Reviews (142)

A sumptuous Renaissance feast!
Franco Zefirrelli's 1967 film was revolutionary in using teenaged actors to play the two most famous lovers of all literature. Olivia Hussey is heartbreakingly beautiful, a vulnerable and courageous Juliet, while Leonard Whiting's poetic good looks make him a sensitive and appealing Romeo. Zefirrelli's career as an opera director is put to spectacular use here--each scene is meticulously crafted to be an exact replica of the Renaissance. Stunningly beautiful clothing, jewels, furniture, food, glass, sculpture--it is an overwhelming feast for the eyes. The preserved medieval towns of Tuscany, and the lovely Borghese palace where the balcony scene is set, give the film the look of an animated Renaissance painting. Zefirrelli took some liberties with Shakespeare's original script for the sake of brevity, but unless you are a die-hard purist, this is a minor flaw. I saw this film a dozen times in the theater, and never without the sound of girls weeping by the end--I was often one of them. Leslie Howard was a better actor, and Leonardo DiCaprio/Clare Danes more modern, but if you love beauty, this is THE quintessential Romeo and Juliet on film. END

Zeffirelli's Quintessential Version! Every Aspect Excellent!
This is THE must see version of Romeo and Juliet. Zeffirelli's 1968 masterpiece stars 17-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey with great music by Nino Rota. Filmed "on location" in Italy this version also has the fingerprints of the 1960s all over it, from moddish long hair, the debut of Michael York as Tybalt, John McEnery as Mercutio, the lush balcony scenes, the nude scene, and an emotional intensity throughout. McEnery brings just the right comic touch to the comi-tragedy and screenwriters Franco Brusati, Maestro D'Amico, and Zeffirelli keep true to Shakespeare with a take on the story that's easily accessible to a wide audience, thereby making this one of the most popular films of the '60s.

Especially effective is the ambiguity of intent of the Tybalt-Mercutio duel, and the overall editing of dialogue just enough to keep it succinct and believable yet retain the poetic and philosophical virtuosity of the playwright's playwright. The music is used effectively and as it rises during the love scenes it's a manipulation that's an enhancement to rather than distraction from the emotion--a rare successful pull-off of this. And that balcony scene is extraordinary, the lush dark atmosphere, Romeo's giddiness, Juliet's beauty...I believed it.

Milo O'Shea (who later played the Judge in "The Verdict") does a believable Friar Laurence and Robert Stephens (I)(with a long list of Shakespearian roles to his name) an intensely serious Prince of Verona. It's hard not to fall in love with Olivia (watch for her new film role as Mother Theresa).

Some bits of trivia: Before 1968 Romeo and Juliet was not generally taught in US high schools and this film's popularity changed all that as most of you reading this had it in high school. Michael York turned down the role of Oliver in Love Story--one may read into this he felt it was a poor man's Romeo and Juliet...just a thought. Also Olivia Hussey briefly dated Prince Charles. And here's the clincher: Paul McCartney got the original offer to play Romeo. I'm glad he turned it down, as Whiting is perfect here. And for those who wonder, the story did not originate in historical fact, though one may wish it so. The story came from mythical legend starting in 5th century Greece, later evolving into "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" translated into English in 1562 by Arthur Brooke and originally written about 1530 by Luigi da Porto., 'til Shakespeare got a hold of it (circa 1594) and breathed into it the life that will last as long as humanity does most probably.

This towers over the 1st film version with a 34-year-old Norma Shearer and a 43-year-old Leslie Howard, and as for the 1996 mess sorry guys; American accents, present day gang violence, over-the-top overacting, LA locales, and Leonard DiCaprio do not great Shakespearean tragedy make. This 1968 one is the one to see over and over.

Excellent movie...Great actors
Watching this as part of a highschool assignment, the teacher only allowed us to watch about 15 minutes of it. When I saw it playing on cable, I sat down to finish it. This, I must say, is the best version of Romeo and Juliet. In the '68 version The actors are young and even though it was made in '68, you can relate to them in this day. The acting is superb, no one better could have been picked for the parts. It was a real tearjerker. Not to mention the soundtrack...the songs were just amazing to hear. Just watch the movie once, you'll fall in love with it.

The Defintive R & J
I could watch this version of Romeo and Juliet over, and over, and over. The performances are dead on, especially John McEnry's turn as Mercutio (you understand the reason why he's killed off: people would have cared more about him than about the tragic heroes if he'd been around too much longer!). I would advise teachers, however, that this is not the first version they show students of the show. While most ninth graders read this play, the giggling that can abound in a classroom watching Romeo in tights often distracts from the meaning of the film.
So, for with the exception of ninth graders, this is the Romeo and Juliet to see.

Zeffirelli and Shakespeare: A Perfect Match
There is nothing worse than bad Shakespeare but not to worry here-- Franco Zeffirelli and Shakespeare come together here in a lavish, opulent production of ROMEO AND JULIET, just when we thought there was nothing fresh to say about them. Zeffirelli has broken new ground by casting Leonard Whiting, who is 17, and Olivia Hussey, who is all of 15 but looks even younger, in this timeless classic story about "star-crossed" lovers. With the possible exception of some parts of the musical score-- although much of it soars-- this film is as good today as it was when first released in 1968. (The musical theme was beautiful the first 50 times I heard it on the radio. Then it became trite.)

There are no bad actors here. In addition to the two lovers, Michael York as Tybalt and Pat Heywood as the nurse give outstanding performances, just to name two. My only negative comment about the acting is that Romeo always seems to run to and from an event or meeting; he never walks. Perhaps that is what a seventeen-year-old, testosterone-laden lad does, however. On the other hand, Romeo and Juliet's tragic story is completely believable and will put chills on your spine. Additionally, the dance scenes and duel scenes are quite wonderful. The wardrobe department got everything right as well.

A word about the language-- it goes without saying that Mr. Shakespeare is and ever shall be the greatest writer in English. Hearing his words again is a transcendent experience. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Funny, Intentionally-Horrid Camp / Cult Sci-Fi Flick
Jane Fonda may regret opting Barbarella as one of her earlier films, but fans of bad camp and cult sci-fi are happy to see the actress in this horridly funny sixties film.

Fonda plays the title role of a spaice vixen / astronaut in the exceptionally distant yet sixties-fied future. When genius but mad scientist Dr. Duran Duran (presumably from whom the band took their name) disappears, Barbarella is sent to track him down and given weapons she has no clue how to use (war has been outlawed for ages) and little warning of the planet she'll be landing on.

Pursued by evil children with cannibalistic dolls and rescued by a tough man in furs, Barbarella finds out about real sex (thankfully not pictured) when she offers to use a mood-linking pill, the 41st century method of copulation. From there she's off to a city of evil, avarice, and sin, to be caught by the demented Dr. Duran and put through such tortures as a cage of pecking budgies to the doctor's notorious and sensual machine for execution by sheer pleasure to a lake of liquid evil whose effects look to have been done by lava lamp. Along the way she meets various helpers (most of whom she ends up sleeping with), including a blind angel named Pygar.

Barbarella's costumes vary with each scene, all skin-tight and definitely satirizing the garb of women of golden-age science fiction. On the whole, the movie pokes fun at the field of early science fiction rather well with a heaping helping of sixties hippie culture thrown in for good measure. The DVD doesn't include any exceptional special features.

Barbarella is by no means a good movie, but it is excellent fare for fans of campy sci-fi that would be right at home on MST:3K and quite humorous when taken with a grain of salt.

The hottest hottie ever?
Okay, so these days Jane Fonda is weird, which is entirely understandable given that she is married to Ted Turner, who can often be found snoozing during Braves games, wearing a cap 3 sizes too big for his head. But in "Barbarella," Jane Fonda is unbelievably hot, to the point where I questioned whether this movie was real or a mere figment of my fantastical imaginations. Well, it's real, people, and you need to see it. Not only is Jane utterly flawless (which can be easily seen by comparing her to today's "hot" stars like Britney Speers, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Denise Richards), she also invites every male character in the film to basically have his way with her. Um, waiter, check please? But seriously, we cannot be supporting this type of wanton behavior (primarily for the reason that the women who act this way in the real world look more like George Forman than Jane Fonda), so this type of vision is best left to the campy comedy known as "Barbarella." I am 21, mind you, so I am not biased towards the 60's, but I am telling you not to miss out on the world's perfect female--watch it.

A trip
This movie is a trip. In spite of what agenda-driven, right-wingers have to say about it, based on their personal dislike for Jane Fonda and her oppinions of the Vietnam war, this movie is a true classic. It's campy to a point that it makes you think how serious, pragmatic and booring people have become over the past decades. It's a total groovie trip. It doesn't take itself seriously at any moment. And best of all, it actually has lines to read between.

Hanoi Jane in her best role
The only movie she ever made that I can sit through.

Ban Jane Fonda
Read up about her role in the Vietnam War before giving her your patronage. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

An outstanding courtroom drama
I agree with the other reviewers that Paul Newman gives the best performance of his career in this intense, well-designed film. There are numerous scenes which are shown without a cut, providing the viewers with an uninterrupted examination of the actors' interactions. Some include (without giving away too much): Newman's character (Frank Galvin) in conflict with the judge's actions toward the court proceedings, Newman and Warden preparing for the trial and the circumstances weighing heavily against them.
All the supporting actors are excellent. Among the noteables: James Mason as the powerhouse defense attorney with a malicious underhand, Milo O'Shea as the unsympathetic judge, Jack Warden as Newman's friend, mentor, and seemingly sole supporter, Charlotte Rampling as Newman's girlfriend with a shady side to herself.
There are a few plotholes and moments of overly dramatic "courtroom hysterics" within the film. Overlook them and enjoy an otherwise very strong movie.

The Very Best of Its Genre
Simply put there is no American film of this genre that comes close. Director Lumet darkly captures the naked power and corruption of the American civil trial system. Actors O'Shea (the judge), Mason (the 'prince of darkness' defense counsel) and Charlotte Rampling (whose shock is best left unrevealed) are the epitome of the seedy wheels of what passes for justice and 'love'. Newman, an alcoholic with one last prospect, struggles for redemption against mountainous odds, giving the most honest performance of his career. Warden is Newman's essential wiser alter ego. This film is no less than that rare cimematic device -- the allegory. Each character represents a larger truth -- in addition to Mason, O'Shea, and Rampling, Joe Seneca as a black, ancient (degraded) doctor for the vegetative plaintiff; Catholic archidiocese bishop Ed Binns up to his collar in fraud; a nationally-renowned physician with secret blood on his hands; and a simple honest woman who wanted nothing more than to be a nurse - Lindsay Crouse in a career performance. And there is the superb Mamet writing throughout. This is a courtroom thriller that will nail you to your seat to the very end. And absolutely true to life -- my view, at least, after 20 years as a lawyer. I also teach law and never miss a chance to show this film to my students. An amazing cinematic achievement, disturbing in its implications.

A grand film of triumph over failure
This film is one of the best in Paul Newman's stellar career, and he carries it convincingly with a spare, taut, no-frills performance. His Frank Galvin, an alcoholic has-been attorney with a bleak future is a defeated and pathetic figure, reduced to appearing at funeral homes during visitation hours to hustle business from bereaved family members. Even when long-time friend Mickey Morrissey [Jack Warden] hands Galvin a lucrative case on a silver platter, his star witness disappears to an unknown Caribbean island after having promised to testify against the hospital and Catholic Church for malpractice. Galvin's determination to see the case through is the first step to his recovery from the bottle and self-pity. The comatose woman's sister and brother-in-law who he represents in court have lost confidence in Galvin, he seems overmatched by the glib and polished Ed Concannon [James Mason] who represents the interests of the Church, and he has incurred the wrath of a biased, mean-spirited judge [Milo O'Shea]. To make matters worse, his girlfriend Laura [Charlotte Rampling] is little more than a Trojan horse in the Galvan camp and her true intentions come to light only after Mickey stumbles on the truth quite by chance. The movie was filmed under Boston's gray, overcast skies and has a gloomy forecast for Galvin in his quest for redemption and reward for a man who has been defeated by life but makes one last attempt to get off the deck and regain his self-respect and stature in his profession.

the film lets down the star
THE VERDICT is one of Paul Newman's most celebrated performances. He plays a down-at-the-heels lawyer named Frank Galvin who lucks his way into a big case involving two doctors who have been horribly negligent, sending a young woman into a coma.
Newman wonderfully gets at Galvin's desperation, and how he fights through an alcoholic haze. It's a thoughtfully worked out performance centered around Newman's wonderfully expressive eyes. Sadly, the rest of THE VERDICT could be taught in a Courtroom Movie Cliche 101 class. The lone lawyer vs the big firm (led by James Mason), altered documents, surprise witnesses, shenanigans by the hospital, it's all here. Even though I enjoyed the acting and the Boston atmosphere, I saw a lot of the plot coming.
The cast includes Jack Warden as Newman's only friend, Joe Seneca, Lindsay Crouse, Wesley Addy, and a chilly Charlotte Rampling as a mysterious woman who crosses Newman's path. The commentary by director Sidney Lumet is of the "everybody was great/this is where we shot" variety.

A Monumental Cinematic Treasure
THE VERDICT may date back to 1982, but few courtroom films since then can come close to matching the powerful production in this near perfect film written by David Mamet and directed with tension, grit, and tenderness by Sidney Lumet. Paul Newman's performance as the alcoholic has-been lawyer called upon to try a case of medical malpractice is one of the finest acting performances in history. He is more than ably abetted by his sidekick Jack Warden. The lawyer for the defense is the haughty and evil James Mason and the real surprise in the cast is Milo O'Shea in a terrifyingly real role of a smarmy Judge. Charlotte Rampling, still one of today's finest actresses, plays the understated love interest. Minor roles become major when they are in the hands of such gifted actors as Lindsay Crouse and Julia Bravasso. But one unsung hero of this fine film is the cinematographer who manages to make every shot appear like a Renaissance painting, so sensitive is he to light and shadow and frame composition.

THE VERDICT is a powerful story of the underdog's struggle for truth in the judicial system and as such is a reminder of how the Law, when stripped to its essentials, is there to protect us. There is no pat ending, only a feeling of breathlessness as all of the details of the story are left to our imagination - well, almost. A strikingly powerful, meaningful, brilliantly executed film. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Nothing quite like four crazies on the streets of New York!
This movie is hilarious. Michael Keaton, Peter Boyle, and Christopher Lloyd all give career comedy perfomances. The whole idea of four totally crazy psychiatric patients roaming the streets of New York looking for their doctor is great. Michael Keaton is perfect as the leader of the group who's view of reality is way off. Peter Boyle is great as the former executive Jesus Christ messiah. Christopher Lloyd's character (the patient who thinks he's a doctor) adds the perfect spice to the movie to make a great two hour film. I can't wait until the DVD comes out.

One of the funniest movies ever made
A side-splitting comedy about four mental patients: Michael Keaton as a habitual liar who has violent tendencies, Christopher Lloyd as an obsessive-compulsive who thinks he runs the hospital, Peter Boyle as a former advertising executive with a messiah complex who likes to take his clothes off, and Stephen Furst as catatonic couch potato. Against the wishes of the hospital administration, their compassionate doctor takes the four patients to New York City to watch a major league baseball game. When the van reaches the city, the doctor has to exit the van - with patients still inside - only to witness a murder committed by two corrupt cops. The doctor is attacked by the cops, leaving him hospitalized and unable to help his patients. The patients then find themselves framed for the murder. Now the patients have to not only act "sane" to prove their innocence, they also have to save the life of their doctor who is still a target of the two cops.

What makes this movie work is the relationship of the patients. It is so much fun watching Keaton, Lloyd, and Boyle bicker all the time about the littlest things. Boyle has a really funny scene in which he leaves the van while Lloyd tries to block him. Boyle then muscles his way past Lloyd, tells him that He shall have no false gods before Him, and finally he tells Lloyd to get out his way before calling him a seven-letter word. There might only be so much you can do with a catatonic character, but Furst is quite memorable. Even though the doctor must have the patience of a saint when dealing with them, he probably has a harder time suppressing a laugh. Quite simply, this is a movie that gets better every time you watch it.

the second best movie about schizos ever!
this movie is awesome,but borrowed heavily from one flew over the cuckoos nest.4 mental patients are taken on an outing and thier doc gets mugeed.they wander about new york for the next few days.the 4 are:michael keaton with a low frustration tolerance-he beats people up a lot over anything,2-the crazy doc from back to the future as guy who is convinced hes a dr.3-a guy who thinks hes jesus christ and finaly,a chubby little man who only communicates in baseball terminology.children wont understand this but its pretty harmless.it is the second best movie starring mental patients ive ever seen.it is sad in one spot but it goes past quickly.keatons girlfriend is not all that sexy.but i guess you cant be picky when youre an escaped schizo.the guy who acts like a dr is obnoxious with his by the book attitude.michael keaton however does an excellent job in this one.its his best performance.there is a mess up in the film.at the hospital,the real dr has aq cast on a foot of his.later yet,he is helped out of a van with the cast on the other foot.a great film.

What would happen if four insane men were loose in NYC?
This story is a creative, hilarious story about 4 insane men loose in NYC, trying to solve a crime. They find that they can behave in a relitively sane manner and they learn how to work as a group. It is extremely funny. A must see!

"Ah, It's Great To Be Young And Insane" - Michael Keaton
The Dream Team is just another one of those killer comedies that no one went to see when it was originally released, but has now found a nice following on home video. I actually saw the film in theaters and thought it was hands down the funniest movie of the year!

First you have a great comedy ensemble who also can play drama just as effectively. Michael Keaton is Billy Caufield ("I'm an escaped mental patient with a history of violence"), Christopher Lloyd is Henry Sikorsky, an overly organized person ("Why don't we bring this up in group? Or maybe we should just hug?"), Peter Boyle is Jack McDermott who has a Messiah complex ("Arise and walk, my son"), & Stephen Furst is Albert Ianuzzi, who only speaks in TV ads and baseball jargon ("Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee").

If you don't already know by now, these guys are four mental patients, whose doctor, played by Dennis Boutsikaris ("One more afternoon in the rec room and I'm gonna have to go on Thorazine myself"), decides to take them to a baseball game in New York. Only things don't go as planned, as the good doctor ends up getting knocked unconscious and whisked away to a hospital, leaving his patients all alone on the streets of New York City. And the comedy ensues! As the gang tries to figure out a way to find their doctor, they end up finding "themselves" in the process. Add Lorraine Bracco (of "Goodfellas" and "The Sopranos" fame) as Keaton's girlfriend ("So am I walking home with an escaped mental patient or what?") and you know you're set to have a good time.

What makes the film memorable is that it has the perfect blend of laugh outloud humor ("We're a special combat unit with the United States Marine Corps and we've been tracking some Libyan terrorists. In fact I think we've got 'em trailed to a bagel shop around the corner.") combined with some tender dramatic moments, that work together seamlessly.

The DVD is your typical standard DVD. No extras, other than the original theatrical trailer. Happily the film is presented in Anamorphic Widescreen in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, which looks pretty good. A little dark in some spots, but not too much to complain about.

So if you're looking for a comedy that's full of great laughs as well as a good story with some dramatic moments thrown in for good measure, pick up The Dream Team today. It's the sanest choice to make!

The Dream Team - a very funny movie.

Henry - "We're directly under the Hudson River now".

Billy - "Yeah. You guys see those tiles up there, all those individual tiles? Doc, isn't true that if even one of those tiles were to come loose, like millions and millions of gallons of water would come pouring down on us and crush us like tiny little bugs? (pauses) Is that a leak up there? You see those tiles? They're leakin' water! Oh, my God!"

Jack - "I will hold back the waters".

Billy - "Thanks, Jack". ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Not The Quiet Man, Thank God
Someone called this movie a romantic comedy for people who don't like romantic comedies, and I think that's pretty accurate. The story of a hapless senator's aide (Garafalo) who is shipped to Ireland to search out Irish relatives (bogus or otherwise) of her dim boss, it is refreshingly funny, cynical and lighthearted. While there are, of course, some of the Irish stereotypes and cliches to be found, they are presented in a very sly, acidic, tongue-in-cheek manner, and some of the digs at tourists are particularly funny. The characters are charming, from the matchmaker(s)to the Kelly brothers who run one of the local hotels/pubs. David O'Hara is a find as a romantic leading man--no pretty boy but very sexy--and Jeananne Garafalo makes a great, offbeat romantic foil for him. The scenery is beautiful (it's Ireland, after all) and the dialogue very funny and, at times, touching. Even Murphy, the dog, is funny (note especially the scene in the home of the crusty and anti-tourist Aran Islander). In sum, this movie has some of the best comedic scenes I've seen and some of the most endearing characters as well. Highly recommended for light viewing.

Refreshingly different romantic comedy
The Matchmaker is a romantic comedy with a twist - it has an orginal premise, funny characters, truly comic moments, and the leads look like real people, which only adds to their appeal.

Janeane Garaofalo, as the U.S. Senator's aide visiting a coastal Irish village during their annual matchmaking fair, is funny and caustic. David O'Hara, as the seemingly n'er do well bartender who turns out to have a bit more going for him, is sexy as all get out, without looking anything like a Hollywood pretty boy.

The two stars have great chemistry and timing with each other, and the supporting cast is excellent. The only false notes are sounded by Dennis Leary, who overacts a bit as the obnoxious Senator's aide, and the character of the Senator himself, who is too much of a caricature. Milo O'Shea brings a poignancy to the key Matchmaker role that could have easily sunk into a stereotype.

This film has some very funny moments, with one of the best being a desperate car ride by O'Hara and his brother, both sporting full leg casts and trying in vain to pilot a stick shift.

All in all, you could do worse than to spend a couple of hours with "The Matchmaker". It left me smiling, as well as wanting to see more of O'Hara in future lead roles.

a sweet little sunday afternoon type of movie
having visited Ireland and flown into Shannon airport like Janeane Garofalo does at the beginning of this movie,it is a favorite.the scenery is beautiful,Janeane is adorable. i absolutely love the scene when she judges the singing contest!this movie is something you can simply enjoy-let it take you away to Ireland,its beautiful there!

Worthy of a Deluxe Turbo Tan!!
Bollix to those of you who don't like this movie! It is filled with quirky off center humor and constantly had me asking, "Did I really just hear that?" As a very pale caucasion myself, I related particularly well to the various jokes about the lack of pigment in the Emerald Isle. Anyone who's ever been set up on a blind date will find the matchmaking humor particularly entertaining as well. The charachters are wild and eccentric, but entirely lovable. This is one of those movies that leaves you feeling warm fuzzys, and is not to be missed. Even if you end up hating it, I recommend that you watch it and decide for yourself.

A Disappointment
This movie has beautiful scenery of Ireland but beyond that I can't recommend it. The acting is weak and the story hard to believe. There is a lot of offensive language that isn't really necessary to the story. The film never held my attention but did make me want to visit such a beautiful country. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This five-hour miniseries, which was hailed as both a critical triumph and a milestone "television event" when it originally aired in 1974, is based on the Leon Uris novel, which itself was based on a libel trial that arose after Uris published his novel Exodus. The fictionalized drama is essentially the story of two men, Dr. Adam Kelno, a Polish doctor who was imprisoned by the Nazis in a concentration camp, and Abe Cady, a successful Hollywood writer who publishes a serious book on the Holocaust that exposes Kelno's past.Playing Dr. Kelno, Anthony Hopkins steals the show, and the nuances he brings to the character keep the audience guessing whether he is in fact a dedicated healer or a diabolical villain intent on papering over a fiendish past. Ben Gazzara is credible as the tough-talking Cady, but when Hopkins leaves the action for a time the film sags and begins to resemble an ordinary TV movie. Eventually the two men's lives come into conflict when Kelno sues for libel. The trial, which takes place in a London courtroom (the "Queen's Bench VII" of the title), seeks to sort out the truth about the past of Dr. Kelno. His precise activities during the war, and how the world deals with his past, receive intelligent and dramatic treatment. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (5)

worth 5 hours of your time
The '70s was the golden era of TV mini-series, and this is one of the better ones that came along, dealing with moral and ethical themes in an intelligent fashion. The performances are generally quite good, especially Anthony Hopkins as a doctor accused of (...) atrocities and writer Ben Gazzara as his accuser, though his character is a little too abrasive and sarcastic to be totally likeable.

On the negative side, there are some shots, especially at the beginning, that are so shaky they look like outtakes from EARTHQUAKE, the Arab characters are played by Caucasians in dark make-up (conjuring up unpleasant memories of Al Jolson in blackface (some aspects of Arabic culture might not be totally authentic, either)), and there is little sense of the writer's effort in creating an epic novel or of the knowledge he uncovered implicating the doctor in (...) experiments (a few minutes of him pounding away at the typewriter in the middle of the night or pouring through piles of documents would have gone a long way toward establishing credibility here). Nevertheless, there are some moments of great power, particularly those involving the doctor achieving recognition for his selfless post-war work, and the writer's painful return to his Jewish faith after the death of his father. Not classic TV, but well worth a few nights of your time.

Great adaptation of a great book
Movie versions of great books typically fall short of expectations, simply because there is no room in two hours to convey the whole message. In this case, however, the version lasts more than 5 hours, so there was time to adapt this wonderful story faithfully. This is done very well and with good attention to detail. Bear in mind, though, that because it was originally a mini series (and therefore meant to be watched in chapters over the course of several nights), the editing is done in "chapters", and it does not play like a normal movie. It really doesn't matter, because we get an opportunity to take breaks along the way without interrupting the flow. And breaks you need, because of the 5+-hour length. All in all, this is a faithful adaptation, and an excellent video.

The Holocaust as Soap Opera
This ham-handed melodrama is notable primarily for Anthony Hopkins' breakthrough performance as a tormented concentration camp surgeon. Amateurishly structured (why couldn't the director have cut back and forth between the two protagonist's lives?) and didactic, QB VII does pick up steam during the actual trial.

Hopkins is excellent throughout as a man attempting to expiate a horrifying guilt through his work as a doctor to nomadic Arabs and poor Londoners. Unfortunately, one can't say the same about Ben Gazzara, who delivers a snide and often bullying performance dripping with excess testosterone. Leslie Caron is hamstrung by a cliched role as a dutiful wife; Lee Remick is simply wasted. Nice acting by opposing counsels Anthony Quayle and Robert Stephens (who, oddly, later played a sadistic SS commandant in "War and Remembrance").

QB VII admittedly labors under the restrictions of early Seventies television -- it's repeated use of the word "testicle" was likely quite daring at the time -- and that may well reduce the power of the story. But certainly the pedestrian script and direction don't help.

Powerful!! Hopkins as doctor accused of being Nazi Dr. Death
This is a fascinating, first rate, astoundingly well acted TV mini-series bringing together two powerful characters -- Ben Gazzara as the Nazi hunter on a mission, and the mesmerizing Anthony Hopkins as the decorated doctor accused of being a Dr. Mengele-type experimenter on human beings in concentration camps during World War II. It is hard to overstate how brilliantly well acted this film is. The story is riveting and hard to step away from even for a moment. If this were a book, it would be a page-turner.

Gazzara has never been better or classier and this is one of Anthony Hopkins' best performances ever. This award-winning movie compares favorably with any other drama on a similar subject, including Marathon Man, Judgment at Nuremberg -- what have you. The movie is bold, disturbing, engrossing -- and pulls no punches regarding the nature of the experiments run in the camps. Not for the squeamish.

I can't recommend this highly enough -- it was riveting television on first run, worthy of being a feature film, but it is richer for being a long-form TV mini-series. Very serious subject matter, and very moving at times -- the wives of the two men are well played, agonizing over their husbands' struggle in court, with Hopkins' wife standing by her husband to the end, and Lee Remick as Gazzara's wife is great as well. The climax is stunning. Treat yourself to a wonderful piece of television and use it to educate a new generation of young people as well!

Great Film!!
QBVII was a TV mini series in 1974 starring Ben Gazzara, Lee Remick and Anthony Hopkins. It is a intriging courtroom drama where Hopkins is being charged with Nazi war crimes.

This is a riveting thriller that has been long overdue on DVD. The only problem I have with the film is overlength. It will keep you watching and guessing till the end. ... Read more

Description

Adapted from the brilliant novel by James Joyce, "Ulysses" portrays a stream-of-consciousness day in the life of Leopold Bloom, Molly Bloom, and Stephen Dedalus (the hero of Joyce's earlier autobiographical novel, "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"). Bloom is an ordinary man, a Jew whose odyssey through the streets of turn-of-the-century Dublin leads him through trials that parallel his classic prototype, Ulysses, on his epic journey home. Molly is his voluptuous, delightfully earthy wife whose infidelity is a major burden Bloom must bear. The intimacy of Joyce's language was without precedent in literature, and its flashbacks, dream episodes, sounds and visual montages translate freely into the language of cinema. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Whose Afraid of James Joyce?
AN EXCELLENT transfer from novel to film [to pristine DVD]!
This semi-intellectual excursion into the world of sexual frankness [THAT that final monologue about intimacy ...!]bordering on pornography - but always avoiding the issue .... along the lines of "What did He/She say?" or "Run that by me again".

This is a perfect example of the 'voice-over' film - images matched to the continuous 'stream of consciousness' - oddly set in the mid-sixties .....

The performances are uniformly excellent and the mood of brooding Dublin during THAT day - well set.

Quite timeless - especially the miscommunication between the sexes .....

Joyce when you don't have time for the book
Wonderful visualization of the basic plotline. Yes, the book does have a plot. Filmed in Dublin, so you see the towers, river, and streets. The production is done with love, for those who couldn't imagine life without this book.

An excellent representation of some aspects of Joyce's novel
Joyce's ULYSSES is one of the great works of literature of this century -- it is also a difficult novel to read. Most readers need help and there are various guidebooks available for this. Another way of accessing the novel is by listening to oral interpretations of it on tape or record or by watching Strick's excellent film tribute to the book. Of course, it could not be possible to get that whole massive work into a couple of hours film -- I doubt that Strick ever intended to. But this film is an excellent introduction to the book, one that I would recommend warmly.

video serves a purpose, but...
AFter having read Joyce's novel, I thought that seeing a movie version of it would be interesting. In that case, I was correct. However, I believe the book was poorly represented. It is hard to capture a 66 page stream of consciosness dream sequence with film. It was an interesting idea, but... ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This is a GREAT movie no one knows about !! GET IT !!
"Opportunity Knocks" is a cute, funny movie. I have this movie and without a doubt, it's one of my favorites. It is Dana Carvey's first "starring" role as something other than a Saturday Night Live character and he is excellent. This movie never got the accolades it deserved (perhaps not enough press coverage). This movie is MILES above "Clean Slate" (Dana's second movie). I have felt for years that this movie was a wonderful little secret that only I and a few others in the world knew about. Dana really shines here. If you like Dana Carvey...if you like really funny, sweet little movies...if you have a sense of humor and like a good laugh - buy this movie, PLEASE. I want to share it with you !!

This is a GREAT movie no one knows about !! GET IT !!
"Opportunity Knocks" is a cute, funny movie. I have this movie and without a doubt, it's one of my favorites. It is Dana Carvey's first "starring" role as something other than a Saturday Night Live character and he is excellent. This movie never got the accolades it deserved (perhaps not enough press coverage). This movie is MILES above "Clean Slate" (Dana's second movie). I have felt for years that this movie was a wonderful little secret that only I and a few others in the world knew about. Dana really shines here. If you like Dana Carvey...if you like really funny, sweet little movies...if you have a sense of humor and like a good laugh - buy this movie, PLEASE. I want to share it with you !!

Great movie, bad actress!
This movie is one of Carvey's best! He's very charming and as always funny. You can't help but start to love his charecter. It was an excelent movie, and I would give it a full 5, if it wasn't for Eddie's (Carvey) love intrest. I don't know if the charecter was played out perfectly, and it wasn't that interesting. Or the actress, Julia Campbell, didn't give it her best. She seemed very boring, and in many ways wrong for the part, and the guy. Other than that, this is an excelent film!

The Carvey Review
A great movie, one of my favorites! Carvey does excellent acting and the karaoke scene is pure gold! Dana Carvey should consider acting again.

Dana Carvey's best film
Dana Carvey plays a small time conman named eddie whos about to hit the big leagues. He breaks into a house and is mistaken for the housesitter. That's when the movie takes off. He has to play it cool to keep his cover and not let the girl he loves know he is a fraud. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If your sense of humor is even moderately twisted, you'll savor this tasty course of well-cooked ham. Directed with delectable British wit by Douglas Hickox, the comedy is decidedly dark when Vincent Price--as effete has-been thespian Richard Lionheart--wreaks poetic justice upon the snobby critics who panned his performances and drove him to a failed attempt at suicide. Reciting his poor reviews and staging murders inspired by Shakespearean tragedies, the actor and his Dickensian coterie of accomplices (including Diane Rigg, sexy as ever) dispatch their victims with shocking ingenuity, and by the time Lionheart reenacts Titus Andronicus by gorging one dog-loving critic (the hilariously poofy Robert Morley) on toy-poodle stew, Theatre of Blood reaches giddy heights of outrageous vengeance. It's all in good fun, of course, and the film's esteemed British cast plays it to the hilt, none better than Price in one of his most entertaining roles. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (33)

"Now is the winter of our discontent..."
Who knew Shakespeare could be so much fun? More often than not, his plays seemed to put me to sleep in high school literature class. Funny how a movie like this can make you see things in a different light, even make you appreciate his work. I guess it's all in the presentation.

In Theater of Blood, Vincent Price plays Edward Lionheart, a Shakespearian actor who takes revenge on his critics through some particularly devious means after suffering many a bad review. What I really enjoyed, besides Price's outstanding performance, was how he incorporated the murders to fit in with Shakespearian plays. It was a really nice touch that elevated this movie from your typical horror movie to a masterpiece of the genre.

Price plays it perfectly, as an over the top actor, quoting lines from various plays as the curtain falls on each of his victims. I loved how he had that big book containing all his reviews, to which he would refer before dispatching some of his intended targets. Also, I thought Diana Rigg was wonderful as Price's daughter, Edwina. Not only is she very easy on the eyes, but also she complimented Price's performance nicely.

If you've seen the earlier Price movie, The Abominable Dr. Phibes, you will certainly recognize a number of similarities in the plot of both movies. Both involve the main character supposedly coming back from the dead to exact revenge. In 'Phibes', his vengeance is focused on the doctors and nurses Price feels are responsible for his wife's death, while here his wrath is aimed at those responsible for the death of his career. Also, both movies involve meticulous planning of the murders to fit into a specific, overall theme, including rather gruesome and horrifying means of demise for the intended victims.

It's all played tongue in cheek, and works so well. This is one of my favorite Price films, and really excellent example of him at his best. If for nothing else, this movie is worth watching to see Price in the guise of a hairdresser, in setting up a death sequence with a female victim. Seeing him in those groovy clothes, glasses stolen from Elton John, and ridiculously oversized afro is truly 'priceless'.

Cookieman108

a wonderful horror comedy
drip...drip...drip...goes the blood from the head of a poor victim in this chilling horror film that adds morbid humor and pathos in a strange but satisfying marriage. Price plays a demented Shakespearean actor named Edward Lionhart, who spent his entire career being panned by the critics for his over-the-top performances...do i detect a bit of reality in this movie? Diana Rigg plays the daughter, Edwina. The tale of actor versus critic is a wonderful subject to explore. This film is very graphic in it's violence, one scene shows a man's head falling off his body while he lay next to his wife! In another gut-wrenching scene, the ONLY critic who was even likable dies in a wine barrel. Robert Morley is seen as the gay critic, whose force-fed a nice dish of poodle stew from "Chef" Lionhart. Coral Browne, as the only female critic, gets treated to a new hairstyle by "Butch", a gay hairdresser {which is Vincent, wearing a laugh out loud orange wig and sporting a gay walk and speaking style! it's so hilarious that it's the highlight of the film.} Milo O'Shea and Eric Sykes portray the baffled police on the pursuit. Ian Hendry also appears in the film. This is a great movie for ALL Vincent Price fans. Several of my fellow reviewers have pointed out the film quality or the storyline...who cares. It's Vincent and we get to see him strike down his opponents with one gruesome death after another! What more could you want??? like the promo on the movie says: "This Actor doesn't just break a leg...he knocks 'em dead one by one".

Deliciously macabre and twisted....
I am a HUGE fan of horror, and Vincent Price is one of my favorite actors, so how can you go wrong with such a sadistic film? Its absolutely perfect for Price, he's flawless. But I will say, as much as I love horror, I had a HARD time watching this, though in a good way.

Being the masochist I am, I sat through the whole film. It was enjoyable, especially for Prices over-the-top super-campy performance. What made it hard to watch, was the deaths. I was empathizing with the victims to much boviously because everytime someone died had a large knot in my stomache. And I can't even think of one death which happens in a kitchen without getting sad... :(

This movie just has some of the most twisted death scenes I've ever scene. Diana Rigg was very good as Vincent's daughter as well. I rather wanted to shoot her, she was that convincing. :D

Anyways, I really, really reccomend 'Theater of Blood' to fans of horror, black comedy, or Vincent Price, even better yet if you're a fan of ALL THREE, like me.! :D

God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy

Death Wins Not o'er Lionheart; 'Tis Curtains for His Critics
Hammy Shakespearean actor Edward Lionheart (Vincent Price) has been relentlessly denounced and vilified in the reviews of his performances, so with help from his daughter Edwina (Diana Rigg), he fakes his death and then sets in motion his grisly plans for revenge. One by one, he murders his most vociferous critics, but his technique isn't that of a common street thug, oh no. Instead, Lionheart patterns each killing after one of the various murders described in The Bard's plays!

Many real-life critics have tried to minimize the importance or quality of 1973's THEATRE OF BLOOD by pointing out its similarities to Price's earlier flick THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES (1971). While it is certainly true that both films seem to have been cast from the same mold--in the 1971 film, Dr. Phibes exacts revenge by patterning his homicides after the great plagues in the Bible--that doesn't detract in the least from overall enjoyment of watching this flick. The clever script contains tons of funeral-parlor puns and lots of gallows humor, and the stellar cast brings it all off wonderfully. Star Vincent Price is allowed to draw upon his Shakespearean stage experience and vigorously chew the scenery, but this is judiciously tempered with an excellent but more restrained supporting cast that includes the pretty Diana Rigg, Ian Hendry, Milo O' Shea, Eric Sykes, and countless other well-known British character actors.

The DVD from MGM--part of their excellent "Midnite Movie" series, which rescues lots of gems like this from the dungeon of late-night TV--offers a reasonably nice digital transfer of the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1. Some buyers have complained that the picture is a bit washed and the sound a bit muffled, but the copy of the flick on this disc is light-years ahead of any copy previously available on VHS. The only extra is the original trailer. But this DVD is so reasonably priced that one can't complain too much--especially if one wants to avoid the wrath of Edward Lionheart, eh?

Okay, THEATRE OF BLOOD is admittedly a one-joke movie, but it's all carried out in such an amusing and clever way that viewers are NEVER bored. Watching it is a must for fans of campy horror and gallows humor, and it's a must-own for fans Vincent Price or Diana Rigg. In truth, genuine horror fans will have no regrets about adding this DVD to their collections.

Picture Quality Comment
Many dvds these days are digitally remastered, so that picture quality is clean, sharp, pristine. This isn't one of them. The pictuire quality here is
rather poor. Unusual as many other Midnight Movie prints are excellent.

Plus the ratio is NOT 1.66 as stated on the box. It is 14x9, with black borders; or, with x zoom to fill the screen, the picture is softened and some picture is lost. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

"Now is the winter of our discontent..."
Who knew Shakespeare could be so much fun? More often than not, his plays seemed to put me to sleep in high school literature class. Funny how a movie like this can make you see things in a different light, even make you appreciate his work. I guess it's all in the presentation.

In Theater of Blood, Vincent Price plays Edward Lionheart, a Shakespearian actor who takes revenge on his critics through some particularly devious means after suffering many a bad review. What I really enjoyed, besides Price's outstanding performance, was how he incorporated the murders to fit in with Shakespearian plays. It was a really nice touch that elevated this movie from your typical horror movie to a masterpiece of the genre.

Price plays it perfectly, as an over the top actor, quoting lines from various plays as the curtain falls on each of his victims. I loved how he had that big book containing all his reviews, to which he would refer before dispatching some of his intended targets. Also, I thought Diana Rigg was wonderful as Price's daughter, Edwina. Not only is she very easy on the eyes, but also she complimented Price's performance nicely.

If you've seen the earlier Price movie, The Abominable Dr. Phibes, you will certainly recognize a number of similarities in the plot of both movies. Both involve the main character supposedly coming back from the dead to exact revenge. In 'Phibes', his vengeance is focused on the doctors and nurses Price feels are responsible for his wife's death, while here his wrath is aimed at those responsible for the death of his career. Also, both movies involve meticulous planning of the murders to fit into a specific, overall theme, including rather gruesome and horrifying means of demise for the intended victims.

It's all played tongue in cheek, and works so well. This is one of my favorite Price films, and really excellent example of him at his best. If for nothing else, this movie is worth watching to see Price in the guise of a hairdresser, in setting up a death sequence with a female victim. Seeing him in those groovy clothes, glasses stolen from Elton John, and ridiculously oversized afro is truly 'priceless'.

Cookieman108

a wonderful horror comedy
drip...drip...drip...goes the blood from the head of a poor victim in this chilling horror film that adds morbid humor and pathos in a strange but satisfying marriage. Price plays a demented Shakespearean actor named Edward Lionhart, who spent his entire career being panned by the critics for his over-the-top performances...do i detect a bit of reality in this movie? Diana Rigg plays the daughter, Edwina. The tale of actor versus critic is a wonderful subject to explore. This film is very graphic in it's violence, one scene shows a man's head falling off his body while he lay next to his wife! In another gut-wrenching scene, the ONLY critic who was even likable dies in a wine barrel. Robert Morley is seen as the gay critic, whose force-fed a nice dish of poodle stew from "Chef" Lionhart. Coral Browne, as the only female critic, gets treated to a new hairstyle by "Butch", a gay hairdresser {which is Vincent, wearing a laugh out loud orange wig and sporting a gay walk and speaking style! it's so hilarious that it's the highlight of the film.} Milo O'Shea and Eric Sykes portray the baffled police on the pursuit. Ian Hendry also appears in the film. This is a great movie for ALL Vincent Price fans. Several of my fellow reviewers have pointed out the film quality or the storyline...who cares. It's Vincent and we get to see him strike down his opponents with one gruesome death after another! What more could you want??? like the promo on the movie says: "This Actor doesn't just break a leg...he knocks 'em dead one by one".

Deliciously macabre and twisted....
I am a HUGE fan of horror, and Vincent Price is one of my favorite actors, so how can you go wrong with such a sadistic film? Its absolutely perfect for Price, he's flawless. But I will say, as much as I love horror, I had a HARD time watching this, though in a good way.

Being the masochist I am, I sat through the whole film. It was enjoyable, especially for Prices over-the-top super-campy performance. What made it hard to watch, was the deaths. I was empathizing with the victims to much boviously because everytime someone died had a large knot in my stomache. And I can't even think of one death which happens in a kitchen without getting sad... :(

This movie just has some of the most twisted death scenes I've ever scene. Diana Rigg was very good as Vincent's daughter as well. I rather wanted to shoot her, she was that convincing. :D

Anyways, I really, really reccomend 'Theater of Blood' to fans of horror, black comedy, or Vincent Price, even better yet if you're a fan of ALL THREE, like me.! :D

God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy

Death Wins Not o'er Lionheart; 'Tis Curtains for His Critics
Hammy Shakespearean actor Edward Lionheart (Vincent Price) has been relentlessly denounced and vilified in the reviews of his performances, so with help from his daughter Edwina (Diana Rigg), he fakes his death and then sets in motion his grisly plans for revenge. One by one, he murders his most vociferous critics, but his technique isn't that of a common street thug, oh no. Instead, Lionheart patterns each killing after one of the various murders described in The Bard's plays!

Many real-life critics have tried to minimize the importance or quality of 1973's THEATRE OF BLOOD by pointing out its similarities to Price's earlier flick THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES (1971). While it is certainly true that both films seem to have been cast from the same mold--in the 1971 film, Dr. Phibes exacts revenge by patterning his homicides after the great plagues in the Bible--that doesn't detract in the least from overall enjoyment of watching this flick. The clever script contains tons of funeral-parlor puns and lots of gallows humor, and the stellar cast brings it all off wonderfully. Star Vincent Price is allowed to draw upon his Shakespearean stage experience and vigorously chew the scenery, but this is judiciously tempered with an excellent but more restrained supporting cast that includes the pretty Diana Rigg, Ian Hendry, Milo O' Shea, Eric Sykes, and countless other well-known British character actors.

The DVD from MGM--part of their excellent "Midnite Movie" series, which rescues lots of gems like this from the dungeon of late-night TV--offers a reasonably nice digital transfer of the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1. Some buyers have complained that the picture is a bit washed and the sound a bit muffled, but the copy of the flick on this disc is light-years ahead of any copy previously available on VHS. The only extra is the original trailer. But this DVD is so reasonably priced that one can't complain too much--especially if one wants to avoid the wrath of Edward Lionheart, eh?

Okay, THEATRE OF BLOOD is admittedly a one-joke movie, but it's all carried out in such an amusing and clever way that viewers are NEVER bored. Watching it is a must for fans of campy horror and gallows humor, and it's a must-own for fans Vincent Price or Diana Rigg. In truth, genuine horror fans will have no regrets about adding this DVD to their collections.

Picture Quality Comment
Many dvds these days are digitally remastered, so that picture quality is clean, sharp, pristine. This isn't one of them. The pictuire quality here is
rather poor. Unusual as many other Midnight Movie prints are excellent.

Plus the ratio is NOT 1.66 as stated on the box. It is 14x9, with black borders; or, with x zoom to fill the screen, the picture is softened and some picture is lost. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

interesting story line and historical too
I found the movie very interesting. I may be biased toward the film since actually I appear in the last scene of this movie (one of the boys at the study table in the black synagogue that Zero Mostel visits) The late Chief Rabbi W.A. Matthew (my grandfather)has an appearance in the movie leading the study group discussion in the historic landmark Harlem synagogue. Although not in the final edit, during filming it was an interesting scripted discussion.
-David Matthew Dore'

Great Movie
I watched this on cable and loved it so much I had to buy it. Very different Kind of Movie. I really enjoyed it so much:-)

Promise Unfulfilled
Zero Mostel plays a poor schlemiel by the name of Mishkin, who is visited by a Jewish angel named Levine. Levine is played by Harry Belafonte! This certainly promises some very clever and very amusing moments. Unfortunately, the promise remains unkept. In fact, the film never really gets started. I can remember thinking what a long time it was taking to get going, and then the closing credits started to scroll; it never got going. What is particularly disappointing is that this is a film I wanted very much to like. Alas, we don't always get what we want. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As she does in The Truth About Cats and Dogs, JaneaneGarofalo proves she's a capableleading lady--beautiful, charming, self-effacing, and what used to be referred to as sharp as a tack.Garofalo plays Marcy, aide to dim Massachusetts senator McGlory (Jay O. Sanders). Denis Leary isappropriately slimy as a fellow aide. The senator and Nick dispatchMarcy to the remote (and fictitious)Irish town of Ballinagra, where she's supposed to unearth relatives touse in the senator's PR campaign. Along the way, Marcy not only encounters the eccentric locals, butfinds herself in the maelstromof the town's annual matchmaking festival. The single Marcyinadvertently catches the eye of the movie'seponymous matchmaker Dermot (a captivating Milo O'Shea). Dermot senses sparks between Marcy andthe equally cynical, recently returned local boy, Sean (David O'Hara),once a successful journalist who'sreturned home to work on a book. The intimacies of the small town, the relationships between the locals, and the dialogue are credible andengaging. Look for beautiful cinematography and music, too. Also notable is the movie's ability to convey the feel of a foreign film while injecting humor that's both sarcastically American and yet Irish in trademark. --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Not The Quiet Man, Thank God
Someone called this movie a romantic comedy for people who don't like romantic comedies, and I think that's pretty accurate. The story of a hapless senator's aide (Garafalo) who is shipped to Ireland to search out Irish relatives (bogus or otherwise) of her dim boss, it is refreshingly funny, cynical and lighthearted. While there are, of course, some of the Irish stereotypes and cliches to be found, they are presented in a very sly, acidic, tongue-in-cheek manner, and some of the digs at tourists are particularly funny. The characters are charming, from the matchmaker(s)to the Kelly brothers who run one of the local hotels/pubs. David O'Hara is a find as a romantic leading man--no pretty boy but very sexy--and Jeananne Garafalo makes a great, offbeat romantic foil for him. The scenery is beautiful (it's Ireland, after all) and the dialogue very funny and, at times, touching. Even Murphy, the dog, is funny (note especially the scene in the home of the crusty and anti-tourist Aran Islander). In sum, this movie has some of the best comedic scenes I've seen and some of the most endearing characters as well. Highly recommended for light viewing.

Refreshingly different romantic comedy
The Matchmaker is a romantic comedy with a twist - it has an orginal premise, funny characters, truly comic moments, and the leads look like real people, which only adds to their appeal.

Janeane Garaofalo, as the U.S. Senator's aide visiting a coastal Irish village during their annual matchmaking fair, is funny and caustic. David O'Hara, as the seemingly n'er do well bartender who turns out to have a bit more going for him, is sexy as all get out, without looking anything like a Hollywood pretty boy.

The two stars have great chemistry and timing with each other, and the supporting cast is excellent. The only false notes are sounded by Dennis Leary, who overacts a bit as the obnoxious Senator's aide, and the character of the Senator himself, who is too much of a caricature. Milo O'Shea brings a poignancy to the key Matchmaker role that could have easily sunk into a stereotype.

This film has some very funny moments, with one of the best being a desperate car ride by O'Hara and his brother, both sporting full leg casts and trying in vain to pilot a stick shift.

All in all, you could do worse than to spend a couple of hours with "The Matchmaker". It left me smiling, as well as wanting to see more of O'Hara in future lead roles.

a sweet little sunday afternoon type of movie
having visited Ireland and flown into Shannon airport like Janeane Garofalo does at the beginning of this movie,it is a favorite.the scenery is beautiful,Janeane is adorable. i absolutely love the scene when she judges the singing contest!this movie is something you can simply enjoy-let it take you away to Ireland,its beautiful there!

Worthy of a Deluxe Turbo Tan!!
Bollix to those of you who don't like this movie! It is filled with quirky off center humor and constantly had me asking, "Did I really just hear that?" As a very pale caucasion myself, I related particularly well to the various jokes about the lack of pigment in the Emerald Isle. Anyone who's ever been set up on a blind date will find the matchmaking humor particularly entertaining as well. The charachters are wild and eccentric, but entirely lovable. This is one of those movies that leaves you feeling warm fuzzys, and is not to be missed. Even if you end up hating it, I recommend that you watch it and decide for yourself.

A Disappointment
This movie has beautiful scenery of Ireland but beyond that I can't recommend it. The acting is weak and the story hard to believe. There is a lot of offensive language that isn't really necessary to the story. The film never held my attention but did make me want to visit such a beautiful country. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was unique in its day for casting kids in the play's pivotal roles of, well, kids. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey play the titular pair, the Bard's star-crossed lovers who defy a running feud between their families in order to be together in love. Typically played on stage and in previous film productions by adult actors, the innocent look and rawness of Whiting and Hussey resonated at the time with a burgeoning youth movement from San Francisco to Prague. The tragic romance at the center of the story also clicked with anti-authority sentiments, but even without that, Zeffirelli scores points by validating the ideals and passions of strong-willed adolescents. Less successful are scenes requiring the actors to have a fuller grasp of the text, though the best thing going remains the unambiguous duel between Romeo and Tybalt (Michael York). Lavishly photographed by Pasquale de Santis on location in Italy, this Romeo and Juliet brought a different tone and dimension to a story that had become tiresome in reverential presentations. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (142)

A sumptuous Renaissance feast!
Franco Zefirrelli's 1967 film was revolutionary in using teenaged actors to play the two most famous lovers of all literature. Olivia Hussey is heartbreakingly beautiful, a vulnerable and courageous Juliet, while Leonard Whiting's poetic good looks make him a sensitive and appealing Romeo. Zefirrelli's career as an opera director is put to spectacular use here--each scene is meticulously crafted to be an exact replica of the Renaissance. Stunningly beautiful clothing, jewels, furniture, food, glass, sculpture--it is an overwhelming feast for the eyes. The preserved medieval towns of Tuscany, and the lovely Borghese palace where the balcony scene is set, give the film the look of an animated Renaissance painting. Zefirrelli took some liberties with Shakespeare's original script for the sake of brevity, but unless you are a die-hard purist, this is a minor flaw. I saw this film a dozen times in the theater, and never without the sound of girls weeping by the end--I was often one of them. Leslie Howard was a better actor, and Leonardo DiCaprio/Clare Danes more modern, but if you love beauty, this is THE quintessential Romeo and Juliet on film. END

Zeffirelli's Quintessential Version! Every Aspect Excellent!
This is THE must see version of Romeo and Juliet. Zeffirelli's 1968 masterpiece stars 17-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey with great music by Nino Rota. Filmed "on location" in Italy this version also has the fingerprints of the 1960s all over it, from moddish long hair, the debut of Michael York as Tybalt, John McEnery as Mercutio, the lush balcony scenes, the nude scene, and an emotional intensity throughout. McEnery brings just the right comic touch to the comi-tragedy and screenwriters Franco Brusati, Maestro D'Amico, and Zeffirelli keep true to Shakespeare with a take on the story that's easily accessible to a wide audience, thereby making this one of the most popular films of the '60s.

Especially effective is the ambiguity of intent of the Tybalt-Mercutio duel, and the overall editing of dialogue just enough to keep it succinct and believable yet retain the poetic and philosophical virtuosity of the playwright's playwright. The music is used effectively and as it rises during the love scenes it's a manipulation that's an enhancement to rather than distraction from the emotion--a rare successful pull-off of this. And that balcony scene is extraordinary, the lush dark atmosphere, Romeo's giddiness, Juliet's beauty...I believed it.

Milo O'Shea (who later played the Judge in "The Verdict") does a believable Friar Laurence and Robert Stephens (I)(with a long list of Shakespearian roles to his name) an intensely serious Prince of Verona. It's hard not to fall in love with Olivia (watch for her new film role as Mother Theresa).

Some bits of trivia: Before 1968 Romeo and Juliet was not generally taught in US high schools and this film's popularity changed all that as most of you reading this had it in high school. Michael York turned down the role of Oliver in Love Story--one may read into this he felt it was a poor man's Romeo and Juliet...just a thought. Also Olivia Hussey briefly dated Prince Charles. And here's the clincher: Paul McCartney got the original offer to play Romeo. I'm glad he turned it down, as Whiting is perfect here. And for those who wonder, the story did not originate in historical fact, though one may wish it so. The story came from mythical legend starting in 5th century Greece, later evolving into "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" translated into English in 1562 by Arthur Brooke and originally written about 1530 by Luigi da Porto., 'til Shakespeare got a hold of it (circa 1594) and breathed into it the life that will last as long as humanity does most probably.

This towers over the 1st film version with a 34-year-old Norma Shearer and a 43-year-old Leslie Howard, and as for the 1996 mess sorry guys; American accents, present day gang violence, over-the-top overacting, LA locales, and Leonard DiCaprio do not great Shakespearean tragedy make. This 1968 one is the one to see over and over.

Excellent movie...Great actors
Watching this as part of a highschool assignment, the teacher only allowed us to watch about 15 minutes of it. When I saw it playing on cable, I sat down to finish it. This, I must say, is the best version of Romeo and Juliet. In the '68 version The actors are young and even though it was made in '68, you can relate to them in this day. The acting is superb, no one better could have been picked for the parts. It was a real tearjerker. Not to mention the soundtrack...the songs were just amazing to hear. Just watch the movie once, you'll fall in love with it.

The Defintive R & J
I could watch this version of Romeo and Juliet over, and over, and over. The performances are dead on, especially John McEnry's turn as Mercutio (you understand the reason why he's killed off: people would have cared more about him than about the tragic heroes if he'd been around too much longer!). I would advise teachers, however, that this is not the first version they show students of the show. While most ninth graders read this play, the giggling that can abound in a classroom watching Romeo in tights often distracts from the meaning of the film.
So, for with the exception of ninth graders, this is the Romeo and Juliet to see.

Zeffirelli and Shakespeare: A Perfect Match
There is nothing worse than bad Shakespeare but not to worry here-- Franco Zeffirelli and Shakespeare come together here in a lavish, opulent production of ROMEO AND JULIET, just when we thought there was nothing fresh to say about them. Zeffirelli has broken new ground by casting Leonard Whiting, who is 17, and Olivia Hussey, who is all of 15 but looks even younger, in this timeless classic story about "star-crossed" lovers. With the possible exception of some parts of the musical score-- although much of it soars-- this film is as good today as it was when first released in 1968. (The musical theme was beautiful the first 50 times I heard it on the radio. Then it became trite.)

There are no bad actors here. In addition to the two lovers, Michael York as Tybalt and Pat Heywood as the nurse give outstanding performances, just to name two. My only negative comment about the acting is that Romeo always seems to run to and from an event or meeting; he never walks. Perhaps that is what a seventeen-year-old, testosterone-laden lad does, however. On the other hand, Romeo and Juliet's tragic story is completely believable and will put chills on your spine. Additionally, the dance scenes and duel scenes are quite wonderful. The wardrobe department got everything right as well.

A word about the language-- it goes without saying that Mr. Shakespeare is and ever shall be the greatest writer in English. Hearing his words again is a transcendent experience. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the inspiring story of America's first native-born saint, Mother Seton. Kate Mulgrew gives a moving performance as St. Elizabeth Seton, a convert to Catholicism who overcame the great tragedy of the deaths of her young husband and two children, and went on to found the American Sisters of Charity and the first American Catholic schools. A film of unusual strength and beauty. Also starring Lorne Greene, John Forsythe, and Rossano Brazzi. 100 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Time For A Change
In this day and age when the majority of movies consist of explosions, profanity, and lame plots, it's nice to go back a few years and enjoy a film like "A Time for Miracles." Based on the life of Elizabeth Seton, this movie encompasses the difficult aspects of doing God's Work and accepting the consequences from it. A very young Kate Mulgrew gives a believable performance as Elizabeth, although her old-age make-up lacks considerably. John Forsythe and Lorne Greene also star rounding out a rather high caliber cast for a work of this nature.

Read "Butler's Lives of the Saints" Instead
This is a remarkably uncatholic movie that is supposedly about a famous Catholic. St. Bonaventure said that those who do not have a devotion to Our Lady will die in their sins and be damned for all of eternity. Nevertheless, Elizabeth Seton is never portrayed as having a devotion to Our Lady and indeed, never even says one hail mary that I could see. Other Catholic teachings are notably absent. The acting and production values are lamentably poor. Read "Butler's Lives of the Saints" or "The Baltimore Catechism" instead.