Reviews (112)

12 Jurors + 12 Great Performances = 1 Superlative Movie!
How many times have you seen the "One juror holdout" theme played out in movies and (especially) on TV shows? Probably quite a few. But none done so well and so very convincingly as the 1957 classic, "12 Angry Men". Henry Fonda's arguments attempting to persuade his fellow jurors of the defendant's "possible", but by no means "certain" innocence plays out exceptionally well in this film. This is due in no small part to Fonda's fine portrayal, as well as each of his 11 cohorts. For me, in addition to Fonda, the standout "jurors" are Lee J. Cobb and Ed "Ya Know What I Mean?" Begley. I've always wondered where this was filmed. All we ever see here is the jury room....drab, old, hot, high ceiling, big (sticky) windows, et al! Perfect setting! Very realistic looking....right down to the rickety electric fan that Jack Warden just can't seem to get started! Buy this video; you'll have to love it!

Quibble about VHS version ......... If you own the VHS version of this film, perhaps you've noticed something odd about it (I certainly did). .....

It's being played at the wrong speed! It's running too FAST !
It's not all that annoying, except in a few places where the dialogue is definitely noticeably sped up. (Particularly when Lee J. Cobb or Ed Begley are speaking. Their deep voices seem higher pitched than they ought to be.)

To bear out the above minor complaint, we can check out the running-time statistics on each package. ..... VHS running time is only 92 minutes. But the film SHOULD run 95 minutes. (And I'm almost certain nothing has been cut out in the video print.)
So, for some reason, the video makers saw fit to compress the 95-minute movie into 92 minutes. Most curious.

I'm getting the DVD version soon, which Amazon claims has a 96-minute run time (1 minute LONGER than the whole film). ??
I'm hoping this is accurate, and the DVD has been slowed down to the proper speed. Having this great film in widescreen will be a major plus as well!!

I Never Tire of It!
I received this video last weekend and have since watched it three times, all the way through. I am not the least bit tired of it yet! I love movies that have all-star casts but no real "starring role"; 12 ANGRY MEN is just such a movie. It is fascinating to watch the interaction between twelve superlative actors confined in a small space (the jury room) for nearly the entire film. All of the actors -- including Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, and Martin Balsam -- are superb. However, my favorite characters are the ones played by Jack Klugman, George Voskovec, E.G. Marshall, and Edward Binns. Klugman's character, a young man from the slums, clearly has some repressed anger but is basically a vulnerable, soft-spoken person. Voskovec's character is an immigrant from (I assume) Eastern Europe, well-mannered and thoughtful, though he becomes angry when he sees others not taking their democratic duties seriously. E.G. Marshall's character is a bit aloof and very reasoned; but unlike a couple of the others (Cobb's and Begley's characters), he is no bigot. When at the end of the movie he realizes that his judgment was wrong, he does not hesitate to admit it. Binns plays a kindly, working-class man who gives Cobb's character a few lessons in respect. And of course, Henry Fonda comes across as sincere, thoughtful, and compassionate. The superlative cast and direction (by Sidney Lumet) make 12 ANGRY MEN a classic that can be watched again and again.

Addendum
Here are two subtleties in 12 ANGRY MEN which I don't know if anyone else has remarked on. At the end of the movie, as Henry Fonda leaves the empty jury room, he looks back at the table and an odd "laughing" or braying motif plays in the music. Is Fonda inwardly "laughing" at the eleven people whom he has "put one over" on? Then he steps out of the room with a rather sinister or secretive air, looking rather like - get this - like someone LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRIME! I believe the movie is posing the question: "Who is the real criminal, here?" Maybe that's is a little farfetched, but I think there is a reason for everything is a work of art, especially in this very subtle and psychological film.

My second observation: in the opening moments of the film, we see a series of people walking by outside the jury room. First, a young man with a suitcase and the air of a stranger, then a scholarly looking fellow, then a jovial young man congratulating a bunch of people on the happy outcome of a case, and finally a guard trying to quiet the people down. I believe that these figures are meant as types or mirror-images of Henry Fonda, E.G. Marshall, Robert Webber, and Martin Balsam.

A Masterpiece
What can I possibly say about this masterpiece? It is surely one of the greatest movies, a work full of layers of meaning, of symbolism, of psychological and artistic subtleties. You can wach this movie an infinite number of times, because each time you discover something new. I would just like to bring up one often neglected point. For me, this movie shows the shift in acting styles after World War II - a shift towards more naturalistic approach close to "method" acting. Many of the younger members of the cast - such as Martin Balsam and Jack Klugman - seem to belong to this new school. Just watch such things as Klugman's slow reaction when it dawns on him that Cobb is yelling at him, or the foreman (Balsam) as he "gives up" and sulks in the corner. The movie is full of wonderful and telling details such as these. I also think that the style of this film bears some relation to Italian Neo-Realism of the 40's and 50's (eg. stark setting, realistic dialogue, and filming in "real time", including seemingly mundane actions). And has anybody noticed that this movie obeys the "unities" of classical Greek drama (of time, place, etc.)?

And to those cynics who think that this is a movie about a clever man who manages to convince eleven men that a guilty youth is innocent - think again. I have actually lain awake at night worrying that the young man probably is, after all, guilty! But for the purpose of the film it doesn't matter. This is not a whodunnit; it is about human character and human behavior, the law, how our backgrounds color our attitudes, and countless other themes. And of course it is a showcase for twelve SUPERB actors.

(But please, who wrote the text on the back of the video cover? "Eleven jurors are convinced that the defendant is guilty of murder. The twelfth has no doubt of his innocence." WHAT?!! Did this person even watch the movie?!)

A great movie about epistemology
It always pisses me off when people give The Matrix as a philosophical movie, when there are so many much more rich sources of artistic exploration. 12 Angry Men is one such example, a great movie about epistemology.

During an unseen trial, a young man of a negatively-seen ethnicity (which is never specified) is accused of the murder of his father. It is an "open and shut case", and all the jurors agree that he is guilty, except juror #8, played by Henry Fonda.

In 95 minutes, almost shot in real-time, we observe as the jurors' prejudices and emotions churn and crash in mighty waves, as each piece of evidence is examined and examined again, as every actor plays against the others. In the process, we witness an object-lesson in epistemology : what is doubt, what is evidence, how do we prove or disprove a proposition, and how people in groups act in group dynamics that sometimes are not conductive to the truth.

Politically speaking, 12 Angry Men is a testimony against juries and capital punishment, but that is not the point of the movie. It is a movie about how we judge events and how we filter the truth. And that's something that you won't get from any action movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The brilliant writer-director Mike Leigh (Topsy-Turvy, Secrets and Lies, Naked) has crafted an utterly compelling movie about one of the most controversial of topics. An irrepressibly hopeful housecleaner in 1950s London named Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton, Antonia and Jane, Shakespeare in Love) mothers everyone around her, from her own family to helpless shut-ins and lonely men living in tiny, isolated apartments. None of these people know that Vera also helps young women get rid of unwanted pregnancies, until the police appear and tear her world apart. Vera Drake isn't just an inspired character portrait; through simple and straightforward scenes, the movie weaves a quiet but mesmerizing portrait of how people--both wealthy and poor--cope with adversity. Though wrenching, Vera Drake has too much life to be depressing. Leigh is deservedly famous for his work with actors; every character brims with truth and Staunton's performance deserves every award it could possibly win. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (50)

** Subtly Beautiful **
The main actress (Imelda Staunton) who plays the charachter Vera Drake did a fine job in this movie.The movie does not hit you over the head with moral preaching about abortion ... it gives you very subtle emotions based on how those around Vera Drake respond to what she is doing when she is found out.There is no happy ending here.It is not a feel good movie, but just the same it is beautiful.I believe Imelda Staunton was nominated for an Oscar for this role.Hillary Swank (who I love) won the Best Actress Oscar this year for her role in Million Dollar Baby (another fabulous movie).I'd say between the two of them, its a tough call.

Incredible film
Genre: Drama, Foreign (English language)

Genre Grade: A

Final Grade: A

This was an amazing film about a nice little old lady doing something she believed was right. She was so innocent in her ways that she did not realize the gravity of what she was doing. Or perhaps she did but truly did not feel any remorse or wrongdoing in what she did. The acting from Imelda Staunton was superb (no wonder she was nominated for so many awards), and the story itself is extremely sad but holds a powerful message. It offers no strong conclusion, but leaves it up to the viewer to decide whether the fate of Vera Drake was fair or not.

I have my own views on abortion (which most of you know that I am strongly against it), but I can't help but appreciate the message this movie brings forth. It reminded me of The Cider House Rules in that its message gave some hint to how pro-choice people feel. It is important to me to understand controversial issues before making firm opinions on them, but even then I am never for sure, because I strongly believe that it is up to the individual to believe what they wish to believe. I am anti-abortion, but I don't think my views should be enforced on people who feel differently.

Sorry for the social commentary, I realize this is only supposed to be a movie review. Just pass it off as bad journalism.

Overwhelming
This is an important movie about the moral dilemma posed by abortion. Abortions, legal or illegal, have always been performed, and women from all social strata, have always found themselves in need of a helping hand, whether the law upheld that kind of help at particular times or not. The movie shows this by juxtaposing the women whom Vera Drake helps, who cannot pay for abortion, with those who can pay to have an abortion done by a doctor, or by showing that in some cases at least, abortion cannot be totally repudiated. We witness two such cases in the film as one woman becomes pregnant, we understand, after a man forces himself on her, or as another woman, who already has seven children, and whose husband just doesn't understand how consuming this is, cannot have an eighth. The film convincingly shows how women have to deal with their problems in secrecy, in back chambers, and continue to live life as usual and pretend that these things don't happen.

Vera Drake is a kind and generous woman, too kind and too generous, the movie shows, for the world surrounding her, the cruelty of which is encapsulated in the woman who procures "clients" for her, pocketing money from these women without Vera's knowledge, as well as doing Vera the favour of selling her various food products (such as sugar) of which, we understand, there was a shortage in those postwar years.

Imelda Staunton gives an overwhelming performance, exhibiting Vera's kindness, reliability, generosity, naivete, heartbreak, sense of shame, and, finally, despair, with great credibility. I agree with some of the other reviewers who state that the movie doesn't try to take sides. And yet I think that the police detective and the woman police constable's kindness to Vera suggest that they feel sympathy for her and even understand what she did and why she did it. I especially felt that as a woman, the female PC knows that this is a problem all women are in danger of encountering, and this could be a pointer towards interpretation of the movie. I don't know whether this is what the director intended to suggest, but I think that this is something that came across, the way I saw it at least. This is possibly one aspect of the strength of this film, that it allows for this interpretation.

All performances were riveting and convincing, the cinematography superb, the 50s austerity convincingly recreated. As some reviewers have already noted, the film is quite bleak and depressing. It is supposed to be, given the subject that it treats. It is a matter of the viewer coming prepared for a film which tackles a hard to swallow, painful, yet central,social issue. The series of abortions that Vera performs is emotionally draining, though not graphic, and the end is demoralizing. But all the more realistic and powerful in being so.

I highly recommend the film, provided the viewer knows what to expect. It's not meant to be a feel good movie, but a movie to make one think and debate. It may depress you to some extent, but I don't think it will leave you indifferent. Personally, I felt that the film is subtly but convincingly suggesting that there is no use trying to pretend that abortions don't happen / shouldn't happen,won't happen, and that the law and society do not / did not have the compassion necessary to deal with this problem faced by women. You may come to a different conclusion, but the point is that the film is strong enough to provoke discussion and possibly disagreement amongst its viewers.

Masterful
What a difficult pleasure "Vera Drake" is.It is a film that has great acting and writing, yet deals with a controversial subject that is no less hard to approach now than it was in 1950, when the story takes place.The word "abortion" isn't even mentioned until the film is near it's end, but the watcher knows precisely what is being dealt with long before that.

Imelda Staunton is truly powerful in the title role, a simple woman who only wants to help others.As soon as she appears on the screen, one is drawn into her life and family.We follow Vera as she does what she can to make life easier for those around her. We see the consequences of Vera's "assistance" in areas that the world she lived in hadn't figured out how to deal with yet. In the end, I left the film wondering why we still haven't come to grips with this issue 55 years after the events in this film took place.

this movie is so beautiful
I always thought that this movie was going to be bad and boring, but I was wrong, this one is brilliant, it's very special for it's content, Imelda makes a great performance, it's plot is very dramatic,it's so beautiful, if you are looking for good drama don't miss this one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great follow up to the first one
The titles included in this collection were mostly a great choice; with the possible exception of 'Clash by Night' which I found to be slow-moving and a little unsatisfying in spite of the fact that it's directed by Fritz Lang and has both Barbara Stanwyck and Marilyn Monroe in the cast.
In any case this promises to be just as exciting a collection as Volume One. Keep 'em coming WHV! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A show to share with your whole family
I loved Dr. Quinn when it was on tv but now I have the opportunity to share this wonderfully rich show with my children and their grandparents. The treatment suffered by the indians, immigrants and by various people of the town have lead to many dicussions in our house after we watch them. This show has something for all ages and was filmed in a beautiful setting with a talented cast. Dr. Quinn is a wonderful role model for girls ( and she manages to do it with her clothes on!!!). It's too bad there aren't shows on tv now that can say the same. Some of my children's favorite episodes have been "The Library", "Cattle Drive" & of course "For Better or Worse". I hope they continue to release all the seasons. Won't it be great if they could get the cast to do a 2 hour Dr. Quinn movie?

These DVD's need subtitle
No subtitle!
that will not called a complete DVD

These series need subtitle
"Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" not just entertainment.
Think about it.

The best of the first three seasons!
The characters are vastly more developed in Season 3. You finally actually get to see Dr. Mike develop into more emotions than confident, fearful and fiesty. She takes on more turns as romantic, despairing, compromising (Dr. Mike?) Some of the episodes are fantastic, especially those revolving around the Cheyenne tribe. One of my favorite episodes from this season is "What is love?" A new "Colleen" is introduced this season who does an even better job than the first Colleen (who was also great) in my opinion. As I said, the best of the first three seasons! It would have been given 5 stars, but there are a couple of throw-away episodes.

Dr. Quinn season 3
I loved the series when it was on, but season 3 is my particular favorite. The characters are more developed, and the storylines are terrific. There are so mnay great episodes during this season. "What is Love?" and "For Better or Worse" (the beautiful wedding) are two of my personal favorites. The commentary with Jane Seymour and Joe Lando during "For Better or Worse" is wonderful. It's interesting to get their view of what happened to make that episode. I definately recommend this season on DVD and any other Dr Quinn season!! It was a wonderful show. ... Read more

Reviews (98)

This Movie Iz Crazy
Im am a 14 year old and I want to talk about the Movie Menace II Society.Menace II Society is the tightest Movie I ever saw since "Boyz N The Hood" & "South Central".It all started out as a young boy name Caine (Tyrin Turner) telling a story about surviving the streets for good.My favorite Scence is When Caine & O-Dog(Larenz Tate) was in the liquor store when these two got evloved in a murder by O-Dog kill the korean grocer and also killed the korean lady while O-Dog threatens to get the video tape from her.In The Movie, They mention O-Dog as "The American's Worst Nightmare" and They also mention that O-Dog is Young, Black, And Don't Give A [care]. They also have a cool soundtrack with MC Eith(Streith Up Menace) and all other cool artists.I Recommend this movie to everyone.If U love hood movies and u have not seeen it yet, nows it the time to spend your money and buy this classic.On the internet, they also mention the "Director's Cut"(which is Unrated and the orignal verison is an R-Rated Movie).So if you Moviegooer and u have not seen that movie yet, now's the time to get that movie.One more thing,The Directors Allen & Albert Hugues(From Hell,Dead Presidents) did an good job on this movie.

True 2 Life
Okay, since im from London, i cant accuratly depict if this is, or is not the real situations encountered by members of the LA public. But upon watching this for the first time, it really hit me that the horrific things portraid in this movie could happen to anyone of us.

Caine, the main focus of the movie, was brought up in a drug filled home, his father was a drug dealer, and his mother a heroin addict. Caine first saw someone be shot when he was just a child, as shown in the films early scenes. Following this his father is murdered in a fixed drug deal, and his mother overdoses, and dies.

Caines best friend O-Dogg is a 16year old, who, as is said in the movie is 'Americas worst nightmare', hes young, Black, and he just dont giv'a F***.

I wont spoil the movie by saying anymore, but take it from me this is one of the the best movies you will see in a long time, especially if you like the whole gang thing, it also has historical content of the 'Watt's rights'. I say buy it as soon as you can.

Powerful movie
This movie is a veery powerful movie. It will give you some laughs and then youll be crying. It is very moving and it wshows you what the ghetto is really about. Growing up and surviving in the hood is very hard and this movvie shows just how hard it is.

Top 10
Menace II Society is one of my Top 10 movies of all time. I could watch it 5 times a day every day. Tyrin Turner should have become a big star after this movie. This movie had great actors, a good storyline, and production. Just wanted to say he was in Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation video as the kid walking around that place, whatever it was, for some strange reason.

After Boyz in da hood
came this, a raw powered movie, that brings to the real of the early 90's South Central LA. This movie is pretty violent and gory, but yet it has a pretty strong message in it. Do you care wether you live or die?

Tyrin Turner(Kaydee) did a excellent dabut about a man who gets cought up in a situation he wants to get out of. Larenz Tate(O-Dog) is more of a straight up gangsta, but did a real good job at acting. Movies with strong messages like this make up for a excellent drama.

If you loved boyz in the hood and don't have this, that's a real shame, even if you didn't watch bouz in da hood, you should get this, and boyz in da hood as well, because those 2 movies are wll-worth the money.

peace ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Very Good Rendition of the Sir Walter Scott Classic Tale!
Robert Taylor and Director Richard Thorpe team up for their first of two (Knights of the Round Table in 1953) epic tales of noble knights and beautiful damsels in this well made adaptation of the 1819 Sir Walter Scott classic, nominated in 1952 for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is, of course, the classic retelling of one man's, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, quest to restore Richard The Lion-Hearted (Norman Wooland) to the throne stolen by his evil brother, Prince John (Guy Rolfe). But with all it's feats of derring-do, this version is also a tender tale of love. Robert Taylor stars as the intrepid Saxon knight-errant Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who is charmed by not one fair lady, but two; the stunningly beautiful Rebecca (Elizabeth Taylor) and the stately Saxon princess Rowena (Joan Fontaine). In striking contrast to this romantic feast, there is the malevolent Sir Brian De Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders), Ivanhoe's deadly enemy and constant threat. This film features some very authentic looking and spectacular fighting sequences and is sure to become a favorite film of students of 12th-century English history. Filmed entirely on location in Great Britain, this movie is very rich in detail, including costumes and weaponry. Very representative of the Metro Goldwyn Mayer classics, this is a very good film somewhat typical of the film making of this decade, but still good enough to be enjoyed in modern day. If you somehow missed this one, give it a look; An excellent movie !!!

Very Good Rendition of the Sir Walter Scott Classic Tale!
Robert Taylor and Director Richard Thorpe team up for their first of two (Knights of the Round Table in 1953) epic tales of noble knights and beautiful damsels in this well made adaptation of the 1819 Sir Walter Scott classic, nominated in 1952 for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is, of course, the classic retelling of one man's, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, quest to restore Richard The Lion-Hearted (Norman Wooland) to the throne stolen by his evil brother, Prince John (Guy Rolfe). But with all its feats of derring-do, this version is also a tender tale of love. Robert Taylor stars as the intrepid Saxon knight-errant Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who is charmed by not one fair lady, but two; the stunningly beautiful Rebecca (Elizabeth Taylor) and the stately Saxon princess Rowena (Joan Fontaine). In striking contrast to this romantic feast, there is the malevolent Sir Brian De Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders), Ivanhoe's deadly enemy and constant threat. This film features some very authentic looking and spectacular fighting sequences and is sure to become a favorite film of students of 12th-century English history. Filmed entirely on location in Great Britain, this movie is very rich in detail, including costumes and weaponry. Very representative of the Metro Goldwyn Mayer classics, this is a very good film somewhat typical of the film making of this decade, but still good enough to be enjoyed in modern day. If you somehow missed this one, give it a look; An excellent movie !!!

MGM's Superb Version Of The Sir Walter Scott Classic
There have been many versions of Sir Walter Scott's classic 1819 swashbuckling story "Ivanhoe", over the years but few of them come near MGM's well crafted and rousing 1952 version that reteamed the two Taylors (Robert and Elizabeth), for the second time. This version benefits greatly from being filmed on location in England, taking full advantage of the nature terrain which gives this film such an authentic feel and flavour. It marked another late career triumph for veteran MGM star Robert Taylor who was fresh from appearing in the blockbuster "Quo Vadis", in Rome when MGM sent him this time to England to take the lead role of Sir Walter Scott's heroic character fighting injustice in the medieval England of Prince John. This film has everything the swashbuckler fan could ask for, daring sword play, a beautiful leading lady, wonderous recreations of 12th Century England, and stunning action sequences filmed on the largest outdoor Castle set ever constructed by MGM while it had a studio in England.

The adventure story of the dashing knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe who champions the cause of the absent King Richard the Lion Hearted while he is away with the crusades is well known to most school age children but this film version is no mere comic book characterisation. Robert Taylor found a real niche late in his career playing these hero's of early English history and in "Ivanhoe",he is perfectly cast as the dashing knight who not only fights the wrong doers trying to steal King Richard's throne, but finds time to romance two beautiful women in Saxon princess Lady Rowena (Joan Fontaine), and the lovely young Jewess Rebecca (Elizabeth Taylor). The opening of the film finds Richard's throne usurped by his younger brother the wicked Prince John (Guy Rolfe). While returning from the Crusades Ivanhoe discovers that King Richard far from being dead as his brother would have the country believe is actually being held for ransom in Austria. Returning to England Ivanhoe finds the Saxon's under siege from Prince John and on a visit where he attempts a reconciliation with his estranged father Cedric (Finlay Currie)he sees first hand the work of Prince John and his follower Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders). After an attempt is made to rob one of his father' guests the elderly jew Issac of York (Felix Aylmer) Ivanhoe becomes acquainted with his beautiful daughter Rebecca who pledges her jewellery towards King Richard's ransom. Entering a jousting tournament hoping to win the prize money to free Richard, Ivanhoe comes up against his mortal enemy Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert and is heavily wounded. He is taken to Rebecca's house to recover however Sir Brian not only seeks to destroy Ivanhoe but wants to take the lovely Rebecca as his own. In an attempt to flee Prince John's forces both lady Rowena and Rebecca are captured by Sir Brian who takes them to the Norman fortress where he imprisons both Isaac of York and Ivanhoe's father Cedric. Ivanhoe gives himself to Sir Brian in return for the other release but he is betrayed and imprisoned with the others. Sir Brian however hasn't counted on the Saxon's revenge and soon the castle is undersiege. Despite an attack which sees the castle taken by the Saxons Sir Brian manages to escape with Rebecca who is then put on trial for supposed witchcraft. When it looks like Rebecca will be burned as a witch Ivanhoe arrives to her defense and offers to settle the verdict by one to one combat with Sir Brian. During the fateful contest Sir Brian is killed and just in time King Richard arrives home to claim back his throne displace the usurper Prince John. The conclusion sees Ivanhoe reaffirm his commitment to the lady Rowena despite his obvious attraction to the younger Rebecca.

Nominated for an Academy Award in 1952 for Best Picture this was one of MGM's biggest productions for the year and no expense was spared on sets, colour photography and action sequences. Robert Taylor was so successul in this role that MGM assigned him to play Sir Lancelot in "Knights of the Round Table", the following year to be also directed by Richard Thorpe. Rarely has Elizabeth Taylor appeared more beautiful than as the young heroine Rebecca. Hers is an interesting role which thankfully presents a sympathetic jewish character into the story. Elizabeth herself never wanted to do this film and was always scathing of her own performance here passing the entire film off in interviews as "just a big medieval Western". That really doesn't do the film justice as it is first rate entertainment of the old school. George Sanders and Guy Rolfe make superb villians and Sanders indeed manages to breath extra dimension into what could have been simply a one dimensional villian with his playing opposite Elizabeth Taylor in particular. The spectacular jousting scenes and the siege of the Norman castle are sequences rarely bettered in these type of films and every effort was made to give the film the correct period feel. The costumes by Roger Furse and art direction supplied by Alfred Junge really enhance the atmosphere and authentic historical look of "Ivanhoe" making it one of the better thought out historical adventures from the 1950's decade.

First class entertainment is provided all the way by MGM's "Ivanhoe", and as an example of what the studio could produce even as it went into decline in the 1950's it is top rate. The two Taylor's would never appear together again on film but they make a most interesting screen team and "Ivanhoe", boasts the sort of supporting cast in Joan Fontaine, George Sanders , Emlyn Williams and Finlay Currie that makes me wonder where the equivalent talent is in Hollywood today. Enjoy Robert Taylor fighting evil in 12th Century England in this wonderful version of Sir Walter Scott's immortal "Ivanhoe".

Same Category as The Adventures of Robin Hood
Why is this movie not released on DVD???? Does the studio have any plans on releasing soon???

A Beautiful Movie
I saw this movie in 1952 when I was 7 years old. Years later I bought the Laser disc and am dismayed there is no DVD.There have been many swashbuckling movies but this is the best. It is a ripping good story, poignant as well. Beautifully filmed! Robert Taylor Joan Fontaine and Elizabeth Taylor are superb-as is George Sanders. I have shown this film over and over again to my children and they love it. It is romantic without being vulgar. It has plenty of action" without being gruesome. It has character. And lest I forget a wonderful musical score. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tony Kushner's prize-winning play Angels in America became thedefining theatrical event of the 1990s, an astonishing mix of philosophy,politics, and vibrant gay soap opera that summed up the Reagan era for anentire generation of theater-goers. Post-9/11 wouldseem to be too late for a film version--philosophy and politics don'talways age well--but this 2003 HBO adaptation, ably directed by Mike Nichols(The Graduate), provides a time capsule of the '80s and reveals thedeep emotional subcurrents that will give the play lasting power.

The story centers around Prior Walter(Justin Kirk) and Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman), a gay couple that fallsapart when Prior grows ill as a result of AIDS. But cancer is not the onlything invading Prior's life: He begins to have religious visions of anangel (Emma Thompson, Sense and Sensibility) announcing that he isa prophet. Louis, who doesn't cope well with disease and suggestions ofmortality, leaves and starts a relationship with Joe Pitt (PatrickWilson), a closeted Mormon who works for Roy Cohn (Al Pacino, Dog DayAfternoon)--the real-life right-wing lawyer, notorious for hisruthless behind-the-scenes machinations. Add in Joe's depressed andhallucinating wife Harper (Mary Louise Parker, Fried GreenTomatoes), his determined but open-minded mother Hannah (Meryl Streep,Adaptation), a fierce drag queen/nurse named Belize (JeffreyWright, Basquiat, reprising his celebrated performance from theBroadway production), and you've still only begun to discover the wealthof characters and storylines in Kushner's ambitious work.

Thepowerhouse cast (also featuring James Cromwell, Michael Gambon, and SimonCallow) is uniformly superb. The script has its weaknesses--some of thefantastic elements, including Prior's journey to Heaven towards the end,fall flat--but even what doesn't work is bristling with ideas and aferocious desire to capture human existence in this time and place.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A profound human dimension amid the politics and pain
A jaw-dropping film adaptation of Tony Kushner's epic, 5-hour play, which was a defining artistic statement documenting the political and social upheaval that AIDS-HIV disease brought to America's gay community and to the wider America around it. Mixing agitprop and camp with magical realism and utter, heart-rending, pathos, Kushner and director Mike Nichols bring the story to the screen in a big, big way, with all-around amazing performances by a perfectly cast ensemble. Al Pacino gets to chew up yards of scenery in his portrayal of the sleazy, venal, far-rightwing attorney Roy Cohn (who acted as Joe McCarthy's point man in the infamous 1950s prosecution of "atom spies" Julius and Ethel Rosenberg) and for once, all of Pacino's high-decibel yelling pays off with some real dramatic ooompf.

There are a lot of things that you could comment on in this play -- the exploration of Jewish-American assimilation, the powerful reaffirmation of a supposedly marginalized leftist perspective, etc. -- but the most profound insight Kushner has to offer is about who the real redeeming angels will have to be in our nation's coming cultural reconciliation. The humanity that he is able to impart into the character of the middle-American Mormon, Mother Pitt (played faultlessly by Meryl Streep), is a marvel of modern political drama: and it rings undeniably true. Pushing past our narrowly defined social and political "roles," and into our shared humanity, is the only road open to folks who want to see America's moral and ethical core liberated from the ideological intrusions of the religious far-right, and the resulting frustrated anger of the disenfranchised middle-liberal-left. In a strictly us-vs-them world view, Mother Pitt would be derided by those on the we're-here-we're-queer Left... but as many people have learned, particularly amid the devastating upheavals of the HIV crisis, our real emotional lives are (ideally) not ruled by dogma. Mother Pitt isn't just a caring parent, she's also a kind, pragmatic person, and for her, the most pragmatic choice when confronted with an epidemic, is to simply offer sympathy and solace. What could be more natural? Let's hope her example prevails.

The CITIZEN KANE of the Modern Era
My expectations were high when I learned that HBO was going to spend over $60 million on an adaptation of Tony Kushner's extraordinary 6-hour epic play, but I could nt have imagined that the resulting film would move to the top of my list of best films ever made in the United States - but that is precisely what Angels in America has done.

Streep and Pacino deliver the finest performances of their careers here (Streep in 4 roles!). Emma Thompson is radiant. And the performances of Jeffrey Wright, Mary-Louise Parker, Justin Kirk and Ben Shenkman positively shine.

And the WRITING and DIRECTION! As close to Shakespearean as any American work I have ever read. And scenes that captivate in their composition and lighting, in their structure and their content. And a magical blending of profundity, humor, pathos, tragedy, and ultimately, the triumph of the human spirit over desperation and resignation. A musical score to match the high levels of word and vision.

In short, this film is nothing short of miraculous. All who worked on this masterpiece should be proud of their achievement. Angels in America stands as testimony to what the human mind can accomplish at its finest and most creative.

Simply the best movie I've seen in years....
HBO should've released this movie in movie theaters. I saw it at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco and it was a fantastic experience. Seeing it on TV is great, but.... Oh well, just enjoy! The acting, story, and filmography are amazing.

awesome
I started to watch the series using the on demand feature of our cable company and then it went away before I got to watch the whole thing. I can't wait to get the dvd so I can finish watching it and have it to watch again and again. Having been around when this was all going down makes this series really hit home. The acting is superb as are the special effects.

beyond wonderful
If they had released this movie in the theaters, there would not have been enough Academy awards to give to the writer, the director, and the wonderful cast. Who should get Best Actor? Al Pacino as the loathesome Roy Cohn or Justin Kirk as the dying Prior Walter? Who should get Best Actress? Meryl Streep as the practical, compassionate Mormon housewife, or Emma Thompson as the beautiful, terrifying angel? This series had me riveted to the TV set. I could not do anything but watch. Get this movie. You owe it to yourself to witness one of the major artistic events of the decade. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Island at War turns a little-known bit of history into anextraordinarily rich miniseries. During World War II, the Nazi forcesoccupied the Channel Islands, located between France and England.Island at War unfolds on the fictional island of St. Gregory, wherea web of interconnected characters cope with the occupation--a politicianstruggles to maintain peaceful relations, for fear of brutal reprisals; an island policeman's anger at the occupation becomes complicatedwhen he's forced to chauffeur the commanding Nazi officer and he discoversthe position gives his family privilege; a shopkeeper, angry about her husband's death in anearly bombing raid, finds herself sharing in profits with a Nazi officialas they bring much-wanted food and supplies to the island; a girl hidingher Jewish identity becomes the object of a brutal lieutenant's sexualobsession. These four stories are only a hint of the series' fullness; thescript, direction, and performances are superb, building an engrossingportrait of how human beings cope with extremity and how the smallest ofinteractions--from laying rocks on a wall to getting a photographdeveloped--can lead to profound and unexpected results. The economy andcomplexity of Stephen Mallatratt's script are remarkable. The forces ofmoney, sex, prejudice, and love run deep through every story, juxtaposingprivate moments with historical scope. Island at War matches skilland talent with passion and insight. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Great story and very interesting perspective on WWII
Most WWII movies focus on the action in the main theatres of combat. Recently, I purchased an atlas which described what went on around the world during WWII even in countries which the history books didn't cover. 'Island at War' is such a study of the Channel Islands (located between France & England) and delivers a very interesting perspective on WWII while telling the story of several characters. It's highly recommendable, but I do warn you that it will leave you wishing for more episodes to explain actually what happened to the characters later.

Island at War Forum/Philip Glenister Appreciation Page
If you're an admirer of the wonderful series Island at War; would like to discuss and review the various characters; explore the nuances of the late Stephen Mallatratt's brilliant script; or learn more about the real history of the Channel Islands Occupation, then pay a visit to http://dancebarkprance.homestead.com/PhilipGlenisterAppreciationPage.html

As the name suggests, we do have a strong leaning towards Baron von Rheingarten, so magnificently portrayed by Philip Glenister, but we have come to like all the characters, be they the Dorr family; the Jonas family; the Mahys or the Germans (with the possible exception of Flach who has all the charm of a great white looking for its next meal, although having said this Andrew Havill is a very fine actor, most worthy of further consideration).It is primarily a female group at present but we're an intelligent, discerning bunch from numerous necks of the woods; we do know a lot about history and military matters so no male should be deterred from posting on the site and we're passionate about Island at War and PG!

This needs a sequel
Most shows on television are turkies. Awful just does not give the full meaning to say how bad American tv is. PBS tends to show some of the worst. Liberal scri[t writers who just do not understand what the American people are tends to be the problem.
Not to mention bad acting and poor selection of subjects.

When I saw this show advertised on PBS, I thought I would give it a try. And I found to my delite this show really was a joy to watch that I would like to see more episodes, which are unlikely as I hwear the guy producing it has died.

Britain has that odd abilty that this country does not have. The ability to produce actors really know how to act and speak english. American actors can't do either.

The settings are perfect. I loved the scenery provided by the Isle of Mann. The cloths are period. It is good to see women properly dressed rather than in trousers. The characters physically look their roles. It is all first rate work.

I enjoyed the personal conflicts of the characters. Angelique Mahi doing her best to keep her young impressionable sister away from German eyes only to find herself falling in love with young Luftwaffe airman Berhard Tielman was the best part. The honest cop, doing his best to be true to the island while his colleagues readily collaborate, and finding himself the baron's driver was another.

Though there were many fun characters to watch, the Baron is the best of them. He was a joy to watch. He is well done. He has a wonderful sence of humor. He readily comes across as the strict prussian with the soft side.

Of course, it has its flaws. In the DVD two bits of nudity which should have been clipped out. Some of the dialogue in the PBS show I wish were back in the DVD especially the Baron's early lecture on individual prussians being anarchists, but molded together under dicipline. A little confusion on whether it is set in 1940 or 1942. Refurences to Organisation Todt and its slave labor pool from eastern europe (still under Stalin in 1940). The baron wears the order of the GOld Cross which did not exist in 1940. Refurences to being sent to the Russian front and depoetation of Jews to the concentration camps which did not happen until later.

But it did have its accurate side. The nazis did round up and deport local Jews to the camps. Zelda, based on Theresa Steiner, actually existed. Theresa Steiner died in Auschwitz.

German behavior is well portrayed. Overall, they did their best to get along.

The Germans did have a venerial disease problem, as did all armies of the period, and tired to cope with it. They imported french (...) to sate the lusts of their troops to protect the virtues of local girls. And many local girls were grabbed off the streets for medical inspections. But not as shown as part of some policy of harrasing possisble reistence people, but more likely German soldiers getting even with local girls for various reasons.

Many of the German garrison had local girl friends, like the Americans on the British mainland. Fathering many children. I have actually read accounts where some individual Germans had to plead with superiors for permission to marry their girls whom they had fathered not one but numerous offspring. Which after the war proved quite an embarrasment to the Brits. Who went to great lengths to seperate these couples.
I wonder if Angelique and Bernhard would have been among them.

And many German soldiers were good people who made many friends with the locals. Acts of kindness performed are frequently mentioned in every article and book I have read on the German occupation period of the Channel Islands.

So much material with which to make a good show series.

I wish to see a sequel, but I doubt that will happen I am sorry to say.

Island At War ~ More, More, More!
Having caught an episode of this series on PBS purely by accident I was hooked. Unfortunately our local PBS stations were not showing any more of the series.I immediately purchased this 3 Disc Series. Our family just finished watching it and it was just wonderful!

I had read the reviews here first and knew that it might end abruptly. Although I wouldn't call it abrupt..it certainly does leave you wanting more.I have written to PBS to make my plea to continue on with this saga.I don't know how they market their shows..but I hadn't a heard anything about this series until I just happened upon it.

PLEASE PBS....reconsider and continue on with this series.With a little more publicity and some more airing on the stations I think it would be a huge success on this side of the pond.

For those of you considering a purchase..I do highly recommend it despite it not drawing complete conclusions at the end.

Island at War - wanting more
This was such an excellent series! !! I was so involved in each family'spersonal dramas that I gasped at the close to think that WE had to supply the endings to all the unfinished stories. I understood from WGBH that there were origionally to have been TWO more episodes, but the author's death last November from lukemia (he is the vicar) forced the producer's decision to stop there. Fine drama can provoke & disturb ...& haunt us. I will think about these charactars for a long time & hope for the best for them. Who knows, maybe after the war..... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Optimism shines in this classic 1960 Disney film starring Hayley Mills. When the newly orphaned Pollyanna comes to live with her wealthy aunt in Harrington Town, life looks promising. Despite her aunt's insistence on propriety and modesty, Pollyanna's cheerful, optimistic ways spread throughout the town--converting even a cantankerous recluse and a whining hypochondriac. Only Aunt Polly has trouble welcoming her young niece into her heart. In a clash between the townspeople and Aunt Polly over local politics, it's Pollyanna's influence that helps individual townspeople find the inner strength to stand up for their own beliefs. When Pollyanna is involved in a serious accident, Aunt Polly finally realizes how much she loves her niece. Can Aunt Polly and the entire town somehow restore Polly's optimism and ensure a full recovery? Pollyanna is wholesome entertainment that will leave the entire family eager to play the "glad game." --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The Glad Movie
My mom picked up this movie at our library because we didn't have anything to watch and it looked interesting. Well, it was more than interesting, it was fantastic!

Hayley Mills was awesome as Pollyanna, and Jane Wyman, Nancy Olsen, and Richard Egan were all very well cast and played their parts beautifully.

It was in this movie, incidentally that Hayley Mills made her debut into Disney movies, and she went on to make other wonderful movies for Disney, the most memorable one, "The Parent Trap" (See my review for that movie also!)

The DVD has literally millions of extras, including a documentary, commentary with Hayley Mills and director David Swift, and sound tracks of Hayley singing the 'The Glad Song,' which unfortunately is not in the movie.

You will not be disappointed if you see this fantastic movie. It's a timeless classic that will never grow old.

Pollyanna touches every heart.
Grab your pillow, your favorite stuffed animal and head into the family wagon! Wait! Come Back! Okay, the days of the Drive-in movie are all but gone. But, the folks from Disney have created a terrific alternate experience with their "Vault Disney" DVD series. Each film fully restored, commentaries and documentaries galore and a cartoon short (Mickey Mouse in THE NIFTY NINETIES) preceding it making the evening a family event just like the Drive-in... without the fumes or the fighting with your brother.

After losing her parents, Pollyanna is sent to stay with her wealthy controlling Aunt Polly. But Pollyanna is innocently immune from her Aunt's control. Gradually, the browbeaten town starts to brighten up in conjunction with Pollyanna's optimistic viewpoint. Eventually, it all comes to a head when Pollyanna is given tragic cause to sour her own attitude. Try as you will to avoid it, tears will fall.

Pollyanna elevated Hayley Mills to Super Stardom and an optimistic reputation that she still can't shake. And her effervescence makes the hoopla worth it. Pollyanna's optimism comes out of Mills mouth as if it were her own. Several wonderful performers including Jane Wyman, Agnes Moorhead, Karl Malden and Disney favorite Kevin Corcoran surround her. Director/Screenwriter David Swift does a great job bringing the favorite novel to the screen. So much so that he was asked to helm Hayley next film THE PARENT TRAP.

The Disney Organization continues to provide its fan base with many smiles with its DVD output. The vault collection also includes other family favorites THE PARENT TRAP, SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON and OLD YELLER. They have also started their archive collection, which includes THE SILLY SYMPHONIES, the entire DAVY CROCKETT series, important episodes of DISNEYLAND, and color MICKEY MOUSE cartoons. Let's keep 'em coming!

Oldy But Goody
I grew up watching Pollyanna, so I decided that I HAD to have it for my collection. I just re-watched it yesterday and remembered why it was one of my favorites.

Pollyanna's parents die and she must go live with her rich aunt Polly. Pollyanna is so optimistic, but everyone in Harrington Town is so pessimistic and it's all because of strict aunt Polly. Pollyanna tries to turn the town around by teaching them the glad game - basically the idea of being optimistic. It's a cute story and teaches a good lesson.

My only complaint - for a Disney movie it is LONG! 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The Glad Movie Everyone Should See!
I was 9 years old the first time I saw Pollyanna on the Wonderful World of Disney back in the early 1970's. I had read the book and was thrilled to see it on the screen. Haley Mill's performance is outstanding and is worthy of an Academy Award nomination. Jane Wyman, Agnes Moorehead and Adolph Menjou also give first rate performances as Aunt Polly, Mrs. Snow and Mr. Pendergast. Throughout the circumstances of life Pollyanna has a choice: she can either give into the circumstances which surround her while adopting the attitude of defeat or rise above the circumstances and "be glad". This is a movie which will inspire you!

A Touching, Moving Film!
When "Pollyana" came out in theaters in 1960, I went to see it with the other neighborhood kids. I was a boy of 9 at the time, and didn't think too much of it.
Seeing it again as an adult, the emotional depth of it hit me very hard. You have to live a lot of those things yourself in order to appreciate them. It's no corny cliche that love has the power to transform the lives of people it touches.
Pollyana did nothing more than give her own simple kindness to the townspeople, and many of them were quite taken aback at it. But it wasn't wasted. The townspeople thronged back to Pollyana in gratitude when she needed them most. It moves me to tears. All the actors make it a believable, special story.
By all means, show this DVD to the kids. But don't forget that it contains a lot of good things for adults, too! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

I've Been Waiting For This!!!!
Oh finally!! Ever since I started watching ER, I bought the first complete season, then I was itching to get the second one!

The second season starts with "Welcome Back Carter!" as Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) starts his internship in the ER. And as we know Carter, he comes unprepared and his first day is comic. The season goes out with a bang with "John Carter, M.D." as Dr. Carter misses his own graduation because he stayed at the hospital to watch over a patient. Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Springfield) takes responsibility for her niece Susie after Chloe, Susan's sister abandons her daughter. This puts a strain on Susan's work and creates tension with the other doctors. Another highlight is when Dr. Doug Ross' (the beautiful George CLooney) different treatment techniques threatens his fellowship. He then saves a child trapped in a drainage pipe filling with water during a storm. His fellowship is renewed and is presented with an award for his heroic actions. My favorite episode in this season is "A Shift in the Night". Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) is one of the very few attending doctors taking a shift at the E.R. He is overwhelemed by all the patients, and more coming every hour. The last ten minutes of the episode is classic. This season introduces Dr. Kerry Weaver, who annoys everybody. Guest stars include Lucy Liu and NBA superstar Scottie Pippin.

A new feature in this DVD is that it now includes subtitles and captioned for the hearing impaired. There are more special features too.

I am really looking forward to getting my hands on this DVD. Let me tell you, this show is so good, doctors and nurses don't like to watch is because it's just like going to work. Need I say more?

MUST HAVE
IF YOU ARE AN ER FAN LIKE ME THEN THEESE BOX SETS ARE A MUST HAVE I CAN NOT WAIT TILL ER THE THIRD SEASON COMES OUT IT REALLY GOT GOOD IN THE THIRD SEASON

Solid Television
Second season E.R. is the season that the show really took off. Supported by good acting and great scripts, E.R. went on to be top of the charts for months in a row.

But the reason I have decided to write in a review is in response to a response. Yes, John Doe's review was, in the nicest of words, pathetic. But that gives nobody the right to tear apart the greatest show on T.V. today. I am, of course, talking about the Sponge Bob. You knock Square Pants again, and Bob, Patrick and Plankton will go toe to toe with Dr. Carter, Green, and any other E.R. staff of your choosing.

The Finest Show On Television
The second season of the multi-Emmy winning show "ER", 1995-1996, proves to be equally as great as the first season. Producer Michael Crichton wonderfully works his own medical experiences through this show. Many changes for the good happen through the episodes. This offers great variety that never becomes boring. This DVD set proves that "ER" is one of the best TV dramas on the air. Its combination of medical theme and the characters' personal lives (love, family, depression, etc.) offers the intensity that keeps audiences interested in every moment. No dull moment ever arises in a single episode. Every episode still holds its heavy impact as they did when they originally aired. Such quality answers why this deserved to have been the #1 show on television.

The acting from every cast member is wonderful. Everyone works at their fullest in every episode. They offer their own sense of theme into the plot, which keeps everything more interesting. This season saw the introduction of Gloria Reuben as Jeanie Boulet and Laura Innes as Kerry Weaver (she didn't become an official cast member until the third season; Weaver was a minor character on the second season). Those who didn't watch "ER" at the time will have an opportunity to see all the original cast members in action: Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, Noah Wyle, Sherry Stringfield, and Eriq La Salle.

Beginning viewers of "ER" will get an opportunity to see Dr. Carter (Wyle) when he was still a medical student, Dr. Lewis (Stringfield) before she left for Phoenix, Dr. Boulet before she was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and Dr. Weaver before she realized she's a lesbian. This DVD set will give people an opportunity to see part of how the environment, the characters, and the plot became what it is now. It also shows part of how the show's quality has evolved through its run.

The second season of "ER" is an essential for all "ER" fans. This is sure to please many audiences. Those looking for more should also buy their first season and watch for the other seasons to be released shortly.

Heeeerrre's Weaver
Season 2 marks the debut of Ole Stick herself, Dr. Kerry Weaver!

The second season is where I really got hooked on this show. Interesting plots revolving around Susan and baby Susie, Hathway and the EMT and Benton & Boulet really stand out. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

A Bad Life Decision
A Place in the Sun, 1951
Running time: 120 minutes in black & white
Director: George Stephens
Studio: Paramount Studio
Actors/Actresses: Montgomery Clift (George Eastman)
Elizabeth Taylor (Angela Vickers)
Shelly Winters (Alice Tripp--name is symbolic of her behavior)
Awards/Nominations: Oscar won in 1952 for best cinematography, black & white; best costume design, black & white; best director; best film editing; best music; and best writing.
Nominated for an Oscar in 1952 for best actor and actress in a leading role and best picture.
DGA Award won in 1952 for outstanding directorial achievement in motion pictures.
Golden Globe won in 1952 for best motion picture drama.
Silver Ribbon Award won in 1952 for best director of a foreign film.
NBR Award won in 1951 for best picture.
PGA Hall of Fame for Motion Pictures Award won in 1997.
WGA Screen Award won in 1952 for best written American drama and nominated for the Robert Meltzer Award.
Genre: Romantic Tragedy

In summary, the movie includes the trials and tribulations of a love triangle between a smart nice guy, a rich nice woman, and a manipulating possessive working-class woman. George Eastman hitchhikes from Kansas City to his uncle's swimsuit factory to work. Once there, he is given a position boxing merchandise by his not-too-friendly cousin. Prior to his employment, George is informed that he is not to have romantic relations with his fellow co-workers as a condition of employment. Unfortunately, George broke this rule by dating and ultimately getting one of his coworkers pregnant. While dating her (Alice), he falls in love with Angela Vickers, a high-class woman that is well-known throughout the comunity and by Charles Eastman (George's rich uncle). Instead of telling Angela about Alice and vice versa, George "drives himself crazy" and eventually commits the ultimate crime. What may astonish the viewer is that even after learning of George's hideous crime, Angela confesses that she still loves him.

Both George and Alice would have different lives at the end of the movie if George had stayed in Kansas City! He also should have been honest with both women in order to alleviate stress for both he and Alice. This movie was given four stars due to its relativeness to society and its great plot for the time period. It was interesting throughout the whole movie.

What Chemistry
The first time I viewed A Place In The Sun it did not have much of an impact on me. Perhaps I was too young, plus I did not understand Montgomery Clift's acting style. Subsequent viewings have made me realize the quality of this film. Clift stars as the poor relation of an important family who begins to work his way up. He first has a relationship with plain working girl Shelley Winters. Then he meets the real love of his life, beautiful, wealthy Elizabeth Taylor. From that point, things become very complicated for all concerned. Clift was an actor that played everything deeply, and his performances are always painfully real, just like this one, in which you can feel the conflicts that tear him apart. Winters is excellent in her tragic role, while Taylor, besides looking unbelievably beautiful, brings a lot of honesty to her character. The chemistry between the Clift and Taylor is palpable, and their on screen kiss is one of the most memorable you will ever see. Although there is a sense of doom that permeates the movie, the actors make every moment a great one. Some of elements of the story may seem dated, but it is played with such honesty and intensity that you will appreciate it for the very fine film it is.

Heartbreaking & Realistic
Ever wanted something you couldn't have? Ever wanted it so badly you'd kill to have it? In "A Place in the Sun" George Eastman (Montgomery Clift), a poor young man with big dreams, deals with these questions as he tries to make it to the top of the social ladder in spite of social prejudices from the richer Eastman clan.
As he pursues his dream of social grandeur, he falls in love with the beautiful and unatttainable Angela Vickers (Elizabeth Taylor), a rich socialite. But just as his dreams begin to come true, George is confronted by his ex girlfriend (Shelly Winters), a poor factory employee, who is pregnant with his baby and threatens to destroy his newly attained social lifestyle. Having made it to the top, however, George is determined to stay there at any cost - a decision that leads to tragic results.

Memorable performances
Excellent movie about the tragic consequences of pushing too hard to obtain the american dream. Montgomery Clift gives a realistic performance as the poor kid who makes it to the top at a high price. Liz Taylor is believable as the rich beauty who falls in love with Clift, and Shelly Winters is especially memorable as the poor factory worker who gets shoved aside by Clift after he meets Taylor. Beautifully made movie that makes you really get into the mind and heart of its protagonists. Highly Recommended.

Tragedy Turned to Melodrama
It was probably inevitable that "An American Tragedy," in its evolution to screen, would become more about the doomed love affair of Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor than the moral and ethical dilemmas that really form the foundation of Theodore Dreiser's novel. After all, doomed love is a bigger sell, especially when you have the romantic faces of Clift and Taylor swooning together in extreme close-up.

I'm not a fan of doing book to movie comparisons. I figure that film and literature are two different art forms, so I shouldn't compare their rendering of the story anymore than I would compare the same story as presented in a painting as opposed to a ballet. So I tried to take the film on its own merits (admittedly difficult to do, since I watched the movie on the same day I finished the book), but even at that, I think the movie falls short.

Clift plays George Eastman, poor nephew to a rich, socially elite family in a small New York state factory town. He's been invited by his uncle to come and work in the Eastman factory, giving him an entre into a world of luxury that has always been out of his grasp due to his family's humble position (they run a mission and preach on the streets). George strikes up a love affair with Alice Tripp (Shelley Winters), a girl who works with him in the factory, but his attentions for her quickly fade when he becomes interested in Angela Vickers, another member of the rich set, played by Liz Taylor. Complications ensue, and George finds himself and his situation spiralling drastically out of control, with an ending more tragic than he ever thought possible.

George Stevens directs the film with a sure hand, and there are some breathtaking displays of directorial skill. For example, one that stands out in my mind comes when the camera focuses on a radio reporting a possible murder, while the young, rich kids with whom George has struck up a friendship goof off in the water in the background. There are also some great uses of dissolve editing, though the technique is somewhat overused.

But there are many problems with the film, notably its pacing. Much time is spent on George's love triangle with Alice and Angela, while the script races through the trial and George's ultimate fate, as if the screenwriter realized he only had two hours to tell his story when he'd already wasted an hour and a half on front-end material. Rushing through the end blunts much of the story's original intent and power, as that is where the majority of moral questions arise.

Also, the character Shelley Winters plays is so drab and mousy, that one doesn't understand why George would entangle himself with her in the first place. But Clift does a great job with the lead role, delivering a performance of raw nerve.

It befuddles me somewhat as to why this movie is quite so acclaimed. I can only imagine that its reception has to do with cultural moods at the time it was released and that it just hasn't aged well. It came out in 1951, a big year for literary adaptations ("A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Death of a Salesman" were both given big-screen treatments that year), and you only need to compare "Sun" to "Streetcar" to see how short it falls at capturing the essence of a ture literary classic.

Grade: B- ... Read more

Description

Based on several short stories by writer Bruce LeBruce, Sugar is a provocative and funny coming of age love story. Cliff, a gay teen, is restless in his sheltered suburban life, and anxious to have his first sexual experience. One night, while downtown, he meets a tough street hustler, Butch, who introduces him to a world of sex, drugs, prostitution and life on the streets. Romance blossoms between the two until drugs begin to pull them apart. Realistic and challenging, Sugar is about coming out and coming of age. ... Read more

Description

Rodrigo Mendoza (ROBERT DE NIRO) was a violent soldier-for-hire in 1750s South America. Now he is a man of peace serving the Rain Forest Indians he once enslaved. But armies of Spain and Portugal threaten the lifestyle and safety of the native peoples. Now Rodrigo may have to pick up his sword and musket once again. From the producer of Chariots of Fire and the director of The Killing Fields comes a powerful epic co-starring JEREMY IRONS and graced with dazzling Academy Award-winning cinematography, set to a memorable music score and scripted by the Oscar-winning screenwriter of A Man for All Seasons and Doctor Zhivago. ... Read more

Reviews (158)

Theodicy or Corrupt Politics
The Mission

The Mission directed by Roland Joffe is the story of the struggle between theocracy and theodicy. Ironically the church has the mission to bring theodicy to the world and it does this through the message of God's Love and Forgiveness. It tries to accomplish this through the sending out of missionaries, in this case the Jesuit priests, to tell the story and bring others to the knowledge of God's Love and Forgiveness. Tragically politics and greed for power in the hierarchy of the church (in this case the Roman Catholic Church) brings about a situation where the people of God are killed supposedly in the name of God. This story opens and ends with Cardinal Altamirano (Ray McAnally) dictating a letter to the Pope informing him of the events that had transpired after giving church missions in South America over to the Spaniards and Portuguese. The nature of the setting is beautiful. Views of the waterfalls are breath-taking and spectacular.

The message of theodicy is played out in the story involving two main characters Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) and Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro). Father Gabriel brings theocracy to the Natives of South America. At the beginning of our story Rodrigo is a slave trader who undergoes a traumatic conversion experience and serves those whom he had sold into slavery before. His story of transformation is one of heartache, murder, repentance and extreme penance which he imposes upon himself. It is the forgiveness and acceptance of those who he former hunted that sets him feel to serve both God and the Natives. Another film that shows a similar vein of acceptance after tragedy is the classic movie Hawaii (1966) based on James Michener. Rev. Hale accepts the Native Hawaiians as he begins to mellow in the aftermath of his losses. In Rodrigo's case is his acceptance by the tribe that helps them to fight against the imposed theocracy of the Cardinal later on.

At issue here, in spite of the beautifully portrayal of conversion to Christianity of the Native people of South America, is the imposed will of governing forces of politics around greed ownership of land. Yet this was done under the auspices of the Church as God's Will, which is called theocracy. The people of the land had no say, they were the conquered, to be exploited and were considered as chattel, for them there was not theodicy. Their willingness to share and work for the common good of all, even though a principle of Christianity was considered a threat to the economy of others with political clout. Because they would not give up that which they had worked for, they were condemned to death. When Cardinal Atlamirno orders them to leave the Mission; they wanted to know why? His answer was that they had to submit to the will of God. Their answer was had God changed his mind? They were doing what they had been taught was God's will for them. Theodicy was not served as there was no justification in this case.

The Mission portrays the mission of Christ
The Mission is a powerful movie with a powerful message about sin, redemption, and love. It probes deep into the evils of the Catholic Church in Spain and Portugal in teh mid 18th century. Robert De Niro brilliantly portrays Rodrigo Mendoza, a dynamic character who transforms his life to a murderer who trades slaves to a Jesuit priest who fights for those seemingly 'enslaved' natives - the Guaranese. Jeremy Irons ixquisitley plays the role of a truly Christ-like figure. Father Gabriel is the epitomy of compassion, lvove, and understanding. With an incredibly written screenplay by Robert Bolt (who also wrote A Man For All Seasons), the Mission is an incredible film which explores the depths and beauty of morality and life ont he path to Jesus Christ.

the beauty and the horror of the catholic church
i think tom keogh's a bit 'off' kilter and it echoes the reviews that came out when the film was released.
the charge of emotional vacancy has since been rendered somewhat mute by the films growing status.
now admittedly, the overriding emotional sense that most people seem to experience when seeing this is one of anger, rather than one of tragedy and ,yes, that is partly due to our never really getting to know the indians who are, predictably, massacred.
we are emotionally more jolted upon seeing the murder of the priests who we have gotten to know.
that aside, i think joffes direction works because what he is attempting to show, and succesfully does so, is both the beauty and the horror of catholicism.
there is a touching beauty upon seeing deniros character finally reaching his muddy penneance,and in the scene where he cooks a steaming stew for his fellow priests.
perhaps one of the most beautiful, simplistically effective moments is when deniro narrates first corinthians 'love is not puffed up'.
yes, the conclusion is all too predictable. not just because we know the history, but because as much as we all can see the beauty in the church, everyone is also well aware of its ugliness.
i am suprised that the catholic church showed its support of this non flattering film, which shows, perhaps, a certain amount of theoretical penance on its part.
one of the last scenes which shows two naked indian children aloft in a boat after the massacre is an example of a picture telling a thousand words.
in one sense mr keogh is correct in recognizing an inherent coldness in the film but i think that is a realization of the harrowing cold heartedness that catholic church has shown in its history, which paradoxically is unified with its undeniable beauty.

This Sucks!!!!!! Very Very Sucky and Boring
I just watched this movie in Morality class and it is a really boring movie that just drags on and on. How does end by every one including De Nero and Irons (major characters) along with everyone else. There is only one movie that pulled off having all the characters die in it and that was Glory. I don't under any circumstances think anyone should see this movie unless you have a boring life or just sad than see it otherwise see Glory a much much better movie except different plots.

Emotionally Wrenching, Enchanting Film
Not for the squeamish, "The Mission" explores the duality of Europe's presence in South America -- the salvation brought by the Jesuits and the condemnation brought by "civilization."

Roland Joffe, the director, pulls few punches. The film opens with the dictation of a letter to the Pope by a prominent religious figure, Altamirano, who has just undergone the events that will transpire in the film, and we learn that these events are not pleasant: "the local savages are now free to be enslaved by his Holiness . . ."

These events "were brought about" by the horrifying martyrdom of a Jesuit priest, who had journeyed to the "uncivilized" lands of the Indians above the falls (and what falls!). The local Indians, apparently rejecting his Christian teachings, crucify him and toss him into a river . . . a river that soon flows to the falls, and the descending cross is one of the most haunting images you will ever see on film.

In response, another Jesuit priest, Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) heads above the falls, and uses his music (score by Ennio Morricone of "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" fame) to win the trust of the locals. Soon he is preaching the Word of God among them.

Unfortunately, the slaver/mercenary Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro) is hunting the Indians for slavers. He ominously warns Gabriel about the futility of building a mission among the Indians, and he seizes several.

On his return to "civilization" below the falls (the dusty town stands in marked contrast to the lush greenery above the falls), Rodrigo learns that his beloved Carlotta does not love Rodrigo, but has fallen for Rodrigo's younger brother, Felipe (Aiden Quinn). Rodrigo, far from a reasonable sort, kills his brother shortly thereafter in a trumped-up quarrel. Distraught, Rodrigo eventually agrees to do his penance above the falls with Gab