originated as an idea from producer Gene L. Coon, who envisioned an endless chase between a devil and an angel. Eventually it was decided that the sheer stupidity of prejudice would be underscored more clearly in the final arrangement and, indeed, several decades after the fact, the show does have a surrealist punch to it. Incidentally, the Enterprise self-destruct sequence seen here was reprised in the feature film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (12)

I Liked It!
It's not my favorite Classic Star Trek episode but it's a good episode with a very good message and I like Frank Gorshin who played The Riddler on Batman. I recommend this video for any Star Trek Fan!

A solid episode
This episode, employing actors done up in half-black, half-white face makeup, is a none-too subtle statement about race relations. While Star Trek is to be commended for not ignoring controversial issues, the show's forays could be grossly oversimplistic; this episode is a case in point. Most viewers will have gleaned the difference between Lokai and Bele long before the crew becomes aware. This is also another talky episode, and while the actors do a good job expressing their choler through some truly acrimonious exchanges, the viewer gets the idea pretty fast.
The second half of the episode is not without its plusses though. The auto-destruct sequence was a nice touch, as were the montages of burning cities (which must have struck a cord in early 1969, as today). The conclusion leaves the viewer with much to ponder, both specifically about Bele and Lokai's fate, and more generally about hatred's powerful momentum. One other welcome aspect was the fact that the Enterprise and her crew were basically powerless here. This thankfully (in my opinion) spares us the need for a pat conclusion to such a complex problem. On the other hand, it is interesting to ask whether a first season episode would have been so pessimistic. The answer is almost certainly no. But a lot had changed in two years, and not just in the Star Trek universe.

Classic Trek at it's best
I am very surprised Frank Gorshin was never asked to return as a baddie in another Trek episode. It was a real treat to see him argue with Shatner about the plight of their planet. You couldn't tell who was on the right side. Both of them had a convincing argument. There was no way to tell. Anyway, the episode did have another great action sequence where both of them wrestled with 60's style cosmic powers.

The importance of being black on the right side
There is certainly nothing subtle about the social message at the heart of "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield." The Enterprise stops a stolen shuttle and arrests its pilot, a bichromatic being (white on the right side, black on the left) named Lokai. Then another bichromatic being named Bele (black on the right side and white on the left) beams aboard the Enterprise just as his vessel explodes. Bele (Groshin) explains that he is an officer of the Commission on Political Traitors from the planet Cheron who has come to arrest Lokai for murder. For his part, Lokai insists that his people are enslaved by Bele's race. Bucking this particular headache up the chain of command, Kirk is told by Starfleet not to extradite Lokai. However, Bele will not take "no" for an answer. It was always easy to remember how each side of Bele was colored, because of course the dominant race in this little allegory would be black on the "right" side. At first Kirk does not see the difference, since both Bele and Lokai are half black and half white. But Bele points out the difference and insists how it matters, which sounds just as stupid as any other claim of racial superiority based on skin color you have ever heard. Because the point of this episode is not exactly subtle, "Let This Be Your Last Battlefield" is less than satisfactory, although I do appreciate the attempt to maintain ambiguity as to which one of the two bichromatic beings (you have to love that adjective) is telling the truth.

Will this be their last battlefield?
"Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" is about two humanoids that appear on the Enterprise. One (Loki) is supposedly a criminal who is begging for help from Captain Kirk and the crew, and the other one is out to capture Loki. The only difference between them is that their black and white colors are on opposite sides of their faces. They mainly just fuss between each other, but when they start changing the course of the Enterprise, Captain Kirk decides something has to be done.

"Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" is interesting and it isn't a bad episode if you're a Star Trek fan. I recommend anybody who likes Star Trek to watch or buy this episode. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

That's no malfunction
This episode, involving an accelerated species, has always been a favorite of mine. It is a very dreamlike episode; the scene depicting Kirk's acceleration must be one of the show's most bizarre segments. Tilting the camera and returning to music used in 'The Cage' were nice ways of embellishing acceleration. The idea also struck me as quite original (although I must confess I've read very little science fiction). Others have noted that when you sit down and work out the times involved, there are a lot of inconsistencies and implausible outcomes, but I do not look to Star Trek for that kind of realism.
Kathy Browne does a nice job as Deela. While clearly serious about the business of reproduction, she has a light, flirtatious quality which, along with her power, forces Kirk out of his usual domineering role. Of course, the two of them generated a scene for the sensors to miss nonetheless!
One final note: Even after several viewings I'm still not sure I understand the final scene, when Kirk utters the cryptic line, "That's..no malfunction." Did the production team just run out of steam at the end of the episode? Or did Deela intentionally leave the tape nearby (for Uhura to mistakenly pick up) as a momento to Kirk? Not clear. What is clear is that things were starting to get sloppy by the middle of the 3rd season; it would only get worse.
Nevertheless, I feel this episode, number 13 of 24) sits solidly on the winning side of what would be a turning point for the show. The remaining shows as a rule wouldn't feel as stylized as those from the first half of the third season, and were somehow less quirky and more formulaic. Given that they also tended to have thin plots, this would be a formula for disaster.

boring
most people who watch star-trek think Spocks Brain is the worst episode of the original series. Wink of an eye IS truly the worst, it's boring it makes no sense and just drags and drags and drags

The Scalosians try to pull a fast one on Captain Kirk...
Another race of people with strange powers is encountered after the Enterprise responds to a fake distress call in "Wink Of An Eye." Five Scalosians, who move at super speed, slip aboard the Enterprise and take over. It seems a terrible war destroyed most of their planet and not only caused them to speed up but rendered all their males sterile. Consequently they need to trap spaceships from time to time so their women can mate. However, after drinking the Scalosian water the men who are selected also speed up, but so quickly that they die. Most of the Enterprise crew will be put into suspended animation so they can be thawed as necessary. Having been chosen by Deela, the queen of the Scalosians, as her first mate, Kirk finds a way of letting Spock know what is going on and it is not long before the First Officer speeds up to rescue the captain and save the ship. "Wink Of An Eye" actually ends up being an above average episode of "Star Trek," although I would not want to work out the math to find out whether Spock really had enough time in "normal" speed to hatch his plan before the hyperfast Scalosians have finished with their own nefarious designs. There is also Kirk's discomfort with the prospect of being just a sex object, a rather nice little bit of irony, which I always tend to appreciate.

A good and compelling episode
In "Wink Of An Eye," Kirk must face some invisible beings who are struggling to continue their species. The queen of the species wants to use Captain Kirk to mate so her species will have more members. Kirk must find a way to escape these beings who sound like flies before they capture him in the wink of an eye.

"Wink Of An Eye" is a good episode of the original series. I recommend any Star Trek fan to give it a try.

A Pretty Forgetable story...
Star Trek had an almost complete change of film crew in it's thrid season. Mostly in so far as the production and plotting of the stories went. Many leading figures who guided Star Trek through it's first two seasons were gone, as a result, many stories were rushed into production, and only a small handful were any good. This was not one of them. It basically delt with humanoid aliens who exist at an acelerated rate of time who board the Enterprise and try and save their race from dying. It takes the combined efforts of the Captain and Mr. Spock to save the ship and return the aliens to their planet where they will eventually become extinct. This is not Star Trek as so many have come to know it. Not at all. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Signs of trouble ahead, if you take Trek seriously
Many have asked whether airing 'Spock's Brain' first sealed Star Trek's fate. More to the point, any brain trust that thought 'Spock's Brain' the strongest of the early episodes was almost bound to produce more lemons the rest of the way. Particularly destructive is the fact that while the episode is high camp, unlike 'I, Mudd', here the cast attempts to play it straight (presumably Frieberger and Daniels were holding up weapons offstage). This must have contributed to the gradual loss of conviction about the product-always a pernicious thing.
Anyway, about the episode, in which Spock's brain is stolen. The basic premise is silly, and most of the plot far fetched. Just a few examples: 1) Carting Spock's brainless body about, 2) Brain and body surviving independently, 3) the reconnective surgery. There is also seemingly little thought behind the separation of the sexes, although we can thank that premise for the description of women as 'the givers of pain and delight." The S & M theme would make a few appearances before season 3 concluded.
As a third season fan, I can't resist pointing out a couple things I like about the episode. First, there is a pervasive mysterious and surreal feel about the episode. The score introduces several dramatic vignettes that would be repeated (and repeated, and repeated..) throughout the 3rd season. There are also some cool shots of the bridge during an interesting scene in which the officers are invited to participate in some decision-making. Finally, the teaser is pretty strong.

Makes more sense if you've been to graduate school...
Don't be too hard on this episode. It's definitely a throwback to an earlier type of Sci-Fi -- Forbidden Planet and its ilk, with beautiful, brainless babes who must be rescued from themselves -- not the ground-breaking fiction of the best Star Trek. But it's still a lot of fun.

And if you've ever had a really dumb day, where you can't seem to think straight or get anything done and stuff that was clear as water the day before is now opaque as mud, well, all I can say is "Brain and brain, what is brain?"

If you laugh at Spock's Brain, check out "Amazon Women on the Moon."

One of the worst plot lines of all time
This episode has only two things going, dialog that is somewhat funny (most likely unintentionally), and beautiful women clad only in the absolute minimum required by the censors. The rest of the story is so preposterous that I rank it in my list of the five worst episodes of the original series. A society has somehow been split where the females live underground with the technology, but understand none of it. In essence the ultimate bimbos. The males live above ground and appear to have retained some intelligence, but are considered brutes by the females. Since this society has survived for a long time, one wonders how they manage to procreate.
Fortunately for the society, there is a fancy hair dryer hat that connects them directly to the computer database containing vast amounts of knowledge, including how to remove and reattach a human brain. Unfortunately, the knowledge fades from human memory after a short period of time.
Females from the society obtain the knowledge that allows them to extract a brain and then beam aboard the Enterprise and remove Spock's brain, leaving the body. They apparently need it to run their machinery, since theirs are so devoid of knowledge. The quick thinking Dr. McCoy attaches a device to Spock's head that keeps his body alive and allows them to control it. The usual party beam to the planet with Spock's animated body in an attempt to recover the brain. Absurdity is piled on absurdity, as Nimoy looks like an actor trying to keep a straight Vulcan face while knowing it is ridiculous, a point he makes in his book, "I Am Spock." McCoy eventually puts on the hair dryer hat, gains the knowledge and is able to reattach the brain in the nick of time.
The "high" point, other than the babes, is when Dr. McCoy says, "I never should have connected his mouth." With no underlying significant message to hold this pointless episode together, it fails in all respects. It is one of the few that I turn off when I see that it is the episode currently being shown.

Brain, Brain, What is Brain?
This is a great Star Trek episode. If you don't think so then you either analyze star trek too deeply or have no sense of humor, possibly both. It was obviously done tongue in cheek and with a nod to 50's sci fi.
Some highlights:
1. Cool wrist bands which render the star trek crew unconsious. A writer of the Wonder Years had been impressed with this part of the episode and did an homage to it in a Wonder Years episode.
2. The facial expressions of McCoy, when he wears the helmet which temporarily emparts advanced surgical knowledge to him are priceless!
3. The fact that the crew members can converse with Spock's brain which had been previously disembodied is hilarious. In addition, the fact that Spock can move about without his brain is very amusing. Does the gadget which makes this possible look similar to the device used on Checkov to revive him in The Voyage Home?

Mini-Skirted Alien Pseudo-Intellectual NeuroSurgeons?
Cost of a Star Trek script in 1968? $4,500

Cost to produce an episode of Star Trek in 1968? $185,000

Cost to film an episode of Star Trek in 1968? $200 a minute

Cost to see McCoy wearing The Salad Bowl Of Knowledge? Priceless

Nearly every fan who has watched Spock's Brain has been unable to sit through it without giggling a little, sustain genuine belly laughs or shake their heads in disbelief. I have a love-hate relationship with this episode. I love it for the simple reason that it contains some scenes that induce great laughter - or at least it does for me. Surely, the creators of Star Trek mean us not to take this episode seriously. Let's examine some of the elements:
1. On this alien planet men have lived on the surface as unintelligible savages while women have lived below for thousands of years. How exactly are each of them procreating? Specifically the males living alone on the surface!
2. Why are the men exiled to the surface and the women kept separately below?
3. Why is it that the women's ability to learn or retain knowledge atrophied?
4. Keeping in mind the relationship between men and women on the alien planet why would such a culture of women choose to take a man's brain to be their leader and instruct them in what to do? Wouldn't they naturally have taken a woman's brain for this purpose?
5. Finally, why would the women choose mini-skirts and go-go boots for daily wear?

I also hate this episode for the same previously stated reasons. The whole sequence of events as presented is illogical and absurd. It may have seemed like a good idea in it's conception but even in 1968, when this episode first aired, the plotting used here was implausible and ludicrous. Still, because I am a completist I find it necessary to include it as part of my collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is one of the more entertainingly sadomasochistic Star Trek episodes. Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov are kidnapped from the Enterprise and taken to Triskelion, where they are forced to participate in gladiator-style fights for the amusement of the mysterious "Providers." In addition to the borderline kink of training harnesses and punishment collars, there's plenty of hand-to-hand combat and odes to the human spirit to enjoy. There is also, of course, plenty of romance as Kirk tries to find the soft side of his beautiful trainer Shahna (played by the slender '60s sexpot Angelique Pettyjohn). Back aboard the Enterprise, we get to see more of Spock and Bones's prickly relationship as they try to find the others. This is a terrific episode, with just the right balance of fighting, kissing, and speechifying. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The 2nd season had a few stinkers as well
This episode, in which the enslaved crew are forced by giant brains to engage in arena combat, was a big step down from prior episodes. In fact, I would argue that the drop in quality attributed to the 3rd season really started here; only one of ten remaining second season shows was truly strong (A Piece of the Action). I for one would take the first ten shows of the 3rd season over the remaining ten from the second season.

But that's another story. The Gamesters of Triskelion is a very nasty episode. In addition to violence for it's own sake, there is the strong suggestion that Uhura is violated as the show fades to commercial. It's really unforgivable that the subject is never adressed in the rest of the episode. We also have one of the true bimbos of Trek in the nubile Shana, who is made to utter some truly stupid lines. There isn't much going for this episode; with a bit less action, it would belong in the latter part of season three.

Tidbit: Angelique Pettijohn, who played Shana, went on to adult film fame.

Not Bad
This episode has good action, but some of the plot and dialogue is pretty cheesy. You can probably afford to skip this one unless you are a Kirk fan.

The crew beams to the wrong planet and finds trouble
Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov are supposed to beam to Gamma II, but they accidentally get beamed to a place called Triskelion instead. Triskelion is inhabited by strange looking people who love to fight.

The leader of this unheard of place tells Kirk, "This is planet Triskelion; you are to be trained and spend the rest of your lives here."

With the fact that the Enterprise trio has an item around their neck that can provide them a good bit of pain, and with the fact that Spock and the others are still onboard Kirk's ship with no way of contacting the lost trio, is there any way that Kirk can get himself and his other two mates back onboard the Enterprise?

"The Gamesters of Triskelion" isn't in the batch with the absolute best episodes of The Original Series, but unlike most of the other reviewers, I actually like it. It contains some exciting fighting sequences, great voice acting, good lines, good enough acting, Kirk womanizing a beautiful woman, and best of all, it's entertaining without being boring.

If you're an avid collector of episodes from Star Trek - The Original Series, I recommend getting "The Gamesters of Triskelion." However, if you're looking for only the very best episodes, you'll probably want to look past this one.

Avoid at all costs
Triskelion is quite possibly the worst episode from Star Trek, TOS. Nothing wrong with that -- they couldn't all be gems, and they weren't. The later ST-TOS episodes began to get trapped in a rut in which the characters were trapped on planet surfaces and tortured by cruel captors; whereas, in the earlier episodes, the villains were not all one-dimensional.

If you enjoy sadomasochistic themes, I suggest you try the much more interesting 3rd-season episode, "The Empath." And if you're a newcomer to ST-TOS, try "The Cage," "City on the Edge of Forever," "Other Side of Paradise," "Conscience of the King." Personally I am very fond of the unjustly-maligned "Man Trap."

The Enterprise crew faces lives as barbarian warriors
"The Gamesters of Triskelion" is yet another one of those Star Trek episodes where superior beings play with the crew of the Enterprise for their own amusement. Kirk, Uhura and Chekov suddenly disappear from the Enterprise to find themselves being held captive by a being named Galt who informs them they are now thralls, who will fight others for the amusement of the Providers, who are just a bunch of disembodied brains who like brutal spectator sports to keep themselves entertained. When the Enterprise shows up to rescue the trio and the Providers decide the humans should be destroyed, Kirk offers them a wager they cannot refuse: if he can beat three thralls then the Enterprise goes free; but if he loses the Enterprise crew will beam down and be the Providers play things. I guess sometimes the needs of the one (or the three) outweighs the needs of the many. But, seriously, I guess in the future living as a slave and dying in a barbaric arena is better than dying free. But I would like to debate the point a bit, I think. "The Gamesters of Triskelion" is a below average episode; even without Kirk's stupid wager we have seen this type of thing done before and done much better (e.g., "The Squire of Gothos"), although I must admit the chessboard fighting area is kind of cool. But set design is hardly a big redeeming value. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Best known as the episode featuring the first interracial kiss on television, "Plato's Stepchildren" remains a disconcerting story in which our Star Trek heroes are reduced to playthings for psycho-telekinetic fiends. The Enterprise proceeds to the planet Platonius in response to a distress signal, and find that a race of people with special powers live there, having created a society loosely based on that of ancient Greece. These Platonians can force outsiders to act against their wills, and when Captain Kirk (William Shatner) attempts to prevent the Platonian king from holding Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley) indefinitely, he and Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), and Nurse Chapel (Majel Barrett) are made to perform for their captors. Much discussed by the show's producers before shooting commenced, a kiss exchanged between Shatner and Nichols crossed a certain threshold in network television, where such a thing had been previously unimaginable. Still, Shatner's own recollection (from his memoir, Where No Man Has Gone Before) is accurate when he states that the scene is so compelling dramatically that the color of the actors is almost beyond notice. What does not go unnoticed, however, is the sensitive performance of Michael Dunn, the dwarf actor best known as Dr. Loveless from The Wild Wild West.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A bit below average, if groundbreaking, episode
Another menacing and sadistic 3rd season episode, this time involving an Ancient Greek-like people
with telekenetic powers. This is one of those episodes-there would be many more ahead--that doesn't have a lot to say. It is most noteworthy for the kiss between Kirk and Uhura (too bad it had to be forced upon them), the absurdly camp antics performed by Kirk and Spock in particular, and the icy malevolence of Parmen and his cohorts. Whatever moral the episode conveys could probably best be summarized as "absolute power corrupts absolutely." There's nothing very deep about the crew's 'escape' either, although they are able to teach Alexander some valuable lessons before they go.

Wonderful episode!!!!!
"Remember, Cupid's Arrow kills Vulcans."

The line above was spoken by Parmen, leader of Platonias. I like this episode because it is a very good episode. I highly recommend this to future Star Trek fans.

Watch this one for Michael Dunn, not the interracial kiss
Having always enjoyed Michael Dunn's performance as the evil genius Dr. Loveless on "The Wild Wild West" it is his appearance as Alexander that makes "Plato's Stepchildren" a memorable Star Trek episode for me, and not the infamous first interracial kiss on television between Kirk and Uhura (I think he missed her lips). The Enterprise responds to a distress call from Platonius and discovers the people have telekinetic powers. Finding McCoy's medical knowledge useful, the Platonians refuse to let him or the crew leave. After being forced to perform like fools, Kirk and Spock figure out that the source of the Platonians' power is a substance called kironide and figure out a way of turning the tables. I have read Plato and these people sure seem more like decadent Romans that heirs to the political philosophy outlined in "The Republic." Then again, you do get to see Spock trying to control his anger after being humiliated by the Platonians. But in the end this is Dunn's episode, achieving great pathos as the court jester of the Platonians because he is the only one with the power. Dunn and Shatner have a couple of very strong scenes together, no matter what you think of the rest of the episode.

A few good laughs keeps this episode from being a dud
There's an evil man named Plato who wants to use the crew from the Enterprise as entertainment once Dr. McCoy and the others refuse to stay on the planet with Plato and the Platonians. The only defense that Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, and even Spock have is to try and not pay attention to the powers that Plato and his servants possess. But their powers are stronger than expected. Plato and his sidekicks have the power to make people do things they don't want to do by controlling their minds.

"Plato's Stepchildren" isn't that good of an episode, it's basically just an average episode at its best. However, there are a few hilarious parts that keep it from being a complete dud, such as when Plato makes Kirk and Spock dance around foolishly, and when Spock just can't quit laughing.

I recommend any fan of Star Trek to at least watch "Plato's Stepchildren."

Exploitation is wrong, and so is Shatner's acting
I've got to give the show and its fine crew of writers credit where credit is due, not just for the impact of Kirk and Uhura's kiss (the first interracial kiss in television history) but for their overall message in this episode.

With the help of the unimaginally indulgent, remorseless Platonians, they sent across a substantial message in a flash of sparkling outfits, thick makeup (particularly in poor Chris Chapel's case) and Will Shatner's staccato and over-the-top acting:

Exploitation is wrong.

True, this is a lesson we all learned years ago in Kindergarten with the Golden Rule, but, not surprisingly, in the midst of the guilty excitement of gossip and the build-'em-up, tear-'em-down philosophy of the media, we all tend to wander from that message.

The Platonians used Kirk, Spock, Uhura and Chapel, putting them into humiliating, and what would have inevitably become fatal, situations purely for their own amusement. One can find similar parallels in the mass media market today. Indeed we do seem to receive some sort of pleasure in seeing some of our favorite actors, writers, personalities, etc. put into embarrasing situations.

Kirk and the gang, as always, represent the new world of equality, virtue and harmony throughout, even when consumed with hatred for their capturs.

One has to wonder just who the Platonians represent.

One Schlocky Note: Shatner slapping himself silly, cracking the whip, and...well just *being* in the episode seemed to be one big campfest for him this time. Congratrulations Bill, you should be proud. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

If you are a history buff, you will LOVE this movie....
Peck is excellent. The quotes from this movie coupled with the Ed Flanders's portray of Harry Truman, coupled with the accuracy of the film historically make this probably my all time favorite film. and the darn thing is on back order! Fudge.

Good Movie
This was a good movie, it could have been a great movie but it fell short in a couple places. The performance by Gregory Peck was great (almost in George C. Scott league but not quite). The performance by the supporting actors was not bad, especially the guys that played Truman and Roosevelt.

I think where the movie fell short was that it seemed too jumpy. The scenes of his battles (both military and political) seemed short. There didn't seem to be closure on the battles other than jumping to the next battle to be fought. I've never seen the uncut version, so I don't know if that's addressed there. It seems like this movie would have been better served with another hour at least.

I would have to say my favorite aspect of the movie was his warning as he was fired. Namely that you should never tell the military to fight a war of half measures. Also, that Congress shouldn't shirk its responsibility by not declaring war.

Gregory Peck tries to make sense of Douglas MacArthur
The 1977 film "MacArthur" is well aware that there were two sides to the controversial military leader Douglas MacArthur, and you can almost see the makers of this film flipping a coin to decide which side Gregory Peck gets to show in the next scene. On the one hand there was the brilliant military strategist and leader who directed Allied forces in the Pacific against the Japanese in World War II and for the first half of the Koran War. On the other hand that was the vain and egotistical man who selected official photographs with as much care as he plained invasions and attacks. Most of the credit in this film goes to Peck's performance in making these two diverse sides fit together for the most part.

The contrast between the two is probably best captured in two scenes involving Major General Jonathan M. Wainwright (Sandy Kenyon), who was left behind in command of the Philippines when FDR ordered MacArthur to get to safety in Australia. Even though he promises MacArthur he "will be here or I'll be dead," Wainwright is ultimately forced to surrender and MacArthur goes off the deep end, insisting that Wainwright has gone insane and heaping invective on the man's name. Later in the film, on the day the Japanese signed the articles of surrender on the U.S.S. "Missouri," Wainwright arrives, a gaunt figure after years of captivity in a Japanese prison. MacArthur embraces Wainwright warmly, brushing away all apologies and assuring the man he can have his Corps back as soon as he says the word. MacArthur remains the same man, unconcerned by the obvious contradictions of his nature.

Director Joseph Sargent frames this biopic with MacArthur's famous speech to the cadets of West Point, where he extols the virtues of "Duty," "Honor," "Country." Beyond a brief look back at his early life and military career, the story of the film begins with the general and his besieged forces in the Philippines. But throughout the film we are supposed to hear those words "Duty," "Honor," "Country" resonating. MacArthur is forced to leave the Philippines, but he vows to return, and he does. The UN forces are almost forced off the Korean peninsula, but MacArthur retakes it all before the Chinese get involved. MacArthur is able to force FDR to go with his plans, but finds Harry Truman unwilling to go along, thereby ending a distinguished military career of over half-a-century.

Which sides comes out ahead? The ways Sargent tries to balance the two sides gets pretty interesting. Both Roosevelt (Dan O'Herlihy) and Truman (Ed Flanders) have their pokes at MacArthur, while it is a pair of his Japanese adversaries who speak to his military ability (scenes that are reminiscent of the Germans doing the same thing in "Patton"). The Presidents give the general credit for his military endeavors, but those accolades are buried beneath the verbal ripostes; on the political side the rebuttal comes from actual film footage of Republican Senators (e.g., Nixon of California) supporting MacArthur and blasting Truman. Even stranger, MacArthur's aides are forced to play it both ways. On the one hand they are doing everything they can for the general's public relations, but then there are also times when they basically roll their eyes at what is coming out of MacArthur's mouth.

In the end, MacArthur is not only redeemed by Peck's performance, but by having the final two scenes of the film be the famous pair of speeches MacArthur delivered when he returned to the United States. The first was the "The Old Soldiers" speech given to the Joint Session of Congress and the other the speech to the cadets. When you have a character who has been saying some pretty stupid things from time to time throughout the film and then allow him to reach such flights of oratorical elegance, it is hard not to end on his side of the ledger. "MacArthur" is not enough to allow anyone to make a reasoned judgment on the man and his career, but it should be enough to inspire those who are interested to go read some books that can provide you better evidence for really making up your mind.

"duty, honor, country"
Those that are interested in General Douglas MacArthur, and admire his qualities of courage and fortitude, will find this film fascinating; it is beautifully filmed, with marvelous re-creations of the mid 20th century, and the battle scenes are very well done.
The speeches alone are a glory to listen to, full of passion for "duty, honor, and country", and the words are so exquisitely crafted they are like the finest prose.
The film starts and ends in MacArthur's beloved West Point, on a blustery day, as he speaks to the cadets, and is among the many memorable scenes; others are the landing on Layte, and the signing of Japan's surrender, on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, which is a fabulous re-staging of the historic event.

Gregory Peck gives a monumental portrayal of MacArthur; it is nuanced and brilliant, and from the old film clips I have seen of General MacArthur, subtly captures his posture and movement, with his many different pipes. This film is one of Peck's best, and it's sad it did not have more critical acclaim, as I feel it certainly deserved it.
Other terrific performances come from Marj Dusay as his wife Jean, Sandy Kenyon as General Jonathan Wainwright, and Ed Flanders as President Truman is quite exceptional; tough, gritty, and angered by MacArthur.

An excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith and cinematography by Mario Tosi complements the well-paced direction by Joseph Sargent. If it has a flaw, I feel the film makes too much of the publicity loving aspect of MacArthur's personality. Yes, he liked to use the media to his advantage, and most people who make history feel the same way no doubt...otherwise it is a fairly balanced depiction of one of the great men of the 20th century.

It is interesting to speculate what would have happened had General MacArthur been able to do what he thought was right, and not the "capitulation" and "immoral compromise with evil" he felt he was forced to accept. Perhaps over time millions of lives would have been saved, but I'm sure many would argue otherwise.
Total running time 130 minutes.
"A soldier above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war".

Enjoyable, but a flawed portrait of MacArthur
Gregory Peck does his customary stellar job in this very enjoyable movie about General Douglas MacArthur. The film spans the time frame from the onset of World War II and the fall of the Phillipines (of which MacArthur was military commander) through the relief of General MacArthur in the midst of the Korean War. The movie is notably true to history in all respects that I could determine, and deserves kudos for that.

In my opinion the film is flawed because it goes out of its way to portray MacArthur in an unfavorable light. It ridicules his skillful use of public relations, and presents MacArthur as a demagogue and as a somewhat shallow, manipulative, and downright political General. The troops' dislike of MacArthur is overplayed--other great generals were not always popular with their men, but the fact is that MacArthur and his strategy of bypassing Japanese strong points ("island hopping") worked, and saved countless American and Allied lives. While there is perhaps some truth to the notion that MacArthur was obsessed with his image to the American people, the fact is that the country needed heros in the dark days following Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt knew it and served up Patton and MacArthur, and MacArthur knew it too. In the early days of American involvement in the war, guts and morale were about all the country had going for it.

The movie deserves praise for its portrayal of MacArthur's handling of the Korean War. I don't recall ever seeing a more insightful or accurate dramatic portrayal of what happened in this underexamined war, and the movie gives MacArthur credit for his boldness and genius, and at the same time, in a fair and evenhanded way, the film explains why President Truman saw fit to relieve MacArthur. This action was appropriate although unfortunate, and the film handles this episode fairly, in my opinion.

The movie "Patton" is probably the model for how a movie should portray the life story of a great American general. compared against "Patton" this film does not measure up. Nevertheless, this film is well worth seeing and owning despite its flaws. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Superior TV Movie
This made-for-tv movie was filmed at the time when Sally Field was trying to break out of her "Gidget" and "Flying Nun" roles. It is effective at showing what great dramatic work she would do in the future. One drawback about this DVD is it has no special features. Overall, this movie has an absorbing story about the conflict between parents and teenagers. If one can get past the dated '70's feel, it is a film worth watching.

Sybil
Actually its about the movie Sybil. I've been going crazy searching on the internet so I can purchase it on DVD. But I've had no luck. Can anyone give me any suggestions on how I can buy it. I have read the book, but would like to buy the movie for my collection. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Thought-provoking movie
This movie is interesting and thought-provoking on so many different levels, that it is hard to summarize, but I will try. First of all, watching the movie makes you feel as if you've entered a 1970s time machine. The premise of the movie is about an ex-hippie (Sally Field as "Deenie") that comes home after being on the road and living the life of a hippie. When Deenie comes home, she finds the same problems and family dynamics just the way she left them; only being repeated through her younger sister. I felt that "Deenie" should have told her sister what she experienced living the life of a drugged-out hippie, so that her sister wouldn't run away and make the same mistakes. Instead, when her sister questions her about why she came home, Deenie just says, "I don't want to talk about it; it just wasn't that great, that's all." The parents in the movie are constantly talking about taking vitamins, aspirins, and sleeping pills, and the medicine cabinet is running over with pill bottles. So is it any wonder that Suzie (Deenie's younger sister) is popping downers?

The generation gap is illustrated beautifully in this movie; how many parents tend to talk AT their kids and not TO their kids. It also shows that they are oblivious to their own pill-popping behavior, and how they don't realize that Suzie is just emulating their behavior. Kids do what they see, not what they are told. Even when Deenie tries to talk to her parents about Suzie getting in deeper with drugs, the parents are too wrapped up in their own life to listen.

Excellent movie. Highly recommended.

i dont know
poo poooo im not sure but im trying to find out if this is th movie on the book go ask alice.

Sally Field Can Act
This was first shown on TV when I was ten. . .oops, told my age. Oh, well. . .story about generation gap which was still a major issue in 1971. I had only known Sally Field from "The Flying Nun" and "Gidget", so I remember being surprised to see her in a serious role. Good, well acted film that doesn't offer a neat solution to the problems presented.

Hits Home
Sally Field really wowed us when this first aired on television as a made-for-TV-movie of the week. It shows what happens to families when parents don't listen and watch what is really happening with their kids. Sally runs away, does drugs, and hangs out with the hippies (in very effective flashbacks). The depiction of thoughts with flashes of images and voice-over was innovative and genuine. The movie opens when she returns home and we (and she) begins to see the same thing begin to happen to her younger sister and she can't stop it. Sally's charactor has learned from her mistake and she tries to warn her sister as well as tries to warn her parents that they are making the same mistakes they did with her. It's a good movie with realistic portrayal of it's time period. I was a kid at the time and I understood it and this film was something that teens of this era were able to relate to. Most important--there is a lesson to be learned. Unfortunately, television always cuts out the songs to make this movie fit into it's time slot. Rent the video instead.