Reviews (20)

Bette As Janis
Those of us of a certain age well remember the ultra-talented and ultimately doomed 60s icon, Janis Joplin.

In this thinly disguised Joplin biography, Bette Midler outdoes herself as an out-of-control, incredibly talented, self-destructive singer who turns to the bottle, sex, and anything else she can to hide from her intense inner pain. It sounds like a cliche, and by now it is, but that was Janis--and Bette does her one better. Her angst shines through with great poignancy, even when she is belting out hit after hit, responding to her audience as though she is making love.

Hard living, hard boozing, and bent on destroying herself, the singer has us riveted to her story. Her tearful phone call to the father who never approved of her is one of the high points of the film: Bette pulls out the stops.

Alan Bates is divine as always as the singer's manager, but this film belongs to Bette. If you are not aware of Midler's incredibly wide-ranged talent, this is the perfect movie. It can make you a lifelong fan.

Leaving off one star due to the directores missteps
Pure, powerful, raw, intense and unforgettable. This movie really is all those. Bette Midler took a role that legally had to change it's main characterization and managed to give that years best (yes, even over Sally Field) performance. She is thee reason to watch and though the time period should have been more defined it still gives a sense of how music was changing to the corporate [stuff] we now have before us.

After many years, still powerful...
This film brings back memories, and I'm glad the DVD finally came out, though there are no extras. Bette, in her film debut, was brilliant and deserved every award she got. Often compared to Janis Joplin, I think the screenplay of Bill Kerby & Bo Goldman gave Midler a bit more personality and personal angst. Midler handled it all like a seasoned pro. A truly excellent performance. Her concert scenes were good, too. Frederic Forrest was nominated for an Oscar, and he was quite fine (he was also in "Norma Rae" with Sally Field, who won the Oscar over Midler in '79). But it was Alan Bates as the oily, manipulative agent (baby-sitter?) who truly deserved recognition. The Oscars also recognized the film for its Sound and brilliant Editing. Sorely missing from the nominations were the Adapted Score and the wonderful title Song, written by Amanda McBroom. This is a powerful and entertaining film, with fine acting and great direction by Mark Rydell, loaded with humor, pathos and sadness, and all brought to life by the remarkable Bette Midler.It's worth watching again. Also, watch for David Keith (her personal bodyguard/masseur, later on), who later made such a strong impression in "An Officer and a Gentleman".

Great movie...so-so DVD
First of all, this is a fantastic movie with a great searing performance by Bette Midler and electrifying musical numbers. However, I am disappointed with the lack of features. It didn't keep me from buying the DVD, as I did not own this movie previously. The only features are a theatrical trailer, some trailers for other movies and DVD issues, as well as a commentary by director Mark Rydell. A movie like this definitely deserves a Special Edition, single-disc or double-disc. However, I bought it in Best Buy for $9.99, so for $10, it's a good DVD, but in the future, I'd love to see a special edition.

Another pro to the DVD, besides a commentary and a low price, is the picture and sound quality. Much better than what I saw on television, although it could probably stand to be restored to even better quality. Maybe on the Special Edition DVD, if there ever is one, it will be fully restored.

All in all, if you don't own this movie, like I didn't before I bought this, then buy it, even though it's pretty bare bones. If you own the movie on VHS, I'd hold out for a Special Edition, unless you absolutely have to own it on DVD, then go for it!

The Rose - close corollary to a Carly Simon Saga
For any of the 'young'uns' out there in Lurker Land, this 'old' 'dude' wagers that not only will s/he *not* recall, s/he would not give a 'hoot' re: the close correlation between any of Miss Carly Simon's (btw, we're touching on the Simon and Schuster Publishing House, 'case you _care_) well-articulated, heart-on-her-sleeve heartwrenching songs, Miss Joplin, and every single Decent -and- tormented Lady -and- Gentlemen since Woman was fashioned to be Man's companion (boo! hiss! evolution SMELLS).

Translation: The Rose, like Ms. Simon's many pouring outs of her heart into her music, is no less than The Story of A Good Woman in Lonely Agony ... not that her scuz of a 'manager' ... or even her 'fans' ... could *really* give a 'holler' .....

How can I emote this strongly, you may be wondering / not welcoming ... well, chiefly 'coz, 23 YEARS after viewing Bette Midler in THE ROSE in our Student Auditorium at College, in my own world, I've yet to find confirmed in the fickle, hypocritical, abusive, neglectful, tormenting, uncaring, unfeeling JERKS that are my felllow "men" (-and- women !) more so gracious, loving, kind hearted, mature, and principled "ladies and gentlemen" than, ruefully, the aforementioned, assorted, fruits and nuts.

And no, I am not happy about it. And yes, I think I and those who suffer this CRUEL world in the way Bette so superbly depicted dear Janis as having had to, only can speak of the hurt, the pain, the loneliness and the terrible torment foisted on us. You Go, Rose !! ... Read more

Reviews (41)

On Golden Pond is GOLD!
What a great film! I've purchased several DVD movies that ended up just sitting on my shelf collecting dust after 1 or 2 viewings. ON GOLDEN POND is not one of them. This film is a classic that I could watch over and over. I feel the story has some important things to say. It makes you look good and hard at your own life, your own family relationships, and your own fears concerning growing older and death. I like to think I have a deeper understanding and respect for seniors each time I see this picture. Henry Fonda and Kate Hepburn are wonderful and perfectly cast. Great chemistry! Jane Fonda is great too. (I wish she'd start making movies again!) Jane wanted this film made so that she and her Father could act in a picture together before his death. This film is a perfect blend of comedy and serious subjects all rolled into one. If your heart isn't touched by this one, there is no hope for you! I really enjoyed the DVD documentary on the making of the movie. Mark Rydell has a lot of interesting things to say in the director's commentary also. There are interviews with Jane Fonda, Dabney Coleman, Doug McKeon, Mark Rydell, and Ernest Thompson, the author and screenplay writer of ON GOLDEN POND. I wish there had been some sort of interviews with Henry and Kate. I believe the documentary was probably done fairly recently. Everyone looks a little older than they appeared in the movie. Doug McKeon(played 13 year old Billy Ray Jr.) looks to be in his early 30's during his interview. Well... If you are still reading, here is my recommendation.... BUY THIS MOVIE! I really feel I got my money's worth from this DVD.

One Of The True Classics.
This film goes beyond description. A feel good movie.....a drama.....a comedy.......call it what you will, but nothing changes the fact that "On Golden Pond" is one of the graetest films of all time. It's undeniably hillarious, but at the same time it's terribly heartbreaking/heartwarming. The whole thing rolls out as nothing short of a work of art. Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda were never better, ESPECIALLY Henry Fonda. As Norman, he evokes the most laughs, the best scenes, and gives a truly magnificent performance. Both esteemed actors won worthy Oscars.

The DVD is pretty good. The picture and sound quality aren't much better than a VHS copy, but it's satisfactory. The making-of documentary is great, and very involving. But, hey, it's pretty good for an Artisan non-special edition release!

Buy it now....you won't regret it!

P.S. I'm not really Chris; I'm his friend, Erik Morton, and have a large collection of reviews myself.

Great Family Movie
Hepburn, Fonda and Fonda are fabulous!!
This movie will viewed by families for generations to come.
There are a lot of messages about life and family in this picture.

Wonderful movie...but
Such a wonderful movie package--beautiful music, locations, and acting--of a wonderful story. It could have been made even more special WITHOUT the profanity--GDs and BSs especially. Such language may be common place in the 80's but some people such as I prefer not to listen to it--especially in the presence of children.

Gack!
I have tried to watch this movie more times than I can count and every time I fall asleep. It would have kept my attention better if an angry bear broke in the house and mauled a few of them. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Live Every Moment, as if it were your last.....
That was the tag line from this great movie, about choices, love, and death. Thats really what life is all about, if you sit back and think about it. This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I am so happy that my favorite actress was involved in it SHARON STONE brings a strong hard preformance after her best role ever in SLIVER, she comes back with a bang. This movie is definetly not going to let you down. Its about a Vancouver Architect who is in love with his wife, and his mistress. When the two women cross paths, his life becomes shattered. This movie will have you crying for more, as it ends with a.......

THE "INTERSECTION" OF GREAT ACTING AND DIRECTION
Richard Gere guides you through his life in a series of flashbacks that details his troubled marriage and the meeting of his significant other. The movie clearly keeps your attention by cleverly combining flashbacks with the present day to tell a story in an unconventional way. The storyline can probably be applied to almost anyone who views the movie. We all have shared this struggle with emotion. Maybe the critics see too much of themselves in this movie, therefore they have cast it aside in order not to shine any light on their own lives.

Loved this movie
I absolutely loved this movie. Totally feel that it did not get the acclaim it deserved. You fall head over heels with Lolita Davidovitch's character because she is so warm, loving, funny and human. Sharon Stone, while a bit of an ice queen, is the mother of Gere's child and still has a large part of his heart. My favorite part of the movie is the last scene with the women together. While they are miles apart in style and attitude, they both have an amazing amount of heart and class in their own unique way that comes through in the way neither chooses to hurt the other.

Intersection
Interesting premise here. Sharon and Richard are divorced, sharing custody of a daughter who is flirting with an eating disorder. Through flashbacks, we're shown some of the factors that led to the demise of the marriage. Mmeanwhile, we see Davidivich and Gere who meet at an auction. They hit it off and she'd like their relationship to continue on to the next phase--moving in together.

Gere must chose between the family left behind, and rekindling an old passion, and moving forward with a new flame.

Sharon Stone does a terrific job, as does Gere and Davidivich. A common situation ends uncommonly. Making choices, regret, fate, and letting go are all addressed here. Not an Oscar winner, no, but worth watching.

Such an exellent American film ... so underrated ? Why ?
Why it is so underrated ? May be because it doesn't have normal good ending ... but in my point of view - it does . The scene between Lolita Davidovich and Sharon Stone at the end ... THIS what made a real good end to this fine film .
Richard Gere is stuck between his controlfreak reach wife ( Sharon Stone )and a love of his life ( Lolita Davidovich ). He stuck between must and want . He has to pick , but he cann't . And we think , we know his final desision ... but we don't . At the last minute of this film we do find out ... and we still surprised . ... Read more

Description

Based on the novel by William Faulkner, THE REIVERS tells the story of a young boy who leaves home and sets out on a journey with his best friend and Boon Hogganbeck (McQueen), his family’s handyman.During the trip from Jefferson to Memphis, the trio learns some valuable life lessons. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Reivers
In 1969 I was introduced to a movie that changed me.I wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I grew up and at 16, having the imagery and music of the Reivers wash over me convinced me that I wanted to become a filmmaker.
The Narration of Burgess Meredith, the superb acting of Will Geer, the side of Steve McQueen that we hadn't seen often enough and the introduction of new young actor Mitch Vogel make this a well rounded movie experience.The supporting cast of Sharon Farrell, Michael Constantine and Oscar nominated Rupert Crosse give the characters and story true life.Add the souring yet folksy score of John Williams, the stunning cinematography of Richard Moore and you have the complete experience that takes you back to Mississippi in the early 1900s and reminds you why you go to the movies in the first place.

A Great Faulkner Classic
William Faulkner was one of America's greatest authors.His Pulitzer Prize winning works are renowned for his ability to capture, with affection and fascination, the culture and people of Mississippi...Southerners of allcolor, class, and gender.Many of Faulkner's stories evoke a somber toneof Southern Gothic tragedy based on his observations of racial intolerance,and the decline of traditional Southern values before the forces of greedand modernization.In contrast to his more serious works, "TheReivers" is light-hearted, comic, and thoroughly entertaining.

Themovie captures, with rich authenticity, the colorful characters ofFaulkner's Mississippi.The cinematography and music evoke the sites andsounds of a picturesque South in 1905.The cast, includingnarration byBurgess Meredith, is impeccable.The movie centers on the joyridingadventures of 11-year old Lucius McCaslin, his cousin Boon Hogganback(Steve McQueen) and their black relation (Rupert Crosse).The storyinvolves a stolen car, a 4-day odyssey from northern Mississippi to the`red light" district of Memphis, a horse race, and the life-changingexperiences of young Lucius.Will Geer, as Lucius' grandfather"Boss," offers a memorable performance when he confronts theyoung boy with his misdeeds, proving again that the word is mightier thanthe hand.William Faulkner would be proud of this movie.

Don't Forget John Williams' Best Ever Score
Like the cinematography, the beauty and details are exquisite.While you're at it try the book too, Faulkner's sweetest.

Poignant, coming of age film to delight audiences all ages.
The Reivers is a purely entertaining film about a young boy who is introduced to an adult world at the turn of the century.Perfectly cast and well- written, this film is sure to delight all audiences. SteveMcQueen is at his best, and Mitch Vogel will win your heart.Pureenjoyment!

Wonderful movie
Very well casted. Cinematography is great and so is sound track. Strong performances from all actors. I especially liked Will Geer as the grandfather. The story is always engaging and never drags. Greatentertainment for all ages. ... Read more

Description

The man behind the legend and a knowing look at the 1950's Hollywood are revealed in this dynamic bioepic of the meteoric star whose troubled life echoed his gut-grabbing performances in East of Eden, Rebel Without A Cause and Giant. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A Star is Born in James Franco!
James Franco gives a remarkable performance in this excellent biopic of James Dean. The film beautifully shows James Deans rise to fame as one of Americas Idols. It also showed many things about his life that I had no idea about. His quirkiness, his rage against his father, his love for a 14 yr old, and many others. During this time James Dean was the hottest thing in Hollywood, and it was a shame he only did 3 movies. This was a very heartfelt, touching film filled with amazing performances. I had never seen a James Dean movie, but because of James Franco's remarkable performance, I plan too.

James Dean--Re-Invented
James Dean, the TNT movie which premiered on August 5, 2001, is a worthy piece of fiction. Most notable for the remarkable performance of James Franco, any resemblence to James Dean's real life is purely coincidental. While I am happy that a movie about James Dean's life was made because it introduces this remarkable actor to a whole new generation of people, anyone well-versed in Dean's REAL life has to come away from this TNT REEL version of it, disappointed. Dean's short life was dramatic enough without additions or embelishments. This movie takes gigantic liberties with the truth which are unneccesary and jarring. At the same time, it is an affecting drama and James Franco's performance is worthy of the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice awards he won for his portrayal of Dean. I hope that TNT's effort will inspire people to seek out and watch the original performances of one of the most gifted and unique performers in movie history--James Dean.

Closest you'll ever get to meet James Dean!
This has to be, without a doubt, the best James Dean movie to date! I have been a obsessed James Dean fan ever since I saw Rebel Without A Cause 10 years ago. Out of all the movies made about him, James Franco has hit the mark on what he was like! Its almost as if Franco left his body and James Dean entered. Its eerie! The only downside is that the film was made for TNT, so it movesa bit too fast to include other major points of his life. All in all, this film is very good and the acting is great! Soundtrack is not bad either!

Very Good
I first saw this movie when it aired on TNT a few years ago and I was very impressed. I had never been a James Dean fanatic, but I wasn't indifferent either. I was born 15 months after Dean's fatal car crash and as I grew up I had heard about James Dean and saw his movies. I remember being especially moved by Dean in "East of Eden," (and falling for "Cal" alittle) when I first saw it in the 1970s. I had been told that James Dean had died in a car crash right after he finished making "Giant."

I recently bought this movie after seeing a group of Dean's friends talking about him on a special "Larry King Live." I am also reading a book about him.

James Franco does as good a job of portraying James Dean as anyone could. He did a great job of capturing mannerisms and postures, and the mumbling speech. This is a very well made movie, and a very sympathetic one. Its such a shame we didn't get to see Dean in more movie roles.

Franco retells the legend
great movie and its a tv movie and i enjoyed it beacause I love James Dean. Franco is really the person to do the job ro retell how his life went and how it suddenly left after the tradgic car crash. thought the movie at the end said the guessed on some of the parts and it doesnt bother me. the actors really doa good job portraying who Dean worked with. a gem of a movie. a must have in anyones collection or if anyone is a fan of Dean ... Read more

Amazon.com

For the Boys is a lumpy attempt to create an old-fashioned backstage drama, replete with classic showbiz feuds, breakups and make-ups, and the often inexplicable adoration of fictional fans toward characters with dubious star appeal. Released under a cloud of accusations that the story was ripped off from the life of USO stalwart Martha Raye (who had been attempting to get an autobiographical film project set up), For the Boys didn't improve its public relations by being, well, not very good. Bette Midler stars as Dixie Leonard, a singer plucked from obscurity by song-and-dance man Eddie Sparks (James Caan) while on a USO tour during World War II. Their bawdy chemistry before audiences makes them a durable act through many years and wars to come. The problem is that they don't like each other very much, and here's where director Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond) drops the ball: the film never develops sufficient story grounds or the emotional complexity necessary for a high degree of conflict in what is essentially a two-character drama. It doesn't help that the script requires Dixie and Eddie to be on nonspeaking terms for most of the 50 years they know one another, or that the story culminates in a horribly contrived reunion on television, with both actors buried under enough flesh-aging prosthetics and make-up to make them look like Dick Tracy villains. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (12)

For the fans ...
The people that are going to LOVE this movie are all the die-hard Midler fans that are out there.

Basically, I bought the DVD Norma Rae starring Sally Field, and included with the extra features of that disc was a trailer of For the Boys, and the scene that was featured in the trailer was the one where Bette sings "In My Life" in Vietnam, with snippets of the rest of the movie playing over her singing, and the boys holding up peace signs at the end of the song. Well, perhaps needless to say I CRIED MY EYES OUT just watching the trailer. I found out soon after that she was nominated for an Academy Award for this movie, and I bought it cheap. At first I didn't like it at all, but after watching it a second time found it much better. Probably the worst thing about this goings-on was seeing the heartbreaking trailer before the movie; I was just expecting a better movie. Before this I thought Bette Midler to be annoying and insincere, but ... she is what she is.

If you can find this DVD on sale for cheap somewhere, go for it like I did.

Watchable, But Nothing To Write Home About
Seemingly suggested by a combination of Bob Hope's legendary USO tours and the toxic relationship that sometimes develops between comedy team partners (with the likes of Martin and Lewis a case in point), FOR THE BOYS gives us the story of Dixie Leonard (Midler), a rough and tough singer with a naughty sense of humor, and Eddie Sparks (James Caan), a secretly sexist comic. When the two meet on a World War II USO tour, it's loathing at first sight--but their audiences adore the combination.

Trouble is, you can't imagine why. Both Midler and Caan are expert performers, but they have remarkably little on-screen chemistry, and although they score points individually they never quite seem to be working in tandem. To make matters worse, while the dialogue is often witty, the plot is leaden, and it promptly goes off into a host of predictable directions as it drags its characters from World War II to Vietnam in order to make a series of well-intended but extremely obvious and over-worked comments about changing times and the wastefulness of war.

The supporting cast is strong, but like the leads they seem to be pulling in different directions throughout the film, and when all is said and done this rather lengthy film feels quite a bit longer than it actually is. Midler's songs are the only real highlight, and the thing is indeed watchable... but only just. The DVD package isn't anything to write home about either, consisting of a handful of trailers and television spots. For hardcore Midler fans only.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

For The Desperate.
This was one of those movies that really sounded great with possibilities, but just fell flat. The premise of two show-biz veterans, who have a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship, through 50 years of entertaining together in the U.S.O., television, amid changing public tastes, tragedies, ups, downs, wars, etc...should have made for a very entertaining saga. And, with Bette Midler as the musical female lead, how could it miss? Well, it did. Though it gets off to a promising start, and her number "Stuff Like That There" early in the film brings down the house in true Bette style, it went downhill from there. James Caan is opposite her as her sexist partner/nemesis, whose pairing with her, though a big success career wise, is rife with rivalry and contempt for the very success that the fluke of their pairing produces. They chew the scenery often, and certain scenes, such as when Bette's characters son is killed in front of her in VietNam, where she is entertaining, that are so stupidly overwrought that they are rendered emotionless. I actually went to a theater to see this movie, something I don't often do. What I still remember most about that experience is the collective audience reaction, of incredulous hilarity, when the "aged" Midler and Caan's characters meet after many years of non-communication for a begrudged public reunion. This is by far the worst "aging" make-up job that I have ever seen in a big budget motion picture... all the improbability of this movie came to a ridiculous head at the viewing of these supposed very elderly stars, who look more like burn victims, in mid-meltdown, than any elderly person I've ever known. This is a very over-long disappointment, the only value of which will be in a few musical clips that will no doubt be used in the inevitable retrospective of Bette Midler's career. Best forgotten, which it mostly is.

A Movie You Don't See Everyday!
For the Boys is a really good movie. This is one of my mom's favorites and I can always remember her watching it. I can also remember listening to the soundtrack. One time we got bored so my mom deciced we should watch a movie and we watched this one. The movie is about this women named Dixie Leonard and she is a singer. During WWII she goes to Europe to sing for the troops over there, with Eddie Sparks who is very famous. This movie is about there times performing together from WWII to Vietnam.This movie also has some really sad parts and this movie almost made me even cry!!! I highly recomend this movie and if you like the movie and the music I also recomend the soundtrack.

Great Musical
Musicals by the early 90s were extremely rare but this reminds one of the days when musicals were both popular and fun as Bette Midler and James Caan play two USO singers who go all the way from World War II to the Vietnam War entertaining and wowing the army boys. Along the way is the drama that they both experience as they try to court one another while James is still married. For Bette, this should have been another hit as it had a great song off the soundtrack which could have worked as a hit single EVERY ROAD LEADS BACK To YOU as well as a great performance. In fact Bette does a better job here than in BEACHES as she has to carry more of the film on her shoulders. Her sparky, brassy, witty attitude and humor are evidenced here and she and James have impecable chemistry which allows the movie to work. It also is intersting seeing them age from middle age 40-year olds to some 90 year olds receiving awards. A great movie reminding one of the old days of musicals as well as one that tugs at the heartstrings!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Writer Ernest Thompson, who came up with the original stage play of On Golden Pond and adapted it for film, is lucky to have two giants of the screen give dignity and breadth to his sometimes trite dialogue. Henry Fonda, in his last role, plays a prickly English professor at the disagreeable age of 80. Visiting his summer house by a Maine lake with his wife (Katharine Hepburn), the old man forges an unlikely bond with a lonely boy, comes to terms with his daughter (Jane Fonda), and suffers disorienting effects of mild dementia. Even playing a tired old man, Fonda is an absolute lion of a movie star, and Hepburn brings her special spirit to the part of his worried bride. The onscreen relationship between Henry and Jane Fonda naturally makes one think about their much-discussed difficulties offscreen, but that's a side benefit in a movie that is really just a celebration of simple human decency. Directed by Mark Rydell (Harry and Walter Go to New York). --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (41)

On Golden Pond is GOLD!
What a great film! I've purchased several DVD movies that ended up just sitting on my shelf collecting dust after 1 or 2 viewings. ON GOLDEN POND is not one of them. This film is a classic that I could watch over and over. I feel the story has some important things to say. It makes you look good and hard at your own life, your own family relationships, and your own fears concerning growing older and death. I like to think I have a deeper understanding and respect for seniors each time I see this picture. Henry Fonda and Kate Hepburn are wonderful and perfectly cast. Great chemistry! Jane Fonda is great too. (I wish she'd start making movies again!) Jane wanted this film made so that she and her Father could act in a picture together before his death. This film is a perfect blend of comedy and serious subjects all rolled into one. If your heart isn't touched by this one, there is no hope for you! I really enjoyed the DVD documentary on the making of the movie. Mark Rydell has a lot of interesting things to say in the director's commentary also. There are interviews with Jane Fonda, Dabney Coleman, Doug McKeon, Mark Rydell, and Ernest Thompson, the author and screenplay writer of ON GOLDEN POND. I wish there had been some sort of interviews with Henry and Kate. I believe the documentary was probably done fairly recently. Everyone looks a little older than they appeared in the movie. Doug McKeon(played 13 year old Billy Ray Jr.) looks to be in his early 30's during his interview. Well... If you are still reading, here is my recommendation.... BUY THIS MOVIE! I really feel I got my money's worth from this DVD.

One Of The True Classics.
This film goes beyond description. A feel good movie.....a drama.....a comedy.......call it what you will, but nothing changes the fact that "On Golden Pond" is one of the graetest films of all time. It's undeniably hillarious, but at the same time it's terribly heartbreaking/heartwarming. The whole thing rolls out as nothing short of a work of art. Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda were never better, ESPECIALLY Henry Fonda. As Norman, he evokes the most laughs, the best scenes, and gives a truly magnificent performance. Both esteemed actors won worthy Oscars.

The DVD is pretty good. The picture and sound quality aren't much better than a VHS copy, but it's satisfactory. The making-of documentary is great, and very involving. But, hey, it's pretty good for an Artisan non-special edition release!

Buy it now....you won't regret it!

P.S. I'm not really Chris; I'm his friend, Erik Morton, and have a large collection of reviews myself.

Great Family Movie
Hepburn, Fonda and Fonda are fabulous!!
This movie will viewed by families for generations to come.
There are a lot of messages about life and family in this picture.

Wonderful movie...but
Such a wonderful movie package--beautiful music, locations, and acting--of a wonderful story. It could have been made even more special WITHOUT the profanity--GDs and BSs especially. Such language may be common place in the 80's but some people such as I prefer not to listen to it--especially in the presence of children.

Gack!
I have tried to watch this movie more times than I can count and every time I fall asleep. It would have kept my attention better if an angry bear broke in the house and mauled a few of them. ... Read more

Description

A veteren rancher risks everything when he recruits schoolboys to man a dangerous cattle drive. One of John Wayne's solid twilight hits, co-starring Bruce Dern and Colleen Dewhurst. Year: 1972 Director: Mark Rydell Starring: John Wayne, Roscoe Lee Browne, Bruce Dern ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Surprising...Much better than I thought...
I purchased this DVD as part of a package of John Wayne films. I had never seen "The Cowboys" from beginning to end and had always believed the story would be too "corny" -- even though I love "B" and adult westerns. But I was mistaken.

"The Cowboys" is one of Wayne's best films, much better than Duke's films I recall from the 1960s.

My only disappointment with the film was the fact that Slim Pickens appearance is too brief. It would have been great to have Slim ride along on the cattle drive.

Bruce Dern, as expected, is sensational as the villian. His fight with Wayne is well staged and an intergal part of the story.

The boys all do an excellent job.

The restoration and presentation of the film on DVD is superb. Also, John Williams's score is beauifully reproduced and is a highlight for viewers with home theater systems.

One of the Duke's best!
This is absolutely one of the best of the best. John Wayne plays Wil Anderson, a rancher forced to use young boys to get his herd to market when his men desert him in search of gold. There are many wonderful messages in this film about duty, honor, and responsibility. They are messages our nation and our young people are in great need of right now. This movie contains many memorable and haunting scenes, but none more so then when Wayne is forced into a confrontation with Bruce Dern to protect the young boys he has on the cattle drive. He gives his life, and teaches them the meaning of strength, honor, and courage. I could not disagree more with Leonard Maltin's review - the message is not to seek violent revenge; the boys simply "finish the job" they were hired to do and take the money from the sale of the herd back to Wil Anderson's wife. This film captures the greatness of Wayne's legacy, and why he is so adored by millions of Americans who hold duty and courage dear. If I had to recommend only one John Wayne film to someone who had never seen one, this would be it. Truly unforgettable!

A great "coming-of-age" Western for young and old alike
Director Mark Rydell takes the acting and physical talents of veteran and rookie actors alike and melds them into a great cowboy flick. John Wayne, in one of his last films, is his usual bigger-than-life presence as rancher Wil Andersen who is faced with the need to get his cattle to market but without any help to do it. It just so happens that "gold fever" has struck his part of the West and all of the trail riders have turned into gold miners. The only trail hands left to choose from are the 11 boys who attend the local school. Andersen is faced with the challenge of herding both the cattle and the greenhorn cowboys 400 miles to market.

Andersen hires a black cook, Jebidiah Nightlinger, to feed the troupe and, after a few short days of learning the "ropes" of cattle herding, they set off on their mission. Along the way, there are some great scenes, especially the night the boys discover the sour mash that Mr. Nightlinger has hidden in his chuckwagon and the scene where the cowboys meet up with a travelling group of prostitutes. Bruce Dern as the evil rustler, Asa Watts, is outstanding as the movie's villan. Dern has that great way of contorting his face and eyes to create that genuiunely creepy style of acting that he's displayed throughout much of his career. In the scene where he captures one of the young cowboys and pumps him for information about the cattle drive, it appears that the young man really is terrified of Dern.

By now, the reader of this review probably knows that (for one of the few times in his acting career) John Wayne dies in "The Cowboys". Without going into a lot of plot-revealing details, let me suffice to say that his death does not go unpunished. The boys deliver the cattle to market and become men along the way.

As I was watching the film, it dawned on me about halfway through that "The Duke" would have made a great football coach. Many of his lines even sound like things that a Vince Lombardi or Don Shula would say. He starts out rough, gruff, and distant from the boys as they begin the journey, but eventually becomes more of a father, than an employer, to them by his exit from the film. His pride in their accomplishments along the trail is evident in his last scene.

While not a classic Western in the mold of "High Noon" or "Shane", "The Cowboys" is a great movie for young and old alike. John Wayne fans will find that it compares favorably to many of The Duke's movies from the '60s and '70s, such as "Chisum", "El Dorado", and "Rio Bravo".

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Good Duke western
The Cowboys is a good but not great Duke western that benefits from good performances by the cast. Because all the men in town are off in search of gold, rancher Wil Andersen is forced to hire 11 schoolboys to help him drive a herd of cattle to Montana. Obvious problems arise on the trail as Andersen and his cook, Jebediah Nightlinger, try to help the boys learn how to be cowboys. Andersen, Nightlinger, and the 11 cowboys also must deal with a band of rustlers threatening to steal their cattle herd. The plot for this movie is nothing special, but it is still a very enjoyable movie. John Wayne and Roscoe Lee Browne are very good as are the kids. For a Duke western, the ending is a little shocking, but the revenge motive works here as the "cowboys" go after the rustlers. The Cowboys is a beautifully shot movie in the barren desert and the green mountains that deserves a watch to see the Duke in one of his last movies.

As usual, John Wayne is excellent as rancher Wil Andersen, who must watch out for the eleven schoolboys turned cowboys. He takes on a father role to them which is very believable by the end of the movie. Roscoe Lee Browne is also very good as Andersen's cook, Jebediah Nightlinger, who must deal with more than a little racism on the trail. Bruce Dern with his rattlesnake theme is incredibly creepy as rustler, Long Hair, although sometimes his character has been called Asa Watts. The 11 cowboys are all pretty good in their roles including Robert Carradine, A. Martinez, and Alfred Barker Jr. The DVD offers widescreen presentation, production notes, a featurette on the making of, and trailers from 13 different John Wayne movies. The Cowboys is not an action packed western, but it is still entertaining with good performances from the Duke, Roscoe Lee Browne, and Bruce Dern. For an enjoyable western with a bit of a twist, check out The Cowboys!

Who else could turn boys into cowboys but John Wayne?
If you stop and think about it John Wayne actually made several westerns that took surprising twists. In "The Searchers," Wayne played Ethan Edwards, who spends the entire film tracking the neice who had been taken by Scar's band of raiders so that he can put a bullet in her brain, only to end up taking her home. But for his legion of fans, "The Cowboys" had to be the biggest surprise of all.

As rancher Wil Andersen, Wayne finds that his hands have left him to join a gold rush and he has no one to help him get his herd of cattle to market before winter. His only option are a group of young school boys, a hot headed young gun man named Cimarron (A Martinez), and an old cook named Jedediah Nightlinger (Roscoe Lee Browne). With hardly any training, Anderson and his "cowboys" hit the trail. But not only do they have to do deal with hundreds of heads of cattle, rattlesnakes, and the elements, there are also a gang of man led by Asa Watts (Bruce Dern) following them as well.

I think that Bruce Dern had a pretty good career after this 1972 film, which was in doubt at that time because his character shoots down John Wayne in cold blood, which was definitely not considered a smart career move at the time. Wayne warned Dern he would be hated and the young actor actually received death threats. A movie in which John Wayne actually dies is always something of a shock for movie goers (e.g., "Sands of Iwo Jima"), but usually that tragic fate is saved for the very end of the film and in "The Cowboys" there is still the entire final act of the story left to be told. The one thing you have to admit is that no other actor being killed off in the middle of a western could shock you more than the Duke.

Of the young cast of the film, Robert Carradine is the one name that sticks out the most as having made a career of acting. A few of the boys were cast in the short lived television series based on the movie but just as many did this one film and never acted again. However, the choice performances in "The Cowboys" come from the older cast members, with Brown's eloquent Mr. Nightlinger having a choice encounter with Colleen Dewhurst, who plays a madam escorting her stable of pretty young women to their next town of business. Of course, the young girls are interested in the young boys, but as she wisely declares, "The first time should be in the back of a buggy with a girl that they think they're in love with." Then there is his charming refusal, "I have the inclination, the maturity, and the where-with-all; but unfortunately, I don't have the time."

Of course Wayne's character slowly comes around to the idea that these young cowboys can actually get the job done, but the film requires them to complete their final rite of passage without him. This 1972 western provides Wayne with the final great fist fight of his career that say him make 174 films from 1926 when he was an uncredited Yale football player in "Brown of Harvard" to 1976 when he starred in his eloquent final film "The Shootist." When Andersen begins his final fight his tells his opponent: "I've broke my back once, and my hip twice. And on my worst day I could still beat the hell out of you." Yes, Bruce Dern must be a pretty good actor to survive shooting John Wayne in the back. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Creative Destruction And The Farmer Caught In The Middle
I am inclined to blast away at the suspected anti-capitalist bias of the film's originators. This, however, would not be entirely fair of me. This film superbly depicts the crisis many families are forced to endure when caught within the gears of economic "creative destruction." It is therefore morally imperative that we do not turn our head away from this tough to handle subject matter. This beautiful film reminds us that real people often suffer the consequences of our abstract principles. Does this alone invalidate these principles? No, but we should always be cognizant of the flesh and blood dimensions of our decisions. Mel Gibson gives a powerful performance as a proud man who is losing the battle to save the family farm. The wife played by Sissy Spacek desires to be loyal to her husband while still remaining pragmatic on how best to stabilize the family's rapidly deteriorating financial situation.

Scott Glenn plays the real hero in this movie. His character is a fair and honorable business man who warns the farmer of impending doom. The river according to all reasonable expectations will eventually destroy the farm. Even the farmer grudgingly concedes this possibility. The Glenn character offers the farmer a way out, but the farmer is bull headed and places his love for the agrarian way of life over common sense. Is Gibson's character idealistic and worthy of praise, or merely stubborn and selfish? Each person viewing "The River" will have to decide this for themselves.

The great economist, Joseph Schumpeter, originated the paradoxical term "creative destruction." Throughout history, there are always winners and losers whenever new technology replaces the older methods of earning a living. Tractors, for instance, destroyed the relevancy of horses and ploughs. This more efficient manner of tilling the soil dramatically brought down the cost of growing food. The result is that the typical consumer today spends comparatively little for vegetables at the grocery store. Unfortunately, a severe price has to be paid by those farmers who lack the ability to adjust to these improvements. At the beginning of the previous century, roughly half of the American population earned its income through farming. In the year 2000 the number has dropped to about 3%! An educated guess is that a further drop off will inevitably continue to occur. What should a viable democratic society do to address this issue? Is a Laissez Faire response appropriate, a Socialist micro management of production, or something in between? A neo-conservative such as myself opts for the third choice. The viewer once again is free to arrive at their own conclusions. I strongly, though, urge everyone to view "The River" at least once every few years. It might even behoove high school teachers and university professors to consider making this film a requirement for student credit. 'The River" is among my favorite films of all time. Please do not ignore it.

The River
A heart-land tragedy relived annually by the rain and consequential flooding of the family farmland by the adjacent river. Mels' character is sullen and cold. He is the quintessential traditional hardworking farmer. He loves his family and works almost pointlessly to keep them on their doomed property. It's difficult to watch him sulk and suffer inwardly. His character is extremely introverted and stubbornly independent. Sissy Spacek is great as the wife who tries to keep her family's head above water literally. She portrays a strong, willful and faithful person. This is a good rainy night movie. The kids are great actors and contribute a lot to the traditional values and family bonding.

The onscreen chemistry between Spacek and Gibson underscores the uncomfortable aura of the marriage in the movie. There's something strange about the couple, something that just doesn't click; a feeling of looming doom regarding their relationship. Scott Glenn's character does not help the uneasy tension.

remarkable
Take a culture that usually turns out trash and an actor who usually delivers trashy violence and somehow the director, the writers and Mel himself have turned out a truly brilliant movie, reminiscent of Grapes of Wrath, totally different from the usual Hollywood junk that so wounds America's image abroad - and it's aboput ordinary. poor. unglamorous, normal people.

Should be compulsory viewing. Slightly frantic in its piling of calamities upon the characters but the real high point is where the steel plant workers do NOT beat up the scab farm workers after the strike. At last, something American where the plot is not about sex, money, violence and fantasy.

Mixed bag
Sissy Spacek gives a terrific performance in this seldom-seen "social problem" melodrama. The topic is the plight of the independent farmer, who is much more sympathetic than he would ordinarily be because in this film he looks and acts like international superstar Mel Gibson. The genuine item is not half as pretty, of course.

Vilmos Zsigmond's cinematography is delicate and attentive; Mark Rydell's direction is ham-fisted and silly. The script is pure agitprop, and laughably bad.

If this film can be recommended (and I'm not sure it can), it would be for Spacek's performance.

Gibson Again
Another great film from Mel Gibson.....it would have been so easy to blow the characters on this one, but Gibson pulls it off in what is one of his greatest acting demonstrations ever.

The River wins on all fronts......acting, plot, historical and cultural significance......it's great to see reviews from social commentators and farmers alike......the film has the ability to stir controversy as well as inspire to more human interaction among us all.

Regardless of your personal perspective this one is worth the time and effort to enjoy, then watch again to analyze, and then.....(important last step)....watch again to make sure you remember how much you enjoyed it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

3 Excellent Episodes!
This edition features 2 of the best Mexico episodes, and a superlative Japan episode. "Bet Me A Dollar" starts as a lightheared bet between a bored Kelly and Scott, which becomes a race against time as Scotty must find his friend who has been dosed with anthtrax and has only hours to live. The little boy who guest stars in this one is especially good, and delivers a very strong performance. "Carmelita" is another great one from the Mexico arc as the boys become unwitting babysitters for infant Carmelita as "the opposition" chase after them. (Watch for a cool moment in the teaser as Cosby says a line too early and Culp has to cut him off.) "Tatia" is a very dramatic episode which sees Kelly fall for a beautiful photographer whom Scotty suspects is an opposition agent. A great moment occurs when Scott tells Kelly there's no way he's going out let him out to meet her, and calls down to the lobby to let them know they may hear some loud noises like a fight, but not to worry, it's only a sound effects record. The only drawback to this edition is the video quality of "Tatia" which is a little off, probably due to the source material. But the content more than makes up for it. As usual the other episodes are strikingly clear and beautiful. Remarkable for a series over 35 years old! This is a must have for the I Spy fan, featuring 3 of the best of the series. ... Read more

Description

In the early months of 1965, actor and screenwriter Robert Culp undertook a task that would change his life forever. Secretly working without the knowledge of the show's producers, he wrote several scripts for "I Spy." Ultimately these scripts would become some of the series' most popular and acclaimed shows. Now, for the first time, Robert Culp candidly reveals the intriguing story behind the scenes of "I Spy" in unique and exciting commentaries about this groundbreaking television series. Episodes: "The War Lord" - Assigned to rescue an attractive but impulsive young English girl being held hostage in the back country of Southeast Asia, Robinson and Scott are stymied when she refuse to leave. Co-Starring Jean Marsh. "Court of the Lion" - An Oxford-educated Zulu seeks revenge on white men by selling industrial diamonds to the Red Chinese. Co-Starring Godfrey Cambridge. "Magic Mirror" - Kelly Robinson learns that the woman he loves is linked to an exiled dictator he and Scott are assigned to investigate. Co-Starring France Nuyen and Ricardo Montalban. "Home to Judgement" - Robinson and Scott bungle an assignment and become the hunted rather than the hunters in a deadly cat-and-mouse game across a rugged midwest prairie. Co-Starring Will Geer and Robert Donner.Audio Commentary by actor/writer Robert Culp ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Culp Collection, A Must Have!
The Commentary on this second of the Culp Collection discs is amazing! Even better than the the first one. Robert Culp gets more into the personal relationships on the show, and the material on Sheldon Leonard, France Nuyen and others is nothing less than fascinating. The behind the scenes material is a real treasure, and the technical information on writing for series television is like a university course. If you're an I Spy fan do yourself a favor and get them both. As usual with this Image Entertainment DVD series the show looks breathtakingly beautiful. They did a superb job on these discs. And Mr.Culp, if you're reading this, thank you for all the great work, and there has to be a behind the scenes book in this milestone series! We're dying to read it!

The War Lord
Robert Culp is an amazing man with more talent than I can ever put into words in this review. There are two DVD's that are the "Robert Culp Collection" and I think they contain the best of all the I Spy shows. The War Lord and Home to Judgement have always been two of my favorite episodes and in seeing them again, I remember why I have always felt this way.

Written and performed beautifully, the candy cane inside the pickle on these two DVD's is commentary by Robert Culp.

If you buy no other I Spy DVD's, buy these two.

Great writing for television
Today the raves are for Aaron Sorkin and The West Wing, two decades ago it was Bochco and Hill Street Blues, but some of the writing done on I Spy (most by series star Robert Culp) was every bit as lively, crisp and topical as TV is today.
The episodes on this disk, specifically Magic Mirror and Home To Judgement, are some of the best television scripts ever produced.
This is part of a double-DVD set, with all episodes written by series star Robert Culp. I've read where Culp locked himself away in a secluded house with no phone to write these episodes, and the dedication shows.
Magic Mirror is more than just a cold war thriller, it's plot is a Shakesperean tragedy for the jet set set against the backdrop of a small country being tugged over like a rope caught in superpower's jaws.
Home To Judgement illustrates that television heroes aren't always shaved and well dressed, and that sometimes things do go wrong. The end sequence has Robinson and Scott shooting it out inside a cramped farm house with hoods whose faces you never quite see ... it is quite sureal.
Great series. A big screen movie with Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson is in the works, but I don't think it'll live up to the small screen rendition. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Affair in T'sien Cha" - A train bound for Hong Kong disappears, and Robinson and Scott are assigned to solve the mystery. Co-Starring Vera Miles. "Carry Me Back to Old Tsing Tao" - American merchant Charley Haun in Hong Kong asks agents Robinson and Scott to deliver a million dollars in back taxes to the U.S. so he can die honorably in his native village."Danny Was a Million Laughs" - Robinson and Scott do their best to keep their moving target, Danny, from getting killed, but they cannot move fast enough to save Danny's henchmen Sam and Genius. Co-Starring Martin Landau. "A Cup of Kindness" - In Hong Kong, secret agents Robinson and Scott are ordered to kill one of their own colleagues, Russ Conley, who has turned traitor. Co-Starring David Friedkin. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good to see spy series on DVD
I've been an I Spy fan for nearly 30 years, since seeing it in repeats in the early 70s, and the show is hard to find on broadcast television -- cable or otherwise. In short, this is a great DVD for fans of the series, spy genre or action shows. The DVD rocks. It's clear and the color is vibrant. That's not always the case on some DVDs or VHS releases on TV shows. Also, there's no translucent company logo that pops up on the screen. A big plus, because some companies do that too. The release order seems to be following most of the shows from the first season of I Spy. Hopefully, the company will release all the episodes. If there's any drawback it's the lack of "extras" that many DVDs come with, but that's not a true need for something like this, just a nice to have. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "This Guy Smith" - Robinson and Scott pose as vacationing fishermen at a mountain resort while attempting to ferret out an enemy agent on murder charges. Co-Starring Diana Muldaur. "Turnabout for Traitors" - Kelly Robinson is accused of being a traitor to the United States and is hunted down by his own colleagues, including partner Alexander Scott. Co-Starring Peter Donat and Ross Elliot. "Happy Birthday Everybody" - Robinson and Scott try to thwart a vengeful escaped prisoner's plot to destroy the now-retired agent who arrested him. Co-Starring Jim Backus and Gene Hackman. "Shana" - Theft of a top-secret sample of rocket fuel brings Robinson and Scott to Acapulco on the trail of a beautiful but elusive suspect. Co-Starring Albert Dekker and Gloria Foster. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Masterful Production & Acting
Robert Culp has been my favourite actor since he starred in the Western Series: TRACKDOWN. The chemistry between Culp & Cosby was blessed magic and the series went on to win dozens of top awards including 2 EMMYS and THE GOLDEN GLOBE. It was the FIRST action series on TV to be shot on actual locations from Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Greece, Africa, the U.S. and Las Vegas. Robert Culp gained my admiration not only as a most credible actor, but his talents went far beyond the realm of acting. Mr. Culp has play numerous roles, and Mr. Peter Falk has always spoken honourably of him for the roles he played in Columbo. He even wrote some of the stories for the series of I SPY, even donning dual roles. I SPY was a true, down-to-earth portrayal of the spy business. The ad lib technique of Culp and Cosby engendered a level of talent that has NEVER been equalled. Hats off to the best! Mr. Culp and Mr. Cosby, I hope you see this!!! --wes shrader ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I Spy - So Long Patrick Henry and The Warlord
Since other reviewers have commented on the high quality of the dramas on these two discs, I want to talk about the audio commentary by actor/writer Robert Culp, which is, if you are interested in how series TV was created in the Sixties, reason enough to buy these DVDs. Mr. Culp talks engagingly and personally about the genesis of the series; his troubled professional relationship with producer Sheldon Leonard; his unsuccessful attempts to get Sam Peckinpah hired onto the show as a director; the unadulterated joy of working with Bill Cosby for three years; where his script ideas came from and how they were developed; working with creative collaborators like directors Richard Serafian and Tom Gries; how John Chambers worked, unpaid, for six months to create Culp's make-up for "The Warlord"; how Earl Hagen's scores enriched certain shows -- in short, everything you've ever wanted to know about I SPY. These excellant commentaries -- thorough, entertaining, and well-researched -- add up to the book about I SPY that no one has yet written. Much thanks to Mr. Culp and Image Entertainment for these invaluable discs.

The Best Episodes Ever!
Robert Culp saved "I Spy" from being just another spy show during the James Bond craze of the early and mid-sixties. He saved it by writing intelligent scripts that were long on characterization and tight, swiftly-moving plots, a stark difference from the wincingly trite bill of fare offered up to us on shows like "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." and others. Culp's scripts showed us that Robinson and Scott were a couple of CIA working-stiff operatives with plenty of heart, rather than comic book superheroes in tight pants. Kel and Scotty sweated and suffered through their jobs, and the episodes on this first volume of the Robert Culp collection were amongst their finest hours. Honestly, this is arguably the among the finest television that came out of the sixties, certainly in the spy genre, if not in television as a whole. We owe a great deal to Robert Culp for raising the bar in television drama to establish a standard of excellence that is still recognized today. All three episodes are cases-in-point, but if I had to pick one out of the lot, I would say that "The Loser" is the finest. This episode covers an incredible amount of ground in 51 minutes and never-not once-meanders into the absurd. An excellent plot and moving, relevant dialog make for one hell of a fine viewing experience, and even the most discriminating audience will be pleased. Incidentally, the commentary tracks (there are three) are informative and entertaining, too. Thanks, Bob, for all of your hard work on "I Spy" and all of the other shows on which your talent and heart showed through. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the 1960s audiences were crazy for secret agents, and two of the coolest guys to go undercover were found on television's I Spy. Robert Culp and Bill Cosby played a pair of American agents whose cover story was that they were a pair of happy-go-lucky globetrotting athletes following the "tennis circuit." The show was considered something of a milestone in the 1960s for having an African American in a lead role, but when viewed decades later what's remarkable about the show is simply how much fun it was. In the four episodes in this package Culp and Cosby run around Hong Kong and Tokyo, looking totally cool in blazers, sneakers, and sunglasses, and their battles with agents working for "the other guys" always seem to involve beautiful women. The assignments given the unlikely agents, such as finding a foreign agent who is to be traded for an American spy plane pilot, or stopping "Red China's top scientists" from waging germ warfare, are utterly implausible. But who cares? What counts is that the agents engage in flashy martial arts slugfests with enemy agents, have gun battles in back alleys, and must always ponder the motivations of the aforementioned beautiful women. These programs epitomize escapist entertainment. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Tag You're It
This DVD contains my all-time favorite "I Spy" episode, "An American Empress," featuring France Nuyen, who was Robert Culp's wife at the time. I looked it up and it was originally broadcast on Christmas Day in 1967. I happened to catch the rerun in August just before the show was cancelled by NBC.

This episode was shot on location in San Francisco and includes Culp and Bill Cosby at their best in terms of the rapport between the two. There's also a catchy jazz theme throughout.

4 Unforgettable episodes- Spy School!
The first three episodes on this wonderful DVD are set in San Francisco. In "An American Empress", Robinson & Scott take a beautiful Chinese heiress (Frances Nuyen) on a tour of the city, only to discover that she plays an unwitting part in a plot to gain control of the government of China. The 2nd episode is one of the best of the entire series: "Anyplace I Hang Myself Is Home"; After Alexander Scott mysteriously tries to take his own life, a series of flashbacks show Scott & Robinson's early days in spy school, including their very first encounter with one another, in which both consider the other "helplessly square"!! In "Tag, you're It", our heroes return to spy school for a training exercise that goes badly wrong (look for our boys hiding out in the Haight-Ashbury district dressed as Hippies!); and in "A Few Miles West Of Nowhere", the pair investigate the killing of a fellow agent in a small town in which local vigilantes make them less than welcome. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Chrysanthemum" - Assigned to recover stolen documents, agents Robinson and Scott are ordered to assist Maximilian D'Brouget, an eager but hopelessly confused counterspy. Co-Starring Marcel Hillaire. "Dragon's Teeth" - Robinson and Scott are being introduced to George Serengi, fiance of hostess Alicia Cavanaugh, when Serengi drops to the floor, apparently poisoned. Co-Starring Mike Faulkner and Joanne Linville. "No Exchange on Damaged Merchandise"--In Hong Kong, agents Robinson and Scott seek double agent Erik Thorsten, the only person the Communists will trade for a captured American pilot. Co-Starring Kurt Kreuger and Sue Randall. "A Time of the Knife"--Missing microfilm is involved in the untimely death of agent Michael Fane in Kyoto, Japan, and places his bereaved fiancee, Jean Dillard, in great danger. Co-Starring Madlyn Rhue and Warren Stevens. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I Spy, I Like!
One of my favorite old TV series is "Man from UNCLE". With actors Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, how couldn't I like it? So when I found this DVD I though I'd try it out. And I though "I Spy" was fantastic! Robert Culp and Bill Cosby are good! There are four episodes in one DVD:

"Chrysanthemum": Agents Telly Robinson (Robert Culp) and Alexander Scott (Bill Cosby) are forced to work with Maximilian D'Brouget (Marcel Hillaire), a very eager yet not very bright counterspy.* Most boring episode of all four episodes. Very slow, I wince every time I see D'Brouget mess up, which he does quite often.

"Dragon's Teeth": While in Hong Kong, Robinson's old friend, Alicia Cavanaugh (Joanne Linville) introduces him and Scott to her fiance, George Serengi (Mike Faulkner). But while at a party, Serengi dies mysteriously.* Makes up for "Chrysanthemum". The ending was so surprising I at first couldn't believe it!

"No Exchange Damaged Merchandise": Again in Hong Kong, Robinson and Scott look all over for Eric Thorsten (Kurt Kreuger) to exchange him for a captured American pilot from the Communists.* Another good episode. Culp and Cosby's banter is very funny!

"A Time of the Knife": When Robinson's friend, Michael Fane (Warren Stevens) is killed in an accident, he and Scott are sent on a mission to find some missing microfilm with the help Fane's fiancee, Jean Dillard (Madlyn Rhue).* Culp and Cosby are really good at judo! They actually do a lot of it. But the most interesting thing about the episode is that it takes place in Japan. I live in Japan and has been to most of the places, though it's much more modern now than it was before.

Though "Man from UNCLE" is my forever favorite, I would still like to get more of the "I Spy" DVDs. People who like old movies and TV series will like "I Spy"!

Early Episodes - Work in Progress
The early episodes, in Hong Kong especially, have a certain poignancy, but they're too trite and corny and sometimes stilted to really love.

Chrysanthemum introduces "Scottie's Theme" and other tunes that were a staple of the show. Besides on-site camera work - for the most part (you can see the LA coastline in some of the scenes) the show was a vehicle for Earle Hagen's music. This episode was a Pink Panther rip-off but its saving grace was the "goodness" of the two heros and they're love of other people, their loyalty to Max, regardless of how ridiculous he is.

Dragon's Teeth is an attempt at an Agatha Christie story. You get a look at a young James Hong, playing an old man, what else? For the most part it's slow and Alicia Cavanaugh's make-up is hideous.

No Exchange ... about half-good. Has themes that