Amazon.com

The brief 1980s mania surrounding "the Coreys" peaked with License to Drive, a modest but surprisingly still enjoyable adventure comedy. Les (Corey Haim, Lucas) has a chance to date his dream girl, Mercedes (Heather Graham, Boogie Nights, in her first significant movie role)--but he's just failed his driving exam. Motivated by a mixture of pride and hormones, he steals his grandfather's Cadillac and heads out on the town with Mercedes for a night that swiftly becomes an escalating series of disasters, made worse by the foolhardy antics of Les' best friend Dean (Corey Feldman, Stand by Me). Despite some egregious '80s fashion disasters (Graham gets the worst of them), License to Drive holds up surprisingly well--it's no work of genius, but it is a solidly made and entertaining teen comedy that's more coherent than most.The depiction of parent-teen relations is fairly honest and particularly well-played by Richard Masur (Risky Business) and Carol Kane (In the Soup) as the parents. The DVD includes a very funny and rambunctious audio commentary track by the screenwriter and director, as well as interviews with the grown-up Coreys. A must-have for fans of '80s nostalgia. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (37)

License to Drive - my all time favorite!
Being a child of the 80's - this movie was great! I watched it as a teenager over and over (probably more than 50 times) and laughed every single time! If you are a fan of 80's movies, you'll love this one! I've been waiting for it to make it to DVD - I'm so glad it has finally happened. It's a movie that brings back great memories for me.
Enjoy!

What more could you ask for?
I waited patiently for this DVD to come out.Ok, maybe not so patiently. Buuuut, I finally got my copy of License To Drive.I couldn't be more excited.Corey Haim, Corey Feldman and Heather Graham drunk and locked in the trunk of a hot car- what else could you possibly want in a light-hearted 80's teen movie!?This movie is an 80's classic! I would say it's even better than most of the Brat Pack stuff... This DVD is top notch. The extras are very cool. Interviews with both the Coreys! I've already watched the DVD start to finish twice this weekend!!!

License To Drive is Pure 80's fun.A must have...

A Cool Movie, Nice Extras
In License to Drive Corey Haim stars as Les Anderson. He has a problem. He has no license. He is too cool to be seen on the school bus and it's totally not cool to have your friends mom drop you off at parties. Plus, Wes has a crush on a hot blonde who just happens to be named Mercedes.

The time arrives when Les finally has his opportunity to go out on a date with Mercedes--but his parents discovered that he really failed his driving test. Les has got to make it happen and he takes the car anyway. Heck, Mercedes called him and expected to see him in 20 minutes, what's a teenage boy to do? The night becomes filled with misadventures and Mercedes gets so smashed she spends part of the night in the trunk of the car. The excitement only continues when Les' mother, played by Carol Kane needs to get to the hospital.

If you haven't seen this film in a while, it's just as great as it was when it was first released. The two Coreys followed up License to Drive with the movie Dream a Little Dream. Dream a Little Dream didn't have the commercial appeal as License to Drive. Although both Corey's appear on the cover, this was another film in which Corey Haim was definitly doing most of the driving considering the majority of the storyline revolved around him, his circumstance and his family, but Corey Feldman is a good sidekick as his buddy Dean.

There is also some cool music featured in License to Drive. While watching the movie keep your ears peeled for "Rush Hour," by Go Go's member Jane Wiedlin, "Mercedes Boy," by Pebbles, "Trouble," by Nia Peeples, "I Feel Free," by Belinda Carlisle, and "Get Out of My Dreams and Into My Car," by Billy Ocean.

The DVD itself does have some cool features which makes up for the wait in having this cool film on DVD. Extra's include interviews with Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, audio commentary with director Greg Beeman and writer Neil Tolkin, deleted scene, TV spots and theatrical trailers. The DVD-Rom portion of extras include the films screenplay.

The best extra's are the interviews with Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. Both actors look much better than they have in years. Corey Feldman has cut his hair since he appeared on The Surreal Life. Corey Haim has lost some weight and is sporting a spiky blond haircut. Both actors discuss how they got involved with the film, how they met and their experience of working together. The interviews are not real short, which is sweet.

Funny As 80's Comedy
Licence To Drive is one of those movies we can all relate to, wanting to get our licence, wanting the hottest babe in school. About certain scenes in the movie, the scenes i laugh at the most is where Dean is testing Les on driving licence questions & he goes up to the intercom & talks to les's sister & burps into it, another scene is where he is on the hill & the elderly driver behind him says "C'mon you little moron!" also the scene where the driver says to Les, "What am i speaking greek"? there are a lot more funny scenes too much to mention here, i just can't wait to buy it on DVD. One revealing scene you see is where charles is trying to pickup a passed out mercedes & take her into the resturant for a soda, in the next scene you can see a shadow of her hair moving back & forth. All in all a very funny 80's comedy that rates a high 5 for me.

Two Coreys, Fully Loaded with options and LOW sticker price!
LICENSE TO DRIVE is a fast-moving teen comedy from the 80s starring the comic duo of the two Coreys - Haim and Feldman.Anyone who remembers a time when all our idols were named COREY will love this trip back down memory lane. First off - great cast with Heather Graham in an early role as dream girl Mercedes Lane and Carol Kane as the pregnant mom.It's a typical comedy, but the director provided enough style and zip to make it all work well.The driving exam scene is classic, and there a lot of good one liners "Who would have thought a Mercedes could fit in the trunk of a Cadillac?".The DVD includes a deleted sequence with an ALTERNATE CLIMAX.The whole thing runs about 20 minutes, and shows you how the movie could have ended.Also you get a funny commentary with the director and writer, and some current intereviews with each Corey separately.The transfers and audio are top-notch as well!Great price for a great DVD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When a Great Dane puppy is raised with a litter of Dachshunds, itnaturally thinks it's a Dachshund too--even when it grows to 10 times thesize. Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette star as the hapless couple who tookin the galumphing dog, which wreaks havoc on their house and home. TheUgly Dachshund is mostly a series of spectacular disasters (the doggydemolition of Jones's art studio will delight kids and reduce adults tonervous wrecks), but it's held together by the convincing domestic banterof Jones and Pleshette (who was quite a dish in 1965); the pair went on tostar in a couple of other Disney live-action flicks, Bluebeard'sGhost and The Shaggy D.A.. Despite some racial and genderstereotypes, it's a good-natured and amusing movie in the Disney mold.Also featuring classic character actor Charlie Ruggles (Bringing UpBaby, The Parent Trap). --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great for Dachshund fans!
Very cute movie for Dachshund fans or Great Dane enthusiasts! My favorite live action Disney movie -- long out of print. I am so happy that Disney released this on DVD. It is fun seeing the original trailer and the little featurette about Disney's dog stars too.

Funny movie!
This is a clean, funny movie for the whole family. I would recommend it to anyone who needs to laugh. This movie is particularly funny if you own a dachshund.

I've been begging Disney for years to release this movie on DVD. I'm so glad they finally did!

Classic Disney Film
In the classic tradition of Disney fluff, comes Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette who play Mark and Fran Garrison, a childless couple who's baby is Danke, their prize winning Dachsie. When the film opens, they are rushing to the hospital to have a baby. Not their own, rather, Danke's.

Mark is now even more outnumbered by females 5-1, and he's ready for some more masculinity in the family. When Mark picks up the Dachsies at the Vet hospital, Mark discovers from the doctor that a male Great Dane pup has been rejected by his mother, and agrees to take it home and allow Danke to nurse it. Fran believes that Danke just had another puppy, even though he looks different.

As time goes by, Fran realizes that "Brutus" is a Great Dane and insists that he be taken back to the hospital. Mark agrees, but can't get that pup off is mind. When Mark is given a birthday only fit for Dachshunds, he blows his top, only to find Fran surprises him with Brutus, now almost full grown.

Over time the Dane and Dachsies grow up and get into lots of mischief. Most of the times the Dachsies were responsible, but Fran can't believe that for one minute! The ending of the film brings Fran and Mark back together and they both become proud of the Dane Brutus has grown up to be.

I highly recommend this film to all ages. I watched The Ugly Dachshund when I was little, and now my daughter enjoys it, so it definitely stays a favorite over the generations. This wholesome, comedic type of film is hard to find these days, so grab this dvd up while you can! I also recommend other Disney titles starring Dean and Suzanne- Blackbeard's Ghost and Shaggy D.A.

The Ugly Dachshund
This is one of the best movies for children that I have seen. It keeps moving so you don't get bored. And is very funny. I recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh. Watch it and enjoy!!

The Ugly Dachshund, Great For The Whole Family
This is one of my favorite movies! Dean Jones plays an artist married to Suzanne Pleshette who has a purebred dachshund about to have puppies. As a favor to their vet, Dean sneaks in a Great Dane pup with the dachshund pups and that's when all the fun begins! I had this movie on video and I've shared it with children and adults...everyone laughs at it. It's a sweet comedy that everyone can enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A Presidential Comedy!
Dave Kovic runs a job placement agency. On the side, he does Presidential Impersonations since he bares a strong resemblance to President Mitchell. But when Mitchell suffers a life-threatening stroke, Dave is asked to step in to temporarily fill his shoes. After testing the waters, Dave begins to enjoy the job and eventually tries to get something done...

DAVE is a sturdy comedy that gets a lot of mileage out of Washington DC. Kevin Kline is just perfect as the everyman Dave and even better as President Dave. When he throws out the first pitch at a professional game, the reaction is happy and real. He becomes the President we would like to see, one that puts the country above all else. That's something I've never seen in my lifetime. Sigourney Weaver is the hard-edged First Lady who Dave is soon allied. Charles Grodin is very funny in a supporting role as a DC accountant with a fear of the government. Frank Langella is the villainous Bob Alexander, puppet master for the 'acting' President. He sneers here as much as he did in DRACULA. But, much of the fun in Dave comes from the many Washington insider cameos. These, in addition to appearances by Larry King, Jay Leno, Leon Harris and Oliver Stone make the story seem feasible. (And for once, Oliver Stone's conspiracy just might be right...)

Ivan Reitman handles this comedy masterfully and the story is filled with heart and a couple nice twists. The DVD has a pretty good video transfer and a standard audio transfer. But, this was an early DVD release so it offers little extra (There is a mightily short making of doc). Dave itself is a fun film that might ironically restore some trust in our government.

Whimsy & Intrigue in the White House
This movie is one of those gems that quietly grows on you -- each viewing creating anticipation and appreciation for its wit and style. The casting is superb. Kevin Kline doesn't know how to give a bad performance. Frank Langella's brilliant characterization of the ambitious, power-hungry 'man behind the throne' is perfect, and a wonderful contrast to his long-ago role as the cad/seducer in Diary of a Mad Housewife.

This is definitely a movie to buy because it needs to be seen many times. The innumerable funny pearls in this movie alone are worth the price of the DVD. For Minnesotans, one of the slyest gags was Dave's gig early in the moview, imitating the President at the grand opening of Durenberger Motors in his home town. The movie was released around the time that David Durenberger (Minnesota's senior senator) was embroiled in an ethics scandal. A personal favorite moment was the scene where Dave (with the help of his accountant buddy played by Charles Grodin) pares the federal budget to save a homeless shelter for children -- the cabinet members bemusedly participating just like a family sitting around the kitchen table wrestling with its own budget. Priceless.

GOOD DEMOCRATS, BAD REPUBLICANS, SAME OLD STORY
The film "Dave" went through a script change. The story of a Presidential look-alike (Kevin Kline) who fills in for the secretly deceased real thing, the original story featured a Republican who brought his skills as a small entrepreneur to the job. Hollywood turned him into a Democrat, but kept his G.O.P common sense, such as when he and his partner look at the Federal budget and balance it by using the methods any small businessman would use. Naturally, pet liberal projects are all interjected while "Republican priorities" are given the heave-ho. You can search far and wide, and you will not find Hollywood films that openly portray a Democrat as the bad guy. I wrote a screenplay a few years ago called "A Murderous Campaign". It had all the elements of a great script. A beautiful porn star has an affair with a Democrat Louisiana Senator. She overhears him plotting the assassination of a political rival, but they find out she heard the plan. They try to kill her, so she goes into hiding and hooks up with a crusty old Washington reporter who is considered kooky because he has been accusing this Democrat of these crimes for years. A retired FBI friend of the reporter helps them. The Democrat announces a Presidential bid. The porn star uses her considerable charms and discovers that the Governor of New Jersey is the assassination target at a Statue of Liberty rally. She saves the Governor, and the plot is revealed, but the Democrat candidate goes into spin control. Nobody can really prove the plan. It looks like he will win the nomination, having weathered the politics of personal destruction. Finally, the porn girl and the reporter find the old father of the Democrat's chief of staff, a former Ku Klux Klansman who wants to get what he knows off his chest before passing from this mortal coil. He tells them about the drug smuggling operation the candidate has been running in the Louisiana Bayou. The reporter's FBI pal arranges a raid. They discover all the "smoking gun" evidence of a series of political murders going back years. The girl is re-united with her family, gets out of the porn business, the reporter wins the Pulitzer, and it is jail time for the Democrat. The end.
Creative execs who loved the verbal pitch when I simply described the Democrat as a "politician," a "candidate" or the "Senator" all passed when they read the part in the script that identifies him as an actual Democrat. Pamela Anderson would be perfect as the porn chick. I could see Denzel Washington as the reporter, and Gary Busey as the Democrat Senator. I was asked if I would change him to a Republican. My answer was that I wanted to maintain the realism of the story. See ya.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM

Light romantic comedy.
President Bill Mitchell is not exactly an ideal President. He looks after those who helped get him into office than the people and he is a philanderer. One of the ways that he keeps his amorous play a secret is to hire a lookalike to impersonate him. Now the man whom they have hired is Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline), a goodhearted man who likes to help people find jobs. After making his little exit, the real President suffers a stroke and is completely incapacitated. The corrupt and manipulative Chief of Staff, Bob Alexander, plans to use Dave to elevate himself to the White House. Unfortunately, he doesn't count on Dave enjoying himself in office, using his luck to make the country a better place and falling in love with the beautiful First Lady.

A fun Political Drama/Comedy!
DAVE is a great movie. It's fun to watch and is family friendly. At the same time, though, it has plenty of political jargon and Oval Office scenes to keep the political drama lover happy. DAVE follows a man who could pass as a twin of the President. He is recruited as a double for the Prez. for public appearances, but quite unexpectedly, gets a big promotion! Definately see this one. ... Read more

Reviews (68)

I loved this movie!
This movie just sort of snuck up on me. I was having a bad day, and it was on TV, so I thought I'd give it a chance. And it turned out to be *just* the thing to pick me up from my doldrums.

A very, VERY sweet movie that is interesting, gripping, has some mystery, romance, and is fine for the whole family. Highly recommended.

Beautiful scenery (I always love beautiful scenery) and two wonderful main characters. Tom Berenger is a grumpy, reclusive and rather shy tracker who get sucked into a very unusual quest -- to find a lost Native American Tribe. He is wonderful in his roll -- he does "grumpy but lovable" better than most other actors I can think of.

Barbara Hershey is fantastic too. Beautiful, brainy, capable, dedicated and a perfect compliment to Berenger's character. I really admired her in this film.

I won't reveal too much of the plot here, but it is a delightful film, and I highly recommend it. Maybe a little on the longish side, but I wouldn't have it any other way. One of my favorite movies to date.

MAGICAL MOVIE
I don't usually watch westerns but when my father told me about this movie, and I saw the awe that filled his eyes, I knew I had to watch it. I did and I was enchanted by everything about it. I loved the performances of Tom Berenger as the tormented Lewis Gates, Barbara Hershey as the bookish anthropologist Lillian and especially, Zip, the scrappy little bob-tailed dog that had so much personality! I also enjoyed Wilford Brimley's narration throughout the movie - it was entirely believable because he is so down to earth. The story is slightly implausible, bordering on fantasy - a bounty hunter and an anthropologist find a "lost" tribe of Cheyenne Indians living in an incredibly remote area of Montana. But the movie is so well done you find yourself wishing it were true. The actors who potrayed members of the lost tribe - especially the man who played Lone Wolf - were extremely authentic without being caricatures or stereotpyes. And the music - this movie wouldn't be as good without that marvelous music. And last but not least, the scenery. The mountains, the rivers where the escaped convicts and later Lewis run for fresh water - made me wonder if such a place really exists. This is a must-have movie best viewed when you are in need of hope and a reason to feel good about the world. And sometimes I wonder if Lillian and Lewis "lived happily ever after" with that lost tribe. I sure hope so!

Excellent
I had purchased the VHS of this movie on a whim, thinking my husband would like it. He likes anything "Western". I found myself totally absorbed in this movie. The theme was different than I expected, but I was not disappointed. I would recommend viewing this movie to anyone with an interest in the West and its history. Tom Berenger is one of my favority actors, anyway.

Modern Day Western With A Century Old Feel
This review refers to the HBO DVD edition of "Last Of The Dogmen"...

"Last of the Dogmen" is a beautiful story that takes my breath away everytime I watch it. It's one of those films that even if you start out viewing it alone, pretty soon, you'll find the rest of the family gathered around simply because one glimpse of the scenery,one paragraph of the dialouge,one look at the story and it's got a hold on you.

It's a modern Western, with all the romantic adventure of one that may take place 100 years ago. Lewis Gates(Tom Berenger) is a bounty hunter hired to track three deadly criminals who have escaped deep into the "Oxbow" of the Montana wilderness. As he follows their trail, he begins to uncover a 100 year old mystery. One of the clues is an arrow that could only have been used by a tribe of Cheyennes that existed over a century ago.
He can't let go of what the possibilities may be and convinces the beautiful Dr Lillian Sloan(Barbara Hershey), expert in Native American culture, that there may be something incredible out there. Their search begins as they try to uncover the past, and what they find is a way of life too beautiful to be spoiled by modern day man and it is up to them to save it!

It's just an incredibly beautiful film that interweaves the search for the past with Gates' own ghosts from his past. The friendships formed,the evolving romance, the cinematogrpahy, the musical score, and the heartwarming story all combined for a wonderful film.
Even "Zip" the dog(played by "Zip"), will be tugging at your heart.Berenger and Hershey worked beautifully together, and Steve Reevis and other American Indian actors were not only wonderful but lent a great deal of realism and authenticity to the film...Bravo!

The DVD presents a wonderful widescreen picture, taking in all the majesty of the Rockies. The DD5.1 is very good. The sounds of nature and the modern day sounds of helicopters and such, are quite a contrast to behold in surround sound.The DVD also has some nice features. It may be viewed with the sound in either the Theatrical version, or the Director version. Both are in DD5.1, and the main difference I found was that the Theatrical version has the captivating narration by Wilfred Brimley,and the Director's version does not. There is the option of Director(Tab Murphy) commentary, and it also provides subtitles in English, French and Spanish for those needing them.There are other features that include, cast bios and costume sketches as well.

If you liked "Dances With Wolves", give this one a try. I can not say enough good things about it. If you have already seen it, you will enjoy it again on this DVD. It's for Western lovers, adventure lovers, romance lovers and anyone who just wants to get lost in a good story for a couple of hours.It is rated PG(there is some violence and mild langauge)

Happy trails and enjoy.....Laurie

A neglected gem of a movie
When this movie was released in 1995 alongside other competition, it flopped due in part to it's main idea, a movie about Indians. But it was never given a fair shot and by this review I hope to change that. The basic plot of the movie is very simple but very interesting. What if there was a lost pocket of Cheyenne in the wilderness of the Northwest? This question brings together two very well developed characters, Tom Berenger as a lonely tracker/bounty hunter with his sidekick dog Skip, and Barabara Hershey, a professor of Native American history. A relationship builds between the two and they are taken in by the native Americans. But, they leave a trail, and are followed by the local sheriff who hates Gates (Berenger's character) and would love to see him in the slammer. A lot of effort and thought was put into this movie, making it not only epic and romantic but also thought provoking and insightful into what we can and should do for the Native Americans. The question I mentioned above is asked later in the film, answered and ends with one of the most spectacular conclusions rivaling that of the Shawshank Redemption. The musical score by David Arnold who has worked on many films including the most recent James Bond movies, is very sweeping and majestic with a lot of romance. I loved this film and I would recommend it to pretty much anyone. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Changed Lives
Never say movies do not affect children's lives, for bad or the good. This one set many of us on the path to becoming U. S. Navy Frogmen then SEALs.I will treasure this DVD.

John Carl Roat
Class-29, UDT-21, UDT-11 SEAL Team 1

Thanks god!
This is a collector item. One piece of the Golden Era (50s and 60s). Great cast and plot.Richard Widmark,Dana Andrews, Jeffrey Hunter, Robert Wagner, the guys are all there. Fantastic underwater scenes. I was longing to see the DVD. Simply great! Hope "The Red Skies of Montana" and "White Feather" are coming next. ... Read more

Description

Boston proper meets the Wild West as Roddy McDowall, Suzanne Pleshette, and Karl Malden star in a fish-out-of-water comedy for everyone! To restore his family's lost wealth, a young Boston lad stows away on a ship bound for the California Gold Rush. When their very proper butler gives chase, all roads lead to nonstop adventure, wild and woolly characters, and a lucky punch that leads to a bonanza of belly laughs! You'll discover a fortune of family fun in this classic Disney film -- perfect for your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

cute Disney western comedy - in WIDESCREEN
THE ADVENTURES OF BULLWHIP GRIFFIN, a western comedy-rouser from Disney, gets it's long awaited DVD debut.Roddy McDowall, Suzanne Pleshette and Karl Malden (all veterans of Disney live action films) lead the impressive cast.

McDowall plays a meek butler from Boston, suddenly landed in the wild wild west, in the thick of the gold rush.Romance, adventure and comedy abound with Suzanne Pleshette an eyeful as saloon cutie Arabella Flagg.The cast also includes Harry Guardino, Richard Haydn, Hermione Baddeley, Cecil Kellaway and Joby Baker.

Disney has released THE ADVENTURES OF BULLWHIP GRIFFIN in pleasing 16:9 anamorphic.With the company in the bad habit of releasing most of their back-catalogue titles in fullscreen, this is rather a surprise.Sadly no extras, though having BULLWHIP GRIFFIN finally in digital format has been worth the wait.

REVIEW of DVD presentation only...
Why is Disney releasing all these classic movies in FULL FRAME aspect ratio?Its an insult to the people that made these films and just a plain hatchet job....
perhaps their master plan is to come out with some juiced up widescreen "theatre" versions with bonus features down the road and get all of us baby boomers to buy them again?Anyway... I was a ten year old laughing myself hysterical when this movie first came out and don't have the option NOT to buy it....I just wish Disney cared enough to treat their "movies"more like motion pictures and less like afternoon movie of the week.

Victorian Adventure, American Style
Of those countless live-action films that Disney made and seemed to have forgotten about, this is by far one of the best - and now they're finally releasing it on DVD.
Roddy MacDowell stars as Eric Griffin, a by-the-books, remarkably canny Butler for the Flagg family.When the patriarch dies and the Flagg orphans are revealed to be destitute, Griffin must follow them to the wild west where he proves that good manners and a clever, clear head can help one overcome any situation, from poverty to bandits to bare-knuckle boxing championships.The villian of the show, played over-the-top with delicious relish by the potatoe-nosed Karl Malden, is a treat, and a great counter for MacDowell's clean, handsome Griffin.
There are laughs, great action sequences, and numerous episodic adventures, but what really makes this movie shine is a strong sense of period.The feeling that this really is the mid nineteenth century, and not a '60s recreation, is palpable, and is a must for any fan of Westerns, victoriana, steampunk, or just the good old days when "for the whole family" didn't just mean "for kids."
For similar enjoyment, check out Disney's soon-to-be-released dvd of "In Search of the Castaways", based on Jules Verne's riveting adventure "Captain Grant's Children."

Very cute Disney film from the 60's
How can one resist the cast?Roddy McDowell, Suzanne Pleshette (YES, she sings! - and quite well), Karl Malden and a host of classic western stars.A very fun family film that has a fun story that takes many different directions -It will be nice on DVD, though only disappointment is that Disney NEVER does any extras at all on these old "claasics".

A butler with a THEME SONG!
A series of extremely funny accidents take a butler, a boy and an independent young woman off to California for the gold rush.
They keep getting rich, and then losing it.
The whole movie is full of wonderful quotes that make you want to repeat them at random moments:
"Oh.Well, now I shall be forced to trounce the scoundrel!"

It's just an unwilling hero story, but so well done that you will always remember it.And who could pass up a butler with a theme song? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Widely considered, top to bottom, one of the finest musicals in Broadwayhistory, Gypsy got lucky in its film version. Granted, Rosalind Russelldoesn't have the bell-ringing voice one craves for in "Everything's Coming UpRoses," but as a domineering stage mom, she's truly fearsome. Trouping throughvaudeville with her is her daughter, the future celebrity stripper Gypsy RoseLee, played by Natalie Wood in all her youthful lusciousness. The production isstudio-bound, but this actually fits the unreal show-biz world depicted. The Jule Styne-Stephen Sondheimscore has no weak spots, and some of the burlesque numbers ("Let MeEntertain You" and the riotous "You Gotta Get a Gimmick") are so authentic,you'd swear they were at least 100 years old. Gypsy is one of those big,somewhat stately musicals that does satisfying credit to its stage origins; nocinematic ground-breaking here, but a swell way to spend a rainy afternoon. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (39)

And we'll have a real good time!
I've seen countless versions of Gypsy from movie to stage and have never been disappointed in any of them. For the film version Rosalind Russell, one of my all time favorite actresses shines bright as Mamma Rose. Critics tore her apart but they are nothing but want-to-be actors anyway. I know enough about theatre to see that Rosalind had everything it took for this part and next to Angela she is my next choice.For Louise, Natalie Wood also shines and has given this role all the class of a great Broadway performance. She's beautiful and next to West Side Story the role of Gypsy (Louise) is what i'll always remember her for.The movie production itself isn't bad. I would have liked it more if they stayed closer to the stage version but considering Hollywood they did do a wonderful job. The Stereo 5.1 Sound is breathtaking, the colors are sharp and the extras are very much appreciated but don't know why they just didn't edit them into this production.You won't be disappointed, you'll enjoy all the wonderful songs, wonderful production numbers and see really fine actors of yesterday at their very best. "And you'll have a very good time."

3 Stars for the DVD
I really was looking forward to this DVD. I had only seen this film on TV or pan-and-scan video and thought it missing something. I previewed my new version by checking out the opening and a couple of the bigger numbers and thought it seemed pretty good. Now, unfortunately, I have been only been able to get through about an hour of the movie in two sittings. I have always liked Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood, and Karl Malden. But, I'm sorry, the musical numbers are flat out -- flat! No oomph, no guts -- I guess I'm just too familiar with the original cast recording which I have been listening to since it was first released on LP, and although I saw the less-than-musically talented Tyne Daly onstage in the role, at least the production sparkled and kept moving. I give the three stars for the DVD because it is an extremely good transfer. The wide screen looks great and the sound is not bad at all, but, again, it just doesn't make it. As Auntie Mame, Ros Russell is out of this world, but as Mama Rose, she seems more like Hyacinth in "Keeping Up Appearances" -- just goes rolling right along not even realizing anyone else is around. Maybe that's the way she and/or the director thought she should be. Oh, well!

You gotta get "Gypsy" if you wanna get ahead!
Buy this wonderful DVD issue of the 1962 "Gypsy" NOW! Fantastic color, film quality, sound...it's like seeing it for the first time. Wonderful stars and music. The two numbers "You Gotta Get a Gimmick" and "Let Me Entertain You" alone are worth the price. When Natalie takes those long legs to the runway, circling the stage performing the latter - whew - TOO hot to handle! "That's how burlesque was born!"

Gypsy -- A Disappointing Pleasure
As a longtime fan of the musical "Gypsy", inspired by the memoirs of the infamous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, I was ecstatic to come across a copy of the 1962 movie version on DVD. Though the acting was superb and charming, the one of the key words in a movie-musical is "musical", which this movie certainly wasn't.

First off: hats off to Rosalind Russell, an excellent Mama Rose. Miss Russell portrays Rose as the ruthless but lovable dominating stage mother that she is. She gives an marvelous performance as Rose. Though there is controversy on whether her vocals were dubbed by another performer (a rumor which Russell vehemently denied until her death), who really cares? Even if it isn't her singing, you can clearly see her put in emotion into whatever song she is belting(or lip-synching).

Karl Malden, as the bumbling Herbie, Rose's boyfriend and manager for her two daughters, Louise and June, gives his all. He is extremely believable in his role, as well as comfortable. Though unfortunately most of his singing scenes were cut for the final movie, they can still be seen in two additional bonus tracks that were cut from the final product. His talents as a vocalist are clearly displayed, along with his happy-go-lucky stage presence.

The last true musical charmer in this movie is that of the character of Tulsa, who gave a charming and whimsical performance in the song and dance splendor of "All I Need Is The Girl". I became a true fan of this number after seeing him flit across the screen.

Though these few people bring a great musical quality to this movie, not much can be said for the others in it. Natalie Wood, who plays Louise, the awkward teenager who ends up becoming the stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, definitely made her evolution believable. Though her acting was fantastic, I can't say the same for her singing abilities. Let's just say that I finally realized why someone dubbed her vocals for "West Side Story". "Gotta Get a Gimmick", possibly one of the best showstoppers I've seen on stage (about three strippers that give Louise tips on how to become a stripper), was pathetic on screen. There was more shouting than singing, and I kept counting the seconds until the end of the number so I could pretend it never happened. June was somewhat talented as a singer, but didn't give much of a performance.

Though most of the acting was splendid, the music was not. I have to give this one a 3 for the movie overall, but a 4 for the acting.

Everything's Coming Up Rose!
I loved this version of "Gypsy." I was a part of a school production of the musical, so I decided to see what the movie version was like. There are several differences, but this movie has the same flare that the stage production does. The DVD has the two songs that are missing from the movie (they are located in the bonus features area) which I enjoyed very much. I only wish that they had been in the movie in the first place!

Rosalind Russell is WONDERFUL as Rose, a mother who wants to make her children, mainly her youngest, June, a star. She travels, along with her other daughter Louise (played by the wonderful Natalie Wood) and Herbie (Carl Malden). All three characters gave great performances. I always get a lump in the back of my throat when Herbie leaves Rose after she refuses to set a date for their marriage and tries to make Louise the star.

After Louise discovers that she is very successful in her new profession--stripping, she changes her name to Gypsy Rose Lee and leaves her mother behind. Rose then goes on to sing the greatest song of the movie, 'Rose's Turn.' Rosalind Russell does a great job with the song, even if her voice is a little scratchy. Her acting was superb. I have always loved the ending (which I will not give away for those who have yet to see the movie). If you're a musical fan, rent this movie. You will not be disappointed! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Brando takes acting honors in 'The Young Lions'
Of the three primary story threads traced in "The Young Lions" --Marlon Brando as a conflicted Nazi soldier, Dean Martin as an American showbiz type who fights to overcome his fear of entering the war, and Montgomery Clift as a Jewish-American soldier who has to overcome the racism of his Army mates -- the Brando storyline emerges as the most compelling. It's certainly the most purely dramatic storyline, and the most complete. Add to that Brando's brilliant performance, and the strong supporting performances of Maximillian Schell, Parley Baer and Mai Britt, all of whom surround the Brando character, and you have enough for a satisfying movie by itself.

Further, Hugo Friedhofer's masterful score always seems -- at least to me -- to soar to its greatest heights when we find ourselves in a boiling desert with the Afrika Korps, or in Paris with Brando's Nazi unit during the occupation.

Does this nearly three-hour film suffer from this lopsided state of affairs? Not really, and that says a lot for the sheer craftsmanship of "The Young Lions." The cinematography and direction are first rate, and while the Clift and Martin storylines aren't as fascinating as Brando's, they do hold your interest. Clift gets across the fierce determination his character possesses, and Martin makes the most of several nice bon mots the script tosses his way.

"The Young Lions" is a fine World War II film, one that definitely rewards repeated viewings.

A War Epic Told from Both Sides
Released in 1958, this black and white WW2 story traces 3 men - two American, one German - through the trials and tribulations of that war. Stars Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift and Dean Martin.

Marlon is a young German watchmaker who always dreamed of being a doctor - but the strict caste system of europe has held him down. While he realizes the Nazis are a bit extreme, he hopes they will help to bring opportunity to all people.

Dean is a young Broadway god who loves the wine, women and song. When he's drafted, he tries to get out of it, to maintain his easy going life. He runs into Noah (Clift) at the draft board - a young, poor Jewish man who has no family and only a simple job at Macy's. The two hang out and Noah falls in love with a quiet Vermont girl.

The movie is truly an epic as it spans the entire war, from its quiet start to its brutal end. Along the way we realize that there is good and bad on all sides. Marlon's character tries to make a stand for what is right, but is told repeatedly that a good German soldier follows orders. He falls in love with a French widow. Noah is repeatedly beaten on (both emotionally and literally) for being a poor Jew by those whose side he is on. His future father in law only reluctantly accepts him, and his squadron mates steal his money and fight him. Dean refuses to marry his long time sweetheart and does his best to avoid any risks.

While some might say the story is a cliche, perhaps this is only because the story is so TRUE. It is always good to be reminded just how rough a war really is, and how there are no real "bad guys" and "good guys". There are only brave men and women who try their best and grow along the awy.

Although filmed in black and white, you do get some lovely Bavarian landscapes at the beginning, when Marlon is a ski instructor. Later, Marlon goes to Berlin a few times to meet with the wife of his commanding officer. The rest of the footage is in war-torn Paris, the surrounding countryside, the deserts of Africa, and the cities of London and New York.

different kind of war storey
although a bit long, this storey of 3 soldiers in ww 2, is a good one, dean martin bascially plays himself...., (...)actor
mongomery clift plays a sulky character, and marlon brando plays a german officer diillusioned by his country's war machine. cameo appearance at the end by" sgt shultz" of hogan'shero's fame- actor john banner. made in 1958, this would have been a real gem if filmed in color.

World War II: In the eyes of realism
This movie is complete realism and achieves a more realist look or world war 2. Very few movies made in post world war 2 times had the confidence as a film to transcend the nationalistic influences felt by the nation, but this film does. Brando is stunning in his role as a young german lieutenat who realizes the horrors and fallacies of the NAZI feelings. Clift and Martin represent typical American soliders and the tragic death of Brando (being shot down a mountain by Martin) is essential for the feel of this movie. If you enjoy WW2 films this is a must see.

Slow, boring, disappointing.
My husband and I are always interested in WWII movies. So when Mom, an ardent Brando fan, recommended this, we watched it.

It's a long time since we did - perhaps as long ago as a year - but the impression is still with me that this movie had very little to do with The War - it was more about interpersonal relationships and character development. So in the way of being a War Movie, it was not so good. I think it was a rather long movie, too, which didn't help. We just kept waiting for 'something to happen' - and it never did. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Harmless early 80's racial comedy
Segal is Walter Whitney, an easy-going yet privileged Angelino who is enjoying the easy-going life of an executive reached after years of hard work. A very-pre everything Denzel Washington is Roger Porter, the son of an African American woman who was once the love of Walter's life. When a righteous Walter realizes that Roger is his son, he's a bit shocked, but tries to assimilate him into his family anyway. Unfortunately, Walter didn't consider...anything, and soon he's on the outside, cut off from his wife (Susan St. James) and cozy job, with no choice but to assimilate to Roger's way of life. Soon, the former exec is waiting at street corners for day-jobs, or getting arrested by cops. Through it all (actually most), he's still the same old Walter, feverishly wondering how he'll get back to what he lost.

This was sort of a lost-gem-in-the-rough. The script isn't sure whether to make Walter and Roger rivals (in which each would at least subconsciously be out to prove who's better at living his way) or a true father&son team. The flick starts out with a running gag that Walter is actually a descent guy whose achievements have incidentally led him to be surrounded by incredibly bigoted people (they haven't affected him, but they haven't revealed their own darker side...yet). Once Walter is cast out from Brentwood, that joke disappears, and Segal is trapped in a fish-out-of-water story - consigned to a car without breaks, and a wreck of an apartment. (Other jokes include Walter's disgust when he realizes that his black son can't play basketball). Though weak, it's still fun. If Segal and Washington don't work well with each other, they still bring some fun to the table - especially Denzel Washington's disarmingly cheery outlook, now against the grain of his more recognizable seriousness. "You can teach me to build a model airplane", he suggests, "I can teach you how to pick a lock." Jokes like that should cater to the worst in you, but Washington's delivery reminds you it's all in good fun.

A Terrific Movie
This is a funny wonderful film that can be viewed a thousand times and you never get tired of it!

Fun movie with great chemistry between the two leads
I've always enjoyed the great comic talents of George Segal however what is not commonly known is the fine dramatic skills that he also possesses as seen in such fine dramatic roles as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf". "Carbon Copy" came late in Segal's incredibly successful run of comedies through the 1970's and early 80's that included hits such as "The Duchess and the Dirty Water Fox, "A Touch of Class","Who is killing the Great Chefs of Europe", and "Fun with Dick and Jane". This film fittingly involves a comic story with many serious undertones and is an early very fine effort in depicting white and black relations in film.

Carbon Copy", tells the story of a very successful white business executive (George Segal) who appears to have it all, the great house, top job, beautiful wife and all the luxuries that money can buy who one day comes face to face with the son he never knew he had (Denzel Washington in a terrific movie debut). The major problem here is however that the son is not only the result of a previous love affair but black as well which would not sit well with his upwardly mobile lifestyle and snobby family. The resulting situation once his son is introduced to his family has both funny and sad repurcussions as Segal sees his whole world crumble before his eyes and he finds himself out of a job, homeless, with no money, sharing a rundown apartment in a "bad neighbourhood" with his son and being reduced in a very comical scene to shovelling horse manure to earn a few bucks for food. Along the way much soul searching is done by both father and son as they realise the other is not naturally the enemy and that colour should not be something that necessarily should keep them apart.

The chemistry between the two leads, the more experienced George Segal and a young Denzel Washington is terrific and they are in turn very funny together as seen in the scenes when driving in Washington's beat up old car and in the scene when they are booking into the cheap motel for the night, and touchingly dramatic as they slowly discover more about each other and decide to try at a life together as father and son. The rapport between them is terrific and both play off each other to great effect.It is easy to see that Denzel Washington, one of today's finest actors was destined for great things even at this early stage in his career. He is perfectly natural and delivers a refreshingly honest performance as th eyoung black man trying to find his roots. His performance is a mixture of frustration, curiosity and comic ability. He has you alternately laughing and crying which is the sign of true talent indeed. While definately a light comedy "Carbon Copy",does however deliver an important message about race relations and perceptions while not deliberatly pointing the finger at either racial group for being distrustful of the other. Many significant points on how we should view people are delivered in among the great comedy moments in the film.

Being a big George Segal fan there is much to like in "Carbon Copy". While not his greatest film he still displays that wonderful comedy delivery that charmed audiences in the 1970's and 80's. It's only a pity that he didn't continue in films at a later period rather than moving fulltime into television. I highly recommend "Carbon Copy", for an enjoyable hour and a half that will also get you thinking in a subtle way about how people do actually relate to each other. Enjoy the highjinks of white father and black son as cultures collide in "Carbon Copy".

Light hearted clean comedy
This movie was very entertaining! It is a must see for all Denzel Washington and George Segal fans.

A BLAST!!
My family had this video for a few years, and I can truly say that it is one of the best movies I have ever watched. The movie itself is fun, but yet shows the ups and downs of a father son relationship in a prejudiced society.

There are also a lot of funny one liner, like when the main charchter refers to his son as being "Hickory Bronze", the same colour as a car, or when her learns the hard way, that being black does not mean you can play B-Ball.

I great movie for ALL members of the family.
Highly recommended ... Read more

Description

Petty crook Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark) has his eyes fixed on thebig score, but when he picks the purse of unsuspecting Candy (Jean Peters) he finds ahaul bigger than he could imagine: a strip of microfilm bearing confidential U.S. secrets.Tailed by both Feds and the unwitting courier's Communist puppeteers, Skip and Candyfind themselves in a precarious gambit that pits greed against redemption, Right versusRed, and passion against self preservation. A dazzling cast, hardboiled repartee anddirector Samuel Fuller's signature raw energy combine to create a true film noir classic. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

"You know people who know people."
"Pick Up On South Street" is yet another great film from cult director, Sam Fuller. Pickpocket Skip McCoy (Richard Widmark), a three-time loser, is on probation for only a week when he picks the wallet from a woman's handbag on the subway. He thinks he's lifting money, but he actually steals microfilm--copies of classified government documents containing a patent for a chemical formula. The woman, hard and mouthy, Candy (Jean Peters) is unaware of the true nature of the envelope she is about to pass to a communist agent. She thinks she's just doing her old boyfriend, Joey, a favour.

Soon Candy's ex, the police, and communist agents are all looking for Skip. Everyone--sooner or later--contacts the best snitch in town, Moe (Thelma Ritter). Moe's dread of being buried in Potter's field when she longs for a fancy plot in Long Island ensures that she'll sell information--after all, "every extra buck has a meaning of its own." Moe may have her price, but she doesn't do business with 'commies.' The film emphasizes the idea that thievery is one thing, but treason is a different matter. In the film, the criminal characters (Skip, Moe, and Lightning Louie) all live on the fringes of society in out-of-the-way dives and hovels. Their survival is based on not being too picky about how they make ends meet, so they have a certain tolerant co-existence with each other.

This film works so well due to the fine characterizations. There's Skip--he's not fussy who buys the film--and the whole patriotism argument just doesn't matter as far as he's concerned. The police detective in charge of the case isn't exactly an old friend, and so Skip's not about to hand over the stolen film. This is my personal favourite of all Sam Fuller's films. On the surface, it may seem that Fuller is paying court to the fear of Communism with this film's plot. But protagonist Skip McCoy isn't part of the society he's suddenly supposed to respect and protect. He's on the outside looking in, and his "what's in it for me attitude" leads him to make some tough choices. He's not a patriot--he's a survivor. Candy is as hard as nails--she's hardly naive or innocent, but even she's shocked to find herself mixed up with Communists. Thelma Ritter in an Oscar nominated role for best supporting actress is amazing. Her scenes are incredible. I love the scene when Moe questions the police detectives about Skip's technique. Also the amazingly violent subway chase was brilliantly executed. This Criterion DVD contains many extras that make the extra expense worthwhile for the film aficionado. There's an interview with Sam Fuller and trailers for his films (some of them are now sadly out-of-print). For the Sam Fuller fan, this Criterion DVD package is both fascinating and essential--displacedhuman

top-level film noir
Better than most film noir entries, Samuel Fuller's PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET explores the life of a pickpocket who gets in over his head. Skip McCoy picks a pocket on the subway, and gets classified government documents for his troubles.

The police convince a woman to help them find Skip and the microfilm, and heavy drama ensues. Thelma Ritter is especially good as the informant. Today her acting would be considered over-the-top and unconvincing, but for the time, it was a standout performance. Widmark is excellent as the pickpocket, with his portrayal only rivalled by his work in KISS OF DEATH (also a must-see film noir).

As a landmark film for Widmark and Ritter, as well as for director Samuel Fuller, PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET is a must-see for fans of 1940s cinema and film noir.

ken32

missed opportunity
Made during the height of the cold war hysteria,
this film gets sidetracked by mindless red baiting.
It also descends into cheesy melodrama on a couple of
occasions marring the pacing of the movie. It's too
bad but pickup doesn't live up to its reputation as
top notch noir.

A 1950's classic
For those who appreciate the fine acting of Thelma Ritter, this film is a must-have (along with Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window"). Her portrayal as the informant is a classic role for one of the best supporting actresses Hollywood has ever seen.

Richard Widmark also lends one of the greatest performances of his career, right up there with his roles in "Kiss of Death" (1947) and "Judgement at Nuremburg" (1961). The Criterion release provides a magnificent restoration of this underrated film noir gem.

I am rather baffled as to the clueless wonder at Amazon.com who tagged this motion picture with an NC-17 rating. Either that person didn't see the film, or the lights are on but nobody's home. "Pickup on South Street" isn't a skin flick. It is one of the greatest dramatic thrillers of the 1950's.

Get this DVD on Criterion. It's an essential classic for any serious film collector.

A top notch film noir
Skip Mc Coy (Richard Widmark) is a person without colective importance; a rough pickpocket , a scroungy pretty gangster who sneeks a look into a woman's handbag, turns up some microfilm and finds himself dealing with communist agents.
This is a well made film, with a lot of issues. Moe (Thelma Ritter)overtakes this role as a street peddler who sells information.
A film which reveals as a few, the sordid and sinister underworld linked with the spy world which is blackmailed by a pedestrian thief.
Fuller's view is incisive, bitter and ironical. Nevetheless the film has unforgettable funny situations.
Thelma Ritter was a very talented actress and bowever, she never won an Academy Award ; but her shinning presence gives to the clever script that touch of class and outrageous fierce character; and of course don't forget adding the charismatical performance of Richard Widmark.
One of the most imaginative and powerful film noir made in any age. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Chandler gets my Vote any Day
AWAY ALL BOATS is a great WWII film set in the Pacific. Jeff Chandler gives one of his best performances ever as the Captain. He was the best choice for this role because it brought out his best qualities. He is a thinking man's Captain in the best tradition of the genre. There is also a lot of WWII jargon that has been lost from films for many years now. They don't make them this way now days. Our loss.

DVD is less than average
I saw this DVD at a local retailer at a discounted price and couldn't resist the bargain. It's a total waste of money. The picture qaulity is pretty good, but it's a pan and scan transfer, the sound is mono and not that great, and there are no special features save the usual French + Spanish subtitles and scene index. Typical GoodTimes style disc.

A Study in Naval Leadership
This is a story of a ship, its captain and crew, as they are melded into one. Chandler is great (I agree with other reviewers: we lost him way too young), but it is the story that is fascinating.

As the son of a WWII Chief Petty Officer, I was glad to see that the film captures the Chiefs as the "backbone of the Navy."

It is a must have for a WWII film library.

A great Clint Eastwood film!!
Can you find him? Mr. Eastwood plays a bit part in this pretty good WWII movie. I gave it 5 stars because I think everyone should see it at least once.

# 1 reviewer has it right, good for a rainy day
I was a great fan of Jeff Chandler when I was young. I did not even see this movie until years after his death. He was underrated as an actor, and died way to young (at 42 of blood poisoning following surgery in 1961). Men will probably appreciate this as a "war film" more than women. Women will only appreciate it if they were fans of Chandler in their youth. Most people don't know about him. He is all but forgotten today, and was in the mid-fifties one of the highest paid actors of his day. Check out the tribute sites to Jeff Chandler on the web, and buy Esther Williams new bio "Million Dollar Mermaid" due out Sept. 14. ... Read more

Amazon.com

D-Day the Sixth of June is a misleading title for a very tame wartime romance with barely 10 minutes of combat in the last reel. What we mostly get is a year's worth of flashbacks depicting the reluctant, London-based affair of a married U.S. staff officer (Robert Taylor) and a British Red Cross worker (Dana Wynter) whose commando suitor (Richard Todd) is fighting in Africa. To be sure, the emotional desperation and embattled decency of good people in time of war is as worthy of film treatment as any military campaign, and the script works preinvasion Anglo-American tensions into the story. But the CinemaScope production is utterly formulaic, with leaden direction by Henry Koster. Wynter's porcelain beauty apparently didn't permit changes of expression, and Taylor looks about 15 years past his prime. On the plus side, the DVD serves up Lee Garmes's pleasantly pastel Deluxe Color with commendable crispness. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Drivel
Yes, the title "D-Day the Sixth of June" is irritatingly misleading. This movie spends most of its time chronicling the tawdry tale of a married U.S. military officer who has an affair with a British USO-type woman who is engaged to be married to a courageous British officer. The battle scenes are sporadic, and the story creaks along slowly. The handsome Robert Taylor and the beautiful Dana Wynter are basically wasted because their roles are so unsympathetic. The characters that they portray have few qualms about cheating on their loved ones.

The movie also is not helped by a repetitious, sappy musical score that includes the sentimental song "You'll Never Know (How Much I Love You)" which accompanies the illicit lovers as they unapologetically indulge in their affair.

"D-Day the Sixth of June" is strictly for diehard fans of Taylor or Wynter. And perhaps not even those fans will be able to swallow this drivel.

Don't waste your time
Michael Bay must have studied this film before he made his own execrable "Pearl Harbor." In both cases, the filmmakers cynically titled their product after a famous WWII battle although they were really more interested in developing a dull, cliched love triangle than honestly confronting and exploring the meaning, experience, and drama of a significant historical event. At least, Bay relieved the tedium with some action. "D-Day" director Henry Koster doesn't address the actual invasion until the final ten minutes or so of this overlong film, and by then it is far too little far too late. Robert Taylor, Dana Wynter, and Richard Todd deliver their performances with all the animation of store-front mannequins. Taylor is far too old for this role, but Wynter, at least, is very nice to look at.

Is This a War Movie or A Love Story??!
Disapointing. I was looking forward to a good action movie, but most of the movie is a love story, and the movie only gets to D-Day at the very end. The title is misleading.

Formulaic love triangle amid wartorn London
The title of this movie is deceptive advertising, the war is a backdrop to a very predictable love triangle. There is about 15 minutes of decent action which recreates (but does not credit)the Point du Hoc battle. Robert Tayor is sincere but 10 years to old to be a Captain leading troops in 1946. Dana Wynter is pretty enough to inspire two manly suitors but oddly doesn't seem to have any real passionate feelings for either. The brit commando third of this triangle is likable but out of the picture for all but a few minutes at the beginning and at the end. In short, a chic flic spun with a not very compelling tried and true wartime love triangle. Solid actors try but fail with mediocre material.

Formula '50's romance/adventure
If you're expecting anything like "Saving Private Ryan" or "The Longest Day," you've come to the wrong film. This film focuses primarily on the love interests of Todd and Taylor for Dana Wynter (a rather lovely Dana at That). The second world war focuses primarily as a backdrop.

The film takes place in England and the English are stereotyped as American loathers and ingrates. This is admittedly hard for the viewer to stomach. We are also treated to a mundane script which doesn't give the good ol' boys (Richard Todd, Robert Taylor, Jerry Paris) much to chew on.

The film redeems itself somewhat in the end with an excellent although short pre-invasion landing on one of Normandy's beaches by American and British troops. The battle sequences are effective and very convincing as the group attempts to knock out a bunker complex.

In true Hollywood fashion, the film concludes with Dana Wynter fading into the sunset, having lost both her loves, one at the Normandy landing, the other through mutual self-righteousness. There's nothing to sink your teeth into here, but if you like candy coated versions of war, this is a good place to start. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beware Disney's 1.66:1 ration DVD's
With the ration of 16x9 television actually being 1.78 to 1, how does Disney fit it's 1.66 to 1 movies on widescreen....by chopping off information, that's how.

First, Disney gives us full frame Pan & Scan pictures. Then, once someone has convinced them to start selling widescreen DVD's, they still can't get it right and adjust the picture so we see all of it.

In "Those Calloways", it is immediately noticeable during the opening credits....and continually pops up in the form of decapitated actors [or at least the TOPS of their heads.]

Tyring to get a decent transfer of a movie out of Disney appears to be like pulling teeth.

A Disney favorite in Widescreen!
Thanks so everyone at Buena Vista Home Video for releasing this film in its original theatrical ratios. While there are no "extras" on this disc, the one "extra" that really counts -- the entire film as it was meant to be seen -- is there. Hopefully, this release (and the release of "The Absent-Minded Professor" in widescreen) signal a shift in Disney policies. After all, these older films, created by Walt himself, appeal to serious Disney collectors who want the option of viewing films in their original ratios. Dare we hope that future releases will also be available in widescreen?

Its a classic AND ITS WIDESCREEN TOO
If your into classic disney, then dont pass this one up. Brian Keith and Vera Miles are truly wonderfull in a very engaging saga of a family trying to establish a sanctuary for wild geese. I remember seeing it many years ago and was struck by the colorful cinematography as well as a truly wonderfull score by Max Steiner, I believe this was his one and only score he ever did for disney. Im happy to report that this film IS in widescreen.

Rare Classic Finally On DVD
This DVD is a good movie. But it is bare-bone with no special features and it isn't even in Widescreen. The DVD is high quality other than that.

Cam Calloway (Brian Keith) is regarded as a crank by the locals because of his wish to build a bird sanctuary to save the Geese. While Cam is fighting the city. His son Bucky (Brandon DeWilde) is in the meantime in love with the beautiful Bridie Mellot (Linda Evans) well a wealthy man offers to buy Cams place and turn it into a bird sanctuary. Well Cam later finds out that they actually want to turn it into a hunting reserve. And Cam risks his life to save the birds

Great Family Classic. ... Read more

Description

Huckleberry Finn, a rambuctious boy adventurer chafing under the bonds of civilization, escapes his humdrum world and his selfish, plotting father by sailing a raft down the Mississippi River. Accompanying him is Jim, a slave running away from being sold. Together the two strike a bond of friendship that takes them through harrowing events and thrilling adventures. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I did not like the movie.
I honestly did not like the movie more than the book. Why? because the movie just focus on some of the events of the book. Not the major events. I like the book it gives more details and more understanding (clear).

This movie was to different from the book.
The movie skips important parts of the book. Also I would imagine that Huckleberry Finn would look a bit tougher. I mean look at the kid who is playing Huck- a little red head that doesn't even know how to act. Don't buy this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Ugly, the Bad, and the Good
When you buy one of those DVDswhich include several films for acheap price, you often get whatyou pay for; PRAY FOR DEATH is anoutstanding case in point. THE UGLY: One reason why I gotthis one is NIGHT OF THE DEATH CULT, which is the fourth of theBlind Dead series, and I'm sorry to report that the picture qualityis atrocious. It clearly came froma substandard videotape source, and is full of the sort of hideous artifacts that plagued budget VHStapes. Let's hope for a bettercopy of this title someday soon. THE BAD: The prerelease infoindicated that the notorious MARKOF THE DEVIL PART 2 was part ofthis package, but if you orderedit for that reason, you're goingto be bumming, as DEATH CULT is the only announced title which isactually included...come on, guys! THE GOOD: As to the movieswhich ended up being included,THEWEREWOLF VS THE VAMPIRE WOMAN is acampy Paul Naschy vehicle which isentertaining in its goofy fashion.SISTERS OF DEATH features an oddperformance by 1950s Sci-Fi heroArthur Franz as he menaces, amongothers, the ill-fated Playboy model Claudia Jennings...this oneoffers better acting than usuallyseen in such low-budget fare. Andlastly we have the ubiquitousSATANIC RITES OF DRACULA in apretty decent letterbox print. Iguess that Hammer must really notcare about this title, judgingfrom the number of cheap DVDs onwhich it can be found. All threeof this group are watchable, if not exactly DVD demo material. VERDICT: All in all, it's OKfor the price, but I'll be morewary in the future.

Excellent martial arts action. Villains are evil.
This movie is a classic martial arts gem. The fight scenes are well done, and the main villain is extremely evil which makes the ending even more appealing. This is a must see, if you like good martial arts scenes, and like to see really bad villains get theirs in the end. ... Read more