John Wayne-John Ford Film Collection (The Searchers Ultimate Edition / Stagecoach Two-Disc Special Edition / Fort Apache / She Wore a Yellow Ribbon / The Long Voyage Home / They Were Expendable / 3 Godfathers / The Wings of Eagles)

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There may be no better representation of America's love of the old West than the 10-disc John Ford-John Wayne Collection. The iconic star and iconic director collaborated on 14 films, eight of which appear here. Four--Fort Apache (1948), The Long Voyage Home (1940), The Wings of Eagles (1957), and 3 Godfathers (1948)--are appearing for the first time on DVD, and the two most famous, Stagecoach (1939) and The Searchers (1956), are represented in brand-new two-disc editions that add new and old featurettes as well as the outstanding American Masters documentary John Ford/John Wayne: The Filmmaker and the Legend. (This Ultimate Edition of The Searchers adds a variety of printed materials as well, such as reproductions of press materials and a 1956 comic book.) Two other landmark films previously available on DVD, They Were Expendable (1945) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), round out the set. The three non-Westerns in the set have military settings, with They Were Expendable arguably the greatest World War II picture ever.

The Movies:
A favorite film of some of the world's greatest filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, John Ford's The Searchers has earned its place in the legacy of great American films for a variety of reasons. Perhaps most notably, it's the definitive role for John Wayne as an icon of the classic Western--the hero (or antihero) who must stand alone according to the unwritten code of the West. The story takes place in Texas in 1868; Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, a Confederate veteran who visits his brother and sister-in-law at their ranch and is horrified when they are killed by marauding Comanches. Ethan's search for a surviving niece (played by young Natalie Wood) becomes an all-consuming obsession. With the help of a family friend (Jeffrey Hunter) who is himself part Cherokee, Ethan hits the trail on a five-year quest for revenge. At the peak of his masterful talent, director Ford crafts this classic tale as an embittered examination of racism and blind hatred, provoking Wayne to give one of the best performances of his career. As with many of Ford's classic Westerns, The Searchers must contend with revisionism in its stereotypical treatment of "savage" Native Americans, and the film's visual beauty (the final shot is one of the great images in all of Western culture) is compromised by some uneven performances and stilted dialogue. Still, this is undeniably one of the greatest Westerns ever made.

The landmark Western Stagecoach began the legendary relationship between Ford and Wayne, and became the standard for all subsequent Westerns. It solidified Ford as a major director and established Wayne as a charismatic screen presence. Seen today, Stagecoach still impresses as the first mature instance of a Western that is both mythic and poetic. The story about a cross-section of troubled passengers unraveling under the strain of Indian attack contains all of Ford's incomparable storytelling trademarks--particularly swift action and social introspection--underscored by the painterly landscape of Monument Valley. And what an ensemble of actors: Thomas Mitchell (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar as the drunken doctor), Claire Trevor, Donald Meek, Andy Devine, and the magical John Carradine.

Fort Apache stars Wayne as a Cavalry officer used to doing things a certain way out West at Fort Apache. Along comes a rigid, new commanding officer (Henry Fonda) who insists that everything on his watch be done by the book, including dealings with local Indians. The results are mixed: greater discipline at the fort, but increased hostilities with the natives. Ford deliberately leaves judgments about the wisdom of these changes ambiguous, but he also allows plenty of room for the fullness of life among the soldiers and their families to blossom. Fonda, in an unusual role for him, is stern and formal as the new man in charge; Wayne is heroic as the rebellious second; Victor McLaglen provides comic relief; and Ward Bond is a paragon of sturdy and sentimental masculinity. All of this is set against the magnificent, poetic topography of Monument Valley. This is easily one of the greatest of American films.

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, the second installment of Ford's famous cavalry trilogy (which also includes Fort Apache and Rio Grande), continues the director's fascination with history's obliteration of the past. It features one of John Wayne's more sensitive performances as Capt. Nathan Brittles, a stern yet sentimental war horse who has difficulty preparing for his impending military retirement. It's a film about honor and duty as well as loneliness and mortality. And Oscar-winner Winton C. Hoch beautifully photographs it in Remington-like Technicolor tones. The combination of melancholy and farce (Victor McLaglen makes a perfect court jester) evokes comparisons to Shakespeare. Best of all, the scene in which Wayne fights back tears when receiving a gold watch from his troops is unforgettably bittersweet. If you view the whole trilogy, it actually makes sense to save this for last.

It's hardly shameful that Three Godfathers ranks as the slightest John Ford Western in a five-year arc that includes My Darling Clementine, Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Wagon Master, and Rio Grande. The story had already been filmed at least five times--once by Ford himself. Just before Christmas, three workaday outlaws (John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carey Jr.) rob a bank and flee into the desert. The canny town marshal (Ward Bond) moves swiftly to cut them off from the wells along their escape route, so they make for another, deep in the wasteland. There's no water waiting for them, but there is a woman (Mildred Natwick) on the verge of death--and also of giving birth. The three badmen accept her dying commission as godfathers to the newborn. Motley variants of the Three Wise Men, they strike out for the town of New Jerusalem with her Bible as roadmap. Ford's is the softest retelling of the tale, but it's all played with great gusto and tenderness--especially by Wayne, who's rarely been more appealing. Visually the film is one knockout shot after another. This was Ford's first Western in Technicolor, as well as his first collaboration with cinematographer Winton Hoch. What they do with sand ripples and shadows and long plumes of train smoke is rapturously beautiful. It's also often too arty by half, but who can blame them?

Eugene O'Neill loved The Long Voyage Home, the feature-length adaptation of his one-act sea plays, with intelligent bridging material written by Dudley Nichols and a final movement, both hellish and elegiac, appropriate to the onset of World War II. John Ford directed, in his more self-consciously arty vein but with no loss of power or passion. The focus is on the working seamen aboard a merchant ship making its way from the Caribbean to New York harbor and then England, with dangerous cargo on the transatlantic leg. Thomas Mitchell (who had won a 1939 Oscar in Ford's Stagecoach) gives a career-best performance as Driscoll; Ian Hunter plays the enigmatic shipmate known only as "Smitty"; Ford regulars Barry Fitzgerald, John Qualen, Ward Bond, Arthur Shields, and Joseph Sawyer fill key roles; and the top-billed John Wayne contributes a surprisingly effective supporting performance as Ole, a gentle Swedish giant who really belongs on a farm somewhere. Although neglected in recent years, this movie has a permanent place of honor in one of the most amazing three-year creative streaks any director ever had.

John Ford had a big emotional investment in The Wings of Eagles, and his favorite star John Wayne rewarded the director with one of his strongest performances. The subject is Frank "Spig" Wead, Naval aviation legend turned Hollywood screenwriter, who had written Ford's very good 1932 movie Air Mail and his magnificent WWII elegy They Were Expendable (1945). Ford was fond of exploring the theme of "victory in defeat." Wead's life was made to order for that. The hell-raising flyboy shenanigans, and his flailing marriage to a scrappy Irish redhead (The Quiet Man's Maureen O'Hara reporting for duty), were abruptly curtailed by a fall that left him with severe spinal damage. He should never have been able to walk again, but he fought his way back to limited mobility and built a new career as a writer. And when WWII broke out, Wead made a key contribution to the Pacific air war. It would be satisfying to report that The Wings of Eagles is a triumph--that the broad comedy of the early reels cuts brilliantly against the raw pain of the Weads' marriage, the grief of a family broken and mended and broken again, the film's specters of death and deep frustration. There are powerful moments, but the low comedy is very low, the visual style sometimes stark but more often just drab, and the screenplay is very choppy about the passage of time.

They Were Expendable is the greatest American film of the Second World War, made by America's greatest director, John Ford, who himself saw action from the Battle of Midway through D-day. Yet it's been oddly neglected. Or perhaps not so oddly: for as the matter-of-fact title implies, the film commemorates a period, from the eve of Pearl Harbor up to the impending fall of Bataan, when the Japanese conquest of the Pacific was in full cry and U.S. forces were fighting a desperate holding action. Although stirring movies had been made about these early days, they were gung ho in their resolve to see the tables turned. They Were Expendable, however, which was made when Allied victory was all but assured, is profoundly elegiac, with the patient grandeur of a tragic poem. "They" are the officers and men of the Navy's PT boat service, an experimental motor-torpedo force relegated to courier duty on Manila Bay but eventually proven effective in combat. Their commander is played by Robert Montgomery, who actually served on a PT and later commanded a destroyer at Normandy (he also codirected the breathtaking second-unit action sequences). John Wayne's costarring role as Montgomery's volatile second-in-command initially looks stereotypically blustery, but as the drama unfolds, Wayne sounds notes of tenderness and vulnerability that will take Duke-bashers by surprise. They Were Expendable is a heartbreakingly beautiful film, full of astonishing images of warfare, grief, courage, and dignity. This is a masterpiece.

Description

John Ford was easily one of the greatest, most prolific and versatile directors Hollywood ever produced. Combined with a star of the caliber and magnetism of John Wayne, what emerges is pure cinematic magic. WHV now introduces a ten-disc set featuring eight of the team's finest collaborations: The Searchers: Ultimate Collector's Edition (1956) Stagecoach: Special Edition (1939) Fort Apache (1948) The Long Voyage Home (1940) Wings of Eagles (1957) She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1948) They Were Expendable (1945) 3 Godfathers (1948)

Customer Reviews:

What a collection.......2007-08-29

John Ford and John Wayne had a true kinship with each other. This shows on the films featured in this collection. Ford could always bring out the best in Wayne and the proof of that is in "The Searchers". Probably the best role that Wayne ever played. This is a great collection and the films will remind you of when Hollywood still knew how to make films....

What a Deal........2007-04-28

A lot has been said about this collection. I would just like to point out that the price can't be beat either. The Searchers disk alone would set you back 35 dollars. The Stagecoach another 20. The other six DVD's are free. About 60 to 70 dollars worth. Man you can't do any better. I already had The Wings of Eagles and The Long Voyage Home. The set DVD's are identical to the DVD's I already had, so this isn't a stripped down set at all.

Superb John Wayne.......2007-03-22

An excellent selection of John Wayne movies. The Searchers has been rated one of his best with She Wore a Yellow Ribbon my all time favorite. Fort Apache is excellent also. The Long Voyage and They were Expendable were minor roles for him but all in all a great collection of films. The man became the all american hero even before his passing.

8 Films By Two Screen Legends.......2007-03-19

This is one of the larger collections that came out last year and whatever else you may think about John Wayne, he was the most prolific star of his (perhaps of all) time, twice the output of Humphrey Bogart, for example.

John Ford was also quite prolific but many of his early ones are lost. Still, his place and time as one of the great auteurs intrigues many of cinephile.

Some favorites are missing but are available, such as "Rio Grande", "The Quiet Man" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". The extras for this set are in some cases, non existant, while some are repeats, but the main reason to own this set is for the films themselves.

"Stagecoach" - This 1939 Western stands as the turning point for both Ford's and especially Wayne's careers. This is also quite an ensemble piece for which Donald Meek, Thomas Mitchell (was Oscar for this), John Caradine, Andy Devine, George Bancroft, Louise Pratt and Berton Churchill spend much screen time as the occupants of the stagecoach along with JW and Clair Trevor. Wayne and Trevor provide the love story, she as the whore being run out of town, he the vengeful outlaw who Bancroft wants to lock up for Wayne's own good. But all are misfits in this journey and even though quite laughable today, a fun movie to watch. Alas, the native Americans are basically just ducks in a shooting gallery.

"The Long Voyage Home" is another ensemble piece and does have the odd casting of Wayne as the big Swede who doesn't hit back. Mitchell returns and is actually the main character in this movie, which does have the great bittersweet language of Eugene O'Neil. This offers what a good actor Ward Bond was when called to be when he has his death scene.

"They Were Expendable" Ford won two Oscars for documentaries shot in World War Two. Wayne made many war pictures but this is my favorite one. The dialogue and settings are quite believable for the most part and Robert Montgomery displays dignity as the one in charge. A nice haunting scene is when Wayne gets caught off talking to Donna Reed with the realization he might never see her again. This also has none of the crazy heroics that many films had (Wayne guilty in many of those) and a good humor with the supporting characters.

"3 Godfathers" is truly an offbeat film. Wayne, Pedro Amadariz and Harry Carey, Jr., are actually bank robbers, quite likable though, who save a woman's baby while running away from sheriff Ward Bond. It is through this baby that the three find redemption though it's only Wayne who has the happy ending. In its way, this is a very spiritual film.

"Fort Apache" is actually my favorite film here. Fords prints the facts and shows them distorted by Wayne for his benefit who he can effectively lead the troop. Henry Fonda plays quite the unsympathic custer character who tricks Cochise to come back. The scene that Fonda has with Cochise, who laments in Spanish the deplorable conditions but chills the white man's chilling response, is brilliant. The adult Shirley Temple provides support here with the bland John Agar. Also very good, Ward Bond, Victor McLagden and Pedro Armandariz.

"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" is quite a melodramtic film with Wayne talking to tombstones and weeping half the time. Still, great comedic support from Victor McLagden. "Don't apolagize, it's a sign of weakness" Wayne repeats over and over. However, both Agar and Carey, Jr., aren't given much to do. Ben Johnson does what he does best. It's interesting that George O'Brien was Ford's big star in the silent era and here and Fort Apache just strictly a sad character actor. Still, John Wayne makes this watchable and the gold watch scene quite effective.

"The Searchers" which along with "Stagecoach" gets a second disk of extras. This is the definitive Wayne-Ford movie, as good as any film noir as the antihero makes good. Wayne plays the racist Ethan Edwards and Jeff Hunter co stars as the other searcher who must accompany Wayne before Wayne finds and murders his niece, played by the beautiful Natalie Wood. The firing into the dead Indian's eyes, the shooting of buffalo, the shooting of Indians in the back, the digust of looking at white women are among the most powerful scenes Wayne or Ford have ever done. It would have been interesting if Wayne actually killed Wood because that's the actual story, but thank God he didn't. This film is not a comfortable film to watch and it's not intended to be. The race issues it addresses still hold true today.

"The Wings of Eagles" is in my opinion, the weakest Wayne-Ford movie. There's no sense of period. The slapstick doesn't work for me and Maureen O'Hara's character's alcoholism is never addressed. However, Wayne's determination to move that toe, strongly assisted by Dan Dailey, makes up for a lot. Also, way too briefly, Ward Bond as John Ford. Also fun is hearing Wayne's comment of bringing in the seventh calvary when viewing an early Clark Gable movie.

SPANISH SUBTITLES MISSING - IT'S A PITY!!!!.......2007-03-11

Despite the DVD label states subtitles available in English, French and Spanish, NO SPANISH SUBTITLES ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS FILM. Unbelievable such a top level collection with this mismatch!

I would have enjoyed a complete understanding of the film, given I am an enthusiastic cinematography student, and even worse: I am a Spanish speaker!!! My sister is now writing for me!!

Thanks to Amazon for its fine service in Argentina.

PABLO GALARZA

Empires Collection - The Dynasties (Egypt's Golden Empire / The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance / Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire / The Roman Empire in the First Century / The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization)

Average customer rating:

A really good review of the 5 civilizations covered
Excellent collection

Empires Collection - The Dynasties (Egypt's Golden Empire / The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance / Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire / The Roman Empire in the First Century / The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization)
Starring: Empires-Dynasties
Manufacturer: PBS Paramount
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ASIN: B000ANVQ6Y
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Description

Empires Collection: The Dynasties (5 Disc Gift Set) - Empires Collection: The Dynasties is a compilation of five outstanding stories of some of histories greatest dynasties.

Egypt's Golden Empire
In 1570 B.C., when Rome was still a marsh and the Acropolis was an empty rock, Egypt was already 1000 years old. Although the period of the pyramid-builders was long over, Egypt lay on the threshold of its greatest age. The New Kingdom would be an empire forged by conquest, maintained by intimidation and diplomacy, and remembered long after its demise. Led by a dynasty of rich personalities, whose dramatic lives changed the course of civilization, Egypt's Golden Empire presents the most extraordinary period in Egyptian history: from 1570 B.C. to 1070 B.C., when the Egyptian Empire reached its zenith.

The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance
The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance - From a small Italian community in 15th century Florence, the Medici family would rise to rule Europe in many ways. Using charm, patronage, skill, duplicity and ruthlessness, they would amass unparalleled wealth and unprecedented power. They would also ignite the most important cultural and artistic revolution in Western history- the European Renaissance. But the forces of change the Medici helped unleash would one day topple their ordered world. An epic drama played out in the courts, cathedrals and palaces of Europe, this series is both the tale of one family's powerful ambition and of Europe's tortured struggle to emerge from the ravages of the Dark Ages.

Japan: Memoirs Of A Secret Empire
Commanding shoguns and samurai warriors, exotic geisha and exquisite artisans -- all were part of the Japanese "renaissance" -- a period between the 16th and 19th centuries when Japan went from chaos and violence to a land of ritual refinement and peace. But stability came at a price: for nearly 250 years, Japan was a land closed to the Western world, ruled by the Shogun under his absolute power and control. Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire brings to life the unknown story of a mysterious empire, its relationship to the West, and the forging of a nation that would emerge as one of the most important countries in the world.

The Roman Empire in the First Century
Two thousand years ago, at the dawn of the first century, the ancient world was ruled by Rome. Through the experiences, memories and writings of the people who lived it, this series tells the story of that time - the emperors and slaves, poets and plebeians, who wrested order from chaos, built the most cosmopolitan society the world had ever seen and shaped the Roman empire in the first century A.D.

The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
The Greeks - Classical Greece of the 4th and 5th centuries, B.C. was a magnificent civilization that laid the foundations for modern science, politics, warfare, and philosophy, and produced some of the most breathtaking art and architecture the world has ever known. Through the eyes and words of the great heroes of ancient Greece, this dazzling production charts the rise, triumph, and eventual decline of the world's first democracy. Now, through dramatic storytelling and state-of-the-art computer animation, you witness history, art, and government with giants like Pericles, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Customer Reviews:

A really good review of the 5 civilizations covered.......2007-03-09

I've been reviewing areas of history that I don't usually cover to balance out my general knowledge. No video can compress into a couple of hours the libraries that have been written on these subjects, but I watched them with a pad nearby and started searching names and topics for further study. Then I added books on those areas to my wish list here on Amazon.

All in all, each disc is a great review if you're rusty or a place to start if you're moving into new areas of history.

Excellent collection.......2007-01-05

I was very impressed with this series. I learned very much, escpecailly about the Medici's. If you enjoy history/documentaries you'll love this collection. I was so impressed I've ordered other Empire series. Props to PBS on this one!

Godfathers Collection - The True History of the Mafia

Average customer rating:

the quintessential dvd on the real cosa nostra
Awsome !
Great Collection
Excellent Collection
High Quality DVD Set

Godfathers Collection - The True History of the Mafia
Starring: Godfathers Collection
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00012QLG4
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Description

They were born in the foothills of Sicily. By 1924 their growing numbers and criminal activities had attracted the attention of Mussolini, who went about purging Italy of their secret society. America became their escape. In this stunning overview of the phenomenon known as La Cosa Nostra, THE HISTORY CHANNEL, RAI International and BIOGRAPHY present five programs that fully unveil the origins, the personalities, and the inner workings of the Mafia. Using never-before-seen footage and rare interviews with mob insiders and the agents who pursued them, THE GODFATHERS COLLECTION presents a gripping tale of greed, power, crime and betrayal. With in-depth portraits of crime bosses like Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, and Carlo Gambino, this is the definitive, eye-opening account of organized crime in America. Volume 1: Godfathers
Godfathers investigates the mob lke no other documentary before it. From the mass immigration of Italians at the end of the 19th century to money laundering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2000, this up-to-date, feature-length production offers a unique perspective on the history of the Mafia as seen through the eyes of an Italian journalist. With newly discovered footage from Italian archives and rare interviews from both sides of the law, Godfathers probes the psychology, the sociology, and the economics behind this powerful yet secretive society. Some of the biggest names in mafia history are introduced, and the ways in which their political savvy helped them orchestrate many of history's major events is explained.

Volume 2:
* LUCKY LUCIANO: CHAIRMAN OF THE MOB: He ran the Mob like a corporation--diversifying rackets, organizing gangs and running his own political candidates--and his top-secret war efforts earned him parole from a 50-year sentence.
* MEYER LANSKY: MOB TYCOON: From the pogroms of Eastern Europe to the heyday of the Vegas Mob, rare footage and interviews reveal the double life of the man known as the Mob's financial leader.
* GENOVESE: PORTRAIT OF A CRIME FAMILY: A soldier breaks the sacred mobster's oath of silence (omerta) and the Genovese family hits the headlines. From Joe the Boss to Vito Genovese to the "Odd Father" himself, every personality and gripping detail in this ongoing saga comes to life.
* BUGSY SIEGEL: Handsome, glamorous and the most vicious crime boss of all, Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel began as a hit man on the streets of Brooklyn and died the victim of a mysterious murder, but not before turning a desert mirage into a Las Vegas dreamland.

Customer Reviews:

the quintessential dvd on the real cosa nostra.......2007-05-29

This is a history of cosa nostra in Italy and the USA. Very fun to watch.

Awsome !.......2005-12-18

I will keep it short and sweet this is a must buy everything you need to know about the mafia is in this documentary. A dvd you must own if you are interested in the mob.

Great Collection.......2005-02-06

The DVD set is a good source for all "cosa nostra" fans.
Starting from the roots back in sicily to the mass-immigration to the U.S and the raise of the american mafia, that doesn`t forget his roots.The documentary goes thru all the stages of this organization, from the past to the present.But the thing that makes this dvd collection amazing is that shows the raise of cosa nostra back in italy as well...thing that most documentaries forget, because yes, there is cosa nostra in the U.S, but it`s even more powerful in Italy and other countries around the world, were they took the place of politicians and presidents...having more power, ruling over everything.
If this can help people understand...I saw this documentary two times already.Really well done.Even tho i wish they could make a documentary just about the modern days cosa nostra.
A must for all.

Excellent Collection.......2004-10-28

I'm an avid mob historian, and I must say that this is an excellent, high qualiity disc set. Very entertaining, VERY informative and lots of rare footage as the other reviewer said. I defiinately recommend it!

High Quality DVD Set.......2004-02-06

This is a very good Mafia DVD set. It shows alot of pictures and footage that are rarely seen elsewhere. Very entertaining and keeps your attention throughout. The individual profiles are good, although they all seem to lead back to Lucky. You receive nice background information in the individual profiles and overall, the DVD set is very well made. This is definitely worth having in your collection.

Average customer rating:

Great
just plain weird
Peter Paige in a Black Comedy
perfect transaction
best educational comedy for select straights'

Say Uncle
Starring: Anthony Clark , Lisa Edelstein , Kathy Najimy , Jim Ortlieb , and Melanie Lynskey
Director: Peter Paige
Manufacturer: Tla
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ASIN: B000GPIPGU
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2007-07-14

Great Movie Funny and Dramatic.

May drag a little but it is def. worth the wait.

just plain weird.......2007-07-09

I'm still not sure if I liked the movie or not. It was just plain weird watching throughout.

Peter Paige (Queer as Folk) plays Paul Johnson who is a gay godfather of one of his closest friend's son. When the family finally tells him that they're moving to Japan within the week, Paul is shocked and is left in a daze. As a result, he loses his job and binges on donuts.

Naive, Paul seeks to replace his grandson by playing with kids at the local park. At first, the mothers receive him warmly, assuming that he is a stay-at-home father. However, one by one, they began to interpret his behavioral patterns as of a pedophile. No thanks to Maggie (Kathy Najimy), who tells others that Paul fits the profile of a pedophile. (By the way, she looks good with all that weight loss!)

Oblivous to love, his best friend, Russell, tells him that his innocent behavior towards kids will get him in trouble. Plus, he tries to tell Paul that he's in love wit him. In denial, Paul continues his close ties with children. In digust, Maggie seeks to raise an awareness in the community that there's a pedophile among them.

All I can say that this movie was just really weird. I mean, it really is a hard sell that someone could really be that oblivious about some of one's approach to children just might be deemed inappropriate by others. Plus, the imaginary thinking and painting/graffitti by Paul on others borders on cheesiness.

I do look forward to Peter Paige's future attempts at writing and directing. I just hope he will improve dramatically from this one. This was just a little too freaky for me.

Peter Paige in a Black Comedy.......2007-01-15

"SAY UNCLE"

Peter Paige in a black comedy

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

We love Peter Paige. He was our alter ego in "Queer as Folk" as Emmett, the gay guy who never stopped being himself no matter the situation. He continues that in "Say Uncle" (TLA Releasing) his big screen debut film. Not only does he star in the film but he directed it as well and it is an auspicious foray into the world of filmmaking.
Paige plays Paul, a gay artist who has centered his life on his godson. When the family moves away taking the boy with them, Paul is beside himself. He begins spending time at a local playground but some of the parents find it alarming that a single man would want to spend so much time looking at the children and controversy ensues. Naturally the parents band together against Paul and are led by the always fabulous Kathy Najimy.
We do not have many comedies about gay pedophiles and admittedly the idea does not strike me as a good one. But surprisingly this is a very tender and funny movie. Paige is, as usual, superb as he reinforces the feeling that I had about him when I saw him on TV.
As a hapless loner after his godson and family move to Japan, Paige shows the gamut of emotion as he is labeled as a pedophile. Coming out of that depression, he decides to relive his happy times with his godson by visiting the local playground and he is warned to be careful by his boyfriend Russell (Anthony Clark of TV's "Last Comic Standing). Not only is Paul endangering himself but he is hurting the chance of a relationship with a guy who is sincerely interested in him. Russell warns him that "people might get the wrong idea". Paul responds by pretending that he has no idea of the idea that is mentioned, brushes the sand off of a little girl and takes another to the bathroom. As expected a group of local mothers led by Maggie (Najimy) steps in to do something.
I sometimes felt that "Say Uncle" was dealing with the issue of the persecution of gay people but instead I realized that this is where the movie lost itself. I could not understand the nature of homophobia here as it was muddled. Even with its faults, I loved this movie. There were great lines and a lot of wit. It could have been so much better but even as it is I felt as I had seen a really good movie and, of course, I recommend it. Some reviewers have been very hard on this movie. I can't understand why.
As I stated earlier, Paige gives a bravura performance but it could have been so much more and I think that the script is at fault here. Aside from the character of Paul, the other characters are poorly defined and those of us that know that Najimy is really out friend will have a hard time seeing her as an opponent.

perfect transaction.......2007-01-11

I got the item sooner than expected and it was in perfect condition.

best educational comedy for select straights'.......2006-12-18

this is a definite 'think about it' comedy from a gay person's point of view. it puts the typical uneducated select straight in his or her place on views of gays and children. sadly it shows how the majority of society (select straights') control by personal assumptions and/ or opinions. lives CAN BE permanatly changed. look at religion and politics in the u.s. concerning gays.

Average customer rating:

hmmm.....
What?
Mediocre action movie!

The Black Godfather
Starring: Rod Perry , Damu King , Don Chastain , Diane Sommerfield , and Jimmy Witherspoon
Director: John Evans
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse
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ASIN: B00005KA6R
Release Date: 2002-01-01

Customer Reviews:

hmmm............2003-05-05

this movie was alright. too much of a blaxploitataion film, but otherwise ok. why didnt anyone catch him tho?

What?.......2001-10-13

That word was how i felt after i watched this. A lot was left out as far as the plot was concerned. It was somewhat interesting but i expected more. Overall it just didn't do it for me. But once again, if you are a collector i suggest you purchase it, Otherwise sit back and read a book.

Mediocre action movie!.......2001-06-08

Leroy Jackson is one bad moutha!!! He's wanted by the Mafia, the FBI, drug dealers, and many others!!!

Leroy Jackson was one of the first black toughguy characters. Leroy does things his own way. It's his way or the highway.

He's also loved by the ladies. He has a way with street hookers. They don't even make him pay!!!

Anyway, the script is great and the acting is top-notch. Everyone's trying to keep Leroy down, but he refuses to stay down. My favorite scene is where Leroy is jaywalking and a driver honks at him to get out of the way. An incensed Leroy yells "Kiss my black ***!" Where did the writers come up with such dialogue?!!

Amazon.com

It's hardly shameful that The Three Godfathers ranks as the slightest John Ford Western in a five-year arc that includes My Darling Clementine, Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Wagon Master, and Rio Grande. The source, a Peter B. Kyne story both hard-bitten and sentimental, had already been filmed at least five times--once by Ford himself as Marked Men (1919). The star of that silent version, Harry Carey, had recently died. This remake is dedicated to him ("Bright Star of the early western sky") and proudly introduces his son, Harry Carey Jr. (who had already appeared in Howard Hawks's Red River--as did his father--but we won't quibble).

Just before Christmas, three workaday outlaws (John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carey Jr.) rob a bank in Welcome, Arizona, and flee into the desert. The canny town marshal (Ward Bond) moves swiftly to cut them off from the wells along their escape route, so they make for another, deep in the wasteland. There's no water waiting for them, but there is a woman (Mildred Natwick) on the verge of death--and also of giving birth. The three badmen accept her dying commission as godfathers to the newborn. Motley variants of the Three Wise Men, they strike out for the town of New Jerusalem with her Bible as roadmap. It becomes increasingly apparent that saving the child's life will cost them their own.

Ford's is the softest retelling of the tale; in place of Kyne's bitter/triumphant final twist, he adds a very broad comic postlude. Elsewhere, the nearly sacramental treatment of the mother's death is followed by an extended gosh-almighty sequence of the banditos reading up on childcare. But it's all played with great gusto and tenderness--especially by Wayne, who's rarely been more appealing. Visually the film is one knockout shot after another. This was Ford's first Western in Technicolor, as well as his first collaboration with cinematographer Winton Hoch. What they do with sand ripples and shadows and long plumes of train smoke is rapturously beautiful. It's also often too arty by half, but who can blame them? --Richard T. Jameson

Description

Fugitive bank robbers Robert (John Wayne), William (Harry Carey Jr.) and Pedro (Pedro Armendariz) stand at a desert grave. Caring for the newborn infant of the woman they just buried will ruin any chance of escape. But they won't go back on their promise to her. They won't abandon little Robert William Pedro. Director John Ford's Western retelling of the Biblical Three Wise Men tale remains a scenic and thematic masterpiece. Ford adds color to his feature-film palette, capturing stunning vistas via cinematographer Winton Hoch, who would win two of his three Academy Awards * for Ford films. Again, populist-minded Ford asserts that even men of dissolute character can follow that inner star of Bethlehem to their own redemption.

Customer Reviews:

Old fashioned very enjoyable John Ford Western starring John Wayne and Ward Bond as his worthy opponent........2007-07-23

This oft-filmed story is from a sentimental novel "The Three Godfathers" written by Peter B. Kyne. John Ford who had earlier made a silent version MARKED MEN (1919) with Harry Carey. Another remake THE THREE GODFATHERS (1936) was a highly acclaimed version directed by Richard Boleslawski. The 3 GODFATHERS (1948) reviewed here is noted for being Ford's first colour film and for its opening touching dedication to one of John Ford's early favourites: `To the memory of Harry Carey' - `Bright star of the early Western Sky.'

Three bank robbers Robert Marmaduke Hightower (John Wayne), Pedro `Pete' Roca Fuerte (Pedro Armendáriz) and William Kearney `The Abilene Kid' (Harry Carey Jr.) ride into the town of Welcome Arizona and rob the local bank on trying to make good their escape they hadn't reckoned on the tenacity of the marshal for the territory of Arizona Perley `Buck' Sweet (Ward Bond) and his deputy Curly (Hank Worden). Forming a posse they hop on a train, hoping to ambush the outlaws at Mojave Tanks. The three bad-men arrive just in time to see the train coming with the posse onboard. Waterless they decide to head north for Terrapin Tanks across a beautiful but hostile desert, hoping that the marshal would figure that they would head for the easier route to Apache Wells.

On arrival at Terrapin Tanks they discover that a greenhorn settler, has left his heavily pregnant wife in a covered wagon and had destroyed the Tanks with dynamite whilst trying to find water. The mother (Mildred Natwick) dies shortly after giving birth to a baby boy, but not before naming the boy Robert William Pedro Hightower after the outlaws and making them Godfathers to her newborn son and further promising to take him to the town of New Jerusalem. Having earlier lost their horses they struggle on, following a Biblical like Star across the desert on foot desperately trying to fulfil their promise to a dying woman. Closing in on the three godfathers is the ever-persistent Marshal Sweet. Will they or wont they make it to New Jerusalem with the newborn boy-child?

A great musical score by Richard Hageman with "The Streets of Laredo" filtering through as does once or twice a hint of the music from STAGECOACH (1939). Which is not surprising as Richard Hageman was responsible for that too! Nearly, if not all of the players here are Fords usual friends or favourites known affectionately as "Ford's Rolling Stock" many straight from Ford's previous film FORT APACHE (1948) all turning in good performances? Perhaps best of the lot was fittingly reserved for Harry Carey Jr. Perhaps it was one of Ford's little jokes or all that was available at the time but the baby boy in the film was obviously a girl (Amelia Yelda)!

Not one of John Ford's best Westerns judged by his own very high standards but never-the-less a very enjoyable one at anytime, but perhaps best of all during the Christmas period! This 2004 Warner Bros. DVD Release includes the Theatrical Trailer.

dvd review.......2007-05-13

Great old wwii movie. product in great condition with a fast delivery.

Three Godfathers.......2007-03-29

This is a little known movie with lots of heart. A feel good flick that should be in every collection even if you don't like westerns. John Ford's spin on this classic tail is fantastic. My all time John Wayne favorite.

John Wayne at his best.......2007-01-11

John shows that he can do the good guy bad guy with beliveable style. It's one of his better movies although I'm a fan and think almost all his movies are good.

3 Godfathers Review.......2007-01-10

I enjoyed the movie very much but a few scenes ran a little long. John Wayne was excellent. It was diffent from traditional Christmas movie but it left you with the same feeling of joy at the conclusion.

The Canton Godfather (a.k.a. Miracles) Remastered Edition DVD

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The Canton Godfather (a.k.a. Miracles) Remastered Edition DVD
Director: Jackie Chan
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Digitally Remastered Edition DVD 1 disc package (ALL region)
Scenes from Taiwan uncut theater release

ASIN: B000JFDIVE

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The film typeface at the opening scene has some difference between HK version and Taiwan version.

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This old classic gangster film will suprise you

Scarface
Director: Howard Hawks
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The original 1932 classic!
Available for the first time on DVD!

ASIN: B000MEUKDQ

Product Description

Big Louis Costillo, last of the old-style gang leaders is slain, and his former bodyguard Tony Camonte is taken into custody. Since Costillo's body has never been found, the police have to release him, though they strongly suspect Johnny Lovo paid Tony to remove Big Louis. Tony begins taking over the rackets in town with violent enforcement, and he becomes a threat to Johnny and the other bosses unless they work for Tony. Meanwhile, Tony's sister wants to be more independent, but finds it difficult to escape from her brother's overprotective grasp. The dissatisfaction of the other bosses and the relentless pursuit of the police push Tony towards a major confrontation.

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This old classic gangster film will suprise you.......2007-08-16

This is where it all began! Howard Hanks 1932 Scarface is a groundbreaking film which blew open the door for all gangland films. It's easy to recognize it's influence it had on the genre.
The villan you'll love to hate is named Tony(of course)Carmonte. He's the fearless, cold-blooded stongarm of organized crime. He'll stop at nothing to gain control over Chicago during the Prohibition era. Does that sound like anybody you've heard of?
There are also some similarities between this movie and Depalma's Scarface. Carmonte rises up against his boss, saying "only one thing gives orders" as he points to his gun. He also eyes the bosses' wife and has a younger sister that he is overly protective of. And one more big thing I noticed, he has a huge sign outside his apartment that reads "The World is Yours", a tagline from the Pacino movie.
There was a line from this movie that Scorsese probably borrowed for Goodfellas. Tony asks the bosses' wife "How do you mean, you think I'm funny?"

Overall, I think this movie was WAY ahead of its time. It's jam packed with action--lots of shootings and murders, all done in a entertaining and artistic manner. There isn't much blood shown, but the censors still refused to approve this movie for release at the time. It was originally unrated, then later changed to PG.
It was also the first movie that depicted the submachine gun, aka the "Tommy Gun" or "Chicago Typewriter". I read somewhere that Al Capone loved this movie so much, he bought his own copy. You oughtta do the same.

Dealin Dirty, Black Cobra, Rockin with a Bullet, Black Godfather - 4 Movies

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Dealin Dirty, Black Cobra, Rockin with a Bullet, Black Godfather - 4 Movies
Starring: Various
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse
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ASIN: B00005QY93
Release Date: 2002-01-22

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