Mame

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The 1974 film version of Mame stars legendary Lucille Ball and is based on the 1966 hit Broadway musical, not the 1958 movie. When 10-year-old Patrick Dennis's father dies, he is sent to live with his eccentric Auntie Mame. Mame may know nothing about being a parent, but she's got love and spontaneity in spades, and Patrick blooms in the time spent with her. Though Miss Ball seems sadly miscast when Mame begins (she's too old and can't sing), by the time the movie reaches the famous foxhunt scene when Mame accidentally wins the hunt, and in turn the heart of gallant Beauregard Burnside, you start to believe Lucy is Mame.

Reprising her Broadway role (for which she won a Tony), Bea Arthur plays Mame's boozy pal Vera Charles. Songs include the now-classic "We Need a Little Christmas" and "Bosom Buddies" plus "Loving You," sung by Robert Preston's Beau and written for this movie. --Dana Van Nest

Description

Lucille Ball plays Auntie mame, loving life and living it to the hilt with her nephew and assorted eccentrics in tow. Robert Preston, Beatrice Arthur and Jerry Herman's smashing Broadway score add pizazz. Year: 1974 Director: Gene Saks Starring: Lucille Ball. Robert Preston, Bea Arthur

Customer Reviews:

Remake "Auntie Mame"? WHY????.......2007-09-12

Once upon a time, someone told Lucille Ball she could sing....and she believed them! Not only CAN'T she sing, she CAN'T act either. In "Mame", Ball has taken one of the best films of our time....the original "Auntie Mame".....and literally made it unrecognizeable. If you're a fan of the original, this hashed remake is actually painful to watch.

Pure and simple, this movie is DREADFUL.

LAME MAME ..............2007-09-09

Be careful what you bring from Broadway to Hollywood : even if you do it over dead bodies .........."those in the loop we know where of we speak"

1st - the 'book' "Nora the nanny" is combined into Gooch - so we have 2 for the price of 1 and it really spoils this verion - also

2nd - O'Bannion [the wild Irish youth!] is missing - Gooche's conquest - so the 2nd half of the escapade falls flat ....one can go on .....

Lucy? Pity - toooooooooooooo old and filtered for this one - although the gal had great gams at 60???

Bea Arthur shines - but tends to be quite one note ... Robert Preston [?] brilliant man , but Mother Burnside .... was she an infant bride?

The rest? Let's be kind and quote 'One leaves the cinema with that blurry feeling - as if everything was slightly out of focus ......'

Gawd, you can drive double fright [freight] trains through the pauses ..... waiting for the audience to 'catch' the 'bon motte'???

EVERYTHING was slightly 'out of focus' = via-a-vis [what-ever] Lucy's close-ups.

Costumes by Theadora van Rynkle are spectacular though ... quite in the Orry Kelly realm.

NOW why doesn't someone [sorry have to go there] ask ANGELA and Bea to do the definitive concert version?????

NOTHIG's impossible and it can be done!

Granny Get Your Gun.......2007-09-04

Lucille Ball was a mighty power in television throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but she still made an occasional film, most notably THE LONG, LONG TRAILER and THE FACTS OF LIFE. Although her television career remained strong, as the 1970s began her movie career seemed to be winding down--but Ball was determined to have one last big screen fling, and the project she selected was the 1966 musical MAME.

In many respects the role seemed tailor-made: based on the popular novel which gave rise to two different Broadway plays, Mame Dennis is a wacky, wildly uninhibited woman who "inherits" her orphaned nephew Patrick--and leads him on a wild tour of life's possibilities, bouncing from one comic spree to another. The music, which featured such songs as "Open a New Window" and "If He Walked Into My Life Today," was among Jerry Herman's best work. The supporting cast, which included Robert Preston and Bea Arthur, was the best of the best. Expectations were high; opening night fanfare was tremendous; the film was a disaster. Critics were aghast and audiences sat slack-jawed.

No matter what hardcore Lucy fans may say, MAME is a fiasco, so much so that it is hard to know where to start. It is badly directed, badly filmed, badly performed, and there Lucille Ball is at the center of it all, unable to dance, unable to sing, and grinning like a waxworks dummy while incredibly bad choreography swirls around her. But the disaster is hardly of her making alone; the supporting cast fares no better. Bea Arthur and Jane Connell recreate their stage roles of Vera Charles and Agnes Gooch; the former is stagey, the latter is dismal. Robert Preston manages to sing with a smile, but he's pretty much on his own and clearly none too happy about it.

The DVD brings the film from the VHS pan-and-scan release to widescreen, but that only means there's more awfullness to see. Everybody loves Lucy, but only the least critical fan could love Lucy's MAME; while I wouldn't say it's bad enough to make you want to gouge your eyes out, you may wish you had. Not recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

A Joyful, Jubilant Movie Musical.......2007-09-02

I have seen "Mame" more than ten times and everytime I watch this film it makes me angry at how the critics treated Lucy. True, Lucille Ball may not be the best singer in the world but the songs for "Mame" don't require a great singing voice. Aside from the singing aspect, which I think Lucy did a good job, I think this is one of Lucy's best screen performances. She was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1974 for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy film - she lost to Raquel Welch for "The Three Musketeers" (?) The musical numbers in "Mame" are truly outstanding. The numbers are expertly performed by not only Lucy but the entire cast. Lucy should have been nominated for an Academy Award but I guess the film just came out at the wrong time (1974). There just weren't any musicals of this kind being released in 1974. We had junk like "Last Tango In Paris" and "The Exorcist." Lucy was at the height of her popularity in 1974 and I guess when you're at the top, the critics like to tear you down. However, I am glad that the public has rediscoverd "Mame" and Lucy's superb performance. The film has found a new audience and many who had disliked the film back in '74 have taken a second look and realize that the film is really good. I am so tired of hearing about how Angela Lansbury should have played the role - even Patrick Dennis, the author, didn't care for Ms. Lansbury's performance on Broadway. Ms. Lansbury is not a great actress (just watch "Murder, She Wrote") - her only good film was "The Manchurian Candidate." So, I suggest eveybody should order Mame on DVD and sit back and enjoy one of the best old fashion movie muscial ever made. LUCY IS MAME!!!!

GREAT.......2007-09-01

No matter what anybody says about the qualtity of this movie or whether Lucy should have been cast or not! It's the closest you can get to the Original Broadwayshow. Jane Connell is great as Agnes and Robert Preston the perfect Beauregard. And Bea Arthur... she was also in the original Broadway Production, and just to see her reprise her role, wow... no words needed.
I loooove this movie, had it on video for years and am so happy to have it in widescreen dvd finally.

Average customer rating:

GRIPPING!
A Place in the Sun
A bizarre little love triangle.
Not The Best But Hardly The Worst Little Film!
A legendary film classic by a master filmmaker

A Place in the Sun
Starring: Robert Anderson , Gertrude Astor , Raymond Burr , Lois Chartand , and Ken Christy
Director: George Stevens
Manufacturer: Paramount
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ASIN: B00003CXBZ
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Amazon.com essential video

George Stevens won an Oscar for his 1951 adaptation of Theodore Dreiser's novel An American Tragedy, though the film seems a little overwrought today and even self-parodying at times. Still, Montgomery Clift's performance as a poor lad so drawn to a rich, beautiful girl (Elizabeth Taylor) that he contemplates killing his lower-class fiancée (Shelley Winters) is powerful, sympathetic, and mesmerizing. Taylor makes a strong impression, but Winters is awfully good in the less-glamorous role. The tone of the film is oppressive--the film doesn't exactly breathe with possibility--but there are lots of good reasons to give this movie a visit. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

GRIPPING!.......2007-08-24

I've never been a fan of either Elizabeth Taylor or Montgomery Clift - not to mention Shelley Winters! However, this screenplay is so gripping that all that meant nothing. The story of star-crossed lovers is as old as Romeo & Juliet. But this movie makes it all brand new once more.

I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys true suspense at its finest.

A Place in the Sun.......2007-06-25

Veteran director Stevens adapted this Academy Award winner from Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy". This cautionary tale of a doomed love triangle holds you captive, buoyed by charismatic performances from both Clift and Taylor. Yet the young Winters shines brightest in the most unglamorous of parts, stealing the movie from its photogenic stars, and netting herself an Oscar nod. (Stevens actually won for Best Director).

A bizarre little love triangle........2007-04-11

A Place in the Sun starring Montogmery Cliff, Elizabeth Taylor, and Shelly Winters is a moody, rich, and very melodramatic movie of its time. This film probably wouldn't work in today's standards of movie cinema, it's long and shallow but the acting is superb and the story of a man in love with two very different women is a timeless storyline. Montogmery Cliff was a gorgeous and striking young man, he grabs your attention in the very first scene. Taylor and Winters shine in their roles, Taylor has never looked more beautiful and Winters is understated and completely flawless as a dramatic actress. This film is worth a viewing and by the way it's driected by George Stevens so you can't go wrong with that. A Place in the Sun is a movie you'll want to visit every now and then.

Not The Best But Hardly The Worst Little Film!.......2007-04-10

The quality of the DVD is first rate. The sound is good the picture quality is really pretty good with no distracting cuts tears lines or streaks. I too saw this picture initially on TCM and it was good. I do not fault how halting timid and one dimensional the character execution and plot development is in A Place in the Sun too much. I am old enough to remember how strict censorship was in back when this picture was produced. Oh yeah by todays standards "A Place In The Sun is a movie whose content is positively tepid. Compared to todays sexpot movies where if audiences are not treated to at least one bare no holds barred naked sex scene in a flick they feel profoundly ill used indeed.

An old movie has to be evaluated for its daring in the context of the time in which it was made. For its time A Place in the Sun explored subject matter of class in our so called classless american society, young mom's having babies out of wedlock and tangentally touching on abortion. In early 1950's "perfect america each of these subjects were potential third rails not only hollywood but state and local censors could use to deny or restrict a films screen time or availability. Could the story have been told better, yes. Could the staff and actors taken a few more risks or wrote the picture to bring the issues and passions into more clear believable focus again yes indeedy.

The writing if nothing else could have been written tighter to suggest things censors would have cut for sure if shown. Other well made pictures have used writing to convey indirectly subjects censors of the day would never allowed direct explorartion of. All that said Looked at with an eye to when it was made A Place in The Sun while not perfect picture is for its time a gutsy attempt to show a slice of American life that seldom got explored with the depth and sensitivity you experience in its viewing.

I will take one star off for A Place In The Sun writers who in my humble opinion did not go far enough to develop tightly defined characters using indirect methods that would have conveyed greater depth of personality and passion than could be shown directly in a 1950's era film. I give A Place in the Sun an A- for an awesome effort. I think A Place In The Sun deserves a place in any collection of great old movies because, while not perfect its acting is powerful and its writing explores taboo subjects with a degree of sensitivity that make it worth watching.

A legendary film classic by a master filmmaker.......2007-04-03

I watched producer-director George Stevens' production of A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951, Paramount) on DVD for the first time ever last night. Winner of six Oscars, including Stevens' sensitive direction and the adapted screenplay, it packs an emotional wallop and is a true film classic. Theodore Dreiser's novel, AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY, has been updated by writers Michael Wilson and Harry Brown to post-World War Two Nevada. Montgomery Clift is ideally cast as millionaire mill owner's son George Eastman, who befriends a homely, but sweet and likeable factory worker named Alice Tripp (a never-better Shelley Winters). George gets promotions through hard work and falls in love with Alice, eventually getting her pregnant. But he won't marry her because he also is smitten by glamorous rich girl Ann Vickers (Elizabeth Taylor in her first truly adult role).

So we have a love triangle with a factory worker in love with a rich woman and a poor woman. George wants to basically dump Alice so he can be with and maybe marry Ann. The wealthy Eastman family is all for the marriage and does not know about Alice at all. George wants Alice to get an abortion and stay out of his life, but she demands that he marry her or she will tell everything to the Eastman family. Only Ann knows about Alice, and she sticks by George; the two share one of cinema history's greatest kisses during a party. And you thought YOU had problems. George has to find a way to get rid (i.e., murder) Alice and marry Ann. Ah yes, convenient Lake Tahoe, a rental rowboat under an alias, and poor Alice cannot swim. Hmm. We are at the 75 minute mark of a 122 minute movie that is gripping and enormously engrossing.

A PLACE IN THE SUN has been painstakingly made by one of Hollywood's greatest producer-directors--and a former cameraman for Laurel and Hardy back in the late 1920s. William Mellor's exquisite B&W photography is velvety rich, setting up visual contrasts between the worlds of Ann and Alice, along with elegant slow dissolves to also set up social contrasts; Franz Waxman's score is beautiful and sad. Both gentlemen won Oscars here in a year that included A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. I was born in a great movie year.

The climax and ending to A PLACE IN THE SUN are sad and easy to guess. Anne Revere is superb in a small role as George's poverty level missionary mother. The finale packs a real punch in a movie with three truly immortal performances. This may be one of the great movie dramas of all time. Rent it, or watch for it monthly on Turner Classic Movies cable. It is on again in April.

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This is the kind of film that truly inspires people to become dancers, filmmakers, artists, etc., etc....
Thank you Netflix
the first of great dance movies
The Red Shoes
dance dance dance little lady -- leave tomorrow behind ...

The Red Shoes - Criterion Collection
Starring: Albert Bassermann , Eric Berry , Irene Browne , Derek Elphinstone , and Marius Goring
Director: Emeric Pressburger
Manufacturer: Criterion
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ASIN: B00000IPHT
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Amazon.com

It's been said that this 1948 classic has been responsible for the ballet lessons of more young girls than any other film. It's not hard to understand why: Michael Powell and Emerich Pressburger's dark fairy tale presents the ballet as an exquisite, magical work of art; but under the theatrics and glory is an all-consuming lifestyle with the power to destroy those who love it perhaps too much. Moira Shearer practically glows as Victoria "Vicky" Page, a young woman consumed by a will to dance who is accepted into the highly prestigious ballet company run by perfectionist Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook). Meanwhile, a gifted young composer, Julian Craster (Marius Goring), is brought on board as an orchestra coach, and later conductor and composer of the ballet that will make Vicky's name: The Red Shoes, one of the most beautiful and dramatic dances ever captured on film. Professional and personal jealousies soon pull this creative team apart, however, and Vicky is torn between her love of Julian, her responsibility to Boris, and her need to dance. Powell and Pressburger recast Hans Christian Andersen's sad story as a modern romantic melodrama, highlighted by beautiful dances and shot, not as stage ballets, but rather as expressionist cinematic dramas on impossibly grand sets awash with bold color and beautifully captured in glorious Technicolor by cinematographer Jack Cardiff. It's a brilliant melding of dance and drama as Vicky's real life mirror's the tragic story she danced in the Red Shoes ballet. --Sean Axmaker

Description

A glorious Technicolor epic that influenced generations of filmmakers, artists, and aspiring ballerinas, The Red Shoes intricately weaves backstage life with the thrill of performance. A young ballerina (Moira Shearer) is torn between two forces: the composer who loves her (Marius Goring), and the impresario determined to fashion her into a great dancer (Anton Walbrook). Criterion is proud to present The Red Shoes in its DVD premiere.

Customer Reviews:

This is the kind of film that truly inspires people to become dancers, filmmakers, artists, etc., etc...........2007-09-09

I am a huge fan of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Their colloboration was one of the greatest and most unique in the history of cinema. This is probably their greatest film, even though there are others which are just as magnificent. This film is about ballet, the love of art, and the burning that artists have in their desire to create. I love the 20 minute ballet sequence in the middle of the film. The film "leaves" the stage, and we get a beautiful, emotional, poetic interpretation of The Red Shoes. It's almost like it's own little movie. Certain films like this can't really be described to anyone's satisfaction, as they inspire many emotions and feeling, and words cannot convey these things most of the time. The film is so beguiling and beautiful that it still inspires many filmmakers, dancers, musicians, and artists to this very day. One of my favorite exchanges of dialogue sums up this film....

Lemontov...why do you want to dance?
Vicki....why do you want to live?
Lemontov...I don't know exactly why, but I must.
Vicki...that's my answer too.

We must create...we have no other choice....

Thank you Netflix.......2007-08-30

If not for that I would have missed this one entirely. I Don't usually go in for "Classic" movies, but I'm a dance movie addict Ballet especially, so I had to give The Red Shoes a go. And I must say that this film is absoluely beautiful from top to bottom.

Moira Shearer Glows, as Victoria Page. who wants nothing more in life then to dance, and never even considered love until... I'm telling you it's like you have to watch her. Her performance is hypnotic. She makes the film worth watching all by herself.

Anton Wallbrook as Boris Lermontov is so wonderfully sinister. the guy you love to hate and all. Wallbrook really masterd Lermontov's downward spiral. he was truly unhinged by the end, An amazing talent.

Marius Goring as Julian Craster was missing somthing for me. His performance was tepid at best, He just didn't seem to own the part. I don't know He bothered me.

The Red Shoes Ballet sequence was breath taking, unbelievable. I was gaping at the screen. and when it was performed again at the end of the film. I was speachless. Gut renchiing.

I highly recommend it to any one looking for a memorable viewing experience.

the first of great dance movies.......2007-07-06

This movie always reminded me of my training in New York. It is excellent also for getting oneself back to class.

The Red Shoes.......2007-06-25

Close to sixty years after its initial release, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's best-remembered classic remains one of the most sumptuous Technicolor films ever made. The ballet sequences (choreographed by Robert Helpmann) are breathtaking, but never eclipse the human drama, with Walbrook powerful as the icy Lermontov, and Shearer a red-haired vision, whether still or in motion. One of the great achievements in film, and a must for family viewing, particularly for those with daughters.

dance dance dance little lady -- leave tomorrow behind ..........2007-05-12

this backstage fantasia is the antithesis of baz luhrmanns overwrought "moulin rouge". co-directed by michael powell and emeric pressburger, it ranks as among the most sumptuous feasts for the eye you can ever see. moira shearer made a stunning debut as the debuting ballerina whose real life is a parallel to the starring role in her new ballet, caught in the maelstrom of a satanic impresario who can give her what she wants but only at the cost of her soul (& eventually her life). while it is not QUITE on the par with their other ballet masterpiece "tales of hoffman" (and the musical score is a primary culprit there), it is still a must-see.

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My dog loves this movie
Under the Cherry BOMB!
Stylistic!
Quirky?
terrible

Under the Cherry Moon
Starring: Jean Allaz , Francesca Annis , Jerome Benton , Steven Berkoff , and Guy Cuevas
Director: Prince
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B0002CTSV8
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Amazon.com

Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient) made her film debut swapping spit with Prince in this vanity piece directed by the rock legend himself. Prince plays a self-styled gigolo and musician in the south of France, and unlike his interesting grimness in Purple Rain, his character's affect is like one big, walking smirk here. Shot in black and white, the film is handsome enough to look upon for awhile. But even for people who admire Prince for his prodigious musical talents, the Song of Myself stuff in the movie is overwhelming. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

My dog loves this movie.......2007-06-20

I have pug named Captain Greasefire and there are very few movie he will sit all the way through without wanting to eat some kibbles and bit or going to the bathroom, but he loves this movie and always sits all the way through it. That should mean something if Captain Greasefire thinks your movie is better than kibbles and bits. Good job Prince!

Under the Cherry BOMB!.......2007-06-03

This movie failed for a number of reasons:

1.) Prince totally misjudged his fans and their expectations of him.

2.) While Prince is a genius in the music world, he is not in the movie world. Its one thing to play yourself (Purple Rain) but its another thing when you begin to think you are ready for the "leading male" status and director after only two films.

3.) The script of rich-girl-meets-bad-boy-who-shows-her-a-good-time is so redundant and boring.

4.) Some of the other actors looked embarrassed. Some like the wonderful Kristen Scott Thomas will publicly distance themselves from this movie.

5.) Some of the scenes made me giggle. For example, the scene when Prince meets Kristen (his leading lady) for the first time and the 'look' he gives her from a distance. I also giggled during the night scene when Prince is holding/kissing Kristen passionately in front of a car. Classic!

6.) The confusing relationship of Prince and Jerome characters.

I can't really knock this film totally because I understand what Prince were trying to do. He wanted to expand his fans minds by giving us a taste of old Hollywood glamour. The trouble is, this movie is kinda wacky (even by 80s standards).

Get the movie if you are a Prince fan and save it for the memory. On a better note, the soundtrack is great and is a MUST! I give this movie 2.5 stars.

Stylistic!.......2007-04-05

Considering the actors in this movie are well "not actors" or just in the beginning stages of their career, they do a pretty damn good job. I felt the same way about the movie, Purple Rain. I have followed and paid close attention to everything Prince has done in his career, and I have to say that there is no other artist like him and there never will be. People who lambash him for the times his music doesn't make the charts are idiots. The only competition that Prince has in the music industry, is himself.
Once again Prince comes up with something very original and stylistic that is unfortunately overlooked by most. This movie to me is in some ways better than Purple Rain. What I like the most of course is the background music/music score. Not just the tracks from the Parade album, but also the symphonic and piano pieces that you here only in this movie. It's all very brilliant, beautiful, soulful, and melodic. He is definitely a modern day genius. Mozart, Sammi Davis Jr, James Brown, Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and a touch of the Beatles and Frank Zappa...all rolled up into 1 short skinny eccentric mo'fo!

Quirky?.......2007-04-03

Prince is at his quirky best in this movie. Jerome Benton is a side man for Prince. Overall very entertaining and funny in some spots. Any Prince fan will have this in their collection. DVD also has live concert footage as an added bonus,"NEEDANOTHERLOVER" off the hook. Prince is wearing this cool, yellow suit with a white tie, dancing all over the place. Just buy the DVD for the live concert footage. It is worth it!

terrible.......2007-02-25

I was a die-hard prince fan in the 80's and when I first saw it I though it was good(but I was a kid). I saw it on tv the other day and couldn't believe how stupid this movie really was! He is a terrible actor as were the other cast in the movie. The story line was stupid and he was just too dramatic and feminine in the movie. What woman would want a man walking around in high heel boots and lacey clothes with his back out? The soundtrack is good but prince either needs to take some acting lessons before he does another movie or he needs to stick to singing

Average customer rating:

Andy Meets the Starlets
You Were Right Mr. Mayer !
Bring Us More Andy!
Wonderfully funny and Entertaining!!!
Surprisingly Fresh

Love Finds Andy Hardy
Starring: Mickey Rooney , Lewis Stone , Fay Holden , Cecilia Parker , and Judy Garland
Director: George B. Seitz
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B0001DCYUA
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Amazon.com

It's hard to overstate just how corny and funny the Andy Hardy series of the 1930s and 1940s looks by today's standards--but that doesn't mean these films don't have a certain winning quality. It doesn't matter whether it's Mickey Rooney's winningly goofy blend of lust and innocence as a high school kid dying to make out with his girlfriend or his surprisingly touching man-to-man talks with his father, Judge Hardy (Lewis Stone). Think of this film as the precursor to "Archie" comic books, with its story of young Andy, desperate for the money to buy a car, winding up with three dates to the same formal dance. Rooney is engaging as the motor-mouthed (yet deceptively thoughtful) teen in pre-World War II, tail-end-of-the-Depression, small-town America: often in a coat and tie, always in a dandyish porkpie hat. This was the first film in this series in which Judy Garland appeared as girl-next-door Betsy Booth. --Marshall Fine

Description

Andy frantically tries to juggle two girlfriends at the same time.

Customer Reviews:

Andy Meets the Starlets.......2006-07-06

Love Finds Andy Hardy is the first film to feature Betsy Booth (Judy Garland), a sweet girl from New York that instantly takes a liking to Andy (Mickey Rooney). He is oblivious however, because he has to worry about two other girls. First, there is Polly (Ann Rutherford), his steady girlfriend who is going out of town for three weeks before Christmas. Then, there is Cynthia (Lana Turner), Andy's friend's girlfriend. Andy is being paid to take her out so no other guy tries to steal her away, but she's a pain in the neck.

This film is one of the better ones of the Andy Hardy series and it features a great cast. Mickey Rooney is insanely hyper in the movie, which can either be annoying or endearing. He certainly is a character, and although Andy Hardy is immature, it is funny to contrast the character to the man. Incidentally, the film sort of mirrors the real-life interactions of the stars. Rooney was taken by Turner's glamourous looks and claims to have gotten her pregnant when they were young in his book. Garland felt she was not glamourous enough so she hated the way she looked in movies, possibly because of lack of attention from Rooney. It is hard to see why she could not appreciate herself though; she is wonderful. Her singing is just as good here as in later years too.

All in all, this is a fun film, a great way to spend time with the family or alone. Any age can enjoy it.

You Were Right Mr. Mayer !.......2005-11-29

Like the Little Rascals/Our Gang comedies the Andy Hardy series of films are ageless. Louis B.Mayer often liked sentimental films that idolized America and the Andy Hardy Series is an example of this. "LB" took a special interest in this series and his hand is all over it. Mayer was often criticized for ordering MGM to make these kinds of movies and musicals but history has shown he was right. After he lost control of MGM in 1951 the studio went on to produce message pictures and other kinds of films. The public hated them. The Worst was 1959's Raintree County which was a cheap rip-off of Gone With The Wind. Mickey Rooney was the star of the series but Silent Era superstar Lewis Stone comes in 2nd as Judge Hardy. Ironic that these kinds of films were viewed as hokey by the emerging young producers and directors of the late 40's and early 50's, that took over and ultimately ruined then destroyed MGM, are the kinds the studios have been scrambling to bring back since the early 1980's. Mr. Mayer was 50 years ahead of his time !.

Bring Us More Andy!.......2004-11-16

I agree with the reviewer from Canada: It would be great if Warner released the entire Andy Hardy series as a boxed set. I've had six of the films (on VHS) in my collection for quite a few years and never get tired of watching them. Here's another vote cast for more of Judge Hardy's family on DVD!

Wonderfully funny and Entertaining!!!.......2004-10-02

This movie is a fun, bright movie! Mickey Rooney stars with Judy Garland, (Jutes)Fay Holden, Lewis Stone, Celia Parker, Ann Rutherfurd and Lana Turner in this hilarious, wonderful masterpiece! Andy Hardy, (Rooney)plays a fickle young man in love with local town girl, Polly Benict (Rutherfurd). Then she tells Andy that she can't go the christmas eve dance with him, because she has to go see her grandmother for christmas. Andy promises the worried Polly that he won't take anyone else to the dance, but go stag carrying her picture. But then, Andy gets mixed up with his best friend's girl, while his friend is on vacation! Then he promises to take this girl, Cynthia (Turner) to the dance! And of course Polly becomes available again and leads to a hilarious mess!!! And all through this Betsy (Garland, who is really in love with Andy, but is to young for him), Helps Andy through all his troubles, and helps bring this wonderful movie into a very happy ending!
Songs include: 'Inbetween,' 'It Never Rains but What it Pours,' and 'Meet the Beat of my Heart.' ------------------------

Surprisingly Fresh.......2004-05-26

I'd never seen an Andy Hardy film but I'd read that they reflected L.B. Mayer's delusional vision of American, full of sanctimonious lectures about the virtues of clean, small town living. But if "Love finds Andy Hardy" is typical of the series, then this view is both harsh and narrow. Yes, this is a story about a very white, very Christian small town but there aren't many lectures and the story is simple and unpretentious which allows the actors to develop their characters. The film suggest a way of living that allows for disagreement, sibling rivalry, unrequited love but doesn't transform any of that into pathos or moral tales. Instead, scenes unfold naturally and easily with a certain sweetness that is warm and inviting not cloying and artificial. Maybe this film has worn well because in its simplicity is a portrait of a period of American culture that seems geniune and lost forever. It doesn't feel dated because the film doesn't aspire to be ahead of the times but very much of it.

Clearly this is Mickey Rooney's movie. I've never been fond of him as an actor. His mugging and frentic energy make me turn away in embarrassment. However, in this film there are many moments when his enthusiasm is more infectious than his mugging is distracting. He works well with Lewis Stone and Judy Garland. Also he conveys his internal dilemma dealing with two girls with comedy and concern. There are also many moments when he hams it up so I don't want to mislead anyone! But at least I could see why he was so popular which is something that had escaped me despite watching several of the Garland-Rooney musicals.

Amazon.com

Whit Stillman (Barcelona, Last Days of Disco) enters Woody Allen territory in his talky yet articulate debut, creating a stinging exposé of self-important upper-class socialites and the head games they play, during their Christmas vacation in Manhattan. Witty and cynical, Stillman captures this odd subculture with sly observation and occasional sympathy--sort of a fascinating anthropological study of adolescent preppies. His young subjects, spoiled by their silver spoons, still lack life experience and, thus, emotional maturity or social grace. They pass time idly discussing Jane Austen (a tip of the hat to the master of social-manner comedies), Marxism, and other philosophies, dressing up for parties and undressing during strip poker, and gossiping about the romantic pairings for the upcoming debutante ball. Stillman smartly offers up Tom (Edward Clements), a middle-class loner who's slowly adopted into the clique, as an audience identification reference, making the events seem even stranger and funnier from his point of view. But Tom's far from perfect himself. As the innocent, easily manipulated Audrey (Carolyn Farina) begins to fall in love with him, Tom's boorish, hurtful responses make him appear as juvenile as the rest. Concurrently, it also jolts the group with a much-needed taste of reality, and the film with unpredictable poignancy, suggesting that at least one may grow from the experience. In his first opportunity as director, Stillman pulls wonderful performances from his unknown cast. Especially memorable are Christopher Eigeman as the sarcastically perceptive snob, Nick, and Taylor Nichols playing the philosophical, anxiety-ridden Charlie. --Dave McCoy

Description

One of the most the most significant achievements of the American independent film movement of the 1990s, writer-director Whit Stillman's debut, Metropolitan, is a sparkling comedic chronicle of a middle-class young man's romantic misadventures among New York City's debutante society. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Stillman's deft, literate script and hilariously high-brow observations mask a tender tale of adolescent anxiety. SPECIAL FEATURES: New, restored high-definition digital transfer . Audio commentary by director Whit Stillman, editor Christopher Tellefsen, and actors Chris Eigeman and Taylor Nichols. Rare outtakes and deleted scenes. Optional English subtitles for the deaf and heard of hearing. A new essay by author and film scholar Luc Sante.

Customer Reviews:

vintage 1980s.......2007-08-16

Am giving thought to using excerpts from Metropolitan in teaching a class on the 20th century in American culture. What a striking contrast--conservative, properly attired 18 year olds against the groovy jeans, leather jackets, and flower power garb of the 1960s and 1970s! Today's students may wonder-- Just how far did the conservative backswing of the social pendulum travel once Reagan and Republican ideas gave it a shove? Pretty far, by the looks of this upstart, independent film production. And what better a way to also show the genesis of that genre of films in a time when the big studio houses held so much sway over what was produced, who starred in it and how it was edited.

Mundane.......2007-08-02

You have to admire a man who sells his apartment and borrows from friends to finance his first film. But as much as I respect Whit Stillman for the efforts he went through to write and direct Metropolitan, I'm afraid I was utterly bored by his movie. The screenplay is not particularly good, the acting is stilted and unimpressive across the board, and I didn't give a damn about any of the characters.

1 hour and 40 minutes of fluff.......2007-06-27

I've seen two-third of director Whit Stillman's trilogy that started with "Metropolitan"; the others are "Last Days of Disco" and "Barcelona". Hailed in their day as comic-ironic films about young adults growing up in Manhattan and experiencing all life's adventures, this movie now (nearly a decade after departure of the optimistic 1990s) seems less original, more talky, and more like an hour and 40 minutes of froth than great filmmaking.

Part of this opinion is personal. The "life" portrayed by these talky upper crust young intellectual snobs and debutantes in Manhattan that discuss socialism, sex, hypocrisy, Jane Austen and attire is about as far removed from my Midwetern stoicism as can be. It's difficult to identify in any meaningful way with a bunch of Manhattan 20-somethings that spend the entirety of their lives attending white tie parties, slumber parties, leg waxings, beach parties, etc. Some of these people talk about work but none appears to do any. Is this the fantasy of the average 25-year-old in Manhattan -- spend all day with a bunch of like-minded people at dinner parties?

An element of this film had a certain allure to behavior more akin to the 1950s than 1990s. In one scene, a character criticized another for wearing a rain coat instead of a top coat. All the others wore top coats. This was a scene straight out of "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit", whose book author once said his role in life was, "To hold my man's hat," meaning he spent his life following his boss around like a dog, acting as his servant.

There was much in this film that reminded me of such 1950s conformism. These facile beautiful creatures -- the same ones I saw in "Last Days of Disco" -- hardly had an original idea among them. They seemed content in their anguished lives to see who could be the most like everyone else, a very un1990s idea.

As I said, this is the kind of movie completely at odds with my own stoicism developed from living in the middle of the country with its no nonsense, hardworking lifestyle. I pity anyone that aspires to live vicariously through the actors and situations presented in this film.

Yet there was one part that delighted me to no end. The score, which features classical, jazz and popular music arrangements, included a string quartet version of Smetana's "The Moldau", a tune about a river in the Czech Republic. I was so taken by this little tune I spent 15 minutes humming the thing so I could figure out where it came from! I wish there'd been something else about this movie I could enjoy for 15 minutes.

Get the Criterion Collection Print.......2007-06-07

Any true gemstone has flaws and inclusions that confirms its origins in nature. And so it is with Whit Stillman's masterpiece Metropolitan.

In a passage of cultural reflection, one of the characters uses strained dialogue to identify themselves as a dying tribe of "urban haute bourgeoisie." It was pretty obvious Stillman was trying not to use the term "preppy," and for several good reasons. Among them were that Lisa Birnbach's book had debased the coinage and copper-plated poseurs abounded. In addition, he was also drawing attention to the arrival of international class (a reveres of Henry James?) youngsters gambolling in the canyons of Manhattan (no, the term "Euro-Trash also would not do...especially for young countesses who went to Convent school). He also could not use the term NOKD (not-our-kind-dear) or it would go over the heads of the audience. Ditto "Sloane Ranger."

Another hilarious passage is the description of organic and inorganic deb balls, and those that required escorts from one of the United States service academies. The irony of the excluded insiders of the inorganic deb ball watching the event on television is Stillman's hilarious allusion to the death knell of the form, intention, and social expression at the roots of the event, and carried on the leitmotif of the televised broadcast of Diana Spencer and the Prince of Wales wedding.

The other general flaw is the arch, stilted dialogue. People write like this, but I don't think they really talk like this, no matter how rarefied their education. Which makes watching this movie like reading a book.

But a gem of a book, with excellent illustrations.

- J.N.W.

Both innocent and knowing, sweet and elegiac.......2007-04-19

A Manhattan Mansfield Park: a perfect societal portrait, with not a detail out of place.

Average customer rating:

A good Filipino Film
Great Debut film for Cajayon & best actor Derek Mercado
The Debut
John Manal Castro's voice commentary about FOBs is the same as the White racism that they were against with in the movie
Likable But Flawed

The Debut
Starring: Dante Basco , Jayson Schaal , Brian Card , Mindy Spence , and Nicole Hawkyard
Director: Gene Cajayon
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000AGQ6W
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Description

An award-winning English language film for the whole family, "the Debut" revolves around Ben Mercado (Dante Basco), a talented high school senior who has rejected his Filipino heritage. The long-simmering feud between Ben and his immigrant father Roland (Tirso Cruz III) threatens to boil over and ruin the 18th birthday party of Ben's sister Rose (Bernadette Balagtas). But to Ben's surprise, his sister's celebration challenges his sense of misplaced identity, and the way he regards his father and grandfather (Filipino film legend Eddie Garcia). In one night, Ben faces the true nature of his relationships with his family, his friends, and himself.

Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Mercado) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a doctor. The eighteenth birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose, sets off a comedic and touching series of events and family struggles that will in turn determine young Ben's future. This fresh independent production from Gene Cajayon presents a lighthearted and warm coming-of-age tale filtered through the eyes of an American subculture rarely seen on film.

Customer Reviews:

A good Filipino Film.......2007-08-08

When I watched it I wasn't expecting much but did see a lot of filipino stereotypes in this movie and most of them were true. It did a good job of representing filipino culture and could see my relationship in the movie so it did hit home and this was a breakthrough in american cinema. I'm glad this film was made and it made me appreciate more of my culture and hopefull in the future to get back to my roots that I have neglected.

Great Debut film for Cajayon & best actor Derek Mercado.......2006-09-24

Recommended esp. for teenagers and
parents of Fil-Ams. Mix of WB & Filipino melodrama in style.

Derek Mercado was wonderful as the Filipino "Malcolm X" - type
character of THE DEBUT film. He's very talented and I hope we get to
see him in future roles that allows him to shine as an actor. His
radical speeches balanced out the fluffy romance scenes. I loved the
well written, passionated rants of the character telling of the past oppressions put upon the Filipino people, that many Fil-Ams and other Americans seemed to have forgotten.

THE DEBUT film showed Fil-Ams & Fils. as flawed, three-dimensional and redeeming characters instead of your typical stereotypical Filipinos. Many Fil/FilAm audience members seemed to be uncomfortable about this. I
understand why: nobody likes to see people of their culture being
portrayed as less than glamorous, like many of my relatives. However,
as characters in a drama, i found them compelling. The two most
interesting characters being the FOB (someone help me with his name &
the actor's) and Edwin Mercado (played by Derek Basco).

Other highlights of THE DEBUT are the amazing performances by Filipino traditional dancers and musicians. These are first class performers in the community with high quality costume design. What rare and unexpected treat!

It's wonderful to Fil & Fil-Ams represented on film and inspiring to
see the just as engaging behind-the-scenes special feature on the DVD.
It shows how some Filipinos really do not support the arts
because of the stigma artists have in the Phils. (just like in the
Philippines). It was disappointing that none of the hundred or so fine
physicians of the Fil. community did not respond to his letters
requesting financial support for the film. On the other hand the DVD
special feature highlights the wonderful support from angels from the
Filipino community such as blue collar workers to the Sony pictures
exec. F. Friedman, as well as the audiences who attended screenings all
over America during the film's tour.

I encourage Fil-Am doctors & nurses (like my relatives) to share the
love and support the film arts! I will buy this for my mother for
Christmas, and show my children when they are teens. Also, the
accomplished Fil & Fil-Am artists should get the recognition they
deserve just as the fine doctors of the same community do, ESPECIALLY
since the Phil Am film wave is a young one. These filmmakers need to be
nurtured and supported to thrive, grow and improve the quality of their
pictures.

Hope to see more from Cajayon & Castro. Support Fil-Am & Fil film
artists! Good luck to the filmmakers. We hope to see more from you in
the future.

- R. Brillantes

The Debut.......2006-01-04

Thoroughly enjoyed the movie - as part of the Philippine diaspora, I was delighted to rediscover parts of myself in the story and in the characters of the movie. It certainly made me more conscious of how much my Filipino background informs who I am today. How refreshing to see "Us" on the screen for a change, and to see what an imperfectly beautiful and beautifully imperfect people we Filipinos are.

And the rousing "Singkil" dance suite alone was worth the price of admission.

A thoroughly commendable effort on the part of the director, screenwriters and actors.

John Manal Castro's voice commentary about FOBs is the same as the White racism that they were against with in the movie.......2005-09-09

Writer John Manal Castro's voice commentary with Jean Cajayon about FOBs (Fresh Of the Boat) shows his hypocrisy. In the movie they tried to show that they are against White racism when they had this one scene where a white girl called Dante Basco's character a "chink" and gave her a script instructing her to throw-up out of intoxication. They tried to show in this one scene that a person who exhibits racist and prejudicial behavior ends up humiliating themselves, thats the message I got from that one scene. But when I listened to John Manal Castro and Jean Cajayon's voice commentary I was disgusted to hear John Manal Castro calling newly arrived Filipino-immigrant kids, watching this movie at a certain movie theater, as FOBs. If he thinks calling people FOBs is acceptable then they shouldn't portray White racism as unacceptable, for the two situations are just the same condescending behavior. I hate Filipino-Americans who complains about White racism, when they themselves exhibit the same condescending attitude towards Filipinos who they consider as "boaters" or "Fresh Of the Boat."

Likable But Flawed.......2005-08-16

"The Debut" revolves around the character of Ben Mercado, an intelligent and energetic young man who is determined to follow his dream of going to art school. Meanwhile, Ben's father wants him to pursue a medical career. During his sister's "debut" celebration Ben learns a greater appreciation for traditional Filipino culture as well coming to a better understanding with his father.

I'm an Anglo who also has an interest in learning about other cultures. So I was pleased to find this film made by and about Filipino-Americans, a group much too under represented in American cinema.

I enjoyed watching the dynamic interaction between the influences of modernism and tradition. I also found myself cheering for Ben to beat up the bully, get the girl, make up with his dad, etc.

Unfortunately, this movie was just not very well made in certain aspects. The screenwriting, especially the stilted dialogue, was a weakness. Also the characters were often portrayed as stereotypes rather than fully nuanced individuals. I believe this was director/writer Gene Cajayon's first feature film. He seemed to be trying too hard to make a movie with broad commercial appeal rather than just make the best possible movie.

This one is worth watching. But I will definitely be on the outlook for other Filipino movies, ones that reach the level of top quality cinema.

Average customer rating:

Full Moon, Vol. 2 - Full Moon Debuts!
Starring: Full Moon
Manufacturer: Viz Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000GLL1AG
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Description

At Full Moon's first interview, Mitsuki tries too hard to act like a 16-year-old. But when she meets some friendly high school girls, she learns that the most important thing is being yourself!

WWE - Trish Stratus - 100% Stratusfaction Guaranteed

Average customer rating:

Women's Wrestling: Then and Now
trish brings me bliss
Great DVD for a great person
Trish Can Do Better Than This
hot body

WWE - Trish Stratus - 100% Stratusfaction Guaranteed
Starring: Trish Stratus
Manufacturer: World Wrestling
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

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( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0000AGQ55
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Customer Reviews:

Women's Wrestling: Then and Now.......2007-09-17

Hey guys < want to talk about the status of Women's Wrestling:

Back then, there were TRUE Women's Wrestling back in the WWE and the AWA

WCW had the Women's Heavyweight Title but that died quickly

and back in 2002-2004, the WWE had some of THE best Women's Wrestling from the likes of Lita, Trish Stratus, Jazz, Molly Holly, Ivory, Jackie Moore, Gail Kim and even VICTORIA.

But sadly, these days, the WWE had now let their Women's Title go to waste, b/c Candice Michelle now has posession of the WWE Women's Championship.

But thankfully the NWA still has their World Women's Title as well as their other Women's Championship defended and held by Women with Honor, Dignity, Pride and Respect.

and now, coming in 4 weeks, TNA will presnet a brand NEW title:

The TNA Women's World Championship

I cannot WAIT for THAT.

and I wish that Victoria, Mickie James, Jillian Hall, Melina and Beth Phoenix and even Torrie Wilson would just leave the WWE and head to TNA where they can REALLY showoff their talents, b/c the WWE's Women's Division as of now, ain't doing SQUAT!

trish brings me bliss.......2006-11-17

follow up to my comment made on May 17, 2005

i didn't c da dvd but i bet it was hot because trish status is hot whatever she does will be hot God and Jesus i miss trish status i wish she could have stayed in the wwe for another five years but i have to admit that she paid her dues and is now enjoying her labor i know that one day she will return to the wwe and give it her all she is one of the best lady wrestlers of her generation as well as the sexiest and most beautiful women i have ever seen she always took sexy pictures and this one with tight light brown shirt and skirt is no different it is up there with sable famous summerslam naked photo

Great DVD for a great person.......2006-01-29

I am a huge Trish fan and this DVD is amazing, I love all the bonus features, I only wish they would have put in a few more matches. Trish is the best and I can't wait for them to make another Stratus DVD.

Trish Can Do Better Than This.......2006-01-14

A very boring dvd and I'm a huge Trish fan. Watch it once and then sell it, like I did.

hot body.......2005-11-15

trish stratus has one of the best bodies in the world its so tight and musicluar shes ripped its amazing

Magical Project S - Pretty Sammy Debut (Vol. 1)

Average customer rating:

magical project s
i used to like sailor moon but now i like this!
Hilarious and fun as long as you know what to expect.
Blows most comedy anime out of the water!
An O.K. Pretty Sammy series. Some may like it better than I.

Magical Project S - Pretty Sammy Debut (Vol. 1)
Starring: Chisa Yokoyama , Rica Matsumoto , Susan Turner-Cray , Wendee Lee , and Lara Cody
Director: Yasuhito Kikuchi , Eiji Suganuma , and Katsuhito Akiyama
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00006JMQX
Release Date: 2002-11-19

Amazon.com

Watching Magical Project S is like seeing the cast of Tenchi Muyo! perform in a formulaic "magical girl" show (a blatant rip-off of Sailor Moon) that doesn't really suit their talents. Tsunami is chosen over Ramia to become the 208th Queen of the distant planet Juraihelm. But before her power can be confirmed, she must forge a bond with an Earthling and make her into a magical girl who will re-establish peace and a proper moral order in