Bye Bye Birdie

Amazon.com

When Elvis-like rock & roll star Conrad Birdie is drafted into the military, the teen nation is united by a contest in which the winner bestows a farewell kiss upon their idol while on the Ed Sullivan Show. Ann-Margret (in her film debut) is the lucky little lady from Sweet Apple, Ohio, who wins the contest, much to the chagrin of her steady beau (Bobby Rydell) and miserable parents (Paul Lynde and Mary LaRoche). Dick Van Dyke and Janet Leigh are an older couple kept from marrying by his meddlesome mother, played to the hilt by Maureen Stapleton. Lightweight but fun, this features an exuberant soundtrack with such memorable ditties as "Put on a Happy Face" and "Kids" and the title track. This is a much better choice than the lackluster, 1995 made-for-TV version. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Musical that holds up well.......2007-09-05

Ann-Margret runs away with this hit 60's musical. Perfect casting at its best; it's easy to believe her as Kim, a teenager in love with Hugo (Bobby Rydell) who also swoons over Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson), a thinly veiled version of Elvis. Although it's hard to imagine the hysteria that Elvis generated when he was drafted, it is not important to be aware of that to enjoy the take-off this musical provides. Paul Lynde and Dick Van Dyke turn in solid performances; Maureen Stapleton provides the hilarious comic relief as the mother from hell. Janet Leigh does a great job as Van Dyke's love interest, however, her singing is somewhat of a weak link (but her dancing more than makes up for it!). Many reviews bash the movie for being too different from the stage production; although it is different in some ways, it more than stands on its own. The camera work, staging, choreography, and performances are all top-notch. A nice piece of nostalgia that still provides great entertainment today.

Hello Again, Birdie.......2007-05-08

More than 40 years after first viewing in theatres,this is still a delightful escape with a trip down memory lane. Music and lyrics are classics. Ann-Margret and Janet Leigh display dancing and singing talent that is often forgotten, with excellent support work from Dick Van Dyke, Paul Lynde, Bobby Rydell and Maureen Stapleton. The times certainly changed after this period of adolescence, but Bye Bye Birdie took us back to an age of naivety where nothing bad was ever going to happen to us. Good social comment of the time.

Great family movie.......2007-01-11

My 11 year old son is trying out for a part in a local production of "Bye Bye Birdie" so I purchased this DVD so we could both get an idea of what the movie/play is all about and get a flavor for the musical productions. Even though this movie was made in the 1960's, it was very entertaining for both of us. The movie is good clean family entertainment and is well worth purchasing to have as a part of our family movie library.

BYE BYE BIRDIE.......2006-11-10

EVEN IN THE BEGINNING ANN MARGARET WAS WONDERFUL.. BOBBY WAS JUST SO GREAT LOOKING (STILL IS. THIS MOVIE WAS REALLY FUNNY AND WILL BE AROUND FOR A LONG TIME TO COME!!

Just a good old fashioned goofy musical.......2006-09-01

I watched this recently and realized I had forgotten about a lot of it. I still really think Ann Margret was dazzling. and absolutely perfect for the role of Kim. I didn't care much for Janet Leigh in this one, it must have been the black hair -- and I don't think when I saw this as a teen that I even realized she was supposed to be LATINO. O-kay . . . .

I think the biggest surprise in this film was Bobby Rydell, the early 60s teen idol (who could actually sing) -- he was amazing as Hugo. Wow! He just flowed thru that thing like he'd been doing it all his life .. . but then, I don't remember him ever doing it again . ..? I know he still tours, with Frankie Avalon and Fabian I think, and he looks really DIFFERENT -- I mean, he looks an awful lot like George W. Bush nowadays. Weird. Anyhow, I thought he was perfect for his part as well, as for the rest, some of it got to be a bit much -- esp. Paul Lynde and his whiny sarcasm (how much of that can you take?) and that Ed Sullivan skit was just silly. But, I love the Kim/Hugo/Birdie dance in the soda shoppe, that makes the film, I think. Watch it with your teenagers, if you can corral them for a while.

Average customer rating:

Must have musical
The Pits
Bye Bye Birdie
A 27 year old playing a 16 -18 year old?
SUPER MUSICAL COMEDY

Bye Bye Birdie
Starring: Jason Alexander , Vanessa Williams (VII) , Chynna Phillips , Tyne Daly , and Marc Kudisch
Director: Gene Saks
Manufacturer: Allumination
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002V7TDI
Release Date: 2004-11-19

Customer Reviews:

Must have musical.......2007-05-16

Best of the two "Bye Bye Birdie" movies (1995) and (1963). I am not fond of any Jason Alexander's work, but this one is notable. My family wore the VHS tape out. This DVD is a replacement for the tape.

The Pits.......2006-08-13

A travesty of tacky talent and too-little imagination.

How anyone thought they could improve on Ann Margaret is beyond me.

Bye Bye Birdie .......2006-07-10

I love this movie. I have never seen the first one but this one was fun. I am planing to see the fist one. Jason Alexander and Venessa Willams did a great job togeather. Now i wish they could make a "Bye Bye Birdie 2"! I would recomend this movie to anyone who loves musicals(like myself) and a romantic story(again myself). Have Fun and i hope this helped!

A 27 year old playing a 16 -18 year old?.......2006-06-28

There are pros and cons about this version as there is with the 1963 version. Ann Margret was 22 when she played the teenage Kim. She could pass for a high school teenager much better than 27-year-old Chynna Phillips. Ironically this role should have gone to Chynna's younger half sister, Bijoux, who was 15 at the time this movie was made.
I feel Chynna Phillips was mis-cast as the teenage Kim, because she photographed looking like a thirty-something housewife trying to dress like a fifties teenager; she has an old-looking face as opposed to the fresher, softer face of the 22-year-old Ann Margret. Phillips has a nice singing voice but her portrayal of the character was very weak and unconvincing, as if she herself were uncomfortable playing a high school girl at age 27. A much younger actress/singer should have played Kim.

This version is more true to the play and focuses more on the relationship between Rosie and Albert, especially in the latter half of the film, whereas the 1963 version tended to focus more on Kim, Hugo and their friends, culminating in the kiss between Conrad and Kim, with Hugo's intervention. That particular section appeared in the middle of this updated version. At the time Ann-Margret was hot so I supposed that's the reason more emphasis was placed on her character in general and on the Birdie Kiss scene.

This 1995 version has a lot of great singing and dancing--the people cast knew how to sing and their voices blended beautifully. Jason Alexander surprised me at how well he sang and played Albert, though I'm always going to have a great fondness for Mr. Dick Van Dyke's portrayal.

I have to say that Vanessa Williams' portrayal of Rosie was superb, strong, sassy, and full of pizzazz; she handled the singing and dancing wonderfully compared to poor Janet Leigh in the 1963 version, who was not a singer and did not even FAINTLY resemble a Latina character; she was forced to wear a cheesy black wig over her blonde hair which made it even more apparent she was dreadfully mis-cast for the role of Rosie. Rita Moreno would have been PERFECT in the role, so it's surprising she was passed over for the non-singing non-Latin Janet Leigh. Guess the old Hollywood practice of casting known caucasian stars of European descent in roles of color was still going on, even in 1963.

If you're a fan of the original play, this movie will especially be your cup of tea. I have never seen the play, so my point of reference was originally the 1963 movie release. Now that I've seen something closer to the original Broadway play, I must say I enjoy this version a lot more, because there are more great songs included. Still, I will always love the 1963 release, so I think it's an asset to have BOTH version of Bye Bye Birdie in your DVD library.

SUPER MUSICAL COMEDY.......2006-03-10

This version of Bye Bye Birdie is really excellent. The acting and dancing are superb. Laughing was automatic while watching this DVD of Bye Bye Birdie.

Average customer rating:

Cute
For husband
Dramatic and funny!
It could happen to you.
Janeane is great, the rest grates...

Bye, Bye Love
Starring: Matthew Modine , Randy Quaid , Paul Reiser , Janeane Garofalo , and Amy Brenneman
Director: Sam Weisman
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006SSPBW
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Amazon.com

Ah, the sensitive male of the 1990s. He's nowhere to be found in this wan comedy about three divorced dads and the weekend each spends with his kids. It opens with the ritual of the divorced: mothers handing off kids to dads in neutral territory, the local McDonald's. Then the three buddies at the center of this film (Paul Reiser, Randy Quaid, and Matthew Modine) go their separate ways. Reiser is looking for a way to win his ex-wife back (and comes across as a hangdog drip); Modine is the group's womanizer who chases a variety of females, while seemingly ignoring his kid. Quaid has the film's only comedically fruitful role as the group's most cynical member who goes on the world's worst blind date with the hilariously off-the-wall Janeane Garofalo. Harmless, occasionally funny, but unremarkable. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Cute.......2007-08-23

I have always loved this movie. I think my favorite part is with Janeane Garofalo on the blind date.

For husband.......2007-06-27

Ordered with Kingdom of Heaven. Husband loves this movie. Purchased, shipped, received fast.

Dramatic and funny!.......2007-06-08

It is rare for a film to tell a story which is dramatic and funny at the same time. "Bye Bye Love"'s director achieves this fine balance and delivers great performances from all cast members, especially Reiser, Quaid and Modine. The story evolves around 3 male friends who are divorced parents and who each cope with their situations differently while managing to keep their respective children the center of their individual lives. The story is highly entertaining and touching. A great family movie to watch!

It could happen to you........2007-02-16

A group of divorced couples dealing with life's disappointments. A good clean down home movie that most divorced people can relate too.

Janeane is great, the rest grates..........2006-07-25

As many other reviewers have noted, the scene with Janeane Garofalo and Randy Quaid is hilarious. The rest is a waste of time. Go to the chapter with Janeane, and you'll be alright...

Average customer rating:

NICE B MOVIE, GREAT LOOKING LADIES

Bye Bye Baby
Starring: Carol Alt , Luca Barbareschi , Jason Connery , Brigitte Nielsen , and Bruno Mori
Director: Enrico Oldoini
Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005YC9W
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Customer Reviews:

NICE B MOVIE, GREAT LOOKING LADIES.......2003-09-21

Two lusty young women from Milan cavort amid young Italian men on various hot and steamy Meditteranean beaches.

The All New Adventures of Laurel and Hardy: For Love or Mummy

Average customer rating:

good-natured tribute
Here's another grave-robbing mess they've gotten us into..
fun HALLOWEEN movie for kids
What's the point?
fun for the kids

The All New Adventures of Laurel and Hardy: For Love or Mummy
Starring: F. Murray Abraham , Lara Bye , Timo Chaplin , Josh Cheny , and Susan Danford
Director: Cherry III, John R.
Manufacturer: Coast
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00007K01P
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

good-natured tribute.......2007-07-08

Just scroll down. Read the hate filled tantrum of the enraged Laurel and Hardy fan who brags about "hating everyone" while disgustingly using the victims of 911 in a twisted tirade against customers whose children like this movie. That is just one bizarre example of the excessive negativity that has plagued Laurel and Hardy fandom for decades.

Numerous Laurel and Hardy fans have traditionally hated many of the films starring Stan and Ollie. Consider THE BIG NOISE. Excessively negative fans hate it. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE? Hated. THE JITTER BUGS? Hated. THE AIR RAID WARDENS? Hated. THE DANCING MASTERS? Hated. UTOPIA? Hated. A HAUNTING WE WILL GO? Hated. THE BULLFIGHTERS? Hated. It's not surprising then that they hate this children's movie featuring fictional relatives of Laurel and Hardy.

Even the mere suggestion of children having fun watching this movie is hated. The previous post, with its disgusting comments about the tragedy of 911, demonstrates that hatred. It also shows how ugly some Laurel and Hardy fans can be. Sick remarks about 911 aren't even considered off limits. Such negativity demonstrates why good-natured Laurel and Hardy tributes deserve some credit.

Laurel and Hardy comics and cartoons filled me with joy as a child. They didn't fill me with hate. They were respectful, good-natured, and uplifting. This movie is another respectful and good-natured tribute, but it never had a chance of uplifting the spirits of the negatively inclined fans. Laurel and Hardy themselves ultimately couldn't even do that. The Boy's final feature films have been the objects of excessive hatred for years.

Here's another grave-robbing mess they've gotten us into.........2006-06-05

I don't normally do this, but before I started writing this review I actually scrolled down and read a few other "opinions". The obvious one star ratings made me have a little faith left in humanity, but the amount of five star ratings made me hate everyone all over again.

And what is the REASON this insulting, possible legacy tarnishing catastrophe got five stars from these dim-bulbs? "It's a fun movie for kids." This is written on EVERY five star review (is it the same mouth-breather or what?) So, by THAT reckoning, re-making 911 but replacing the suicide bombers by cute fluffy animals, who put a furry paw over their eyes when they're about to crash, followed by a slide-whistle soundtracking the towers collapsing would be OK, too? 'Cos you know, that would be "harmless fun for kids to watch at Halloween time" too. Pffffff.

Anyway, I don't think I need to explain WHY this is so bad. Laurel and Hardy were too genuine one-offs. Genius entertainers who merged eye-watering slapstick with spot-on visual gags, with perfect timing and execution. These two hacks think that if they DRESS like Laurel and Hardy and try and SOUND like them, then the same big laughs will come thick and fast.

They don't. Not once. Not ever. Imitation may be the highest form of flattery in some aspects, but this is an insult, a cheap cash-in on a famous name. Don't be tempted, don't be fooled.

If people really ARE on the look-out for something to make their kids laugh, then show them the real Laurel and Hardy films. People falling through roofs and getting hit with ladders will ALWAYS be funny, especially if it's the two REAL masters at work. Show the kids Laurel and Hardy's "The Music Box", and leave this disgrace gathering dust where it belongs.

The_Curmudgeon_Hates_You@yahoo.co.uk

fun HALLOWEEN movie for kids.......2005-12-15

The New Adventures of Laurel and Hardy: For Love or Mummy is a safe and enjoyable movie to show the kids in your life at Halloween. One reviewer suggests that a movie starring the "REAL" Laurel and Hardy would be better HALLOWEEN entertainment for kids, but most "REAL" Laurel and Hardy fans consider Laurel and Hardy's A-Haunting We Will Go to be "garbage" and despise the animated Laurel and Hardy's encounter with Scooby Doo too. These Scrooges completely miss the fact that Laurel and Hardy related projects like these provide fun for the littlest Laurel and Hardy fans who desire some spooky entertainment for Halloween. I guess the purists would rather have kids watch Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein instead.

What's the point?.......2005-11-28

One of the most pointless endeavors in recent memory is this 1998 attempt to recreate the Laurel & Hardy partnership. Bronson Pinchot (PERFECT STRANGERS, BEVERLY HILLS COP) and Gailard Sartain (FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, ALI), cast as the nephews of the original Stan and Ollie, help museum curator F. Murray Abraham (was this the only role available to the Academy Award winner?) track down a reanimated 3,000-year-old mummy. Pinchot and especially Sartain seem to relish the opportunity to replicate the two comedy legends, but co-directors Larry Harmon (the man behind the BOZO'S CIRCUS franchise) and John Cherry (the auteur behind the ERNEST movies) don't offer them much assistance.

Perhaps the most disheartening thing about this whole enterprise (aside from Larry Harmon's egomaniacal "cameo" in the film) is the fact that I've actually seen this DVD filed among legitimate Laurel & Hardy movies at outlets like Virgin and Tower Records. And as for showing this to kids...why don't you show them a REAL Laurel & Hardy movie?

fun for the kids.......2005-11-01

It's too bad that so many Laurel and Hardy fans can't take this for what it is: harmless fun for kids to watch at Halloween time. I went into this knowing it was aimed at little kids and involved the "nephews" of Laurel and Hardy, a rampaging mummy, the director of Ernest, Bozo the clown, and "cousin Balkie". I found it to be cute and kids love it. That makes it OK in my book.

Average customer rating:

Bye Bye Baby
Starring: Carol Alt , Luca Barbareschi , Jason Connery , Brigitte Nielsen , and Bruno Mori
Director: Enrico Oldoini
Manufacturer: St Clair Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001GH7HC
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Average customer rating:

Good-bye Love
Starring: Luis Alberni , Phyllis Barry , Sidney Blackmer , Grace Hayle , and Mayo Methot
Director: H. Bruce Humberstone , and Herbert Ross
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000E8N9C4
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Charlie Rose with Tony Schwartz; Lauren Hutton & Michael Gross; Randy Quaid (April 7, 1995)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Tony Schwartz; Lauren Hutton & Michael Gross; Randy Quaid (April 7, 1995)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Description

Author Tony Schwartz talks about his career and the lengthy process of researching fulfillment and the meaning of life for his new book What Really Matters: Searching for Wisdom in America. Then, author Michael Gross and former model Lauren Hutton discuss the ups and downs on the modeling industry and Gross's new book Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women. Finally, Randy Quaid discusses his develpment as an actor and his new film Bye Bye, Love.

Average customer rating:

good-natured tribute
Here's another grave-robbing mess they've gotten us into..
fun HALLOWEEN movie for kids
What's the point?
fun for the kids

The All New Adventures of Laurel and Hardy: For Love or Mummy
Starring: F. Murray Abraham , Lara Bye , Timo Chaplin , Josh Cheny , and Susan Danford
Director: John R. Cherry III
Manufacturer: Monarch Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Slapstick | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00000JJHV
Release Date: 2000-01-18

Customer Reviews:

good-natured tribute.......2007-07-08

Here's another grave-robbing mess they've gotten us into.........2006-06-05

fun HALLOWEEN movie for kids.......2005-12-15

What's the point?.......2005-11-28

fun for the kids.......2005-11-01

DVD:

DVD

DVD