Richard III (1956) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Those who criticize Laurence Olivier and Alan Dent -- co-authors of the screenplay -- for taking certain liberties with Shakespeare's play should also criticize Shakespeare for taking certain liberties with the historical material on which he often relied so heavily. In this instance, Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland, Vol. 6, and various Tudor Historians. In my opinion, such quibbling is a fool's errand. This much we do know about the historical Richard III. He was born in 1452 in Fotheringay Castle, Northamptonshire, the youngest son of Richard, Duke of York. He was created Duke of Gloucester by his brother, Edward IV, in 1461, accompanied him into exile (1470), and played a key role in his restoration (1471). Rewarded with part of the Neville inheritance, he exercised vice regal powers, and in 1482 re-captured Berwick-upon-Tweed from the Scots. When Edward died (1483) and was succeeded by his under-age son, Edward V, Richard acted first as protector, but within three months, he had overthrown the Woodvilles (relations of Edward IV's queen), arranged for the execution of Lord Hastings (c.1430-83), and had himself proclaimed and crowned as the rightful king. Young Edward and his brother were probably murdered in the Tower on Richard's orders, although not all historians agree. He tried to stabilize his position but failed to win broad-based support. His rival Henry Tudor (later Henry VII), confronted him in battle at Bosworth Field (August 22, 1485), when Richard died fighting bravely against heavy odds. Though ruthless, he was not the absolute monster Tudor historians portrayed him to be, nor is there proof he was a hunchback.
Cleverly, this film begins with the final scene of Henry IV, Part III, the coronation of Edward IV (Cedric Hardwicke). Locating himself at a strategic distance from the throne, the Duke of Gloucester (Olivier) carefully observes those around him. He shares with those who see this film or read the play his most private thoughts and feelings, many of which are as deformed as his body. Gloucester's "winter of discontent" will soon end. With a systematic tenacity unsurpassed by any other of Shakespeare's villains, Gloucester's coronation as Richard III (his own "glorious summer") will be the fulfillment of his royal ambition. The acting throughout the cast is outstanding. I do not recall another film in which Olivier, John Gielgud (George. Duke of Clarence), and Ralph Richardson (Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham) all appeared together, joined by Claire Bloom (Lady Anne Neville) and Stanley Baker (Henry Tudor). Special note should also be made of Otto Heller's cinematography which is integrated seamlessly with their performances. It is a pleasure to have this film now available in a DVD format, one which offers much sharper images and much clearer sound. Other special features of this DVD version include high-definition digital transfer; newly discovered footage; a commentary by playwright and stage director Russell Lees and John Wilder, former Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company; 1966 BBC interview with Olivier hosted by Kenneth Tynan; a 12-minute television trailer; a theatrical trailer; and an essay by film historian Bruce Eder.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Richard III (1956)

Widely acclaimed as his crowning Shakespearean film performance, Laurence Olivier's Richard III is the notorious tale of Richard of Gloucester.This deformed king connives, backstabs, and woos his way to the top of the royal heap, but his treachery eventually lands him on the fields of Bosworth, dying and screaming "A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!" Olivier, who loved the role for "its bloodcurdling spurts of malevolence" and "smoldering sexuality," gives a performance that will define Richard III for years to come.A cast replete with Britain's acting royalty give a command performance of the highest order.Restored to its original widescreen version, the film blazes with vivid color, while William Walton's musical score stirs and rouses the emotions.

Get 83% OFF

Click here for more information about Richard III (1956)

Read More...

Far From the Madding Crowd: Masterpiece Theatre (1998) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This latest dramatization of Far From the Madding Crowd (my favorite Thomas Hardy novel) is true to the novel's characters and to its romantic countryside mood. Nathaniel Parker as Gabriel is an example of perfect casting - expressive, gentle and stalwart; and the others are wonderful too. Paloma Baeza seems at first a bit too thoughtful to resemble impetuous Bathsheba but she really acts and looks like a 19th century woman. Jonathan Firth's dashing Troy is the picture of reckless disregard. This version, in my opinion, is MUCH better than the 1960s Julie Christie version, which resembles more a 1960s translation of Hardy than Hardy himself. (And Christie looked nothing like Hardy's dark-haired independent heroine; she was wrong, wrong.) This PBS version is very right, very authentic. A classy, romantic production; I'm glad they filmed it again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Far From the Madding Crowd: Masterpiece Theatre (1998)

Click here for more information about Far From the Madding Crowd: Masterpiece Theatre (1998)

Read More...

Nicholas Nickleby (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Charles Dickens- love him or hate him, you must admit that there was never anyone like him. His books are full of social critiques, melodramatic romances, characters so eccentric that they border on crazy and of course jaw dropping coincidences. The books are also wildly entertaining.
There has been a revival of Dickens lately in the form of TV mini-series and Nicholas Nickleby is the latest. The title character has just lost his father in death and now, in his late teens, he must find a way to support and protect his sweet sister Kate and somewhat silly mother. Their only relative is their uncle, the greedy and cold Ralph Nickleby.
Ralph gets Nicholas a job as a teacher in Yorkshire and Kate a job assisting a dressmaker. Here is where the main problems of the story come into play. Both Kate and Nicholas have the same problems, they are too good looking and talented. That may seem like no problem but they have no money and their equals in station are jealous of them. Also, they have to fend off unwelcome advances at every turn. The young actors playing Kate and Nicholas manage to make their characters good without being saccarine, a challenge to say the least.
The Yorkshire school where Nicholas is sent is a horror, the boys are abused particularly the silent waif Smike. Nicholas befriends Smike and then protects him from a beating. Forced to escape with Smike, Nicholas is disowned by his uncle for being ungrateful. He is told that if he sees his sister and mother again, Ralph will throw them into the street. Nicholas agrees to leave but swears vengeance if Kate or his mother suffer in any way at Ralph's hands.
This is pretty much how the movie goes, more and more problems come up and the characters escape by the skin of their teeth. The rivalry between Nicholas and Ralph is very well acted and one of the highlights of this miniseries.
Dickens purists will doubtlessly complain about the many cuts that had to be made due to time constraints but they were needed for the film to run smoothly. All in all, this is a very good adaptation that does not modernize the tale too much. (This has been a problem in far too many adaptions of the classics, over-modernization)
There are abductions, rescues, duels, chases, forced marriages, and one BIG suprise ending. (no Dickens novel is complete without a murder/attempted murder, a suicide and a suprise ending)
If you are looking for an old fashioned soaper, this is it. I could not reccommend it for children since some of the abuses at the school are rather disturbing. However, this is how things were in the worse schools in Dickens's time and it is rather an eye-opener. I would say in American ratings, this movie ranges from a PG to a PG-13 so parents will have to make their decisions accordingly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

A commence, brutal and passionate take of greed and love in Victorian England. A top-notch cast of veteran actors and rising young newcomers shines in a lavish new British production of the Charles Dickens classic. The hero, a penniless young gentleman, struggles to make his way in the world and protect his mother and sister, meeting up with the worst and best of humanity along the way. Charles Dance (The Jewel in the Crown) stars as Ralph Nickleby, with James D'Arcy (Rebel Heart) as Nicholas and Sophia Myles (Mansfield Park) as his beautiful sister, Kate. Other standouts include Lee Ingleby (Ever After) as Smike, Nicholas' faithful companion, and Dominic West (28 Days) as the lecherous Sir Mulberry Hawk.

Click here for more information about Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

Read More...

Masterpiece Theatre: The Wilkie Collins Set - The Woman in White/The Moonstone (1997) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Both of these films are intriguing British pieces. The Woman In White is perhaps slightly over-dramatized in this version, but the heart of the story is well captivated by the actors.
The Moonstone has long been a favorite mystery of mine, and this portrayal is rather brilliant.
It was a good purchase for those anglophiles that enjoy nothing better than a good British period movie.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Masterpiece Theatre: The Wilkie Collins Set - The Woman in White/The Moonstone (1997)

Click here for more information about Masterpiece Theatre: The Wilkie Collins Set - The Woman in White/The Moonstone (1997)

Read More...

Therese Raquin (1981) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I keeping echoing over and over....I watched this presentation because I aspire to see every possible iota of work available by the outstanding actor, Alan Rickman.
Each time I view Rickman's work solely for that reason, I am rewarded with an outstanding piece of entertainment I would have otherwise missed. This Masterpiece Theater presentation of Emile Zola's acclaimed novel,'Therese Raquin', is one more gem in that growing list of eclectic, but always exceedingly high-quality, films that make up the body of Rickman's work.
This tragic drama of a simple household populated by complex characters quietly unfolds in a sparsely stated manner, completely divergent from the shocking passion and emotional turbulence bubbling and smoldering under the surface of this story of illicit love, its requisite deceit, and the tragic explosion of events which are born of its temptations.
Kate Nelligan (The Cider House Rules) in the title role reminded me of Tiny Louise in what I believe was Tina's debut role as another dallying daughter-in-law, Robert Ryan's in her case, Griselda, simmering with adulterous lust for Aldo Ray in 'God's Little Acre'. Brian Cox, as Laurent, Therese's passionate lover, bears little resemblance to his recurring role of Ward Abbott in the recent 'Bourne' films or even his smaller role as Doug Durwin in 'Minus Man'. Simply said, his Laurent is 'deadly sexual'. Kenneth Cranham was seemingly perfectly cast as Camille, Therese's doomed cuckold, and certainly far removed from the villainous hitman, Gibson, in Britain's 2001 film, 'Shiner'. English actress, Mona Washbourne, shines herself in her role as Madame Raquin, with whom Camille, her son, and his wife Therese reside, and over whose literal head Therese and Laurent shockingly cavort sexually, while in truth nothing about Therese goes over her mother-in-law's head, either before or after she becomes a helpless invalid left to the care of Therese.
Alan Rickman (Vidal) in his role as artist/friend is resplendent in curls and could be my friend any day. Alan always makes the most of his role, no matter how small. Vidal is absolutely no exception, showing all the talent, charm, and creativity Alan's dedicated fans would swoon over in the years following this early TV role.

Rickman fans must watch this early work of Alan to be able to truthfully say they 'could see his talent unfolding even then'. Lovers of drama and tragedy, love and lust, and a simple time-old story very well told will love this TV series dubbed by the "DAILY EXPRESS" to be 'One of the best serials ever seen on TV....electrifying'. They were not exaggerating by even one volt.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Therese Raquin (1981)

Click here for more information about Therese Raquin (1981)

Read More...

Julius Caesar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Much better than the earlier Julius Caesar, which starred Marlon Brando as Mark Antony and James Mason as Brutus. In this version, Jason Robards as Brutus is admittedly an embarrassment, but the rest of the cast is quite strong. The delivery of Antony's funeral oration by Charlton Heston is brilliant, powerful, well-paced, the dramatic high point of the movie. Richard Johnson as Cassius, John Gielgud as Caesar, Robert Vaughn as Casca and Diana Rigg as Portia are fine actors, with full dramatic presence, at home in Shakespeare's language. Brief parts, like the soothsayer's and the cobbler's, are memorably played. The screenplay omits two short passages that are important to the plot: (1) Cassius' avowal in the first act, after his attempt to persuade Brutus to oppose Caesar, that if their positions were reversed and he, Cassius, stood as well with Caesar as Brutus does and Brutus made a comparable appeal to him, he would certainly not listen. (2) Immediately after the assassination, a promise by Brutus to Antony's servant of safe conduct for Antony, who thus knows when he comes to the Capitol and weeps over Caesar's body, challenging the conspirators to kill him also, that he is in no danger of their doing so.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Julius Caesar

Click here for more information about Julius Caesar

Read More...

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1983) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)One of the finest theatrical productions of all time, no question. Beautifully staged and brilliantly performed; 39 of the world's best actors play more than 150 roles.
The DVD set should be better than this. (The play gets 5 stars; the DVD gets 1.)
It is improperly cut and sloppily transferred. A&E has released it (after much anticipation) not in its original four 2-hour acts but in the nine 1-hour episodes that they cut for broadcast on television, with intros and credits every hour. All they've done is transfer their 9-cassette VHS release, with intros, opening and closing credits and a "previously seen" commentary (meant for the TV audience watching it over a period of nine days) onto four DVDs, frustratingly marring the flow of the production. Not only does the play get interrupted every hour, but at one point you have to change discs mid-scene. In addition (and inexplicably) this DVD version is missing a scene that's on the VHS.
If A&E gets their act together, they'll rerelease this set and return this incredible play back to its original structure, without the cuts and interruptions. Isn't that the point of DVD? Bear in mind also that many of the glowing reviews on this site refer to the VHS set (and the play itself) and don't address the inept job of transferring the VHS onto DVD. (Amazon's reviewer even credits Jim Goddard as the director, when all he did was arrange cameras and make adjustments for taping; the actual directors of the play, Trevor Nunn and John Napier, go unmentioned.)
As you may have read in other reviews, the original stage production was four 2-hour acts in two parts (the running time of the play is actually 8 hours without the intermissions, not 9, as is stated in Amazon's review), and Parts I and II could be seen all in one day or over two consecutive nights. The designers of this set could have devoted one disc per part, without interruption, with one more disc for any extras (there aren't many). A four-disc set is excessive and inappropriate; it allows them to up their price while it weakens the experience of the play. (Peter Brook's 9-hour stage production of "The Mahabharata" is on two DVDs, in fine quality and half the price.)
I saw the play on Broadway in 1981 and, like most in that theater, fell in love with it. I've had the VHS version all this time and hoped that eventually it would be on DVD, carefully restored.
I would avoid buying this set and wait until they release one that's complete, uncut and faithful to the play. It's one of the greatest stage productions of all time. It features the Royal Shakespeare Company in its prime. It deserves better than this. The movies "Pearl Harbor" and "Dogma" got better DVD treatments. That's pretty sad.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1983)

LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKL - DVD Movie

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1983)

Read More...

Jude the Obscure (1971) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I don't usually review DVDs and CDs but after reading Claire Tomalin's excellent new biography of Thomas Hardy I decided to rent a couple of films based on his novels. "Jude the Obscure", a mini-series delivered in 1971, was my first choice and what a choice it was! Set on two DVDs (six episodes of forty-five minutes each) I came away dazzled not only with a greater appreciation of Hardy but of this particular group of actors.
Jude is a character of great sympathy who is in constant conflict between his marriage to one woman and his passions for another. Leading this strong group is Robert Powell (the entire cast is British, of course) and he delivers a tour de force in the title role of Jude. The supporting women, (Fiona Walker as Jude's cousin and real love and Alex Marshall as his wife) express a range of emotions that plays true to Hardy's work. This mini-series became so engrossing as I got into it that I watched the entire series in one sitting. It's a drama-packed production, wonderfully directed and photographed and not for one minute seeming to be outdated. I highly recommend it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jude the Obscure (1971)

A Classic BBC Adaptation of a Controversial Literary MasterpieceAs Seen on PBS' Masterpiece TheatreJude Fawley is a poor stone carver who is tricked into a loveless marriage and ultimately forced to give up his dreams of a university education. After his wife deserts him, he begins a scandalous relationship with his cousin Sue Bridehead.

Get 12% OFF

Click here for more information about Jude the Obscure (1971)

Read More...

King Lear (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Now a celebrity, courtesy of Bilbo Baggins (the keepcase to this King Lear DVD bills him as "of the Lord of the Rings"), Ian Holm was a great actor long before he was Bilbo. On this DVD he delivers a Lear on a par with the twentieth century's greatest, including Olivier's. But the excellence of this version results not just from one bravura performance, but from an intelligently conceived approach to the play, seamlessly executed by a competent, superbly chosen cast. Of innovative productions there is no end, but what a rarity, and what a joy, when innovation comes across as deeply authentic, rooted in the text and the humanity of the play, as if the new take had always been there, concealed in the text, waiting for centuries to be discovered. One can argue whether Lear should be presented as a "psychological" drama of broken family relationships, and I have mixed feelings about the approach; but if, as our leading Shakespeare critic maintains, Shakespeare "invented" our understanding of human nature, then surely this approach should be tried. And it works to perfection here. Goneril and Regan, the "bad daughters," evolve into monsters of pure evil, but along the way we see, via some remarkable facial expressions that play particularly well on the small screen, flashes of the agonizing pain and hurt that their overbearing father has inflicted on them. This is true also of Cordelia, the "good" daughter; all these daughters are visibly tormented in the presence of their father, though Cordelia overcomes her past through love and forgiveness. What keeps this from being the greatest Lear on video is that the text is heavily abridged. Those who know the play will have trouble escaping the occasional feeling that they are trapped in a "60 Second Lear" from Tom Stoppard or the Reduced Shakespeare Company. The greatest of Shakespeare's lines remain, but how much greater they are when they emerge from his larger linguistic context. At points the cutting even confuses the plot. One gets no hint from this version that the "bedlam" Edgar is only feigning madness; for awhile you would think he's actually gone bonkers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: King Lear (2004)

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about King Lear (2004)

Read More...

Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Fleming, Morris, Croft, Levine, Moshinsky, Metropolitan Opera (1996) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've seen Domingo perform Otello live about 24 times including being in the audience the night this was filmed as well as opening night. This was the most magical night in all my years of going to opera. The electric energy flying around the stage between the principals and the audience was almost unbearable. While waiting in line to see Renee backstage, the prompter (she has been with the Met some 40 years) asked if we had seen the opening night performance and we answered in the affirmative and she said "Well, I think tonight was better, in fact, I think it is the best performance of Otello I've ever seen!" And, I figure she's seen a few including those of Domingo. His acting in this performance is superb! He is Otello! James Morris was manipulative, evil and charming at the same time. Renee was a wonder! In fact the reviewer at the time for the L. A. Times said it should have been called "Desdemona" so enchanted with her performance was he. She had just given birth to her second daughter 3 weeks earlier and apologized to us for greeting us in her dressing room sitting down! After she falls on the floor, sings on the floor, runs and puts her entire heart and soul into her performance! The lady was forgiven! Domingo was in an extremely good mood after an opera that usually totally exhausts him! He knew that this was a very special performance. Thank you Met for broadcasting this as I watch it frequently and my tape is almost worn out! I've been waiting for this opera to be released as one of the most outstanding productions and casts ever of my favorite opera and now they have done it! If you can only buy one DVD this year, make it this one! Also, it's history, as you'll never see him again, or anyone else, I wager, that can come close to capturing the character and singing it as well as he does. This is opera magic!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Fleming, Morris, Croft, Levine, Moshinsky, Metropolitan Opera (1996)

Get 3% OFF

Click here for more information about Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Fleming, Morris, Croft, Levine, Moshinsky, Metropolitan Opera (1996)

Read More...

Nicholas Nickleby (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have viewed four versions of this Dickens classic and find the BBC set starring Havers to be the most consistantly satisfying. The oldest version is processed from a print too damaged to produce a satisfactory result from the audio or visual standpoint. The stage version by the Royal Shakespeare group has many wonderful things about it but I miss the visual images of the architecure and countryside which are so much a part of the author's world. The recent version staring Dallimore is short on Dickensian humor and the heavy handed music score does too much to sink the performance.
Unlike another reviewer, I do not find Havers too old for the role of Nicholas. He is supposed to be 19 and many 19 year olds look much older than Nigel does. The best things about this BBC version are the wonderful views of the countryside and the look of the houses and towns.
The music is minimal but with Dicken's contant scene shifts I don't find that I miss it. The actors are true to the reputation of British television actors. Mostly trained on the stage, they are dependably wonderful. One might choose other actors in other versions as being one's favorites for this or that role, but overall this seems to be the choice for a good basic rendering of this classic.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nicholas Nickleby (2006)

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Nicholas Nickleby (2006)

Read More...

The Mayor of Casterbridge (1978) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Ah yes, remember the Golden Sundays when Masterpiece Theatre actually gave us masterpieces? When I reviewed the recent release of the 1967 "Forsyte Saga," I mentioned that its immense popularity here in the States led to the creation of Masterpiece Theatre and that the very first series seen thereon, "The First Churchills," was due to appear on Acorn Media DVDs soon. Well, the 1987 "The Mayor of Casterbridge" (AMP 6110) has come first. And thank you yet again, Acorn Media.
This is the wonderful 7-part series with Alan Bates as the ill-starred Michael Henchard, who in a drunken fit sells his wife and their baby daughter to a seaman and then sees her again years later when he is a wealthy merchant and the Mayor of Casterbridge. From that moment on, nothing he does, no decision he makes, seems to come out right. It has been too long since I read the Thomas Hardy novel, but I do remember this scenario being quite faithful to its source.
As with most of the older Masterpiece Theatre series, the acting is topnotch, the scenery gorgeous, the costumes and props absolutely authentic, and the dialogue intelligent and true to the novel. It has been suggested that British actors are so versatile because they work for years in repertory playing all sorts of minor roles before taking on major ones. Bates is just about perfect as the irascible main character--but we have the only major problem here: much of what he says is very hard to understand since he speaks in a quite authentic regional accent and slurs and whispers his lines far too often.
Anne Stallybrass as his long-suffering wife Susan might be recalled as Henry VIII's third and best beloved wife from that series; while Janet Maw plays the almost too good to be true daughter Elizabeth-Jane without falling once into cliché. In fact, even the smallest roles are absolutely believable, so that the evil Jopp (played by Ronald Lacey, the evil Nazi with the burned hand in "Raiders of the Lost Ark") is not just your stock villain but a credible human who thinks he knows how to survive. Henchard's most unwilling "rival," Donald Farfrae, is played most sympathetically by Jack Galloway. Probably the second most complex character of them all is the "woman with a past," Lucetta Templeman, played by Anna Massey.
A really important character, however, is the town of Casterbridge itself and its many inhabitants. But they all exist in a Hardy universe, which is hostile at its best to the innocent and guilty alike. The interest here is how the character of Henchard simply makes things worse. Fascinating watching.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Mayor of Casterbridge (1978)

Click here for more information about The Mayor of Casterbridge (1978)

Read More...

Death of a Salesman & Private Conversations (1985) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was glad to find this DVD just shortly after reading the play. While I enjoyed reading it very much, I found the play to be very confusing. Just from the text alone it was hard to tell what was real and what wasn't. Seeing the film version of this triumphant play really helped a lot. "Death of a Salesman" is a sad and tragic drama that emotionally involves you from start to finish.
Willy Loman is a tired and heart-broken salesman who no longer lives in the world of reality. Instead, he is trapped in his world of delusions. Each day that passes by seems to be worse and worse for Willy. He spends way too much of his time in the past when he needs to be focusing on the future. His wife and two sons have no idea what they should do for him as they know that he is heading towards disaster in this unforgettable drama.
Like I said, to actually see this really made me appreciate the play more than just reading it from the text. It can get confusing when you only have the words, but when you see it performed it all comes together and make sense. The acting is terrific. Dustin Hoffman really does an outstanding job of playing Willy Loman. Not only does he just "act" the part out, he "becomes" Loman. I admit that I had my doubts at first, because I didn't see him playing the part. My doubts quickly fled from my mind after the first 10 minutes or so. Everybody else is also terrific as well. (Wow, look how young John Malkovitch looks!) I think the movie does a fine job doing Arthur Miller's play justice.
The DVD is pretty neat as well. The picture quality is good, considering the fact that it is an old movie. The DVD also includes a feature length documentary behind the movie, which is really entertaining, and a still gallery. While it may seem like this DVD doesn't have a lot to offer, the documentary really makes it worth-while.
"Death of a Salesman" is a powerhouse drama that hooks you from start to finish. Reading it is one thing, but to actually see it makes it much more enjoyable. If you just read the play from the text it can be pretty confusing at points. If you're looking for a great dramatic movie with great acting and writing, then this is something you should really think about checking out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Death of a Salesman & Private Conversations (1985)

Willy Loman has spent his entire life believing he and his family are bound for greatness. Struggling day to day as a traveling salesman, Willy begins to lose touch with reality and drifts away into the past. Meanwhile his family, including wife Linda and sons Biff and Happy, attempts to cope with Willy's self-destruction and the still-lingering ghosts of the past. Arthur Miller's timeless Pulitzer Prize-winning play is brought to the screen with a powerhouse performance by Academy Award-winner Dustin Hoffman, who earned Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for this role. The stellar supporting cast features Kate Reid, Charles Durning, Stephen Lang, and in his first breakout role, John Malkovich as Biff, all guided by internationally-acclaimed director Volker Schlondorff (The Tin Drum) and a haunting score by legendary composer Alex North (Spartacus).

Click here for more information about Death of a Salesman & Private Conversations (1985)

Read More...

The Glass Menagerie (1987) (1987) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It is incredibly rare to find a film adapted from a play that actually works and remains faithful to spirit of the original story. "The Glass Menagerie" is one of the infinitesimally few efforts that manages to do both. Casting, direction, and acting are superb, with an especially priceless performance by John Malkovich as the poetic but stifled Tom Wingfield. The entire film is worth watching for his "opium den" rant at Joanne Woodward, though the remainder is in no way lacking. This is a much underrated, gut-wrenching, true cinematic treasure.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Glass Menagerie (1987) (1987)

Click here for more information about The Glass Menagerie (1987) (1987)

Read More...

Tennessee Williams' Dragon Country (Broadway Theatre Archive) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Once again Kim Stanley is breathtaking to watch. Oh to have seen her in her hey day on Broadway. Female Brando: The Legend of Kim Stanley

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tennessee Williams' Dragon Country (Broadway Theatre Archive)

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Tennessee Williams' Dragon Country (Broadway Theatre Archive)

Read More...

Ten Blocks on the Camino Real (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1966) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had never heard of this play when I say the DVD on the shelf. So I got it, took it home, and watched it. I found it to be delightful. Martin Sheen glows in the bloom of his youth, Lotte Lenya is a hoot, and the rest of the cast, while unknown to me, were admirable, especially Janet Margolin as Esmeralda.
The production dates back to 1966, in a B&W TV staging for NET - National Educational TV. I suppose that is the predicessor of today's PBS. It was campy and fun, with lots of cheesy sets typical of live TV shows of the day. That aspect alone gives it an ambience that looks back to an earlier day of less than slick TV performances of more than worthy theatrical properties. Too bad such things are not particularly marketable today. Still, thanks to DVD, one can enjoy one of a kind performances like this one that would otherwise be lost.
This performance is apparently based on an early version of the play, rather than an "excised" version of the final published text. In my edition of Tennessee Williams plays, there is commentary on the fact that he reworked the material several times after its Broadway Premier before releasing the final published version. For that reason alone, this is an interesting historical document. What's more, this version, without commercials, fits neatly into the standard one hour TV time slot, and in my opinion, holds the stage quite well.
I really enjoyed the perfornace, and recommend it to anyone who is not put off by out of date TV production standards. If you are interested in a more "official" version of the play based on the final published text, there are always books at the library or book store. Meanwhile, this DVD will provide you with a good visual image while you read.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ten Blocks on the Camino Real (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1966)

Martin Sheen stars as the eternal American G.I. Kilroy, a poetic soul condemned to spiritual death, in Tennessee Williams's allegorical one-act play. In a dreamlike fictitious Latin American country, a worn-out Casanova, a Camille living on memories, a Byron pitiful in his disillusioned pride, and others less famous live out a hopeless existence. Into this world comes Kilroy, an ex-boxer and perpetual fall guy, who asks so little and always gets short-changed, but never gives up hope. He is finally conned, or almost, into despairing subjection like the rest. "An allegory about people removed from time and geography..." --The New York Times. With Lotte Lenya, Tom Aldredge, Michael Baseleon, and Albert Dekker.

Click here for more information about Ten Blocks on the Camino Real (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1966)

Read More...

The Master Builder (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1960) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Produced in 1960 by David Susskind, this Broadway Theater Archive production of one of Ibsen's most famous plays focuses on an older man's fear that he will be replaced by the younger generation before he has been able to reconcile his success with his personal sacrifices. Halvard Solness (E. G. Marshall) is a Master Builder who has built much of the small town in which he lives. Arrogant, manipulative, and often paranoid, there is little he will not do to appear in control.
When Hilde Wangel (Lois Smith) suddenly knocks on his door, the younger generation arrives. Exuberant and flirtatious, Hilde reminds Halvard that exactly ten years ago, when she was the twelve-year-old daughter of a client, he called her his little princess and promised to buy her a kingdom. Ingratiating herself with Halvard, Hilde listens as he reveals his guilt about his success, his fear of godly retribution, and his simultaneous belief that he is one of the "special people" who can bring his desires to fruition through the summoning of demons, "called 'luck' by others." Regarding herself as the person who will free him from guilt, Hilde urges the acrophobic Halvard to place a wreath at the top of the tower on the house he has built for his wife-a symbolic celebration of a new kind of life through Hilde, building castles in the air.
Though Robinson and Smith portray their roles with passion, their characters are not always realistic, and the psychological grounding seems uncertain, lacking unity. Their relationship, because of differences in age, background, and personalities, is unsettling and uncomfortable for the viewer, and the actors themselves do not seem to connect in this supposed relationship. The formality of E. G. Robinson matched with the bizarre flirtatiousness of Lois Smith feels more like a dramatic conceit than the natural attraction it is supposed to be. Halvard's seemingly bloodless wife (Joanna Roos), fully aware of the growing attraction between Halvard and Hilde, vividly conveys her frustration with her life and her wayward husband, and her behavior at the end of the play is touching--filled with a kind of hopeless sadness.
Set in Halvard's house, this black and white production depends on the viewer's acceptance of the characters and their peculiar interactions, since there is virtually no change of scenery and no color to provide distractions. The play, directed by John Stix and Richard Lukin, is filled with strong emotion, but it carries a pessimistic and ambiguous message conveyed through characters who are not quite believable. Mary Whipple


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Master Builder (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1960)

Get 80% OFF

Click here for more information about The Master Builder (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1960)

Read More...