Reviews (24)

wow!!!this really is SUMMER MAGIC
what can i say hayley mills is a disney legend,and this movie is one of her masterpeices beside THE PARENT TRAP,THE MOON-SPINNERS,POLLYANNA...and many other disney films this movie has an excellent plot and a wonderful cast i give this 5 stars!!!

Delightful picture
This picture may not be rich in plot but it has a wonderful air about it that will make you feel good all over.When I was a child I begged my parents to take me to this movie. My parents ignored me and took me to a movie they wanted to see. As it turned out the movie they wanted to see had a sneak preview of Summer Magic. For years I have resisted purchasing this Hayley Mills classic. I don't know why I waited. It is excellent.

Corny
This movie is very corny. It is also annoying. It is a little unrealistic that everything would work out so well for this family. It is horribly corny. It is unbelieveable because Hayley Mills has a British accent and her family does not. Burl Ives's role is also cheesy (what else is new), and the name of the dude who owns the house's name is stolen from the bass player is Aerosmith, Tom Hamilton. The movie glorifies old ideals, such as country being better than the city. U should stay away from this one. It is not worth a stinking penny.

It's really good!
I love the end part when the owner of the house shows up and they dance and everyone just stares at him. Isn't he cute?

Soft Summer Magic
Hi! I'm Becky age 14. I've watched this a couple times, and loved it all the times. It does not include any offensive words, or anything eles concernig PG-13 movies. I wasn't around when Hayley Mills was a huge star or seen the rest of her movies or anything, but she did a wonderful job of acting. The special effects aren't incredably great by todays standards, but include that Disney Magic. Oh yeah, and the plot it great, a little slow in parts, but still great. This got boring after a while, so rent it a video rental store before you by it. Have fun! ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Hayley in her element
Hayley Mills stars in the Disney thriller THE MOON-SPINNERS, a sinister and menacing story set against the dramatic backdrop of the island of Crete.

Nicky Ferris (Hayley Mills) and her aunt (Joan Greenwood) are travelling through Europe. Her aunt is a music historian from the BBC and is recording folk songs from the remote villages.

They travel into Crete, staying at the Moon-Spinners Inn, run by a kindly lady (Irene Papas) and her young son. However, some shady dealings are being done, with the owner's brother (Eli Wallach) heavily into astrology and smuggling.

Nicky finds herself thrown into a world of espionage and theft, and finds the love of her life.

Also featuring Pola Negri in a rare film appearance, THE MOON-SPINNERS is one of Hayley Mill's best Disney films.

EXCELLENT MOVIE
I first read the novel "Moon Spinners" by Mary Stewart and enjoyed the book thoroughly. When I saw that there was a movie based on the novel I was a little skeptical, but Disney usually does a great job so I decided to give it a try. If you like Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, you will definitely enjoy this movie. Hayley Mills is wonderful as usual and the movie contains great suspense and mystery with just a touch of romance. I liked it so much, that I purchased the movie so that I could watch whenever I wished.

Now I want to go to Crete and have an adventure!!!!
The Moon-Spinners has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. Hayley Mills is the all-american girl....err...except for the fact that she's English (it makes no sense, but it is completely true). She gives a genuine performance and most girls can relate to her. I will not deny that this movie is completely cheesy, but it is all in the best way. This movie has everything; adventure, romance, drama, mystery, and is set in the beautiful isle of Crete. The love story is unique and original and will make you smile all over. This movie was acclaimed for being Hayley Mill's first onscreen kiss and I have to admit that it's a good one. I love how this movie embodies the essence of crete, with the beautiful beaches and little villages. I recommend this movie to people of all ages.

I love this movie, but...
I will not buy the DVD until I can get it in a W-I-D-E-S-C-R-E-E-N Edition!!! What good is beautiful Crete if it's panned, scanned,sliced, diced, and squashed? I want the whole picture, not 2/3rds!

Great movie! Full of exitment and adventure!
I think this is a wonderful movie that can be seen again and again! The acting is very good and there are some exiting moments to add suspense.
Hayley Mills and Peter McEnerny are both exellent in their roles and the acting of Irene Papas and Eli Wallach was also very good. You should get this movie and watch it with your children, it will be a great experience! ... Read more

Description

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

Reviews (7)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (7)

BONANZA Restored To Its Original Quality!
Bonanza is at last available as its meant to be...Digitally Mastered, original music, the burning map, and the beautiful watercolor drawings of the opening and closing credits.

The various repeat airings on television since the series ended were edited by up to 10 minutes to allow for more commercial time. This DVD presents the episodes in their original form. And the picture quality is no doubt better than the quality of the then-new color TVs when the series originally aired.

May this Volume 1 sell enough that Republic/Artisan continue to remaster the original prints from the series. There are many classic episodes that have never seen release on video, and were sadly edited in tv repeats...

Springtime, The Hayburner, Hoss and the Leprechauns, The Wooing of Abigail Jones, etc.

The original masters of the Bonanza series need to be restored and preserved on DVD.

For die-hard Bonanza fans only
The class act in classic TV westerns seems to be Have Gun Will Travel, which works on many levels and effectively engages the modern audience. Bonanza fans may appreciate the excellent DVD transfer, gorgeous settings and selection of episodes in this product. But the rest of us would be better advised to select something with vision and adult-level dialogue going for it.

Why not Season Box Sets?
This is a great compilation of classic episodes of one of the best shows in TV History.My only complaint is the lack of the deserved respect for such a show.Many classic shows from the 60s and 70s have been released in wonderful quality season box sets.Why not Bonanza?

A Western classic!
So,the waiting time is over.A beautiful DVD in Top Quality of the great Bonanza TV-Show.I am astonished about the remarkable Choice about the episodes.The Crucible and All about Walter,one dramatic and one funny,are truly some of the greatest from the complete Run.And the Orginal Sound and Opening Sequence let the heart jump.Bonanza Fans,this is the first real deal on DVD.Buy it and lets hope there will be more.And my wish is that there will be more classic shows like Branded,Man called Shenandoah,Lancer,High Chapparal,Bronco,Laramie or Gunsmoke.I think there is a big market for these treats.

great all around dvd
this is the best dvd yet and i would highly recommend. i too will be waiting for future editions from artisan. now if we can only get alias smith and jones by someone like "artisan"!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Thanks to ultracrisp Technirama photography of great mountainside and river gorge locations in Colorado, Night Passage is often terrific to look at; you can almost feel the autumn sun and brisk air.This should have been another classic Western pairing James Stewart with director Anthony Mann.But after choosing the locations, cast, and crew, and directing the precredit sequence, Mann abruptly resigned.He found Borden Chase's screenplay an "incoherent" rehash of relationships and setups from their previous films, nor was he encouraged by Stewart's determination to play the accordion and sing.Stewart's an ex-railroad cop who became a pariah by letting a prisoner--Audie Murphy's "The Utica Kid"--escape.The two cross paths again in a ghost town where Dan Duryea, doing a zany version of his loony outlaw from Winchester '73, has holed up with his gang.Replacement director James Neilson, a newcomer destined for bland Disney servitude, fosters a lot of flatfooted standing-around.--Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

SUPERB STEWART WESTERN
Night Passage is a classic western from an era when James Stewart stars as an accordion toting cowboy out to regain his good name and his younger brother, a kid gone bad portrayed by Audie Murphy. Stewart is out to deliver the railroad's payroll, redeem his brother, save the kid (Brandon DeWilde of Shane fame), and, though not his major motive, get the girl. He scores on every count.

Though predictable in its story, Night Passage is absolutely watchable and enjoyable. James Stewart is irresistible in a role not unlike others he had in Winchester '73, The Man from Laramie and Destry Rides Again. Audie Murphy is wonderful as the man in black who can't resist Stewart's renditions on the accordion of their father's favorite folk songs. Add the panoramic beauty of the west and you have a winner.

Douglas McAllister

Very good but unjustly-overlooked western.
Jimmy Stewart served in World War II in the dangerous role of a bomber pilot, and the experience clearly toughened the image he portrayed in the series of westerns he made after the war. Night Passage is a very good western and the role Stewart portrays is far tougher than the amiable character he played in the pre-war comedic western Destry Rides Again. Another thing I like about Night Passage is that it features a fine performance, as Stewart's outlaw brother, by Audy Murphie -- WW II's most decorated soldier, and a much better actor than the B movies he most often appeared in gave him a chance to show. Still another interesting aspect of Night Passage is a significant role for Brandon de Wilde -- a fine young actor who, regrettably, is all but forgotten except for his role as the boy Joey in Shane. Then there's Dan Duryea in an over-the-top performance as the ruthless leader of a band of train robbers. For some reason Night Passage has never achieved the recognition it's script, cast, and performances deserve. I hope its release on DVD will help cure this oversight. If you like westerns, please give Night Passage a try.

One of the hidden westerns gems!
Cain and Abel once more work out for this western. Stewart works for the railroad and his brother belongs to a gang which is planning to rob train payroll.
This story turns around the ancestral myth of two brothers who live exactly opposite proposals.
Stewart made a credible role and Audie Murpphy is unforgettable too with this plot.
Believe or not this western - to me - has been underestimated, but it well deserves for you a sight. May be you 'll be surprised.
The climax is superb and towering.

NOT THE USUAL BACON AND BEANS WESTERN FARE
When it comes to westerns we like to think of stars like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Tom Selleck (of late). But Jimmy Stewart is a name that should absolutely come to mind every time. Stewart sits his horse well, is believable in hat, boots and spurs, and seems more believable as the consummate good guy of the west.

NIGHT PASSAGE, the story of a shamed railroad troubleshooter who is out to redeem his name and his younger brother who has gone bad (Audie Murphy), showcases Stewart's considerable acting abilities very well.

And it's a musical western to boot! With toe-tappers like "You Can't Get Far Without a Railroad" and "Follow the River" both sung by none other than Jimmy Stewart, and a striking soundtrack that beautifully complements the mountains and skies that form the backdrop for this one and you've got nothing short of a very enjoyable western.

No, this isn't a western of the predictable genre but it's a breath of fresh air when all you've had is the bacon and beans set for your last ten western viewings. You want John Wayne then watch John Wayne. But don't miss this Jimmy Stewart classic. Available at last on widescreen DVD!

Might Have Been
This is a pretty intriguing picture if only because it's a case of a potential classic that didn't come off. It marked the beginning of Anthony Mann's decline as a director; he walked off just as shooting began, the same stunt he would pull on "Spartacus" two years later. James Stewart, who was his own producer for most of the Fifties, was furious, as well he might have been, and never worked with Mann again, despite their wonderful collaboration on eight previous movies. Its a shame the two of them couldn't have cooled off, put their heads together, and ironed out the script problems. There is some beautiful and novel material in "Night Passage," the story of an outlaw gang preying on a new railroad in the Colorado mining territory. Great performances by everone, especially Audie Murphy. It just needed a stronger hand at the helm to pull it all together. ... Read more

Description

High-spirited sequel to The Trouble with Angels, starring Rosalind Russell reprising her role. Stella Stevens stars as a modern nun who convinces the Reverend Mother to take the girls on an unforgettable bus trip to a California peace rally. All-star cast: Rosalind Russell, Stella Stevens, Susan St. James, Van Johnson and Milton Berle. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Where Angels Go, Boredom Follows
Although this sequel to THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS offers Rosalind Russell reprising her role as the Mother Superior of St. Francis and head of the convent's girls school, WHERE ANGELS GO TROUBLE FOLLOWS is a dismal sequel in which the girls make a cross-country outting--and in addition to playing pranks and flirting with boys also find themselves threatened by various unsavory characters they encounter along the way; meanwhile, the conservative Rosalind Russell strives to check the excesses of the ultra-liberal Sister George (played very stridently by Stella Stevens), whose determination to modernize the Holy Orders seems less progressive than just down right obnoxious.

Unlike its predecessor, the movie never strikes a good balance between comic and dramatic elements and the production values seem more akin to a television movie-of-the-week effort than a big-screen production. Russell is the saving grace of the film, a very young Susan St. James proves very attractive, and several supporting performances (including Binnie Barnes) are quite engaging--but they cannot overcome this film's many inadequacies. Miss it.

Pan and scan attrocity
This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I anxiously awaited its release on DVD. It looks like I will have to wait a while longer until they decide to give us the movie the way it was meant to be seen....in widescreen.

Come on Columbia Home Video, do justice to this and its sister movie "The Trouble With Angels" and release them in "widescreen"!!!! These are such great, vastly underrated movies, it appears even Columbia doesn't think enough of them that they would give them this shabby treatment.

If you get a chance to see them (on Turner Classics), they are WONDERFUL movies....but wait to buy the DVD. Don't buy into these pan and scan attrocities that the movie companies seem determined to thrust upon us.

Sequel lacks the charm of the first movie
I recently acquired a copy of "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows." Being a fan of "The Trouble with Angels," I was intrigued by the notion that someone had made a thitherto-unknown-to-me sequel to it; however, watching it was a disappointing experience to say the least. Rosalind Russell reprises her role as Mother Superior, and--in contrast with the first movie--is easily the most sympathetic character in the film. The activist nun, Sister George (played by Stella Stevens), comes off as a caustic, spoiled little brat, as does Susan St. James's Rosabelle character. Marvel Ann (again played by Barbara Hunter) inspires less antipathy this time around, but only because she was such a curmudgeon in the first movie. Finally, the bit players brought in to lend the film more star power (e.g., Arthur Godfrey, Van Johnson, and Milton Berle) are given painfully stupid roles.

Thus there are no memorable characters, and the basic premise of the movie--the St. Francis girls' hitting the road to participate in a youth rally of some kind--is eminently forgettable. Even the theme song, penned by Boyce and Hart and sung poorly by other people, is extremely annoying.

I will say, however, that it's interesting to see what Hollywood thought was "hip" or "with it" in 1968. The film definitely has historical intrigue from that standpoint.

Now How About a Widescreen DVD?
Wear Angels Go Trouble Follows may not as good as The Trouble with Angels but I do think it's a good movie and I enjoyed it and thought Rosalind Russell and Stella Stevens were really good though I wish Hayley Mills and the actress who played her friend were in this too reprising their rolls from the first movie. I would like to own this and also The Trouble with Angels on DVD but I don't want to buy edited pan and scan DVDs, I will just wait until widescreen DVDs are released and until than I will just tape the movies from that classic movie network that shows them in widescreen.

Pan & Scan DVD - how disappointing!
Rosalind Russell is without doubt my favourite actress. What a versatile performer and genuinely good person she was. Roz appeared in many great films (she made 51 films in total), of which only a handful is available on DVD. These include "Auntie Mame", "His Girl Friday" and "Picnic". So, when the release of this delightful film and the film of which this is the sequel, "The Trouble With Angels", was announced as coming soon on DVD I was ecstatic. Coming from Columbia Home Video (who released both "Picnic" and "His Girl Friday") I expected the very best in preparation and presentation.
What a disappointment to learn that both films are to be released in pan and scan versions only. My question is...WHY??? In this day and age where widescreen televisions are so popular and where we have come to expect fully restored versions with plenty of bonus features on DVD Columbia offers what is essentially only part of each film. And, at full price! Additionally, "The Trouble With Angels" is regularly shown on cable TV in a widescreen print so one is available! Roz deserves much better!
I for one will not be purchasing this release. My advice: don't buy only part of this film. Columbia Home Video, if you read this review, do right by Roz and release both these films in their entirety! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Is cutting off picture information "Family friendly"?
Oh, Disney! Disney! Why do you stab me in the heart so often?
This company seems to think that avoiding black little bars at the top and bottom of 4:3 television screens makes families happy and content. Why not consider us grownups instead, who are very saddened indeed to watch movies like this with the sides cut off?
Besides, what child or teenager today would tolerate viewing this movie anyhow, cropped or in letterbox format? This is definitely a film for people BORN in the fifties and sixties. Yes, it's overlong! Yes, it's corny a lot of the time! Yes, it's often dull and even boring! And yes, I still enjoy it for all its faults! But I would be ten times happier if Disney had given me this film on DVD in the correct aspect ratio of 1.78:1 - with anamorphic enhancement, of course! WHEN WILL THEY LEARN?

DVD vs VHS
I have been familiar with this film since I worked for Disney in 16mm film distribution in the 1970s. I started at Disney after just coming back from Europe, so the French settings were nice to revisit.

I am very familiar with the various negatives of this film. I agree with several reviewers that a DVD should contain the best possible picture and sound element. It should also present the film in its original, projected aspect ratio, which for BON VOYAGE was 1:85.1 (Academy 'flat') which gives the film a slight, rectangular image. However, full frame, 4 by 3 transfers of 1:85x1 pictures are not necessarily all that bad. You loose a little picture on the sides, but not really that much. Some work could have been done on color correcting, although the DVD's 'look' exactly matches the projected film.

I also agree that a few 'extras' would have been nice, even just the theatrical trailer. Walt Disney filmed 'everything' to do with his studio's product, so there must be a good amount of 'extras' for BON VOYAGE in the Disney film vaults. Why aren't they included?

Anyway, it's still nice to have this some-what overlong film back on the market. I grabbed a copy at BestBuy as soon as I spotted it. I have always felt that it was about 20 minutes too long, and that it incorporated two scenes (Fred McMurray and the French prostitute in Paris, and the attempted extortion of son Elliot on the Riviera) that should not have been in the script. The film might have done better with its intended audience. Tommy Kirk's performance as Elliot, however, is a treasure; he was a very polished actor, and gave wonderful comic relief it wasn't 'mugging' but was built solely out of his character.

Look for one mistake the original director made, and it's in the original negative, although it shouldn't have been included. When McMurray punches the Casanova in the casino at the film's end, immediately go frame by frame for a few seconds and you can see the sound stage floor, complete with ladders for the cameras, and even some of the crew in the background.

Some of the scenes bettween McMurray and James Callan (father to young suitor) still resonate even in today's society. And McMurray lost in the Paris sewers is still very funny.

THey ruined BOn VOyage!
I would like to quote a previous reviewer

"No wonder the company is about to be taken over and broken up -- DVD was introduced to be an alternative to video, to offer more than video: better picture, more extras, and most importantly, more picture. Letterboxing. Widescreen. The complete image. So what does Disney do? They take some of their most beloved live-action films such as this one, and dump it on DVD in full-frame editions. What is the point of that? Who isn't used to widescreen DVDs yet? Why should I waste my money replacing my old Disney videos with the same crappy full screen image as before? Disney just doesn't get it, and their sales show it. Quote From Viewer From New York"

I just watched it for the first time I bought it when it came out but didn't watch until today. In fact I am watching the DVD as I right htis review. I agree with you completely. The best part about it were the menus.

DISNEY DOESN'T GET IT!!!!!!
No wonder the company is about to be taken over and broken up -- DVD was introduced to be an alternative to video, to offer more than video: better picture, more extras, and most importantly, more picture. Letterboxing. Widescreen. The complete image. So what does Disney do? They take some of their most beloved live-action films such as this one, and dump it on DVD in full-frame editions. What is the point of that? Who isn't used to widescreen DVDs yet? Why should I waste my money replacing my old Disney videos with the same crappy full screen image as before? Disney just doesn't get it, and their sales show it.

BON VOYAGE!
I just ordered my dVD today from amazon.com

I have a VHS of it that I bought when it came out in 1986 but I was so anxious for this dVD to come out.

I wish that there were going to be special features on it but I bought it anyways.

Harry Willard(Fred MacMurray) and his wife Katie (Jane Wyman) go on a sea voyage to beautiful France with their 3 children. Amy (Deborah Walley) Elliot (Tommy Kirk) and Skipper(Kevin Corcoran). Amy is dead happy about the trip, Elliot couldn't care less, and Skipper is just happy anyplace. This movie starts out @ the Shipping Office in New York City. Where Amy runs into Playboy Nicholas O'Marra (Michael Callan) well they set sail on the classic ship S.S. Pacific ? I can't remember the exact name. And they have a lot of adventures on the boat. WHen they get to Paris they first go to the Eifel Tower. But Amy runs into Nick and that fumes Harry because He can't stand Nick. Well the movie rolls along and it has a lot of funny scenes. Like when Harry gets lost in the Sewer System of Paris. And when Harry meets the Lady with the mustache (ooh what a disgusting occurance). This movie ends when Harry punches the evil Rudolph for making advances to his wife in a Casino in the French Riviera. Watch for the grand theme song. Which is my favorite part of the movie.

I have been waiting for years for this movie to come out on DVD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What happens when "a poor, raggedy-old private from the Confederates" and "a big important general from the North" spend the night at McCain's ranch, stop being polite, and start to get real? You get "The Sheridan Story," one of five vintage, black and white 1958-'59 episodes from this classic Western series' first and second seasons. Chuck Connors stars in his signature role as Lucas McCain, who settles down on a North Fork, New Mexico, ranch with his son Mark (Johnny Crawford). In these episodes, outlaws and hired guns keep McCain and his trusty Winchester busy, while Mark learns about manhood ("It's staying alive and in your right senses," McCain explains). A highlight of this collection is Vic Morrow doing his Brando bit as Johnny Cotton, who buys himself a lot of trouble when he robs McCain and steals his rifle in "The Angry Gun." Sam Peckinpah directed "The Money Gun," in which ornery cuss and McCain nemesis Oat Jackford stands up to a gunman hired to kill him. "The Mind Reader" boasts appearances by John Carradine, as a traveling showman, and Michael Landon, as a young man falsely accused of murder. But the best is saved for last. "Bloodlines," directed by Arthur Hiller, stars Buddy Hackett--yes, Buddy Hackett-- in a guest appearance as the brutal patriarch who comes gunning for McCain when one of his three psychopathic sons is killed in a bar shootout. For Rifleman fans, these episodes are of the highest caliber. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A little short on action...
The Rifleman Volume 2 contains five more episodes of the popular series, but the overall quality of the episodes is not as good as the Volume 1 collection. If not for the presence of a couple of really nasty villains, and some hilarious outtakes, you could probably pass on this disc. Here's a rundown of the episodes with my ratings from one to five.

The Angry Gun (5): Vic Morrow stars as an escaped outlaw, who has stolen both Lucas McCain's money, and his precious Winchester. Morrow is marvelous, exuding pure evil, and showing little feeling for either friend or foe. He is about to finish off the Rifleman with his own gun, when Lucas's just in the nick of time ingenuity saves the day.

The Sheridan Story (2): This one is aimed at the heart. A disabled Confederate veteran turns up at the McCain ranch. Later, General Sheridan, the man who wounded him also arrives at the McCain's. Both men confront their past deeds, reflect on the tragedy of war, and then even begin to try to heal old wounds. This one's short on action and long on words.

The Money Gun (2): Jackford is a man with a lot of enemies. One of them brings hired gun, Tom King (John Dehner) into town to kill Jackford. King and McCain are old acquaintances who don't like each other. Lucas and Micah must do what is necessary to keep the peace. Too much posturing, and not much tension in this one. The ending is weak. Not one of Peckinpah's better efforts.

The Mind Reader (2): A man is shot in the back on the streets of South Fork, and a young Michael Landon is held for the crime. Lucas tries to find out who really did the deed. John Carradine is a travelling mind reader who seems to know something about who committed the crime. Though the identity of the real killer is a surprise, the episode really doesn't deliver much of a punch.

Bloodlines (4): Three brothers take things a little too far in the town saloon, and one brother ends up dead when Lucas and Micah intervene. Funnyman Buddy Hackett guest stars as Daniel Malakie, the father of the boys. And Pa is in a mean and nasty mood. First it's a jailbreak and then cold-blooded murder, as the Malakie's go on a rampage of revenge. This one has plenty of action, with the scruffy Hackett even getting a much-needed bath.

Volume 2 has bonus features, the most notable is a four minute long clip of outtakes that gives you a real taste of what the set was probably like. Very funny, with music track, and lots and lots of profanity. The Rifleman set was probably one big "boys club", with too many guys cooped up together, for too long. So we get Chuck Connors joking about kissing other men, and swearing up a storm. Great fun, but definitely not for the kids.

I've said before, this is mainly for the guys. Once again, almost no women are featured in these episodes. Only one actress even has any lines! Get this one only if you're a hardcore fan, otherwise wait for Volumes 3 and 4.

We hope for further volumes in this outstanding series!
MPI Home Video breaks new and welcome ground with the launching of a series of classic television programs in a DVD format for the home entertainment market. The Rifleman was one of the most popular of the westerns that dominated a early decade of American television and starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. In Volume 2 (0-7886-0323-X, [amt.], 145 minutes) we are treated to "The Angry Gun"; "The Sheridan Story"; "The Money Gun"; The Mind Reader"; and "Bloodlines". The DVD format allows viewer bonuses which include cast biographies, a Rifleman photo gallery; episode outakes, and English subtitles option for the hearing impaired. We can only hope for further volumes in this outstanding western series drawn from television's yesteryears! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

it all comes back!
Bonanza was the first series I watched on tv and it's great to see it back. This is a real good buy: eight episodes of good image and sound quality. The stories are a bit too simple for these times, but these episodes sling you right back forty years ago when you were a twelve year old kid. Great! Everything seemed clear and simple then. Hum. Curious but fun.

Bonanza Episodes.
This dvd has two discs with a total of 8 episodes. A snap case and double sided.[Brentwood home video] Episodes are,Disc 1 side A.1. Escape to Ponderosa.2. The Ape.Disc 1 side B.1. The Bloodline.2. Death at Dawn.Disc 2 side A.1. Blood on the Land.2. Badge withouit Honor.Disc 2 side B.1. Day of Reckoning.2. Desart JusticeThe sound and picture is very good you can hear clearly and see clearly but the bad thing is how many times are they going to re..release the same episodes over and over again???Features are simple....play,choose sceen and the story of Bonanza.If you don't have these episodes on dvd or vhs do buy this one, because of the picture and sound it's worth the money.I bought this in a video store just a short time ago and I couldn't pass it up so I thought I'd pass some info to other amazon buyers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What A Wonderful Episode
This is an excellent episode.Hoss finally gets to meet his uncle Gunar who turns out to be a comanchero.Nevile Brand is great playing the long lost uncle who in the end is not what he appears to be after all. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very emotional Bonanza.
But fun. It's about a boy who's struggling to get over his father's death when Ben killed him in self defense. It's fun, emotiomal, dramatic, and many more adjectives I can't think of right now. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A widower rancher and single father ain't your typical TV Western hero. But put a Winchester in his hands and he becomes the Rifleman. Chuck Connors may have struck out as a major-league baseball player, but he was a hit as Lucas McCain in this classic 1958-1963 series that was reportedly Leonid Brezhnev's favorite American TV show. When the former Russian leader visited the U.S. in the early 1970s, he requested to meet Connors. This DVD contains the series' first four episodes, in which McCain and his idolizing son Mark make a fresh start in the "new and mighty fine country" of North Folk, New Mexico. The Wild Bunch director Sam Peckinpah wrote the first two episodes. In "Sharpshooter," McCain takes on the corrupt businessman who has rigged a turkey shoot (that's Dennis Hopper as McCain's competition). In "Home Ranch," henchmen of cattleman Oat Jackford drag McCain from a horse and burn his ranch to run him off his property. Peckinpah is at the reins of the episode "The Marshall," which introduced series regular Paul Fixx as redeemed sheriff Micah Torrance. The Peckinpah touch: one character is blown away with wind-tunnel force, and McCain himself is gunned down. "End of a Young Gun" guest-stars a pre-Bonanza Michael Landon as a bank robber who re-evaluates his life while recuperating from an injury at McCain's ranch. A bonus episode features veteran character actor Jack Elam as a local bully who is taught a lesson by a visiting Italian count. These episodes are surprisingly gritty and brutal. When McCain gets fired up, he goes ballistic. "I'll kill your stock and burn your barns," he threatens Jackford in "Home Ranch." But when things really get tough, he still takes time to teach Mark the story of Job. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Rifleman Vol 1 - A Revisit after forty years
I first saw " The Rifleman " series in Singapore in the mid 1960s. My family enjoyed watching this show. In particular, my elder brother and I grew up with the western films - on screen and TV. After more than 40 years, I still remember vividly Chuck Connors as the super-hero Rifleman. I really enjoyed this DVD and saw all 5 series in a row. I long for more, as the Rifleman is a different kind of hero from the modern hero I see today. The Rifleman balances both compassion with justice in withholding right values against wrong.There is a sense of genuinness when he fought for justice compared with today's heroes.
The 5 shows are very clear with superb sound and voice clarity. Till today, Chuck Connors remains my favourite hero and justice icon.

Terrific, Peckinpah-Directed Episodes Best
The first episode (pilot episode) is the best. Episodes handled by Sam Peckinpah are the best because they have a somewhat harder "edge" and never get "sappy" as this series did in its last year or so (this DVD has the most Peckinpah episodes).

Too bad we get shortchanged, this DVD needs at least two more espisodes. DVD's longer service life makes it worthwhile to upgrade to have the best episodes of the best western series.

"The Rifleman" is superior to the other westerns of its era, nearly 30 years after its debut, this series was a prime component of one cable channel's lineup. Surprisingly, Conners began a short-lived attorneys series immediately after "The Rifleman" went off the air. This series was a coming together of talented actors with good chemistry together, mostly good scripts, and the best music of any TV show ever.

The Rifeman...The story begins.
"The Rifleman" was on TV before I was born, and though I dimly remembered the show growing up, I really became acquainted with the program when it was carried for a time on the Family Channel a few years ago. I enjoyed the program immensely, attracted by the relationship between Lucas McCain and his son Mark. Wonderful acting by the tough as nails Chuck Connors, and the adorable Johnny Crawford. Time really flies watching this program, it seems that it has only just begun, and then suddenly it's over. The same can be said of this DVD, as the episodes seem to quickly slip by one after another.

McCain is a single father, trying to find a new life with his son in North Fork. His goal is to teach his son what he needs to know to survive in the old wild West. McCain's methods are basic "tough love", and may seem harsh by today's standards. But underneath the gruff exterior, is the true warm love of a father for his son. A similar treatment is applied to others undergoing life crisis, like the alcoholic Micah Torrance, and Michael Landon's outlaw character, as well as many others in future episodes in order to help them see the error of their ways.

Issues of morality are typically presented as black and white, compromise is usually out of the question. Justice is often administered by McCain's tricked out Winchester lever-action rifle. Some episodes (particularly Peckinpah's), not necessarily in this collection, are particularly violent. The violence is treated as necessary, but the dead are not dwelt upon, and therefore the effect is softened, and passes as we fade to the commercial break. McCain kills only when forced to, and as a last resort.

Others may not agree, but "The Rifleman" is a show about men, primarily for men. Sure, it will find an audience with some women, but this show definitely has a masculine view of the world. In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, there may more of an audience for a program where moral issues are clear, and justice is swift.

My only complaint is that there is not enough material included. Five episodes is good, but six, seven, or eight would have been better. Sorry, but I'm greedy, and don't want to buy an excessive number of DVD's to complete a series (like Star Trek or Twilight Zone). Volumes 3 and 4 already scheduled for release, so we can look forward to more Rifleman DVD's. Picture quality is excellent, and Elmer Bernstein's moving music comes in at all the right moments.

Whether you are not familiar with this series or not, this is definitely the place to begin. And thanks to MPI Home Video, there will be many more adventures on DVD to look forward to. This collection is highly recommended, and the best is yet to come.

One of the most popular westerns
MPI Home Video breaks new and welcome ground with the launching of a series of classic television programs in a DVD format for the home entertainment market. The Rifleman was one of the most popular of the westerns that dominated a early decade of American television and starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. Volume 1 (07886-0314-0, [amt.], 140 minutes) of the Rifleman series begins the debut episode "Sharpshooter" which introduced the principle characters as Lucas and Mark arrive in the North Folk area to buy their own ranch. In "Home Ranch" the McCains find themselves targeted for expulsion by a highhanded trail boss and his crew. "End Of A Young Gun" has Lucas compelled to give refuge to a young bank robber whose leg had been injured while saving Mark from falling off a cliff -- the enforced stay with the McCain family has unexpected consequences! "The Marshal" introduced a series regular as Lucas gives work to a drunk who was once a famous lawman -- and helps Micah Torrance regain his sobriety and a place as the Marshall of North Fork. "Duel Of Honor" features an Italian Count provoked to a gun challenge by rowdy cowhands.

TV Western classic
Once you get beyond the kitschy intro and the occasional schmaltz, you get some outstanding early work by Sam Peckinpah and other western writers. Three or four out of the five episodes in this first series were written and in some cases directed by Peckinpah. None are simple good guy/bad guy stories, and the acting as well as the scripts are above average. ... 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 (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