Description

After 25 chart-topping hits, the singing star becomes a movie star!George Strait makes his film debut in an entertaining look into the heart and soul of country music from Young Guns director Christopher Cain.

Superstar Dusty Chandler (Strait) is tired of the smoke, the strobe lights and the overmiked sound of his arena spectaculars.One night, something snaps."I'm just going to take a little walk," Dusty says as he walks out of the empty hall, ditching his beard, ponytail - and temporarily, his career - to reclaim his down-home country roots.But his manager (Leslie Ann Warren) retaliates:a stand-in (Kyle Chandler) lip-synchs his songs in concert.And a romance with a lovely rancher (Isabel Glasser) is on again, off again like a rodeo cowboy.The simple life can be complex, but it's nothing a revitalized country boy can't handle! ... Read more

Reviews (47)

The best movie I ever seen!
Without a doubt one of the best movies to feature great country music in a true country atomosphere (not like Urban Cowboy or Rhinestone), is the movie Pure Country starring George Strait, Lesley Ann Warren, and Isabel Glasser. The plot centers around the career of a country music singer by the name of Dusty Chandler played by George who gets tired of performing shows that are too extravagent and look lik a forth of July celebration with fireworks, smoke, and music so lound that nobody can hear the words. Dusty's manager is the flirty Lula Rodgers played by Warren. When Dusty just takes a walk one night he ends up back in his old home town, one thing leads to another and the next thing you know he's romancing a beautiful young woman named Harley Tucker (Glasser) who is struggling to keep the family ranch out of the bank's hands. All the while Dusty tours goes on without him. Lula feeling that she has no other choice sends out a Dusty impersonator in the form of Buddy Jackson (Kyle Chandler), a member of the road crew who just happens to be her boyfriend. In the end Dusty gets his girl and he gives a great performance, just him and his guitar. The performance of "I Cross My Heart" is enough to make the anybody anybody wish that they could find a love this true. I get choked up every time and watch and I wish that it was me singing on that stage. At that point he is pretty much the luckiest person in the world. A great career and a great woman. The music this movie has to offer is, how can I say it, greater than any other movie ever made. There is something for every fan of country music, from heartbreak songs to love ballads to songs that you can't help but dance too. If you want to watch a movie that really makes you want to fall in love watch this one and if you like country music and you haven't seen this movie that plaease watch it, I beg of you. Buy the soundtrack too. To wrap this up buy the movie, rent it, do what you have to do. It's the best movie I ever seen and I can't stress that enough. The movie is clean so you can watch it with your kids, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your spouse, watch it with anybody you want to. Trust me you'll be doing them a favor. Thank you very much and have a good 'un. END

Thumbs up! Country star Strait proves he can act too.
It's been a few years since I've seen this, but I remember it being enjoyable, a little bit of everything : comedy, drama, music. A somewhat predictable story line but overall well done....with some good country music to boot. I've always liked George Strait, and was pleasantly surprised by his seemingly effortless ability to act. He is completely at home in front of the camera, very natural. Leslie Anne Warren turns in a great supporting performance, too. One of her more memorable roles.If you like George Strait, you'll love this movie. If you're not a fan, you will be after you see this film!

Not bad
I'm not a fan of any of the people in this film except for one, the Lovely Lesley Ann Warren, I simply Adore her and originally saw this due to the fact that she was in it. I found the film a fun film, a good story with decent acting. It probably grabbed alot of female fans due to George Strait starring in it also. Thats ok, some stars pull in good crowds. Not a bad movie but not one of my favorites. I'd give it an "average" rating.

The worst Country Music Movie I ever seen !!!
The only good thing is the Music shows by George, his rol is ridicolous because the script is a totally ordinary and used once and again in others films.

The truht Actress Lesly Ann Warren is horribilis because since she is her carrere ending, has to do a rool without any resources to make his best as she peformed in "Official and Gentelman" and "Urban Cawboy".

I got this DVD in USA (Region 1) but being aware that no Spanis language was referenced as available doub in the audio.

But when I been back in Madrid (Spain) and play the DVD... Bingo! a ridicolous Spanis-Mexican Doubing start to sound....

So, In the most powerfull Nation of the heart where are living more Spanis speakers than in Spain and it is inside the American Continent discovered by Columbus and havin more than 300 Millions of people, the Movies Industry on DVD allways include French audio doubing and let the Spanis language audio doub be done by Mexicans and hide it on the features credits list on the DVD case rear side. PATETIC!!!!!!!!! :( :( :(

A "Pure" Movie the Whole Family Will Enjoy!
With the large amount of smut, ultra-violence and graphic language in movies today, "Pure Country" is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking for a movie that is entertaining for young and old alike. The film, which debuts country superstar George Strait's acting ability, is a quality film with a fun story that takes a look at the world of country music from the singer's point of view.

George Strait plays Dusty Wyatt Chandler, a Garth Brooksesque superstar whose show has outgrown everyone's expectations, especially his own. While performing at a massive arena to a sold out show, he has an epiphany that the fans are so caught up in his hype, in the pyro-technics and the fireworks and all the flash and dance, that they fail to notice when Dusty stops singing for several seconds. Downed by the realization that people have forgotten his music, and angry with his manager, Lula Rogers (Lesley Ann Warren), after a disagreement about how his show should be performed, Dusty takes off, hitch-hiking his way back home to his small-town roots, leaving Lula, the band, and indeed, his entire entourage, scrambling to find him before their next show.

When he returns home, he re-discovers why he began on the musical journey that took him into the big time, and at the same time meets and falls for Harley Tucker (Isabel Glasser), a proud but struggling ranch owner whose ranch is in risk of going under.

The story takes the audience on a journey into America's heartland, where front porch philosophy, strong family values, and the need to return to your roots are the more important parts of a "pure country" life. Through the experiences that unfold in his time off, Dusty discovers that there he must be responsible to the people that depend on him, but he must be true to himself and his music as well.

With a "feel-good" ending that's sure to please, this movie is chock full of George Strait's music, including the hit "I Cross My Heart" which went on to become a number 1 hit for the singer after the movie's debut.

This is a great film for all ages, and a movie parents can feel comfortable watching with the kids. (NOTE: Minor "make out" scene near beginning of the film (nothing inappropriate, but as I am labelling this a "family" film, I want parents to be aware for younger audiences)).

In a time when the world seems to be reeling from a lack of values, this is a great film that really is "Pure Country", with a down-home feel good story for the whole family.

-Scott Kolecki ... Read more

Reviews (31)

High Society Fun
Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe & Betty Grable are highly entertaining in this tale of models who set out to land a millionaire. Not having any of their own money, they come up with some off the wall schemes to live the lifestyle they are dressed for! All 3 are gorgeous and funny to watch. Each does a great job of playing the quirkiness of their characters. This is a timeless classic that's as appealing today as it was in it's day. A great girly movie. Lauren Bacall has a flair for humor that is delightful to watch.

Brilliant
This as definatly a feel good movie. A sweet romantic comedy (leaning heavly on comedy) about three models who take up a expensive penthouse in New York hoping to catch themselves some millionairs. Schatze Page (Lauren Bacall)is a woman who is through with marrying poor men, or as she calls them "gas pump jockeys" for the simple reason that poor men have broken her heart. She's the brains of the bunch. Bacall is wonderfull in this film. Pola Debevoise (Marlyn Monroe) is the blonde, and blind, one who is really just going along with what shounds like a good idea. In this role Monroe pulls off a stunning performance, marked by her sweetness and child-like inocence, as well as many commedic scenes. She is somewhat sill (she beleives that her glasses make her unatractive) but warm-hearted.
Loco Dempsey (Betty Grable)is a girl who has an appetite..... for food. She is nice, somewhat dumb but a good person. Her performance is good, but not as outstaning as Monroe's.

Overall this is a really sweet movie with alot of substance.

"How To Marry A Millionaire"
"How To Marry A Millionaire" is a comedy story of 3 girls living in a penthouse searching for meeting and marrying wealthy millionaires.The movie is alot of fun.And if you want to know "How To Marry A Millionaire" and if they do marry millionaires with their schemes then you will enjoy this movie.The movie is Marilyn's best movie.The movie was very popular that there was a syndicated TV version of the same name "How To Marry A Millionaire" starring Barbara Eden in the Marilyn role,Merry Anders in the Bacall role,Lori Nelson (1st 39 episodes) in the Grable role and Lisa Gaye (in episodes 40 thru 52) in the Grable role.

EXCELLENT! BRAVO! 5 STARS!
This is a magnificent movie. It is artful, filled with humor and it's just good clean fun. It is an excellent choice for parents who have girls--like mine--who idealize Marylin Monroe. I can let my 5 and 8 year old watch this classic without any qualms. Betty Grable is fabulous as is Laurne Bacall. The dialogue in the movie is worthy of being memorized. If you like old classics, you'll love this movie. We sure do.

Marilyn should get the millionare
Marilyn Mnroe shines in this movie and all three ladies add a great comedic touch. Definately worth your money, you'll want to watch it many times ... Read more

Amazon.com

The dew of new stardom was still visible on Marilyn Monroe when she ventured up to Canada to shoot this sturdily entertaining CinemaScope Western. Although director Otto Preminger later claimed little interest in the picture, he couldn't help but bring his even-handed visual style to the widescreen process. The location shooting (in Alberta) is eye filling, and that river really does look alarming. Best of all, Marilyn, fresh and vital, had a costar to match her magnetism but not humor her sometimes-scattered approach to acting: Robert Mitchum, as a homesteader with a dark past. He's weighty enough to stand next to MM's bright flame without giving any ground; they should have worked together again. Since Marilyn plays a saloon singer, she gets to sling some tunes in her inimitable style, with as much glamour as the gold rush-era trappings will allow, giving "I'm Going to File My Claim" various meanings. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Lesser Known Monroe Film Worth A Look
Robert Mitchum plays a practical, no-nonsense farmer recently reunited with his young son, Tommy Rettig. They rescue a young couple (Marilyn Monroe and Rory Calhoun) going on a raft down a river by their homestead, and that's where the trouble begins. Calhoun is out to make a gold claim, and he'll do anything, including stealing Mitchum's horse and gun, leaving Mitchum, Rettig, and even Monroe behind to face the Indians without any defence. So they must take to the raft to survive, and that's where the adventure begins. I liked this film a lot. Mitchum is his usual laconinc self, but it works really well with this character. Monroe gets to act in this film, and she does so very well, playing a saloon singer that wants to defend her man, despite what he has done to all of them. Young Rettig is good too, not cloying and irritating like so many child actors can be. The scenery is beautiful, the title song very effective, and although the direction of Otto Preminger isn't very fluid and sometimes the movie lumbers from one scene to another, the performances and relationships among the characters make up for it. Viewers will enjoy the trip down the River of No Return.

Marilyn Monroe and the Canadian Rockies!
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While this is certainly far from Marilyn Monroe's best performance, it is nonetheless an interesting film to watch.

Amazingly, the somewhat artificial beauty of Marilyn Monroe shown floating on a raft down the "river of no return" with a backdrop of the Canadian Rockies can capture one's imagination and make you forget what a truly awful film this is.

Marilyn steals your attention in every scene, and the sheer beauty of her presence more than makes up for the ridiculousness of the plot.

MM sings a couple of numbers in her dance-hall girl phase of the film, most notably, "I'm Gonna File My Claim", about a gold-digger during the gold rush days.

Any Marilyn fan would have to see this movie just for Marilyn's sake. Anyone else can probably skip it.

MMMmmmarvelous Marilyn!

Sometimes it's peaceful, sometimes wild and free
Marilyn Monroe described this movie as a grade-Z cowboy movie where the acting finished third to the scenery and Cinemascope. Okay, the Canadian Rockies and the rapids were utilized to its best for 1950's film-making, and MM's second film in Cinemascope must have made quite an impression in the theatres for the new aspect ratio.

It's 1875 in the wild Northwest. Matt Calder is reunited with his young son Mark in a saloon town and rather than go the usual route of prospecting, start a new life on a farm bordering the River of No Return. Their life is instantly disrupted by two events. One, gambler Harry Weston, who's one a gold claim under dubious circumstances, is eager to file the claim in Council City to prevent the loser from beating him to it. To that end, he steals Calder's horse and rifle, a capital offense in the codes of the West. Second, a group of Native Americans on the warpath descend on the farm. Both Calders and Kay, Weston's moll who stays behind to look after the injured Calder and his son, flee in time in the raft Weston and Kay arrived in.

From then on, it's a struggle to survive the rapids without any weapons, food, and constantly being drenched by that river whenever it's "wild and free." As Calder tells Kay, "The Indians call this the River of No Return. From here on, you'll find out why." He is so dead set on getting his hands on Weston, he'll risk anything, all the time looking after his two charges.

Conflicts arrive in many forms, the primary two are Kay's torn loyalties between Harry and Matt. She doesn't want Matt to kill Harry once the two meet up, and performs acts that range from desperate to being a seductive vamp, yet she realizes in their travails that he is thoughtful and unselfish, as demonstrated in the scene where he looks after her following her collapse from exhaustion. The other involves the circumstances where Matt had to leave young Mark in the saloon town for five years, and while it's justified, there is a certain amount of stigma in it.

Marilyn gets to sing four songs here, the acoustic guitar tune "One Silver Dollar" and the piano bar tune "I'm Gonna File My Claim", "Down In The Meadow", and one of the best songs she's ever sung, the title ballad. Her costumes aren't bad either, from the garish red dress she wears for the first song, the long green dress for the second tune, and the white blouse and anachronistic Levi's jeans she wears throughout the film. And this is the longest her hair has been in films, albeit it being a blonde wig, of course.

Despite the costumes, it's not a Western in the traditional sense of the word, but River Of No Return pales to others in the genre it's purported to be because it's more drama than action. Granted, this is not one of Marilyn's best films, nor is it that of Robert Mitchum's, Rory Calhoun's, or director Otto Preminger for that matter. Monroe would have to wait until The Seven Year Itch for her next biggest hit. However, both Mitchum and Monroe come off well despite the latter's dismissal of it.

Some of MARILYN'S best acting!! And MITCHUM's superb!
Marilyn doesn't play a dolly-girl in this film. She plays a very human female who has seen hardships and goes through many in the film, and takes it like a toughened woman. I've never seen her quite like this in any of her other films. I love all of her films, but this is a stand-out and unique. I wouldn't rate it as one of her best films, but she IS super in it. It's a Level 2 Marilyn film, not quite up there with How to Marry a Millionaire and The Seven Year Itch, but still pretty darn good!
Robert Mitchum is, as always, superb, and there is a good chemistry between the two. A definite must on DVD for any Marilyn fan. If only somewhat interested get the VHS, but Marilyn fans and Western fans will want the Widescreen DVD.

Revenge and Redemption on a Raging River.
The movie: This is an entertaining movie. Although there are some minor flaws and improbabilities in the script, the film is an exciting blend of action and drama, as Marilyn tries to convince a vengeance-driven Mitchum to spare her boyfriend's life. Marilyn has 4 or 5 songs in the movie, and shows some real talent. This does not detract from the realism of the story, either, because her character plays songs for a living. The ending leaves something to be desired, however, because it never answers a question that the film has set up about Mitchum's character. Still, the movie is fun to watch, and the two leads keep things interesting.

The DVD: This is the perfect DVD to use with a home theater. It has surround sound (the best I've encountered), and a whopping 2.55:1 widescreen transfer. (In case you didn't know, that means that the widescreen picture is 2.55 times wider than it is high.) The film has panoramic shots of some genuinely breathtaking locations. Perhaps the DVD's biggest fault is the way that the restoration inexplicably CUTS OUT whenever there is a fade-out or fade-in! You'll be watching a scene, and then suddenly, without warning, the restoration will blink out, leaving you with a washed-out-looking unrestored image. Then the picture will fade out, and you will see a fade-in on a new unrestored scene. About 1 or 2 seconds after this fade-in, the screen will blink, and the picture will look pretty good again. This is awkward, and interrupts the flow of the movie. I can't believe that the manufacturer is unable to fix those brief segments.

Overall, this is a fun piece of 1950s Americana. "River of No Return" is far better than 90 percent of the new movies being made today, and I recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A double bill of rural schlock, with both entries gruesome but somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Deranged was inspired by the unsavory saga of Ed Gein, whose isolated madness oiled the gears of both Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This is a low-rent production all the way, but its shabby locations have a certain eerie authenticity, and it benefits greatly from the casting of the reliable character actor Roberts Blossom--a scarecrow in the American Gothic mold--in the lead role. Now and again a somber but vaguely amusing narrator wanders into the frame to remind us that we are watching the tale of "a necromaniac, a defiler of the dead," as though we could forget. Serial-killer completists should check it out.

Motel Hell is slicker but less effective. Former Western star Rory Calhoun plays Farmer Vincent, a country hotel keeper (free samples of jerky at the front desk) whose line of smoked meats turns his customers into unwitting cannibals. The movie's got some genuinely creeped-out ideas (a backyard garden of victims, buried up to their necks?), but the execution is pedestrian and the humor pretty square. Onetime cultural icon Wolfman Jack has a few scenes as a TV preacher, for no apparent reason. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (28)

2 horror classics on 1 DVD
Talk about one hell of a horror double feature.First of all,these 2 films are horror classics.I was amazed to find out that they were going to be on the same dvd as a double feature.First of all Deranged is one of my all time favorite horror flicks w/ an excellent performance by Roberts Blossom.Blossom plays Ezra Cobb.. a character based on the serial killer Ed Gein.The same serial killer Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Psycho were based on.The movie was filmed in 1974 w/ early and excellent Tom Savini make-up effects.Deranged definitly has that creepy documentary feel..some scenes you almost feel like your sitting in the same room w/ Ez as he plays w/ his belly drum..using a leg bone for a drum stick..nice.The transfer was pretty decent for an older,almost forgotten film..but my only complaint is that they cut out a few scenes..one being Ez taking out an eyeball w/ a spoon and another one w/ Ez holding up a fresh cut human flesh mask he planned on putting on his decomposing mother.So other then the missing scenes I was extremely happy having this film on dvd.As for the Motel Hell part of the disc..Farmer Vincent has a special recipe for his smoked meats...and let me tell you..his smoked meat isnt beef.The film is fun..watching him and his demented sister go to their secret garden, where they have a special way of treating their human meat stock is great.Plus farmer Vincent runs around wearing a pig head w/ chainsaw in hand..u cant beat that..as for the picture..the trasfer for Motel Hell is a bit grainy..but for the cheap price u cant beat it.In my opinion, Deranged is the better movie of the 2.Im a big fan of surreal horror and Deranged has that going for it.If you loved Texas Chainsaw and never saw Deranged pick this disc up...Its great stuff.

Deranged-Excellent! Motel Hell should go there!
With the Dreanged/Motel Hell DVD you get a good news/bad news scenario. The good news is; Deranged has finally found its widescreen way onto dvd. :) Bad news: You're stuck with Motel Hell on the other side. :( Deranged is a low budget, very unsettling horror film based on the heinous real life crimes of Ed Gein. Of course, the folks at MGM left out at least one squimish seen of Ezzra Cobb scouping out a corpse's brains with an ice cream scoop. However, Deranged is not really a gore fest but, instead draws its disconcerting power (thanks to Robert Blossom's oscar caliber performance) from the fact that most of what transpires on screen happened in real life. In short Deranged rocks! Motel Hell on the other hand,is boring, hackneyed, cinematic rubbish. The title says "it takes all kinds of critters to make farmer Vincent fritters." Well, it takes all kinds of Antacids to make it through this hackneyed yawn-fest! The "love" interest between Farmer Vincent & the young girl is as contrived as anything you'll have the unfortunate experience to watch. Characters you couldn't care less about if you tried. I've seen more suspense generated in a Melissa Gilbert Lifetime Channel chick flick than Motel Hell. My recommendation; buy this dvd if for only Deranged. Watch Motel Hell if you suffer from insomnia.

2 of the best flicks on one DVD!
This 2 disk set is a MUST have for horror/slasher flick fans!

The first film-- Deranged-- is about a wierd fella named Ezra who can't seem to let go of his mother's death. After hallucinations of her he decides to dig her up and keep her near him at all times. The movie after that takes off and basically ends up with his kidnapping, and bitchering (like he was skinning a deer) a local salesclerk.

The movie is based on psychotic killer Ed Gein, which influenced MANY movies such as Silence Of The Lambs, Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2,3,4) and of course the movie Ed Gein and Ed and His Dead Mother.

The second movie is a bit more strange and funny!

In short it's about a brother and sister who own a motel and sell beef jerky on the side. The only thing is at night, like a hunter going out to hunt, he watches the road waiting for the right time to find his next victim.

After they are caught they are buried in the ground to be harvested and then made into jerky...

A MUST SEE

Scary
Deranged - as you probably know by now is based upon the most cruelest and the most sick serial killer Ed Gein.
When his mother dies he goes absolutely nuts, especially when "she" calls for him to pick her up from the grave. To fill up the skeleton of her mother he needs more bodies so he keeps digging graves and killing women.
What a sicko...

The actor who played the sicko was very very good. He almost makes you think that he's the sicko himself.

I can not recommend this movie to anyone. The true story plot is just too sick and extremely scary. It's something no one can ever imagine.

Good eatin' here!
I'm really learning to love these MGM double feature discs. Usually, this motion picture studio releases its films on DVD with few or no extras, a supreme disappointment to cinema fans. When you can get two low budget cheese fests for such a low price, however, you tend to make a few allowances for the lack of bells and whistles. Who could turn down the wonders of "Troll" and "Troll 2," for example, just because the movies' only extras are trailers? It's the same situation with "Deranged" and "Motel Hell." But don't worry. The wonderful badness of these two films makes extras a moot point. Besides, how could you get Nancy Parsons and Rory Calhoun into the studio to record a commentary track? They've both been dead for years.

"Deranged" is a movie that every horror aficionado should see at least once. Actually, one time through is about all you'll be able to take of this low budget excursion into the dark, dank recesses of the human mind. Based on the legendary maniac Edward Gein, the movie "Deranged" has always had a small coterie of loyal fans. They claim that this movie is the closest thing there is to the real events that occurred in rural Wisconsin back in the 1950s. They're wrong, of course. Even a cursory examination of the Gein story will quickly tell you this film wanders far from the truth on several occasions. No matter, though, since the movie is still a fun way to waste a couple of hours. Instead of referring to their main maniac as Ed Gein, the moviemakers decided to rename the guy Ezra Cobb. Old Ezra resembles Eddie Gein in several ways: he's a mama's boy, a bit of a simpleton, and he quickly nosedives into the shrieking pits of insanity after his mother passes on. After his better half (mom, that is) goes to that great farmhouse in the sky, Ezra promptly starts to hear her voice in his head. He goes out, digs up her corpse, and installs her in the house. Soon, he begins to comb the countryside looking for other gals who might want to keep his mother company. A local waitress, a lascivious friend of his mother's who has designs on Ezra, and a local girl manning the counter in the hardware store all fall prey to Cobb's ever expanding lunacy. There's not a lot of gore here for the hounds, but the scuzzy atmosphere and seriousness of the cast (at least it seemed like they were serious) will keep you on the edge of your seat. The guy who played the Barry Convex role in "Videodrome" does a Rod Serling like role as narrator.

I personally prefer the second film on the disc, the 1980 cult classic "Motel Hell." Rory Calhoun, a distinguished actor with a long list of film credits stretching back into the Golden Age of Hollywood, throws his dignity to the wind in the part of Farmer Vincent, a meat manufacturer with a sinister secret. Working with his sadistic sister Ida (Nancy Parsons) out of the Motel Hello (that 'o' is missing on the sign, of course), Vincent always sends his customers packing with a bumper sticker, a box of free meat, and a million watt aw shucks smile. Behind the scenes, things are quite different. The good farmer spends his evenings laying traps on the local roadways, thus luring in a whole passel of hapless wayfarers for reasons best left unsaid here. When a girl survives a motorcycle accident orchestrated by the wily Vincent, the farmer decides to take her in so he can eventually teach her the secrets of curing meat. All sorts of unpleasant activities take place from this point on, as Ida's jealousy of the girl causes friction in the family. The local cop presents a challenge too even though he's related to Vincent and Ida. By the time you see two guys, one of them wearing a giant pig's head, battling away with chainsaws, you know you've just spent a few hours with a classic piece of cinema. If you want a few giggles, try and spot John Ratzenberger in a small role as one of Vincent's living beef jerky sticks. Wolfman Jack pops up to say hello as well.

We're talking zero production values for both films here, folks. "Deranged" is by far the grungier of the two films, with its broken down farmhouses, battered jalopies, and seedy looking characters; but "Motel Hell" won't win any awards for scenery design, either. One thing I will say about the latter film; the DVD transfer is amazingly sharp for a film made nearly twenty-five years ago. It looks like they shot this thing yesterday on top of the line film stock. The same unfortunately cannot be said for "Deranged," which has a fair amount of grain and streaks in the picture. You don't really need a great looking picture to enjoy these cheesy films, but it sure is nice to see "Motel Hell" look this good. Moreover, you get the full version of the movie. Whenever this film appears on television, and it does amazingly enough, they usually cut out the scene where the city couple looking for a good time accidentally shows up at Motel Hello. That sequence is restored here in all of its whip cracking glory.

Give this disc a shot if you like low budget ham. The psychedelic experience in Farmer Vincent's secret garden alone is worth the price of the disc. I've been watching a bunch of these MGM double dip discs lately, and I'll keep watching them if the company keeps releasing them. You should, too. ... Read more

Description

An executive awakens one morning to find that her accountant has stolen all her money and fled the country. The only asset she has left is a boxer she purchased as a tax write-off. The executive then goads the boxer into re-starting his career. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

"I've got the same two words for you!"
I would actually give this film three-and-a-half stars. This film was a major hit upon release in the summer of '79, but it has since been written off by many as one of Streisand's weakest film efforts. As for myself, I could go about reviewing the film in two ways. I could say that the THE MAIN EVENT is a perfect example of a worn out premise given the by-the-book treatment, with no attempt to disguise how derivative and predictable the whole thing is. However, I could also say that THE MAIN EVENT manages to be likable, funny, and entertaining.

Both of these statements have a lot of merit, but I think I'm going to go with my second opinion. Even though we've seen the same story a thousand times before, THE MAIN EVENT is quite enjoyable while it's playing. The scenes are set up well, the one-liners are mostly funny ("I said celebrate, not fornicate!"), and Streisand and O'Neal give off a strong sexual charge between them onscreen. It may not be meaningful, or even original, but THE MAIN EVENT is a pretty good timewaster.

About the DVD: The picture quality is great, and the mono sound is fine as well. It's great to have the original trailer and the 19-minute television special, titled GETTING IN SHAPE FOR THE MAIN EVENT, preserved on disc, although Streisand's brief audio commentary is slightly disappointing.

"I've got the same two words for you!"
I would give this film three-and-a-half stars. This film was a major hit upon release in the summer of '79, but it has since been written off by many as one of Streisand's weakest film efforts. As for myself, I could go about reviewing the film in two ways. I could say that the THE MAIN EVENT is a perfect example of a worn out premise given the by-the-book treatment, with no attempt to disguise how derivative and predictable the whole thing is. However, I could also say that THE MAIN EVENT manages to be likable, funny, and entertaining.

Both of these statements have a lot of merit, but I think I'm going to go with my second opinion. Even though we've seen the same story a thousand times before, THE MAIN EVENT is quite enjoyable while it's playing. The scenes are set up well, the one-liners are mostly funny ("I said celebrate, not fornicate!"), and Streisand and O'Neal give off a strong sexual charge between them onscreen. It may not be meaningful, or even original, but THE MAIN EVENT is a pretty good timewaster.

About the DVD: The picture quality is great, and the mono sound is fine as well. It's great to have the original trailer and the 19-minute television special, titled GETTING IN SHAPE FOR THE MAIN EVENT, preserved on disc, although Streisand's brief audio commentary is slightly disappointing.

She cant make a bad movie.
It has been quite a while since i have actually seen The Main Event but i have been trying to find it in the stores on video for quite a long time. I can remember loving the movie. There was a lot of screeming and yelling...but isnt that what boxers do. I thought the way they pick on each other is cute. I thought Barbra was precious. It is one of those movies that you come out feeling good which is hard to find these days.

Good movie, but a PG rating?????
I liked the movie, it's fun and funny but what really surprised and shocked me was: PG RATING? Come on! 1. They show two butts in the movie, there is a lot of adult talk, and a lot of hintings to sexuality? It is a good movie, but I mean one would think more about the point of view of watching it depending on the rating of the movie.
All in all, this is a quite good movie which I like
Recommended, it's a lot of fun

Funny, Entertaining but I've seen better
The Main Event was the first Streisand picture I ever saw. I loved it at the theaters. But since then I've seen many more of her movies on VHS. I have to say it's a good film but not her best. I liked "Yentl" or "Owl & Pussycat" or "A Star Is Born" much better. Her acting is superb, so is Ryan's. But the storyline is a little weak compared to other movies she is in. I reccommend it its just not her very best movie. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A Neglected Masterpiece!
I first saw this film on the late show back in the 50's when I was a mere child. It scared the pants off me then, and pretty much does the same now. This is what I call staying power. Too bad more people aren't aware of this film. The sad thing about the presentation of this film (I have both the VHS & DVD) is that the sound recording needs definite restorative work. This would really be disturbing if the film itself wasn't so compelling. The production values as well as the production team are all A-List, from the fine direction of Delmer Daves to the outstanding mood-setting score of Max Steiner to the casting of pro stars like Edward G. Robinson & Judith Anderson sharing the screen with teen magazine heart-throbs Rory Calhoun and Julie London. Lon McCallister is fine in what is really the lead role, and a very fine performance by young Allene Roberts (whatever happened to her!). The DVD is pretty much of the bargain-bin variety, though there are a couple of little extras on it...most notably explaining that Robinson's career came to a standstill after this film because of the Hollywood blacklist. The suspense factor is among the highest I can recall (EVER!); the script is literate and clever; characters are well-defined; and the creepy mood is consistant. See this film and tell all your friends; you will NOT be disappointed.

Worth seeing for all kinds of reasons.
Ooh, fun! Like film noir? Don't miss this, if only because of Edward G., and just so you can say you saw it. If Disney couyld make a good film noir back in the 40's, this might have been it. And that's a compliment. Hitchcock wouldn't have done this:L it's too moody and down-home. It's different. Ma and Pa Kettle quit foolin' around, lose a few years, and go out to find a few corpses.

1. See if you can guess my favorite shot ( with Aileen Roberts, alone)

2. See Judith Anderson in something besides REBECCA: "Every living soul has their Oxhead Woods..."

3. See Edward G. in a lesser known film, and still doing an excellent job ("...it can still be you and me, Jeannie...")

4. See Julie London. Sassy and delinquent here: "A fine swimming date we had, I don't think!" "I'm not gonna give you any kisses...I want you to miss 'em..." Gorgeous and talented, you could also sense the Hollywood ambition exuding from her during this film...no?

5. Rory Calhoun. A good job. Not given TOO much to do here except drink, hunt, beat up Lon McAllister and grab Julie London, he does it well: "Because it'll be a prettier bond if you buy it for me..."

If this is a piece of American candy, it's still a good piece--and more complex than you'd expect. (Probably moreso than I am capable of revealing here.)

Don't just leave it for the kids. In fact, it may scare the hell out of them. Ultimately, I believe there are aspects of this film that are of more than average, 'happy-day' depth.

Buy it. A true noir fan, you'll watch it more than once.

Should be restored but...
This review refers to the Alpha Video (Gotham) DVD.

Overall Quality of DVD: ** /**** Sound: *1/2 /**** Plot: *** /**** Acting: ***/**** Cinematography: ***/**** Direction: **1/2 /****

This is not a great film but very eerie, strange, nearly on par with something like "Carnival Of Souls" or "Incubus".

Rory Calhoun and Lon McCallister are solid in their roles. Arlene Roberts is good but does not come close to the sexiness of Julie London. Edward G. Robinson creates the mystery and suspense while his sister (in the film), Judith Anderson (Mrs. Danvers in "REBECCA") enhances and intensifies Robinson's esoteric character.

Granted, the film transfer is quite soft and glowing and the sound hisses throughout, however, it is still quite interesting to view and, due to the digital transfer process, the sound is stabilized.

Until/if a restoration is ever available this is the best we'll see but, in my opinion, is worth the low asking price - if you are expecting the quality of a Criterion Collection DVD you will be disappointed.

Brilliant Offbeat Daves Film, Horrible Print for DVD
As with many of Delmer Daves' films, The Red House shows originality, flair, and an intense weaving of landscape, theme, and character (rare among American directors working in the studios). He consistently achieves moments of great subtlety. In addition, Lon McCallister and Allene Roberts deliver striking performances under Daves' sensitive direction. It's no surprise that Scorcese noted this film in his "Personal Journey Through American Movies". Unfortunately, the print of the film used for the DVD is HORRIBLE -- there have to be better prints out there of this film!

A Long Lost Classic!!
Edward G. Robinson is fantastic as the man with the dark secret, in this excellent thriller! I bought it expecting to be either bored or amused. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised! The Red House is actually pretty creepy. Robinson plays a farmer who is not what he appears to be. There's a red house in the woods where something terrible happened many years earlier. His daughter (Arlene Roberts), and his sister (the magnificent Judith "Mrs. Danvers" Anderson) live with him. A boy comes to help out on the farm and the web of mystery slowly unravels. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves thrillers, chillers, or just plain good movies... ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Great "B" movie!!
Pro Wrestling's "Rowdy" Roddy Piper makes his second film appearence in this silly but fun Sci-Fi adventure. Roddy is one of the last fertile men left on a post-appockolyiptic earth. He is captured by an all fremale scince group who forcew Roddy to impregnate all the fertile wild women they come across, and while not in action, roddy is forced to wear an explosive coddle belt (to prevent him from escaping). Guess what happens if Roddy (Hell) gets farther away than a specified distance to the Science group's van? One of the important women to the science group is captured and held in Frogtown (a town full of half human/ half amphibian mutants), and now Mr. Hell must penitrate the main group of mutants to save her. Actually, this movie is a lot more entertaining than it sounds. As expected, it is a low budget sterling flick, but it's vastly entertaining in it's action and humor. If you've nevver seen this film, it's worth seeing at least once. If you liked "They Live", Roddy's other film, buy this one. It's an underground classic!

Frogs just want to have fun
This is just another post-apocalypse movie, more of a mad Max or mad Maxine. The frog people are just not pretty faces. Other parts of their body are more versatile. There is no way that Roddy Piper (Sam Hell) can compete so he appeals to their sense of humanity. Propagation is implied throughout the movie. There are even a few sweaty scenes and no one stays in the car.
Roddy did a much better job in "They Live."

This is a combination of "John Goldfarb Please Come Home" and "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death (1988)" ASIN: 6305078599

Go get 'em, Roddy!
Meet Sam Hell. Life for this poor guy has never been the same after the world fell apart. Before the apocalypse wiped out most of humanity, Hell was just another bloke trying to make it with the ladies. After the end of the world, he suddenly found himself in great demand. Why? Sam Hell has the unique distinction of being one of the only-if not the only-men on the planet capable of fathering children. This ability is a big deal in a world where fertility is a highly prized commodity for both men and women. Radiation rendered most of the lads and lasses incapable of bearing children, so if the human race is to once again thrive and eventually rebuild the planet, the right man must meet the right women. Besides, our side needs more children so they can raise good little soldiers to continue fighting the Russians (or whoever it was who turned America into a desert). Fortunately for this barren world, and for lovers of low budget trash cinema, Sam Hell just happens to be former wrestler turned actor "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. I can sleep better at nights knowing Piper made more films before and after his memorable turn in Carpenter's "They Live."

Hell's adventure begins when a group of scientists working for something called Med Tech (or some such thing) save his life from a sadistic soldier, a Captain Devlin (William Smith), bent on killing the fertile fool. It seems Sammy impregnated this guy's daughter and attempted to mosey on down the road, something the soldier finds reprehensible. As part of the bargain for rescuing Hell from an early demise, Med Tech insists that he sign on to a most peculiar mission. He must rescue a bevy of fertile women from the clutches of humanoid frogs. Just in case Sam attempts to run away from his duties, the scientists saddle the hapless dupe with a rather painful looking chastity belt that will explode should he attempt to remove the device or flee. Heading off to Frogtown with a sexy scientist and a punk rock looking bodyguard, Hell and company spend most of their time schlepping around the desert making crotch jokes. Predictably, his two female companions hit on him, the chastity belt inflicts pain on several occasions, and the trio picks up a ratty looking girl in the desert. If you're not laughing so hard by this point that your sides hurt, you can keep watching for more hijinks as Sam and his gang stroll into Frogtown.

From the moment Hell walks into a bar inhabited by numerous mutated frogs, the film takes on a weirdness and utter ridiculousness I have rarely witnessed in any other movie. There's a vivacious frog stripper with eyes for male humans, a sadistic thug frog who seeks to do humans harm, and Rory Calhoun as an elderly miner named Looney Tunes. Lots of chase scenes, "exotic" dancing, and explosions follow as Hell attempts to free the women and fulfill his contract. Tricking human sized frog creatures bent on controlling the human race is never easy, but Piper and the rest of the cast sure give it the old freshman try. The movie tries hard to have a twist ending, but by the time Count Sodom and his cronies arrive on the scene I began to divorce myself mentally from the proceedings. Regrettably, the man called Sodom shows up at the end of the film, meaning I actually paid attention for most of the movie. It's not that "Hell Comes to Frogtown" is a bad B budget film; rather, the problems I had with the picture seemed to revolve around the fact that I watched it while I was awake. My bad.

It's easy, too easy in fact, to bash this movie for its cheesy production values, ridiculous eighties haircuts, and ludicrous plot. It takes a hardy soul indeed to overlook the myriad flaws in this film. I found the experience more bearable when I concentrated on the familiar actors and actresses parading across the screen. You've got Sandahl Bergman, of "Conan the Barbarian" fame, playing the role of Spangle, the sexy scientist charged with guarding Sam Hell on the trip to Frogtown. William Smith plays the dual roles of Captain Devlin and Count Sodom with his usual gravel voiced charm. Don't spend too much time scratching your head over the appearance of Rory Calhoun as the oddball Looney Tunes. This actor, whose career stretched back into the Golden Age of Hollywood, was apparently willing to take any role as he entered the 1970s and 1980s. He's probably best known to B movie lovers as the grinning Farmer Vincent in "Motel Hell." His appearance here is ample proof that earning a paycheck in the movie business beats working a real job any day. Really, the only redeeming quality of "Hell Comes to Frogtown" is Roddy Piper in the lead role of Sam Hell. Piper isn't a great actor by any stretch of the imagination, but there is always something fun about watching him tackle a part. He's much, much better in "They Live," of course, but his presence helps this movie immeasurably. Piper's ability to keep a straight face here should win him some sort of award.

Amazingly, the picture quality of this DVD is quite good. It's even in widescreen. The only extras are a trailer and a commentary track from the director and writer. Why they didn't let Piper make a few remarks is a mystery and a sad omission. Seriously, most fans of cheap science fiction will want to give this one a watch if for no other reason than to see giant frogs with human attributes pummel Piper senseless. Watch it as a double feature with "They Live."

Good cult movie
HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN is a little seen gem. After nuclear war, almost every man on the planet is impotent and frogs have grown to human size. One of these frogs, Commander Toty, has kidnapped some fertile women because of their value to humans. Sam Hell (Rowdy Roddy Piper) has the highest sperm count of any man on the planet and he is called in to save the women from Frogtown and get them pregnant. The DVD of this film is good, but doesn't have nearly enough extras. The trailer, production notes booklet and commentary (by Donald G. Jackson and Randall Frakes) are good but this release could've been helped by more extra material.

Babes, Mutants and Action in the Future
Roddy Piper (wrestler and star of They Live) is back in another science fiction thriller. This time it is the future and very few men are fertile. Roddy leaves pregnant women wherever he goes. Because of this, Med-Tech wants him to help with the repopulation of the country so that they can carry on the war that created the mess.

But no sooner does Hellman (piper) sign on the dotted line than he is railroaded into an attempt to rescue a group of fertile women from the mutants of Frogtown.

What follows is a pretty good film although it is obvious that the budget was not huge. The acting is pretty good and Piper appears more boyish and less sharp-edged than he does in They Live. I particularly liked the frog mutant playing at Sydney Greenstreet's The Fatman. The only thing I did miss was that there was no great one-liner from Piper. He had one of the great lines of all time in They Live.

Sure it's campy and low budget but it is also very fun. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A Neglected Masterpiece!
I first saw this film on the late show back in the 50's when I was a mere child. It scared the pants off me then, and pretty much does the same now. This is what I call staying power. Too bad more people aren't aware of this film. The sad thing about the presentation of this film (I have both the VHS & DVD) is that the sound recording needs definite restorative work. This would really be disturbing if the film itself wasn't so compelling. The production values as well as the production team are all A-List, from the fine direction of Delmer Daves to the outstanding mood-setting score of Max Steiner to the casting of pro stars like Edward G. Robinson & Judith Anderson sharing the screen with teen magazine heart-throbs Rory Calhoun and Julie London. Lon McCallister is fine in what is really the lead role, and a very fine performance by young Allene Roberts (whatever happened to her!). The DVD is pretty much of the bargain-bin variety, though there are a couple of little extras on it...most notably explaining that Robinson's career came to a standstill after this film because of the Hollywood blacklist. The suspense factor is among the highest I can recall (EVER!); the script is literate and clever; characters are well-defined; and the creepy mood is consistant. See this film and tell all your friends; you will NOT be disappointed.

Worth seeing for all kinds of reasons.
Ooh, fun! Like film noir? Don't miss this, if only because of Edward G., and just so you can say you saw it. If Disney couyld make a good film noir back in the 40's, this might have been it. And that's a compliment. Hitchcock wouldn't have done this:L it's too moody and down-home. It's different. Ma and Pa Kettle quit foolin' around, lose a few years, and go out to find a few corpses.

1. See if you can guess my favorite shot ( with Aileen Roberts, alone)

2. See Judith Anderson in something besides REBECCA: "Every living soul has their Oxhead Woods..."

3. See Edward G. in a lesser known film, and still doing an excellent job ("...it can still be you and me, Jeannie...")

4. See Julie London. Sassy and delinquent here: "A fine swimming date we had, I don't think!" "I'm not gonna give you any kisses...I want you to miss 'em..." Gorgeous and talented, you could also sense the Hollywood ambition exuding from her during this film...no?

5. Rory Calhoun. A good job. Not given TOO much to do here except drink, hunt, beat up Lon McAllister and grab Julie London, he does it well: "Because it'll be a prettier bond if you buy it for me..."

If this is a piece of American candy, it's still a good piece--and more complex than you'd expect. (Probably moreso than I am capable of revealing here.)

Don't just leave it for the kids. In fact, it may scare the hell out of them. Ultimately, I believe there are aspects of this film that are of more than average, 'happy-day' depth.

Buy it. A true noir fan, you'll watch it more than once.

Should be restored but...
This review refers to the Alpha Video (Gotham) DVD.

Overall Quality of DVD: ** /**** Sound: *1/2 /**** Plot: *** /**** Acting: ***/**** Cinematography: ***/**** Direction: **1/2 /****

This is not a great film but very eerie, strange, nearly on par with something like "Carnival Of Souls" or "Incubus".

Rory Calhoun and Lon McCallister are solid in their roles. Arlene Roberts is good but does not come close to the sexiness of Julie London. Edward G. Robinson creates the mystery and suspense while his sister (in the film), Judith Anderson (Mrs. Danvers in "REBECCA") enhances and intensifies Robinson's esoteric character.

Granted, the film transfer is quite soft and glowing and the sound hisses throughout, however, it is still quite interesting to view and, due to the digital transfer process, the sound is stabilized.

Until/if a restoration is ever available this is the best we'll see but, in my opinion, is worth the low asking price - if you are expecting the quality of a Criterion Collection DVD you will be disappointed.

Brilliant Offbeat Daves Film, Horrible Print for DVD
As with many of Delmer Daves' films, The Red House shows originality, flair, and an intense weaving of landscape, theme, and character (rare among American directors working in the studios). He consistently achieves moments of great subtlety. In addition, Lon McCallister and Allene Roberts deliver striking performances under Daves' sensitive direction. It's no surprise that Scorcese noted this film in his "Personal Journey Through American Movies". Unfortunately, the print of the film used for the DVD is HORRIBLE -- there have to be better prints out there of this film!

A Long Lost Classic!!
Edward G. Robinson is fantastic as the man with the dark secret, in this excellent thriller! I bought it expecting to be either bored or amused. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised! The Red House is actually pretty creepy. Robinson plays a farmer who is not what he appears to be. There's a red house in the woods where something terrible happened many years earlier. His daughter (Arlene Roberts), and his sister (the magnificent Judith "Mrs. Danvers" Anderson) live with him. A boy comes to help out on the farm and the web of mystery slowly unravels. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves thrillers, chillers, or just plain good movies... ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Great "B" movie!!
Pro Wrestling's "Rowdy" Roddy Piper makes his second film appearence in this silly but fun Sci-Fi adventure. Roddy is one of the last fertile men left on a post-appockolyiptic earth. He is captured by an all fremale scince group who forcew Roddy to impregnate all the fertile wild women they come across, and while not in action, roddy is forced to wear an explosive coddle belt (to prevent him from escaping). Guess what happens if Roddy (Hell) gets farther away than a specified distance to the Science group's van? One of the important women to the science group is captured and held in Frogtown (a town full of half human/ half amphibian mutants), and now Mr. Hell must penitrate the main group of mutants to save her. Actually, this movie is a lot more entertaining than it sounds. As expected, it is a low budget sterling flick, but it's vastly entertaining in it's action and humor. If you've nevver seen this film, it's worth seeing at least once. If you liked "They Live", Roddy's other film, buy this one. It's an underground classic!

Frogs just want to have fun
This is just another post-apocalypse movie, more of a mad Max or mad Maxine. The frog people are just not pretty faces. Other parts of their body are more versatile. There is no way that Roddy Piper (Sam Hell) can compete so he appeals to their sense of humanity. Propagation is implied throughout the movie. There are even a few sweaty scenes and no one stays in the car.
Roddy did a much better job in "They Live."

This is a combination of "John Goldfarb Please Come Home" and "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death (1988)" ASIN: 6305078599

Go get 'em, Roddy!
Meet Sam Hell. Life for this poor guy has never been the same after the world fell apart. Before the apocalypse wiped out most of humanity, Hell was just another bloke trying to make it with the ladies. After the end of the world, he suddenly found himself in great demand. Why? Sam Hell has the unique distinction of being one of the only-if not the only-men on the planet capable of fathering children. This ability is a big deal in a world where fertility is a highly prized commodity for both men and women. Radiation rendered most of the lads and lasses incapable of bearing children, so if the human race is to once again thrive and eventually rebuild the planet, the right man must meet the right women. Besides, our side needs more children so they can raise good little soldiers to continue fighting the Russians (or whoever it was who turned America into a desert). Fortunately for this barren world, and for lovers of low budget trash cinema, Sam Hell just happens to be former wrestler turned actor "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. I can sleep better at nights knowing Piper made more films before and after his memorable turn in Carpenter's "They Live."

Hell's adventure begins when a group of scientists working for something called Med Tech (or some such thing) save his life from a sadistic soldier, a Captain Devlin (William Smith), bent on killing the fertile fool. It seems Sammy impregnated this guy's daughter and attempted to mosey on down the road, something the soldier finds reprehensible. As part of the bargain for rescuing Hell from an early demise, Med Tech insists that he sign on to a most peculiar mission. He must rescue a bevy of fertile women from the clutches of humanoid frogs. Just in case Sam attempts to run away from his duties, the scientists saddle the hapless dupe with a rather painful looking chastity belt that will explode should he attempt to remove the device or flee. Heading off to Frogtown with a sexy scientist and a punk rock looking bodyguard, Hell and company spend most of their time schlepping around the desert making crotch jokes. Predictably, his two female companions hit on him, the chastity belt inflicts pain on several occasions, and the trio picks up a ratty looking girl in the desert. If you're not laughing so hard by this point that your sides hurt, you can keep watching for more hijinks as Sam and his gang stroll into Frogtown.

From the moment Hell walks into a bar inhabited by numerous mutated frogs, the film takes on a weirdness and utter ridiculousness I have rarely witnessed in any other movie. There's a vivacious frog stripper with eyes for male humans, a sadistic thug frog who seeks to do humans harm, and Rory Calhoun as an elderly miner named Looney Tunes. Lots of chase scenes, "exotic" dancing, and explosions follow as Hell attempts to free the women and fulfill his contract. Tricking human sized frog creatures bent on controlling the human race is never easy, but Piper and the rest of the cast sure give it the old freshman try. The movie tries hard to have a twist ending, but by the time Count Sodom and his cronies arrive on the scene I began to divorce myself mentally from the proceedings. Regrettably, the man called Sodom shows up at the end of the film, meaning I actually paid attention for most of the movie. It's not that "Hell Comes to Frogtown" is a bad B budget film; rather, the problems I had with the picture seemed to revolve around the fact that I watched it while I was awake. My bad.

It's easy, too easy in fact, to bash this movie for its cheesy production values, ridiculous eighties haircuts, and ludicrous plot. It takes a hardy soul indeed to overlook the myriad flaws in this film. I found the experience more bearable when I concentrated on the familiar actors and actresses parading across the screen. You've got Sandahl Bergman, of "Conan the Barbarian" fame, playing the role of Spangle, the sexy scientist charged with guarding Sam Hell on the trip to Frogtown. William Smith plays the dual roles of Captain Devlin and Count Sodom with his usual gravel voiced charm. Don't spend too much time scratching your head over the appearance of Rory Calhoun as the oddball Looney Tunes. This actor, whose career stretched back into the Golden Age of Hollywood, was apparently willing to take any role as he entered the 1970s and 1980s. He's probably best known to B movie lovers as the grinning Farmer Vincent in "Motel Hell." His appearance here is ample proof that earning a paycheck in the movie business beats working a real job any day. Really, the only redeeming quality of "Hell Comes to Frogtown" is Roddy Piper in the lead role of Sam Hell. Piper isn't a great actor by any stretch of the imagination, but there is always something fun about watching him tackle a part. He's much, much better in "They Live," of course, but his presence helps this movie immeasurably. Piper's ability to keep a straight face here should win him some sort of award.

Amazingly, the picture quality of this DVD is quite good. It's even in widescreen. The only extras are a trailer and a commentary track from the director and writer. Why they didn't let Piper make a few remarks is a mystery and a sad omission. Seriously, most fans of cheap science fiction will want to give this one a watch if for no other reason than to see giant frogs with human attributes pummel Piper senseless. Watch it as a double feature with "They Live."

Good cult movie
HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN is a little seen gem. After nuclear war, almost every man on the planet is impotent and frogs have grown to human size. One of these frogs, Commander Toty, has kidnapped some fertile women because of their value to humans. Sam Hell (Rowdy Roddy Piper) has the highest sperm count of any man on the planet and he is called in to save the women from Frogtown and get them pregnant. The DVD of this film is good, but doesn't have nearly enough extras. The trailer, production notes booklet and commentary (by Donald G. Jackson and Randall Frakes) are good but this release could've been helped by more extra material.

Babes, Mutants and Action in the Future
Roddy Piper (wrestler and star of They Live) is back in another science fiction thriller. This time it is the future and very few men are fertile. Roddy leaves pregnant women wherever he goes. Because of this, Med-Tech wants him to help with the repopulation of the country so that they can carry on the war that created the mess.

But no sooner does Hellman (piper) sign on the dotted line than he is railroaded into an attempt to rescue a group of fertile women from the mutants of Frogtown.

What follows is a pretty good film although it is obvious that the budget was not huge. The acting is pretty good and Piper appears more boyish and less sharp-edged than he does in They Live. I particularly liked the frog mutant playing at Sydney Greenstreet's The Fatman. The only thing I did miss was that there was no great one-liner from Piper. He had one of the great lines of all time in They Live.

Sure it's campy and low budget but it is also very fun. ... Read more