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Directly in the wake of his Oscar-winning comeback in From Here to Eternity, Frank Sinatra took on the role of a psychopathic hit man in this taut, low-budget film noir. The choice shows how interested Sinatra was in serious acting during the mid- to late '50s; there's nothing remotely likable about this angular, neurotic assassin. He's in the small town of Suddenly to kill the president, who is passing through on a quick train stop. Sinatra makes hostages of a local family and sheriff Sterling Hayden, and the film is basically a countdown to the president's arrival, with Sinatra's patter getting loonier as the day goes on. Aside from the interest of Sinatra's performance (very focused and downright perverse at times), and the film's place in the American noir tradition, Suddenly is uncannily prophetic on the subject of assassination. It's clear that the killer is doing it for the fame as well as the money, a theme that would crop up in later confessions of real-life killers or would-be killers. Perhaps the 1954 film was too prophetic; like Sinatra's Manchurian Candidate, this movie was pulled from circulation for years after the JFK assassination. According to Kitty Kelley's bio of Sinatra, Lee Harvey Oswald saw this film a few days before he took rifle in hand. Now in the public domain, Suddenly is generally available in cheap, scratchy prints. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (3)

really good episode!
I really like this episode! This is one of my favorite episodes!

A Little House Wedding
I always cry at weddings..and this one gets me every time!
In a double length feature, see the touching story of how Laura becomes Mrs. Alamanzo Wilder in "Laura Ingalls Wilder". Laura(Melissa Gilbert) and Almanzo(Dean Butler) are having trouble making ends meet, and Almanzo doesn't want to marry until he can provide for his bride to be. Meanwhile Almanzo's sister Eliza Jane(Lucy Lee Flippen)is also having romantic problems of
her own and makes a supreme sacrifice to see her brother and Laura happily married. Meanwhile...on the other side of town... Nellie and Percival just found out they are expecting!..Harriet is to be grandmother!!!

This episode guest stars a young James Cromwell and this one will really tug at your heartstrings!It was written and directed by Michael Landon and as always the music of David Rose is beautiful.

Goodtimes Video makes these classic TV episodes a pleasure to watch on DVD. They look and sound great. This episode is a really special one and runs the entire hour and half and without all the commercials. If you really love the Little House on the Prairie Series, I would suggest buying this one in the four pack that Goodtimes has out. It also includes "The Premier Movie", "The Lord Is My Shepherd"(both of these are also feature length) and "The Collection" guest starring Johnny and June Carter Cash.
I agree with the aother reviewer who said that it would be nice to have the prequel to this one as well(so we can watch the wonderful story of Laura and Almanzo getting engaged).How bout it Goodtimes?

Enjoy this very special episode...Laurie

"In six months, I'll be Laura Ingalls Wilder."
Of course, this is the timeless episode in which Laura and Almanzo are finally married. In addition to the final wedding scene, we also get some conflict between the would-be couple as Almanzo loses his first crop but stubbornly refuses to let Laura get a teaching job. (Watching the two insist that "I didn't do anything wrong" is a lot of fun.) Plus we have a snippet of subplot involving the news that Percival and Nellie are going to have their first baby (Harriet's misinterpretation of Nellie's having "six months at the most" is absolutely classic!). However, the whole show is quietly but earnestly stolen by Lucy Lee Flippin's portrayal of Eliza Jane Wilder, as she falls in love-for the first time-with a man who feels nothing in return. Probably no other non-regular ever turned in a performance quite so touching, or so convincing. Overall, owning "Laura Ingalls Wilder" is simply a must for any fan of the show. I only wish its prequel, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not," were also available! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I'm very dissapointed with this pack
I though I have made a good election but this 2 dvd pack has two lenght episodes but the sound is quite bad is very hard to hear some sentences and the most important the famous theme has been changed by a ridiculous country theme.

Gladdly I didn't pick the 5 dvd pack made by the same studio.

Don't buy this please,try something else.

Could have been much better
Good story and good acting, but audio is quite poor. The familiar theme music is missing entirely and the dialogue is spotty at best. Several sentences were hard to hear, and then the background music would blast you out of your chair. Glad I didn't buy the 5-pack. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Rare 1950s comedy on DVD
Here's an entertaining family sitcom from the 1954-55 television season starring Ann Baker as Corliss Archer.It's the story of the Archer family and Corliss' boyfriend Dexter and their many amusing misadventures.It reminds me of other family centered comedies like "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" or "The Donna Reed Show."The show was syndicated by ZIV Television and had a total of 39 episodes.Ann Baker's television and screen credits were fairly minimal and this series was the peak of her relatively short career.

The prints utilized by Alpha Video for this release are very good and relatively defect free for this 50 year old show; to the best of my knowledge, this is the show's only DVD release."Meet Corliss Archer" is certainly not the classic that "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" is, but it is entertaining enough on its own terms and is recommended primarily to those who enjoy television comedies from the 1950s.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good eps, so-so quality
These are classic "Bonanza" episodes. I would prefer that the videos include the original theme music, but I understand that copyright issues prevent that. The technical quality of the video is not the best, but the DVD is quite watchable. I'm happy to see "Bonanza" being released in DVD format, and look forward to more eps on DVD!

Struggles for justice amidst violence and lawlessness
Bonanza is the famous television western series, set in the vicinity of Virginia City, Nevada, during the years of the Civil War, soon after the discovery of the fabulous Comstock Silver Lode. Bonanza is the saga of the Cartwrights, a prosperous family of ranchers. The stories relate their struggles for justice amidst violence and lawlessness as they attempt to maintain and operate their timberland ranch, known as the Ponderosa Ranch. Many of these classics were produced in the early years of filmmaking. This means that primitive audio recording technique will be more noticeable in the DVD format, so will glitches in picture. These movies ("Desert Justice" & "Badge Without Honor" have been rescued from the film vaults in most cases and have not been restored. "Desert Justice" is the story of Dave Walker, one of Ben's ranch hands. Dave is accused of murdering the wife of Marshall Dowd. After the Cartwrights discover that Dave was beaten while in jail, they decide to accompany him to Los Angeles where his trial is to be held. "Badge Without Honor" is about a man named Gerald Eskith who comes to town claiming to be a Deputy Marshall. He wants to take the Cartwrights friend Jason Blaime to San Francisco to testify against the Murdock Gang. Adam, however, has his suspicions and decides to go along with them..... On the DVD (one episode on each side) you'll also find Interactive Menus, Interactive Film Trivia about Bonanza and information about the actors. A pity is the missing well-known "Bonanza"-tune. Now all the episodes start with a nasty kind of music. See Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, a three time widower; Pernell Roberts as his eldest son Adam; big Dan Blocker as son Hoss; Michael Landon as the youngest son, Little Joe. It's nice to see all the famous characters back on the screen. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A very different type of Bonanza.
They don't mean ape literally. They mean a man who has lived like an ape all his life and is now scaring everyone in Virginia City. Nobody likes him when they meet him, except Hoss. The ape loves a girl, who he thinks loves him back, but is really laughing behind his back. After the law goes after the ape, it's up to Hoss to lead him the right way. I'm pretty sure you will find this weird Bonanza entertaining. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tenderness was never in short supply on Little House on the Prairie, but this double feature got an extra sprinkling. In "A Christmas They Never Forgot," the entire extended Ingalls family (including Mary and Laura's husbands, this being a later-season show) gathers round the fire to swap tear-stained holiday memories. First up is gentle, soft-spoken Ma, who waxes sentimental when Esther Sue inquires about the "most unusual" necklace she's wearing--turns out it's a relic from Christmas past, a peace offering from a new step-pa whom Caroline, as a broken-hearted little girl, rejected outright during his first Christmas with his new family. Later, Laura remembers Mr. Edwards's snow-soaked adventure as a surrogate Santa to the girls--something that ingratiated him to Ma, who up to then eyed her daughter's wild-bearded spitting coach suspiciously. Then, Esther Sue meets up with her own pa during a sad stroll down a memory lane lined with racial prejudice. The same hackles-raising theme of prejudice is piped into the next episode, "The Craftsman." Here, Albert accepts an apprenticeship with old man Isaac, coffin supplier to the mercantile and the town's sole Jew. Despite the old man's peaceful, kindly nature, Albert is tagged a "Jew lover" and bullied by shortsighted farmers' sons. Being a boy of superior stock, he's nonetheless loyal to the old man, something he's grateful for when it comes time to visit the sage carpenter's own coffin. Throughout this episode, dear old Isaac dispenses the sort of wisdom--"Never be ashamed of work you've done, only be ashamed of what you haven't done"--that endeared this series to parents during its original run. With this release, the nostalgic can get weepy, as well as emotionally awoken, anew alongside younger generations. -Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Little House on the Prairie (A Christmas They Never Forgot/T
this is what christmas is all about

An Episode I'll Never Forget
A must-have for any real Christmas video collection. Each story told by the cast members of a long-ago Christmas is heartwarming and moving. A nice touch is the beautiful carols sung acapella by a choir as background music. For me, it belongs on that list of movies watched every year at Christmas...along with 'It's A Wonderful life', 'A Christmas Story', etc. Michael Landon will always be remembered in my home, as this movie will be played every year.

One of a Kind Family Entertainment
My favorite show of all time is "Little House on the Prairie." It was always on television until just recently. I was so excited to find that Amazon.com had the DVD's to purchase. I want my children to grow up with the down home, wholesome, family show of Little House. I was so upset that it is no longer on my cable system's networks but now I know that I can find the love of the Ingalls' family right here on Amazon.com.
Thanks!

Two Heartwarming Stories to Savor
This review refers to the Goodtimes Double Feature DVD.. "Little House on the Prairie..A Christmas They Never Forgot/The Craftsman".....

Two wonderful stories from the Little House series to warm your heart and make you smile are to found on Goodtime's great transfer of the beloved TV series.

In "A Christmas They Never Forgot", Laura and Mary are now grown and married, and are visiting Ma and Pa Ingalls along with Hester Sue. The whole family gets snowed in the tiny house and while the youngsters worry about Santa's arrival, the grown ups, each take turns telling heartwarming tales of special Christmas' of their youth. It's a wonderful episode to watch at holiday time or anytime and will have you running the usual range of emotions we are always treated to in these wonderful stories.

"The Craftsman" is the poignant and touching tale of Mr. Singerman. An old, lonely Jewish expert woodcarver, who takes Albert under his wing, to teach him the craft. Albert is then subject to harrassment and harshness from the other kids as being a "Jew Lover". But he develops a strong bond and deep admiration of the older gentleman. Laura also learns the value of tolerance. Although a dramtic episode, there are some priceless humorous moments, and Mr. Singerman's little gems of wisdom are fun as well.

Some of the guest stars you'll find in these two episodes are Newell Alexander, Tom Lester, Alvin Kupperman, Frank De Kova, Don "Red" Barry and of course Victor French as "Mr. Edwards". The music by David Rose is as always, stirring and perfect in setting the tone.

A nice sharp picture and good colors, with very good sound that is always distinguishable, makes for a great view of these classic TV programs. Each episode runs about 45 minutes, and they are both on the same side of the disc, so you can just enjoy for about an hour and half.

It would be nice if Goodtimes would issue more of these episodes and put more 4 pks together( there is one avaiable now) for those of that that just can't get enough of these entertaining and enlightening stories that deliver a great message of life and family values along the way.

Recommended for the whole family to enjoy together....have fun...Laurie

Little House on the Prairie
A Christmas they never forgot is my second favorite Little House on the Prairie second only to the premire movie.... A real joy to watch over and over again... The Craftsman is a joy to experience to notice over and over again... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sentimental Favorites
This review refers to the Goodtimes 2pack DVD edition of "Little House on the Prairie: The Premiere Movie/Remember Me"......

Fans of Little House will love these two sentimental favorite episodes that Goodtimes has put together in one great package.They are both wonderful examples of why this wholesome and inspiring series touched us 30 years ago and still touch us today.

"The Premiiere Movie" was the made for TV pilot, that introduced us to the Ingalls family and their quest to make a better life for themselves.The harrowing adventures, the love and joy, the tears and laughter as they journey from the 'Big Woods' of Wisconsin searching for a place to call home, will have you all choked up one minute and grinning ear to ear the next.You'll also meet Jack the dog, and Mr. Edwards for the first time and even they will have you laughing and crying. This one is feature length and runs 1hour 38 min(and you wont have to sit through any commercials).

The next is the very emotional "Remember Me". Oscar winner Patricia Neal("Hud") guest stars in this double length episode as a widow who learns she is terminally ill. She has three young children and turns to Charles to help her find a home for them.Charles promises to keep the children together, but fulfilling the promise proves difficult.The answer is out there..can Charles find it? This is one of the most touching episodes of all, so have the Kleenex handy for this one.It runs about an hour and a half.

The cast includes Michael Landon(Pa),Karen Grassle(Ma),Melissa Gilbert(Laura), Melissa Sue Anderson(Mary),Bonnie Bartlett(the widow Snyder) and the wonderful Victor French as Mr. Edwards.The series is based on the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and are a great way to spend family time together. Although these vintage episodes are nearly 30 years old, they stand the test of time and will always remain a great part of TV history.

The DVD transfers of this classic series by Goodtimes is very good. Some occasional flickering, but overall a nice clear view with good color and sound.These two episodes are also sold individually or you can purchase "The Premiere Movie" in a four pack which also includes "The Lord is My Shepherd",a double length episode guest starring Ernest Borgnine,"The Collection", guest starring Johnny and June Cash, and "Laura Ingalls Wilder", also a double length. If you are a really big fan or know someone who is, you can even purchase entire seasons(1,2 and 3) just released to DVD(not Goodtimes, but also very nice transfers). Season 1 does not include the pilot episode, so you would still have to purchase that one separately.

Share these wonderfully touching and inspiring clasics with a new generation!....enjoy...Laurie ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Little House Watcher
This 2 pack includes "The Lord is My Shepherd", and "Laura Ingalls Wilder". ... Read more

Reviews (2)

And boy, don't forget to finish your homework
"The Rifleman" was No. 1 on television in the late 1950's, when 20 Western Oaters floated over the airwaves. ABC's genius was the casting of Chuck(Touch) Connors, former baseball player, as father Lucas McCain, Johnny Crawford as his son Mark, and veteran movie actor Paul Fix(long-time friend of John Wayne) as Micah, the town sheriff. Connors would go on to star, co-star, or narrate 5 more TV series. This Volume 4 DVD is one of the best, featuring 5 episodes. The first stars Robert Culp as a bounty hunter in a flimsy, slow story, with Culp mugging and hamming all the way. He would write the next episode, then move on to star in TV's "I Spy". Episode 2 stars Hollywood Rat Pack's Sammy Davis, Jr., as a flashy gunfighter with an agenda. His mock death-scene in the arms of Lucas McCain is nearly risible, with both actors on the verge of laughter. Episodes 3 and 4(perhaps the best) star TV veteran Vito Scotti as a Mexican bandit leader, with McCain and company stranded in a desolate ghost town. The 5th episode features Connors in a dual role, portraying McCain and his evil twin, hard-drinking Earl Bantry. Connors literally fights and talks to himself with the aid of an optical printer and trick photography. This marvelous DVD package is an enchanting window on a 1950's America that no longer exists. Then it was a simpler world. Good men were good. Bad men got shot. Everyone loved it. And in the end, there was America's favorite father counseling his son..."Boy, don't forget to finish your homework..."

Prime Chuck...
Chuck Connors stars as Lucas McCain, also known in some parts as "The Rifleman". McCain lives on a small ranch outside of the town of North Fork, New Mexico, with his son Mark (Johnny Crawford). His good friend is Marshal Micah Torrance (Paul Fix). This is the fourth collection of their adventures. Here are summaries and/or comments for the episodes in this set. Episode ratings are on a scale from one to five (best).

Man From Salinas (4): Lucas is acting marshal, when a bank robber drifts into town. McCain wounds the man when he attempts to escape, after robbing the town bank. The news that the man is badly hurt and expected to die, is telegraphed to Salinas, the town the man just came from. There, an unscrupulous fellow (Robert Culp), aware that there is a large reward on the dying man, schemes to come and claim the body. A suspenseful episode, featuring the acting of the charming, smooth-talking Culp.

Two Ounces of Tin (4): Sammy Davis Jr. guest stars as "Corey" a trick shooting gunfighter. Out to avenge the death of his father, he has a huge grudge against the lawmen of North Fork. Corey threatens to kill whoever wears the Marshal's (tin) badge. Unaware of this, Mark does the stranger a good turn, and in return he receives a jaw-dropping exhibition of lightning fast gunhandling and trick shooting. Lucas however is not impressed. As acting marshal, he is Corey's next target. Davis's fine performance as a lonely man with too much pride is both emotional and tragic.

Waste (4): This two-part adventure finds Lucas, Mark and Micah traveling near the Mexican border where they run into a gang of banditos in an abandoned town. Veteran character actor Vito Scotti, who specializes in portraying ethnic characters, is truly loathsome as the leader of the banditos (lovely dental work). They capture Lucas and Mark, and lead them to Micah who is buried up to his neck in the ground. Soon McCain is digging a hole preparing to join him in the dirt. Only Lucas's quick action saves them from the ruthless band of outlaws. McCain has all he can handle trying to save their lives, and is also called on to do an unexpected service, receiving feminine gratitude for his trouble. Mark is a real pain, not following his father's instructions and constantly asking questions. Micah is too injured to be of any help whatsoever. Of interest, is the fact that this tale was written by actor Robert Culp.

The Deadly Image (3): It seems almost every TV program from the 60's used this gimmick sooner or later, as Chuck Conners plays a dual role. "Earl Bantry" is a lookalike for Lucas McCain. When Bantry commits murder, a witness believes that McCain is guilty. The lookalike and his partner reach North Fork, causing a ruckus. Marshal Torrance gets careless, and winds up unconscious on the floor. Then the men head for the McCain ranch for more "fun". "Bantry" is particularly dislikable, and it is probably a safe guess that Conners enjoyed being the "bad guy" for a change.

The Rifleman Volume 4 is the best of the collections in this series so far. The stories are well written, and action packed. The guest stars are excellent, with depth to their characters. Justice is swift and McCain exceeds his average of one kill per episode. As usual, women are almost nonexistent. The transfer to DVD is excellent, the only complaint about this series is that there could easily be more than five episodes per disc. At this rate, it will take 34 DVD's to present all of The Rifleman episodes. Do you have the shelf space? ... Read more