Reviews (131)

Jennifer's The Graduate Review
The film The Graduate is a classic 1967 release that is directed by Mike Nichols and released by Embassy Pictures. The film earned $50 million in 1968, which is number one money maker in that time.
Director, Nichols, won the Academy Award for Best Director. The film was also nominated for 6 other Awards, Best Picture, Best Actor and Actress, and Best Supporting Actress. The soundtrack featuring songs by Simon and Garfunkel was gold in 1968 and "Mrs. Robinson" was number one on the charts for four weeks.
College grad (Dustin Hoffman) does what his parents and other people tell him to do including family friend Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) who tells him to have an affair with her. Then he falls in love with her daughter Eliane Robinson (Katherine Ross), and finally finds something he wants to do with his life.
I give this film 4 stars because I thought Dustin Hoffman did a good job. I thought that the music complimented the movie nicely as well. It was a good film.

always relevant no matter what year you graduated!
This movie put Dustin Hoffman on the map -- it is the tale of Ben (Hoffman) and his uncertainty about what to do with his post-collegiate future (despite his neighbor's advice that the future is in plastics.) At his graduation party, he meets up with longtime family friend Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) who proceeds to seduce him ("I think you're the most attractive of my parents' friends, Mrs. Robinson.") They have a secret affair for quite some time.

Then, Ben's parents think it would be nice if he dates Elaine, that nice Mrs. Robinson's daughter! They set up the date, paying no attention to Ben's wishes against it. He acts like a complete jerk during the date so Elaine won't like him, then ends up falling for her anyway. This ends up with him proposing to her later, even when she has decided to marry someone else. The wedding scene is dramatic, and has been parodied on everything from Wayne's World 2 to The Simpsons.

The writing is hilarious, and Hoffman's delivery is great - upon seeing Elaine's finacee approaching them, he gives the sarcastic praise: "He's a good walker!" I love Ben's mom's over-the-top scream of delight when Ben announces he is getting married -- though he hasn't actually asked Elaine yet. And in the scene at the zoo, when Ben is left alone watching Elaine walk off with her fiancee, the camera cuts from the actors to a pair of monkeys grooming each other, and then to a lonesome gorilla. (I think they were trying to be dramatic but I found it funny.)

The Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack is great, and the acting is superb. Ben's father is played by William Daniels, also known as the voice of KIT on the 80s show "Knight Rider" and Mr. Feeny on "Boy Meets World". Ben's landlord at a boarding house is Norma Fell, Three's Company's 'Mr. Roper' (does he always play a landlord?). A great film!

THE Coming of Age Movie
This one is fantastic and very relevant even now a days. Dustin Huffman's breakout film has wonderful performances by all of the actors, a great story, beautiful filmography and a fantastic sound track by Simon and Garfunkle.

Bad movie, no donut
I was 21 when this came out, it was pointless then and still is.
Hoffman was no actor and still is not.

A Beautifully Crafted Film
This movie is a classic example of how good films were even as recent as the 1960's. The plot itself is not so original (young man has an affair with older married woman), however the movie is done in such an artistic way that the affair itself is put in the backseat for most of the film. If this movie were to be remade today, it would have been very sexualy charged and raunchy will the majority of the content focusing on the actual affair itself. However because this movie was made during a time when true quality and craftsmanship was appreciated, the themes are delicate and subtle. It really makes you use your imagination and look deeper into the storyline, rather than just the obvious. The backdrop (Southern & Northern California), the wonderful musical score (Simon & Garfunkel) and great cast made this movie very worthwhile to see as well. If you enjoy movies made with thought and care behind it, you should definitely check this one out! ... Read more

Reviews (202)

For God's Sake, John, Sit Down...
First, let me say that I'm not a big fan of movie musicals. However, I've always made an exception for 1776. I suppose it's my abiding interest in history, and in the popular presentation of history, that keeps me coming back to this film. For the uninitiated, 1776 is the story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and was first presented on Broadway in the late 1960s. Set in Philadelphia in June and early July of 1776, the action centers around John Adams's attempt to get a reluctant Continental Congress to declare the 13 colonies independent of Great Britain. Adams, and his allies (including Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson), is opposed at every step by the conservatives in Congress, led by John Dickinson of Pennsylvania. Although we know the ending, it is to scriptwriter Peter Stone's credit that we realize things may have turned out rather differently.

My first recorded version of this movie was taped off of a local television station that had drastically edited it for length and content. When I finally got around to buying the VHS version of 1776, I was amazed at what had been left out, particularly when it came to the earthier dialogue. Imagine my reaction to the new DVD director's cut edition of this musical; it was like watching a completely new movie. Bridging scenes that had been edited out now provide a nearly seamless narrative flow, and the musical number "Cool, Considerate Men" has been restored, providing for greater balance between the conservatives and radicals in Congress.

The cast, a number of whom reprise their roles from the Broadway production, is nearly flawless. William Daniels IS John Adams, hard-headed, driven, passionate, "obnoxious and disliked". Howard da Silva is equally effective as Benjamin Franklin, elder statesman and earthy man-of-the-world, while the rest of the actors do very well by their characters. Of necessity, the film's emphasis is on Congress, and therefore on the male of the species; women are limited to two roles--Martha Jefferson, played by Blythe Danner, and Abigail Adams, played by Virginia Vestoff. Of Danner's role, there is little to say beyond the fact that the actress is a luminous screen presence. Vestoff, on the other hand, has a rather more substantial role as John Adams's wife, confidant, and sounding board. The film effectively portrays the correspondence between John and Abigail, a partnership that was, in many ways, remarkable in American history.

Director Peter Hunt keeps things moving along at a lively pace, propelled by the music of Sherman Edwards, who also wrote the lyrics. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but two stand out in my mind--the chilling "Molasses to Rum to Slaves" and the poignant "Mamma, Look Sharp". The former underlines the flawed nature of the American Experiment--that a new nation established on the principle that "all men are created equal" would also keep hundreds of thousands of people in chains. The latter song brings home the fact that while Congress engages in endless debates, men (and boys) are dying on the field of battle.

I could dwell at some length on the historical inaccuracies embodied in this movie--the character of Judge Wilson, for one, and that of Richard Henry Lee, for another. However, purism aside, what 1776 makes clear is just what a close run thing independence really was, that there was, indeed, a significant proportion of Americans (and their representatives) who wished to remain loyal to the British crown. Better yet, the Founding Fathers are portrayed mot as marble men, but as the passionate, flawed, flesh-and-blood individuals they were.

Delightful History
While obviously a stage play transfered to the screen, "1776" is an interesting movie on several levels. While I can't swear to the accuracy of the history on a micro level - although, from what I've seen in the academic sources, it's pretty accurate - this brings some pretty stodgy material to life.

The cast is intriguing - Howard daSilva(who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era) as Benj. Franklin; William Daniels(St. Elsewhere's Dr. Craig)as John Adams; Ken Howard(The White Shadow)as Thos. Jefferson; Blythe Danner; John Cullum; and others. To see daSilva, Daniels and Howard singing and dancing on the stairs of Independence Hall, debating who should write the Declaration, is a delight.

A few famous one-liners - "Gentlemen, if we do not all hang together, we, most assuredly,will all hang separately." And some commentary, which may not be completely accurate, but is indicative of the personality involved - "Rhode Island's in the 'necessary'."

This is no where near a great movie, but it is both educational and entertaining. And there is little funnier in film than Adams' and Franklin's discussion of sex.

Good Muscial. Good History. Good Fun.
"Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see?" John Adams (William Daniels, St. Elsewhere, among other things) musically muses in 1776. He is frustrated and believes that the cause of independence may be lost over the issue of slavery.
1776 is a good musical. Maybe it's not the best musical of all time, but pretty darn good. It's fun, it's witty, it's a little naughty in places, and it's very close in historical accuracy. It is a tradition in my household to watch it every 4th of July, to remind ourselves that the holiday is more than just picnics and firework displays.
The music is special too, because it has meaning to the character(s) that sing it and meaning for us. For instance, when Martha Jefferson (Blythe Danner) sings her song, "He Plays the Violin", it has a poignancy to it, because she sings "Say I died loving bride, loving life, loving wife..." and we are reminded that she dies before Jefferson ever sees the Presidency. The exchanges between John and Abigail Adams show us both the love and friendship they shared and the hardship that the wives and families of the revolutionary leaders suffered. When Edward Rutledge of South Carolina (John Collum, Northern Exposure) incredible performance "Molasses to Rum to Slaves", tells us both something about the economics of the times, the compromises that policymakers have to make, and the tragedy of slavery that haunted our nation until the American Civil War and still has repercussions resounding in our ears. He chastises Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) on Jefferson's hypocrisy, "You, sir, are a practitioner." Tough words there but true!
1776 isn't only about colonial history; it was written during the American involvement in the Vietnam War. The young messenger (Stephen Nathan) that carries the dispatches from George Washington, sings "Mama, Look Sharp." This sad, dirge-like song is so moving, because it tells us that while the policymakers are quibbling and quarrelling in Philadelphia (or Washington, D.C.), someone is out there dying for the policies and decisions they have implemented. Something to note is that the song "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men" comes right before the Messenger's song and he walks through them, but the cool men don't even seem to see him. No wonder Nixon wanted it taken out of the picture!
But stop all the doom and gloom. There are fun, rousing songs as well like "Sit Down, John", "The Lees of Old Virginia", and "The Egg". I love this musical, because it makes the founding fathers seem more real than any history book has ever done. This musical captures perfectly the anxiety that shadowed the birth of the United States of America. Whether they were on the left or the right, I feel such love for the idiosyncratic, irascible, dynamic men that helped create this ever-evolving democratic republic.

Never Thought History Could Be So Much Fun!
Witty and wonderful songs help tell the story of the trying times leading to the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. Definitely helps explain how America's founders could want independence, while still tolerating slavery.

The sound quality is far superior to earlier releases. This is an opportunity to see "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men," the production number which President Richard Nixon had Jack Warner cut from the original production. It certainly adds to the impact, and should NOT have been cut!

Includes Screen Tests and Trailers. Best of all, it also includes an option to hear a full Director and Screenwriter Commentary on the production.

Why were'nt our history classes this informative AND FUN?!

A Patriotic Lump In The Throat
What a wonderful combination of history, theater, and music. "1776" has been one of my favorite musicals since the late '60's. To some, a musical version of the signing of the Declaration of Independence must seem odd and truly out of place, perhaps blasphemous. True, the music is not by Rodgers and Hammerstein, so there will be nothing from this film to whistle in the shower. But I can imagine this film, to most viewers anyway, ranking up there with "Yankee Doodle Dandy" as required viewing every 4th of July.

I am impressed with how the film (and play) stay close to history, although, for the sake of art, some details are changed. The characters come alive, away from the dusty history books, and show humor and a great desire to do something wonderful for the world.

The commentary is very informative. How interesting it is to learn that, on President Richard Nixon's suggestion, friend Jack Warner (the film's producer) cut all references in the film showing conservatives standing in the way of independence. Fortunately, the original, director's cut edition has been restored to DVD, and presents a film more fluid than what was found on the edited, pan-and-scan tape.

If you don't care for the music, at least watch this great film to see what our Founding Fathers were up against in "1776". If patriotic films bring a tear to the eye, keep a box of red, white, and blue tissues handy. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

This film should be hailed as a classic
After things don't go like they should, a boy and a girl get stranded on an island in the South Seas. The two children are forced to stay together for years on the island with no other place to go. As you might imagine, once these two reach their teenage years, they might begin to feel a little differently about each other.

I was born the year this movie was made and I grew up watching it a lot of times. When I was a teenager, I never really paid much attention to the movie itself because I was head over heels for Brooke Shields. Now that I'm grown, I decided to watch it again and see if it was really as terrible of a movie as I've always heard it was.

Sure, the movie is somewhat controversial and it's not all that deep plot-wise, but to be honest, I still like this movie a lot.

In my opinion, "The Blue Lagoon" had and still has a lot going for it. For one, I don't see why everybody cuts down Brooke Shields for her horrible acting. Granted she's not the best actress in the world, but I don't think she did that bad of a job. Another thing, I saw that the movie doesn't concentrate hardly at all on how the couple actually survives for years on the island, it's mainly just a movie about two teens who fall in love on a seemingly deserted island. But that's all the makers intended for this movie to be about, it's not supposed to be much of a story of survival. It kept me interested the entire two hours and I never got bored at all.

Finally, I've always heard about "The Blue Lagoon" winning the 1980 award for best cinematography, and I can see why. Throughout the movie, there are several captivating underwater sequences along with the views of the island itself and the ocean. Equally as impressive is the film's musical score. The music couldn't have been any better for the parts of the movie that it signifies.

If you like great movies and if you can tolerate watching a classic romance/drama film, do yourself a favor and purchase "The Blue Lagoon." I really don't see why many people throughout the years have bashed it flatter than a slice of cheese because it's a great movie, and in my book, it's a classic!

A Tale of Natual Love-Brooke Shields finest
The Blue Lagoon is a true classic, never have I seen a film shot as beautifully as this one. It is a true story about natual love, the discovery of one's self, their bodies, their confusing feelings for one another as they hit man and womanhood. This film deals with a lot of issues- growing up on their own on a deserted island, their sexuality, masterbation, menstration, sex,parenthood. This film is wonderful. Never have I really seen a film that's not set in civillisation but is so entertaining for one but the story is just beautiful, and Brooke Shields as Emmeline and Christopher Atkins as Richard are fantastic. The musical score is truely beautiful and makes me feel a range of emotions. The first time I saw this film I was so fasinated by it, and was about the same age as the characters so I could relate to some of the emotions they were going through, the confusion of everything. Anyone thinking about buying this film-Go for it- You woun't regret it. As for the fans who have loved this film throught out the years, it was worth the wait. The Extras on the DVD are excellent. The two commentaries are very informative and I love listening to the Brooke Shields track and hearing her insight about the film and that time the film came out. It's also interesting looking at her own personal photo album and the featurette from 1980 is very interesting.This film will always be one of my favourites.-Brooke Shields is just beautiful and is one of the best actress' of her generation.

FANTASTIC
The film was dissected by most critics, but I have always enjoyed it. The stars; Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields shine in their youthful beauty and performances. The movie was banned in Oslo when it opened in 1980, but it played to full houses in the provinces. The docu on this DVD is good, but the sound is not on par with the movie.

I think the critics at the time was embaressed by its sensual frankness and therefor tried to "kill it". It was a huge hit though and still is a film you should see with your loved-one:-)

ATKINS & SHIELDS - BOTH GREAT
I remember that it was banned in Oslo when it came in 1980, but we saw it out of town hehehe. The DVD is perfect. The cinematgraphy and music as good as it gets. The film was dissected by critics, but I think at the time it was strong stuff to see sexual frankness from a major Hollywood studio. Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields are both at their best in this film. It is the perfect film for two people in the beginning of their love-affair.

Celebration of emotions
What if a man is not influenced by any thoughts of others and stays totally isolate of all human hypocrisy? What if a man has only nature around him and nothing else to prejudice his sense of right and wrong? This is exactly what this movie is all about.
Two children, stranded in an island, form their own set of ethics and morals...as they have to with no adults around. Their lives, as the Director wishes to convey, are a voyage of discovery. They discover the best food to survive on, they discover the places they should not visit, they discover adoloscence, they discover the rebellion of the teenage, they discover love, they discover passion, they discover the joys of family and finally, the irony of life. They have nothing to influence their discovery and that, in itself makes the movie an adventure and enchanting.
This is one movie that's a must in all collections. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Psychological Thriller
Warren Beatty is great in this movie. So is Hume Cronyn and a host of others you'll recognize from the 1970's TV and Film. But the real star of this movie is the story ... a mystery inside an enigma wrapped up in a riddle. Born from the investigations into the assassinations of JFK, Martin Luther King Jr. and RFK and the investigations into each this story is all too plausible ... and frightenly believable. 1960's were turbulent times, with great movements and events all over the nation and the world. It's not unthinkable that some wanted to control the outcome of these events.

Towards this theory, "The Parallax View" demonstrates how bogus corporations recruit certain profiled individuals to carry out their objectives using trickery and deceit to "compartmentalize" the actor and eliminate the "target". This movie requires close attention to see all the subtle elements. If you ever thought the assassinations of America's leaders in the 1960's were "glossed over" then this movie is for you. It's a paranoia storyline to be sure, but perhaps a little skepticism is healthy from time to time.

The only thing I'm not crazy about in the film is its 1974 production. So the clothes and cars are so out of date as to be distracting from the storyline. I think this film is an excellent candidate for remake and I'l like to see a director like Ridley Scott or James Cameron look at this script.

For movies of the same genre, be sure and check out "Executive Action" with Burt Lancaster. Another 5-star effort.

The paradigm for paranoia
The Parallax View is the ultimate paranoia film, bar none. It is the standard by which all other films of this genre are judged. In other words, it is a classic. It combines stellar direction with a very believable performance by Warren Beatty to create a film that has no equal. From the opening on the Space Needle, it is obvious this movie isn't going to be run of the mill. From there, every plot line just gets bigger and bigger, until everything envelops Warren Beatty to form the film's stunning conclusion. Alan Pakula would eventually follow this film up with All The Presidents Men, that film is good, but this film is great. It stands as his masterwork, and it is the best of the 70's paranoia pictures.

NOT SURE WHAT BEATTY WAS SHOOTING FOR
"The Parallax View" was big liberal Warren Beatty's attempt to describe a conspiracy involving shadowy government agencies. It is entertaining and worth watching, but misses the mark. Beatty seems to be trying to piece together an explanation on how, or even who, killed Kennedy. "The Manchurian Candidate" may have inspired him. Beatty plays a journalist who goes undercover, allowing himself to be recruited by the Parallax Corporation, presumably a CIA front that trains assassins. His psychological profile is determined in part by watching a disturbing montage of scenes, ranging from love, sex and patriotism to war, gore and devil worship, mixed with the juxtaposition of wealth vs. need. The point seems to be that people go hungry while rich America has sex and kills people?

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

A Classic Political Thriller!
Pakula did a great job directing this classic. I love the imagery of this film, the scene set up and the eventual consequences that take place. Warren Beatty is great as the investigative reporter. This is one great film! One of the most underrated films of the 70's!

Really good but with unintended consequence?
I was trying to think how to describe The Parallax View and I realized its the conspricy movie Oliver Stone would make if had more talent and less ego.

Since that won't happen we're left with Parallax View which is a series of events that vaguely correspond to actual occurances. The point is not to theroize about an actual asasination; its to show how a fictional conspricy might unfold.

Alas, the unintended consequence is all the single bullet/talk radio/grassy noll nuts attaching undue importance to it. May I remind you that our current government--as sinister as any I can recall--can't even fake WMDs? How would people like this create a Parallax Corporation? ... Read more

Reviews (31)

DVD is unknown quality - the film is FANTASTIC
*****
please , please , please , somebody

Restore this to its full original length , to its full original content , and to its full original SOUND TRACK !!!!!!

please ?

Please pay Barry McGuire whatever he needs to be paid , in order for the soundtrack to be restored . The "cheapened" "re-cut" version , withOUT Barry McGuire's music , transformed one of the most memorable scenes . The "killing field" scene went from fascinating and memorable , to trashy and boring . How could they ?

To quote other reviews :

1.) the vhs version runs 103 minutes according to imdb. amazon's listing for the dvd says 102 minutes. that doesn't sound like restored footage. they probably didn't bother to correct the music problem either. it's really too bad. this is one of my all-time favorite films. it would be 5 stars if they got it right.

2.) I agree with Vince Mack and the critics this must be put on DVD in widescreen format with Barry McGuire's music and the 'art cinema' scene where Coburn's character meets Joan Delaney's as well as the weird disembodied-eyeballs sequence. This is an absolute Gem of a movie that needs to be preserved in tact!

Mother's Milk...
I saw this movie on a Saturday night when I was a teen and I roared! Surprisingly, it was almost uncut except for the small amount of nudity in the 'killing fields.' Although dated this film is still hysterical. A 60s black comedy about the reality of the spy business - all to get inside the President's head! Can you imagine a Canadian secret service???? Coburn as the President's analyst is perfect. His wry smiles while he slowly decends into paranoia is unbelievble. The scenes of him being summoned by the Commander in Chief are priceless! Godfrey Cambridge as a black 'license to kill' agent who has 'baggage' from his childhood is a scream. Severn Darden Godfrey's Russian counterpart, despite the fact he is prepared to kill at the drop of his Russian Ushanka is Godfrey's best buddy. The scene with Pat Harrington, Jr. as the phone 'agent' is just over the top!

I agree with Vince Mack and the critics this must be put on DVD in widescreen format with Barry McGuire's music and the 'art cinema' scene where Coburn's character meets Joan Delaney's as well as the weird disembodied-eyeballs sequence. This is an absolute Gem of a movie that needs to be preserved in tact! Additionally since we're talking James Coburn I'd like to see "Waterhole No. 3" another Coburn classic also transferred to DVD!

"That's my car gun."
After his stint starring as the eternally groovy American super spy Derek Flint, "Repeat after me: I am not a pleasure unit." in Our Man Flint (1966) and In Like Flint (1967), James Colburn starred in the wonderfully quirky, funny dark political comedy/thriller The President's Analyst (1967).

Written and directed by Theodore J. Flicker, who also worked on a number of television shows including The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Dream of Jeanie, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E, The President's Analyst stars James Colburn as Dr. Sidney Schaefer, a New York psychiatrist who finds himself in the position of being chosen to listen to the problems of the most powerful man in the world, the President of the United States. At first, it seems like a dream position, but soon Sidney realizes it's a lot more than he can handle, as the President does not make appointments with Sidney, but expects him to be 'on call' 24/7, and signals Sidney whenever he needs him through the use of flashing red signal lights in Sidney's office, his home, and even his soup. As the pressures, odd hours and the extreme weight of the problems shared by the president wear on Sidney, his paranoia grows as he sees spies around every corner. Let's face it, how valuable would the President's analyst be to a foreign, or even friendly, power? Sidney's growing paranoia along with his inability to discuss his own problems with his peers due to possible threats to national security, causes Sidney to have a sort of nervous breakdown, to which he decides to run away, hoping to find a little peace and maybe a way out of the situation. Only problem is, now that Sidney is no longer under the protection of the CEA (Central Enquiries Agency), he is now fair game and a target for practically every intelligence agency in the world, even becoming a target for the FBR (Federal Bureau of Regulations), as they all either desire or fear what he's got in his head.

Colburn is wonderful as the cool and intelligent psychiatrist on the lam, pursued various domestic and foreign powers, some intent on capture, while some intent on killing him. It's funny but even when he's 'freaking out', due the extreme pressures of his position and that of being harassed by kidnappers and assassins, he still seems to maintain a somewhat suave and sophisticated demeanor, rolling with the situations as they come up. Colburn is supported by a really excellent cast here, including Godfrey Cambridge as Don Masters, CEA agent and Severn Darden as Russian agent V.I. Kydor Kropotkin, characters, who, while on different sides, share an affable friendship and respect for each other. Also appearing is Joan Delaney as Nan, Sidney's live-in girlfriend (until the FBR discover Sidney talks in his sleep and move her to a hotel for fears that Sidney may reveal state secrets), Barry McGuire (who penned the perennial 60's anthem Eve of Destruction) as the hippy leader of a band Sidney joins in an effort to lose himself, Walter Burke as the uber-moralistic diminutive, ever suspicious FBR director Henry Lux, and William Daniels (the voice of Kitt on the Knightrider television series) as Wynn Quantrill, the head of a many gun owning (protection against the rabid right wing fascist neighbors) liberal suburban family that, while touring the White House, Sidney deceives into allowing him to leave with them, under the guise of a special presidential project involving learning what the real average American family thinks of the government. He's got one of my favorite lines in the film is when Wynn's son is unloading the car and inquires about bringing in the gun to which Wynn replies something along the lines of, "That's my car gun. My house gun is already in the house, so please return my car gun to the glove compartment." My favorite scene in the film is when Sidney, hiding out with a traveling hippy band, takes an intimate break with a female member of the band in a field of tall grass and flowers and a number of secret agents, who've followed them, meet their demise quietly one after another through various means at the hands of their rivals, as they attempt to kidnap or kill Sidney, all with Sidney and his 'date' not realizing what is going on...

I haven't seen this film before now, and I did notice the IMDb has a run time listed as 103 minutes, while the run time listed here is 102 minutes, suggesting something missing, but I couldn't tell you what. The other reviews seem to indicate a flash of nudity during the make out scene in the field, and a movie theater sequence between Sidney and Nan the hippy chick, but I couldn't say for sure. The music in this release, which is really excellent, is original to the film, which wasn't the case for some previous releases, specifically television versions. I had read another review that stated the film had originally incorporated the anagrams FBI and CIA in the movie, but due to pressures brought by these organizations, they were changed to FBR and CEA, with redubbing after the picture was finished. Apparently, if you pay close attention, you can see the actor's lips mouth FBI and CIA even though the spoken word is different.

The print on this DVD looks clean and crisp in wide screen format, but don't bother looking for any special features, as there are none, not even a theatrical trailer. One odd thing with the case, which I've seen a few times before, is the clasps on the side. You have to unlock them to open the case, which is just a matter of flipping the tabs, but don't try to force it open without manipulating these, as you may damaged the case or even the DVD, and remember, 'Killing is an excellent way of dealing with a hostility problem.'

Cookieman108

great music, over-the-top film
This is a real 60's period piece, in both the good and bad senses of that term. On the debit side, the spy spoof plot is totally goofy and absurdist, perhaps overly so, and the movie jumps all over the place as if it were emulating (poorly) a psychedelic trip. On the plus side, it's got James Coburn, the dialogue is wacky and satirical, it's got a cleverly anti-Establishment thrust (the depiction of G-men as uptight midgets is a hoot), and the music is really great. Other reviewers focused on Barry McGuire, who plays the lead singer in a hippie band, but the real treat is the presence of his "back-up band," played by members of LA group Clear Light, one of the punkier and most hard rocking psychedelic bands of the era. The acid-in-the-punch scene with Clear Light is the high point of the film.

Ah, those changes!
Well, there's good news on DVD. "The President's Analyst" has arrived with its original soundtrack intact -- at least as far as I know. The Barry McGuire music is back, but as far as the "eye ball" sequence that others talk about here, I don't see it. Maybe someone else can describe better what others are talking about and what still may be missing. I think what we have here is the offical release version and this movie is excellent, a wonderful artifact of its era. I'm glad it's finally out on DVD. The 16x9 anamorphic transfer looks great. I'm giving the DVD four stars based on the quality of the movie and its picture transfer (the mono sound is a bit too compressed), but I can't give it five stars because there's no trailer and the movie deserves a commentary track (Hey Paramount Home Entertainment, director Theodore J. Flicker is still alive!), but at least the original music is back...

"The changes that keep going down
And they always will
I can get my fill
If I go along with the changes
That go round and round
It's all there to see
As they come to me
If I go along with the changes..."

Mother's Milk! ... Read more

Description

Suppose God personally chose you to spread His message to all humankind. That's what happens to supermarket manager John Denver in a graceful comedy blessed by George Burns in his best-loved role. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Description

Screen legends Gene Hackman and Barbra Streisand star as the oddest couple ever to beat the odds in this offbeat comedy that proves a man can lose everything and still love happily ever after. After successful executive, George Duplier (Hackman), is demoted to managing a seedy all-night drugstore, he decides to totally change his life. Leaving his wife, he takes up with Cheryl (Streisand), a sexy but ditsy neighbor - who's already had an affair with his son (Dennis Quaid)! Now his hands are full with his wild new woman by day and his weird and crazy customers by night and this screwball romantic comedy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Gomlak hit it on the head
Wow! Finally a man like Gomlak has come out of woodwork and hit it on the head with this trenchant 1981 masterpiece entiled "All Night Long." This Hackman/Streisand/Quaid gem has been a secret for much too long. Witness Hackman in his hilarious dealings with his neuortic wife and all of her untrammled malevolence and her support group of odd French women. Oscar must of been smiling down on that superb actor with the weird haircut during the filming of this piece of museum. The only problem was Streisand. I would have preferred Ruth Buzzie or Joanne Whorley in her role as an adulterous waif married to the Peter Pan-like Kevin Dobson. By the way Keven -- nice hair job!

Hackman's "never underestimate me" quote and cracking a Budwieser at 8:30 a.m. has endeared me to women and employers for years. Five stars!!! 'Nuff said.

Gene Hackman's comedy classic
Gene Hackman gives one of his finest (and most under-appreciated comic performances) in the 1981 comedy, "All Night Long." As George Duplar, a hapless corporate executive demoted to night drug store manager after hitting his boss when he is passed over for a promotion, Hackman is funny and honest as he wrestles with who he is and what to do with the rest of his life. He meets free spirit Cheryl, played by Barbra Streisand, who helps him regain his self-confidence and live the life which he's imagined -- as an inventor.

The best moments of the movie center around Hackman's interactions with an endless parade of nutty characters -- love interest Streisand, her uptight firefighter-husband Bobby (Kevin Dobson), Hackman's unforgiving wife Helen (Diane Ladd), his goofball son Freddie (a youthful Dennis Quaid), Helen's divorce lawyer (William C. Daniels), and a number of very amusing bit players. Working off a clever script by W.D. Richter, Hackman brilliantly plays the straight man, a little like Bob Newhart on his 1970s show. When Freddie shows up stoned at the drug store to tell George of a relative's death due to a "brain hemorrhoid," Hackman raises the teen's sunglasses, pauses and asks with perfect timing, "Hemorrhage?" George eventually quits the drug store, but not before his boss reminds him that he'll be throwing away all his pension benefits and declares: "Even you're not that stupid, Duplar!" "Hey," Hackman responds, drawing out the word, "Don't overestimate me."

So he quits his job -- he'd already been kicked out of his home after being accused of adultery -- and moves into an abandoned warehouse, where he begins toying with a few inventions. The funny thing is that the more Hackman's Duplar breaks frees of the shackles that he's placed on his life, the more irritated others get. He pays a surprise visit to Cheryl while her controlling husband Bobby is home one afternoon and begins privately pressing her to tell him who was a better lover -- George or son Freddie, with whom she'd also had an affair. As Bobby gets angrier at George's flirting, he says he's got to leave and Cheryl asks where. Hackman motions to the neighbors and announces, "I think I'll go bother those people for a while." Another hilarious scene comes when George and Freddie return to their home to find wife Helen with her divorce lawyer - who's wearing George's robe. They ultimately all sit down for coffee, and George chides his wife, "You didn't make this." The lawyer confesses he made the coffee and Hackman says with bemusement, "You're a lucky woman Helen." And he winks at his son.

Although this film recently made an appearance on the "We" channel as a Barbra Streisand vehicle, this is not a Babs movie - and in fact one could argue she's a little miscast. Hackman owns this film from beginning to end, and it marked one of the first times (along with the "Superman" series) that this great American actor established he could do comedy as well as drama. Former Washington Post film critic Gary Arnold argued for an Oscar nomination for Hackman in 1981, and a case could certainly be made because it was so different from anything he'd done before. This movie just wouldn't be half as funny without Hackman, who taps so well into the frustrations of the ordinary man. I'm glad Gary Arnold recommended this story of one man's decision to go on "life's incredible journey" and I'm glad it can still be found on video.

"And don't take candy from strangers."
A huge box office bomb upon release, ALL NIGHT LONG has been criticized by many for it's uncomfortable mix of odd-ball comedy and quaint slice-of-life drama. Though it received some positive reviews (most notably from Pauline Kael and "Rolling Stone" magazine), most mainstream critics hated it and audiences all but completely ignored it. It is also often cited by most of Streisand's die-hard fans as their least favorite film of the actress. While the film is certainly not without it's flaws, I have interestingly always thought ALL NIGHT LONG contained somewhat of a bizarre charm, and I've always wished it would receive a re-evaluation from the film-going public.

As mentioned before, the film has it's problems. It's paced too leisurely (it's only 90-minutes in length, but feels more like two-and-a-half hours), Jean-Claude Tramont's direction is too light (the film needs more of a thematic punch in several scenes), and much of it's humor is surprisingly too subtle (odd seeing that most film comedies have the opposite problem). Having said all of that, the film is still worth checking out. Though Tramont's direction may be a tad too limp, his skewed perception of the American dream gives the film a dreamy, almost art house-like feel that makes the film more inherently interesting than the screen play would merit alone.

Also, the varied cast is a lot of fun, almost all of them playing against type. Gene Hackman brings a equal mix of unusual serenity and touching pathos to his role of the would-be inventor who manages to find his true self by loosing nearly everything that was once-important in his life. In an early role, Dennis Quaid throws himself completely into part of Hackman's airheaded son, making the intelligent personae he would develop in later films like DREAMSCAPE and THE BIG EASY even more impressive. Barbra Streisand is clearly miscast the role of the bimbo housewife who woos both Hackman and Quaid (Streisand replaced Lisa Eichhorn, who was fired from the film after two weeks of production), but her performance is still worth catching. Though she's never totally believeable as Cheryl (a role that was poorly-defined in the screenplay to begin with), she is still a very likable, always watchable, and occasionally endearing presence in a unusual little film that deserves a second chance. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Too Close For Comfort
John Frankenheimer's BLACK SUNDAY, based on Thomas Harris' novel of the same name, is a frightening glimpse through a glass darkly at history that hasn't happened yet, and hopefully never will, a terrorist attack on the Super Bowl.

Robert Shaw (in his last major performance) plays the Israeli agent Kabakov with a convincing strength, despite his disconcerting Welsh accent.

Bruce Dern plays a deranged Vietnam vet (a role which led to a career of typecasting) who decides to destroy the Super Bowl by rigging the obligatory blimp with explosives and detonating it above the game. He is helped in this mad plan by Palestinian terrorist Dahlia Iyad (Marthe Keller), who turns in a fine performance.

The film seems slow-moving now, compared to the pace of a Jerry Bruckheimer movie, but for 1974, it was absolutely breathless. The plot, once considered impossible, is too much of a probability now.

An excellent film, with excellent production values, and a story that won't quit, BLACK SUNDAY holds its own after three decades.

John Frankenheimer's Last Hurrah
I saw John Frankenheimer's "Black Sunday" when I was a big fan of Bruce Dern. "Black Sunday" is Frankenheimer's last memorable movie.

Palestinian terrorist Marthe Keller conspires with mentally ill Vietnam veteran Bruce Dern in a plot to detonate a dart-firing blimp over the Super Bowl. Israeli agent Robert Shaw is out to stop them.

"Black Sunday" is John Frankenheimer's last unforgettable movie. Although not up to Frankheimer's previous masterpieces("The Manchurian Candidate," "Seven Days In May," and "Birdman Of Alcatraz"), "Black Sunday" is still an intelligent and thrilling action movie. The movie features great performances from two of cinema's more underrated actors: Robert Shaw and Bruce Dern. Robert Shaw is great as Kabakov. I'm only sorry that Shaw never became a superstar and that he died at such a fairly young age. Bruce Dern gives the greatest performance of his career. He steals the show as the angry and confused Michael Lander. Dern takes a villain like Lander and almost has viewers rooting for him. I'm also sorry that Dern's talents haven't been put to better use in recent years. The last several minutes of the film are breathtaking. "Black Sunday" is exciting from start to finish. The film is far more entertaining than any of the action movies of today.

Like Brian DePalma, John Frankenheimer is a once magnificent director who forgot how to make great movies. After the 1960s, Frankenheimer hasn't made one genuine masterpiece. His recent film "Ronin" is just another plastic Hollywood action movie and doesn't come close to being even as good as "Black Sunday."

"Black Sunday" is well-recommended. This film is for fans of John Frankenheimer, Robert Shaw, and Bruce Dern, as well as anyone who loves action movies.

Fine film and great DVD transfer
Contrary to prior reviews, this is not Frankenheimer's last good film (check Andersonville 1996), nor is the video quality shabby- its actually a perfect 2.35 transfer, crisp video and good sound. Excellent film, believable plot, Robert Shaw is great, so is Bruce Dern and Martha Keller, what else is there to say- this is probably the best action espionage film of the 1970's and 1980's.

What if a blimb with a bomb showed up at the Super Bowl?
For years the 1977 film "Black Sunday" was seen as being prophetic with regards to Super Bowl Sunday becoming a national obsession. But twenty-five years later it is the element of the terrorist attack that is seen as being prescient. If anything the story of this film is more powerful today, even if the special effects are less than special, even by the standard of the times.

The story is based on the novel by Thomas Harris, his first work, now note worthy because it is the author's only work not involving Hannibal Lecter. Mike Lander (Bruce Dern) is a psychotic Vietnam vet who spent six years being tortured as a POW and who now joins up with Dahlia Iyad (Marthe Keller), a member of the Palestinian terrorist organization Black September in a plan to detonate a bomb at the Super Bowl. If for some reason you have never seen the film the poster art of a dirigible appearing over the top of the football stadium gives away how they plan to accomplish this task. Because a Palestinian is involved the person trying to stop the plot is Israeli agent David Kabokov (Robert Shaw), who knows full well the dangers of trying to stop people who are willing to die to accomplish their goal. He is also a man tired of living in a world where nothing ever changes and all the deaths he has seen and caused mean nothing.

The hero and villain are men twisted by their lives in different directions and it is these characters that try to make "Black Sunday" more than thriller and it is their personal conflict that helps to sustain the film when we get to the big finish and things go a bit over the top. But up to that point it is a pretty solid thriller. The film is directed by John Frankenheimer, who already had life imitate art with "The Manchurian Candidate," which was shelved for decades following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Frankenheimer was pretty good at establishing tension and milking the dramatic moments of the film. The music is by John Williams, two years after "Jaws" at that point in his distinguished career.

The game being played in the film is Superbowl X, where the Pittsburgh Steeler beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 (the blimp scene was filmed at the Orange Bowl the day before the game). One special treat of this film is that "The Star Spangled Banner" before the game was sung by Tom Sullivan (accompanied by Up With People), and whose memorable final high note is preserved for posterity. Appearing as themselves in the film are broadcasters Pat Summerall and Tommy Brookshier, and you will recognize Terry Bradshaw and some other players from both teams. Then there is Miami Dolphins' owner Joe Robbie who gets to speak the immortal line: "Cancel the Super Bowl? That's like canceling Christmas!"

A fun thriller with a few flaws
Synopsis:
Robert Shaw plays Kabakov, an Israeli operative tracking a dangerous Palestinian terrorist named Dahlia to the United States after recovering a tape recording intended for use after a terrorist attack on American soil. With help from Sam Corley (Fritz Weaver) of the FBI, he begins a race against time to stop the attack before it can be unleashed on the unsuspecting American public. Meanwhile, Dahlia (Marthe Keller) along with disgruntled Vietnam Vet Michael Lander (Bruce Dern) works to create a device that could cause the worst massacre on American soil since Pearl Harbor.

About the Movie:
Black Sunday is one of those movies you see shown on independent TV stations on Sunday afternoon. It's a surprisingly complex movie, but one that is deeply flawed in a few vital spots, causing it to be relegated to the budget DVD section.

All that said, there's a lot going for it. John Williams wrote the musical score for Black Sunday, and like most of his work, it is excellent, providing much of the intense tension a viewer will feel while watching this movie. It also proves that not all of his compositions sound like Star Wars.

Directed by the legendary John Frankenheimer, Black Sunday shows much of his talent in constructing a compelling film. At the time of release, the plot undoubtedly seemed far fetched, but now, after September 11, 2001 it almost seems plausible and has gained new relevance that makes it worth watching.

In some ways, this is a deeply psychological movie. The two main characters, Kabakov and Michael Lander are both deeply flawed characters, pushed by events into the actions they take, and the movie attempts to analyze them in some depth.

Kabakov is flawed because all the killing he has been forced to do in Isreal's long fight, has finally taken their toll on him. The terrorist plan goes into effect because he flinches and doesn't kill when he needs to. The rest of the film is him atoning for his mistake. Robert Shaw plays the character with a quiet dignity that is entirely convincing, though this subplot is not entirely wrapped up by the film's end.

Likewise, the character of Michael Lander is flawed. A Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war, he has lost his self respect, his family and his livelihood as a result of the war. His humiliation and psychological wounds drive him to his actions. The actor who plays him, Bruce Dern, shines in this movie. Dern portrays Lander so convincingly and with such passion that although he's clearly damaged, you cannot help but almost cheer for him to succeed in his nefarious plans. It's unfortunate that this role seems to have helped to typecast Dern into similar roles.

Together, both actors, along with some spectacular visual sequences with the Goodyear Blimp create a story that while a little overplayed at times, is both entertaining and thought provoking. It has some minor flaws with story and continuity, and of course, like many action films of the pre-MTV era (we had longer attention spans then), it drags a little at times. In addition, the box cover and poster art this film was release acts as a bit of a spoiler for the movie. What inspired the film's producers to give away the climax of the film on the poster art is beyond me

In the end, however, it is a major flaw that does the most damage to this film. Undoubtedly, this flaw accounts for why this movie is relatively unknown. It's not the acting or story that hurt its longevity, it's the visual effects. It's a unfortunate that director Frankenheimer is no longer with us, or we might have seen a future director's cut with this problem resolved.

The issue in question is two climactic explosions at the end of the film. Running short on time and money during production, the planned visual effects fell through, and the producers were forced to cut in animated explosions instead of more sophisticated effects. What resulted was a pair of split second campy, extremely cartoonish explosions that end up wasting the entire build up to movie's climax and turn it into something completely anti-climactic. It's a true shame, because if done right, this movie could have a lot more impact than it ends up having.

That said, if you're willing to overlook this problem, this is definitely one to watch, especially if you like deeper more psychological type films than basic shoot-em-ups.

About the DVD
Black Sunday comes in a plastic hard case on a single sided in Widescreen format with Dolby Digital 5.1 or restored mono sound. It is translated into French and has available, English subtitles.

The original audio track for this movie was mono, so while the Dolby 5.1 soundtrack makes the music sound bolder, it does little to improve the soundtrack elsewhere. Neither are fantastic, though John William's musical score is delightfully powerful in the Dolby format.

Picture quality is decent, though the film grain is fairly obvious and the typical nicks and scratches you see in such films are there as well.

This release has no special features whatsoever, marking it as an extremely basic DVD release.

Bottom Line:
A fun, if flawed movie on a very basic release. 4 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

'Blue Lagoon'/'Return To The Blue Lagoon'(Columbia Tristar)
I give it 2 1/2 stars.The first movie,the 1980 sappy tear-jerker should be seen with a female that you're either trying to impress or someone you're already involved with.I thought the original was okay.Plenty of beautiful scenic shots and decent job of acting by the two teens(that were ship wrecked years earlier)that are in love.Richard(Chistopher Atkins)and Emmeline(Brook Shields)experience a life together that is nearly impossible in the real world.Some nice nude scenes from(what I assume)to be a stand in for Shields.The sequel 'Return To...' (1991)I thought was a complete waste of time and trouble.Didn't even come close to standing up to the first film.Upside is it comes with the original,anyway. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Blind Dated
This is one 80's movie! Which is fine considering that particular decade gave us so much nostalgia. I just feel weird giving Blind Dare 4 stars because, even though it's great, it does contain a highly distressing 'disco' scene that will make you cringe.

Walter Davis (Bruce Willis in his first movie) is a stressed workaholic who must bring a date to a business dinner to impress a Japanese client. In desperation his brings his sister-in-laws cousin Nadia (a brunette, and prettier Kim Basinger) who is very cute, but has a drink problem. Despite warnings not to get her drunk, Walter buys her champagne and, like some sort of human mogwai, she transforms into a crazed party animal. Things go very bad for Walter as Nadia proceeds to wreck his life. Not only that, but her totally mad ex-boyfriend David (John Larroquette) is stalking them at every turn. William Daniels (the voice of KITT from Knight Boat) even has a funny role as a disgruntled judge and the late (great) Phil Hartman plays Walter's brother.

Filmmaking legend Blake Edwards (The Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany's) is the man behind the camera. He brings a lot of class and experience to what could have been a generic romantic comedy. His widescreen compositions and long, moving camera takes add a touch of sophistication, it's a shame it just had to end up being so 80's.

There are loads of hilarious moments and I suggest you pick it up whenever you see it. Just use 80's block factor 1000.

The DVD is in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with average Dolby 2.0 sound. A trailer is included.

Highly underated comedy!
This is one of my favorite comedies. Bruce Willis is very funny, but the one who really cracked me up was John Larroquette. He was hilarious as a psychotic ex-boyfriend of Kim Basinger. Phil Hartman adds a lot as Bruce Willis's untrustworthy brother. Yes the ending is so predictable, but this movie has some great scenes: Willis puking in Hartman's new car; the business dinner; and of course, the funny scenes with Larroquette and Willis. The film drags a little towards the (CHEESY!!!) ending, but this is still a great comedy.

Did I hear the mambo?
I think I must be immune to 80s films now, I've seen them that many times. I really didn't find this movie 80s at all, apart from the clothes. Bruce Willis stars alongside Kim Basinger, in his first movie, and not one I can say that would have really made his name! I don't know what it was, I normally find Bruce Willis quite nice looking, but in this he didn't do anything for me. I think it was the hair! He looks great with shorter hair (and normally I hate guys with skinheads etc), I just didn't like his hair in this.

Apart from that, this film is hilarious! Kim Basinger plays the outrageous drunk quite well, and Bruce Willis plays up an almost comedic role brilliantly! There is a fantastic scene in a courtroom, which I was in fits over, and Bruce doing an extremely fake fall over some golf balls!

The movie's also quite sad, at the same time, as you watch Bruce struggle as Kim's character gets the more worse for wear with the drink, and then he tries to get drunk, and embarrass her when she's sober. And then he deliberately gets her drunk just to win her back - that bit is so sweet!

When you've finished watching this, you'll probably never want to go on a blind date again - or, on the other hand, be nearly married to a guy who sleeps with teddy bears, and worse of all, TALKS to them! All in a all a terrific, if not a little slow to get started.

Superbly hilarious!
And still one of the best date movies around.

A boyish Bruce Willis coming off his emergence in "Moonlighting" fights off insanely obsessed ex-boyfriend John Laroquette while dealing with stunning Kim Basssinger's "alcohol allergy" with hysterical results. The business meeting with the Japanese patron is classic Blake Edwards. I found myself laughing out loud throughout this kooky farce. Very funny.

The DVD has both widescreen and standard, the transfer is pretty good, but the 2 channel dolby is semi-hollow. Who cares, this movie is just pure fun! 5 Magnums

Worst movie ever
I have only walked out of a handful of movies, and this was one of them. Everything about this movie was contrived and stilted. While Blake Edwards has produced some classic movies, this simply is not one of them. I recommend S.O.B if you're looking for a truly excellent Edwards film ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Another MGM Re-release
That's right. This disc has the same exact transfer as the 1999 Special Edition DVD. It's non-anamorphic, just like the SE, and contains the same extras that you can find on the SE, which were ported from the 25th anniversary laserdisc (if you're curious).

Buy The Graduate: Special Edition DVD, and stray away from this pointless release.

What a disappointment
Excited I was when the package arrived from it's long journey. At last, an anamorphic transfer of this classic. Yet, it was not to be. This is exactly the same transfer as the old release - non 16 x 9 and terrible at that. I'm sending mine back.

Buyer Beware
On the heels of WB's giving the finger to fans of Cabaret a few years ago (the newly released DVD claimed it was anamorphic and wasn't), we get this pointless MGM re-release on DVD of The Graduate which is not anamorphic, nor enhanced in any other special way.So why re-release it?

MGM -- it's no wonder you've collapsed. Nuts to you.

Non-Anamorphic Again
I thought that MGM was re-releasing "The Graduate" to provide consumers with an anamorphic transfer.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

If you have the original DVD from a few years ago, you may as well keep it.For some reason, MGM has chosen to provide another non-anamorphic transfer - which begs the question:Why bother to re-release the DVD?

Very disappointing.

Are you sure it's Non-anamorphic?
I just came across this apparently new release of The Graduate at the Amazon website. I own the original non-anamorphic widescreen DVD from many years ago and have been looking for an anamorphic replacement ever since. According to Amazon's technical details page, it's supposed to be in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Is this a misprint? How come Lanny the previous reviewer has already seen it although it's scheduled for release only on April 5? Are we referring to the same DVD? I hope someone can confirm the specs because I dearly want to replace the totally deplorable non-anamorphic version MGM released earlier.

PostScript: Thanks for the clarification. Amazon has also corrected it's tech specs to Letterbox 2.35:1. MGM's own website is totally useless in providing any info on the DVD. MGM ought to be ashamed. Trying to pull a fast one on customers. Why bother releasing another non-anamorphic version when the original non-anamorphic "Special Edition" with its extras is already available at a lower price? No wonder MGM's being devoured by the Japanese. Hopefully its new owners will get things right. Here's a tip, 2007 will mark the 40th anniversary of this movie. Surely it's high time to give this classic the treatment it deserves. ... Read more

Amazon.com

To see why Tom Selleck's movie career has been a constant uphill battle, look no further than this tepid mystery/comedy from 1989. Selleck plays a successful mystery novelist who cures a persistent case of writer's block by visiting the courtroom trial of a young Romanian woman named Nina (played by late '80s supermodel Paulina Porizkova) who has been accused of murder. He supplies the alleged murderer with an alibi--she can claim she was having an affair with him at his Connecticut country home at the time of the murder--and then he brings her to Connecticut to make the alibi look legitimate. Is she in fact a killer? Did she serve poisoned casserole to a group of dinner guests? You'd have to be a major fan of Selleck or Porizkova to want to find out what happens next, because despite a few light moments of engaging comedy this is the kind of nonsensical fluff that quickly wears out its welcome. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (22)

An enjoyable, lighthearted bit of fluff
Tom Selleck plays a mystery novelist with writer's block who "discovers" his next story in Nina (Paulina Porizkova), a woman so beautiful that she could not possibly commit the murder she is accused of. Selleck offers her an alibi and spends the rest of the movie worrying about whether she really did commit murder and if he is her next victim.

The story line is weak and has an overly pollyanna ending. But the casting is exceptional and the weak plot is lost in the delightful interaction between the characters. Selleck is always good, but Ms Porizkova is surprisingly believable as the almost childlike mysterious woman. The supporting cast bathes the story in a consistent dry humor that makes the outrageous antics of Selleck's character more hilarious by comparison.

While the film is often too cutsy and you have to be in the mood for slapstick to enjoy much of the humor, it is a gentle bit of fluff, perfect for a lighthearted evening with your sweetheart.

"Do you feel the points of my love globes?"
Tom Selleck and Paulina Porizkova do a decent acting job in the movie. The last part of the movie was a bit of a let-down, but overall it is OK. In a nutshell, Porizkova is suspected of a crime, and Selleck offers an alibi for her in exchange for a story.

The best part, responsible for all three stars I've given the DVD, is Selleck's narration of the book his character is writing. That is really funny. The plot and story is mostly non-existent or far-fetched, but the contrast between reality and what he writes is amusing.

No extras at all on the DVD. Rated PG for some language. No sex or nudity - rats!

Strangely Compelling
I have to agree with most of the other reviews. This movie not great art but to me it is great comedy and strangely compelling. I have found myself watching it over and over again. I would rate the film as five-stars. Unfortunately, I can not buy the DVD because the cheapskates at Warner have only released this in butchered full-screen format. As such, I can only rate this DVD as two-stars and certainly no stars for Warner.

Awesome drama!
After CBS television pulled the plug on Tom Selleck's detective drama,"Magnum P.I.",Tom Selleck concentrated on his film career which would last several more years. This film is Selleck's post-Magnum first. It is based on the book by Philip Blackwood,played by Selleck. Philip has written several novels in the past. Blackwood's novel of the same title inspired what was seen in this film. A bearded Philip is present at the arraignment of a young Romanian girl named Nina(Paulina Porizkova). Nina was accused of murder and was convicted. After Philip shaves his beard down to a moustache,he visits Nina in prison,dressed as a minister and bails her out. This is where their romance began. One memorable scene was where Philip is shot in the derriere by a hunting arrow,fired by Nina who was hunting some kind of animal. In the last scene,at a circus,Philip,Nina and a few other people are there as clowns. The few other people are criminals out to get Nina and are arrested. The closing theme entitled "Falling In Love",was written and performed by Randy Newman.

I agree with the review before mine
Wonderful comedy, Fun and intelligent.
Definetly a movie to watch more than ounce. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

THE ONLY CRIME IS THAT THIS MESS WAS MADE!
Poor Robert Preston. We understand that everyone needs to earn a living, but to earn it in such a fetid fashion is unforgivable. We shouldn't blame the poor music man ... the plot is inane, the writing pedestrian and the direction is stiffer than a Viagra test room. (You know something is very wrong when even the folks who wrote the packaging copy refer to the flick's co-star Lynn Redgrave as "Vanessa Redgrave." Poor Lynn is engaged to poor Robert. She "commits suicide" on the very the night she makes her Broadway debut ... in a show he wrote. Preston is out to prove it was murder, and gathers all the possibilites in an empty theater ... sort of "The Last of Sheila" meets "And Then There Were None." The careers of co-stars William Daniels, Patrick Macnee and Jeff Goldlbum managed to survive this horror. This film doesn't. Close the curtain. Now!

Intriguing murder mystery
One of the best made-for-TV movies I've seen. A Broadway playwright tries to catch his wife's murderer by staging a play that is designed to reveal the murderer's identity. A marvelous film with many twists and turns written by Richard Levinson and William Links, who also made the equally fabulous "Guilty Conscience" and "Murder by Natural Causes." The DVD has good picture and sound quality. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Rehearsal for Murder fits the template of popular TV shows such as Murder, She Wrote and Diagnosis Murder. But that doesn't make it a worthy movie. The pedestrian plot involves five theater people who believe they are auditioning for a new play but have in fact been brought together to discern who among them is the murderer of Broadway s