The Grapes of Wrath

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Ranking No. 21 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films, this 1940 classic is a bit dated in its noble sentimentality, but it remains a luminous example of Hollywood classicism from the peerless director of mythic Americana, John Ford. Adapted by Nunnally Johnson from John Steinbeck's classic novel, the film tells a simple story about Oklahoma farmers leaving the depression-era dustbowl for the promised land of California, but it's the story's emotional resonance and theme of human perseverance that makes the movie so richly and timelessly rewarding. It's all about the humble Joad family's cross-country trek to escape the economic devastation of their ruined farmland, beginning when Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) returns from a four-year prison term to discover that his family home is empty. He's reunited with his family just as they're setting out for the westbound journey, and thus begins an odyssey of saddening losses and strengthening hopes. As Ma Joad, Oscar-winner Jane Darwell is the embodiment of one of America's greatest social tragedies and the "Okie" spirit of pressing forward against all odds (as she says, "because we're the people"). A documentary-styled production for which Ford and cinematographer Gregg Toland demanded painstaking authenticity, The Grapes of Wrath is much more than a classy, old-fashioned history lesson. With dialogue and scenes that rank among the most moving and memorable ever filmed, it's a classic among classics--simply put, one of the finest films ever made. --Jeff Shannon

Description

This remarkable film version of Steinbeck?s novel was nominated for seven Academy Awards®, including for Best Picture, Actor (Henry Fonda), Film Editing, Sound and Writing. John Ford won the Best Director Oscar® and actress Jane Darwell won Best Actress for her portrayal of Ma Joad, the matriarch of the struggling migrant farmer family. Following a prison term he served for manslaughter, Tom Joad returns to find his family homestead overwhelmed by weather and the greed of the banking industry. With little work potential on the horizon of the Oklahoma dust bowls, the entire family packs up and heads for the promised land ? California. But the arduous trip and harsh living conditions they encounter offer little hope, and family unity proves as daunting a challenge as any other they face.

Customer Reviews:

The Grapes Of Wrath.......2007-08-31

This is one of the greatest film classics of all time.definitely a must see for all film students, actors, directors, cinephotogrphers

Unsure.......2007-08-23

The recording is exactly what I needed, but I am unsure if this is a legal copy of a copyrighted work.

An Important Film to Watch - Then Read the Book.......2007-08-22

We all know the Depression was awful. There were people starving, families collapsing. It's hard to really get a sense of just how powerful it was, though. John Steinbeck's articles and books on the topic led to this award winning (AFI #21) movie by John Ford. What's ironic is that some people felt the movie was too extremist about the conditions - but research has shown that it actually was tame compared to situations that really went on.

We begin with a family in Oklahoma who is literally kicked out of their home, with nowhere to go. Flyers are being passed around about a ton of work being available in California. So they pile their entire household of goods and head out. Unfortunately, so does pretty much every starving person - and California is innundated with workers. The Okies are treated poorly, given dirt poor wages and run out of town.

It's amazing that the books are banned in schools - especially in the midwest! I definitely recommend watching this movie as an important history lesson about what our ancestors struggled through - and a reminder not to let this happen again. Once you get started with the movie, pick up the books to get an even more full story.

Steinbeck's Story Faithfully Filmed.......2007-08-15

I don't recall how old I was when I first saw the film version of "The Grapes of Wrath," John Steinbeck's novel of the desperate plight of the "Okies" during the Dust Bowl era -- I know I'd read the book after graduating high school and before entering college -- but on second viewing, I was impressed by how closely the film followed the book. Certainly, a fully realized cinematic treatment would have overtaxed Hollywood budgets and the average moviegoer of 1940, and the novel's final scene would never have been okayed by the censors, but the overall emotional pull of the film is about as close to that of the book in a way that few literature-as-film productions ever are. (Of recent note in this respect are Peter Jackson's fine films of J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy --although I still haven't forgiven him for leaving out Tom Bombadil.) Of course, the genius lay in the casting of Henry Fonda as Tom Joad, though to be honest, none of the casting choices were faulty. I'm teaching the novel for the first time for a literature class this semester, and I would be quite comfortable allowing non-readers to substitute viewing this film in place of reading the entire book. I can think of no better tribute to a first-rate movie than that.

A Real Movie............2007-08-12

I think the Hollywood of today has forgotten how to make movies, they should look at classic films of yesterday like this one to know what "real movie making"is all about. This is a faithful translation of the John Steinbeck novel that looked at how the dust storms that hit the mid-west in the 1930's, caused many farmers to try and seek out a new living in California, in the center of all this is Henry Fonda's intelligent performance of a man who is trying to help his parents keep the whole family together as they search for and hopefully find a new life together.

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From Hell
This movie rules.
One of the most important movies of our time

Do You Know the Muffin Man?
Starring: Pam Dawber , John Shea , Stephen Dorff , Brian Bonsall , and Janet Eilber
Director: Gilbert Cates
Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
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ASIN: B000MMMT8M
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Customer Reviews:

From Hell.......2007-08-20

This film looks at the McMartin trial of the 1980s from the point of view of one afflicted family and assumes that the children were telling the truth. Although the names have been changed to protect the "innocent" this movie uses so much of what those trials were about. Seen in this light the movie is more than a horror story because it does not bring into account the interrogations of the children by Kee McFarlane. There is a therapist mentioned numerous times in this movie but his storyline only implies to the fact that Kee McFarlane had planted false memories into the minds of the children, essentially brain-washing them into believing the McMartins had commited various child-abuse crimes. Where the actual horror of this movie comes in is the descriptions of the abuse taking place at the preschool.
After fleeing justice two of the young teachers actually manage to set up residence in another community and attempt to continue forcing their sickness on children.
From this point of view, if you believe the children, the movie is angering because it tells to much of the horrific allegations brought against the McMartins.
Since this movie is a fictionalized account of the so-called "witch-hunts" of the 1980s I would not take much of this as the truth about the McMartin trial.
However as an account of the allegations of that era and the power these types of allegations wield due nothing more to than rumor it is a horror story of a justice system no longer in control of itself.

This movie rules........2007-04-21

This is best Lifetime movie ever made. Satanism? Check. Child abuse? Roger that. Animal sacrifice? You bet. Overprotective, but semi-abusive parents? You know it.

I have been waiting for this movie to hit DVD for 6 years. This is perhaps the single greatest piece of television camp that has ever been produced. If you want an afternoon on pure television schlock, you MUST get this movie TODAY.

P.S. Hi christine! Don't worry, your copy is in the mail.

One of the most important movies of our time.......2007-04-12

This is one of the most important movies of our time, and it was very difficult for me to get my hands on - in spite of the affordable price today. I had to wait a long time for it to come out on DVD.

For those who have ever heard of the McMartin pre-school case and/or the movie "Indictment" based on same, this movie is also based on McMartin but not as if it were a hoax - which it was not. The preschool has another name, but the general facts of the case are all present. This movie was put out in 1989 and pretty much disappeared after that. I caught it once on the Lifetime channel and went looking all over the Internet for it, including the Lifetime channel itself. No dice.

I'm thrilled to have it today. If this topic interests you at all, this is a movie to have in your collection.Indictment - The McMartin Trial

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A great western movie
Dark, Unembridled Greed
A Search For The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, With Murder And Greed Along The Way
Great mystery Western

Lust for Gold
Starring: Ida Lupino , Glenn Ford , Gig Young , William Prince , and Edgar Buchanan
Director: S. Sylvan Simon
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0007MANZ8
Release Date: 2005-04-05

Customer Reviews:

A great western movie.......2007-07-26

Anyone who lives in Arizona would love this flick, a great story about the Old West.

Dark, Unembridled Greed.......2006-12-04

A rather grim but extremely satisfying Western directed by S. Sylvan Simon, features Glenn Ford as Jacob "Dutch" Walz, a German who discovers "the richest goldmine in the world" in 19th century Arizona. Although not as well-known as other Columbia Westerns, it holds up very well, and is much more appreciated now than it was when it was released in 1949. Juliet Thomas (Ida Lupino) is the cold-hearted woman who pretends to admire Walz as a man, when in fact she just wants to know where his mine is located. She goes so far as to put him up in her home after he collapses in a drunken stupor on the porch of her bakery, and later lets him court her. She pretends to be German (even briefly speaking to him in his native tongue), and feigns ignorance and disinterest in his newfound status as a wealthy citizen. Her pursuit of Jacob only infuriates her estranged husband, Pete Thomas (Gig Young), who wants to be back on her good side (as well as her bed), and so they quietly conspire together to learn the location of his mine and rob Jacob of his fortune. But he is soon onto them and it ends on an interesting showdown on Superstition Mountain.

Despite its serious tone, the film has some light-hearted moments, never more wonderfully presented as Juliet shows Jacob her family album and he comes across a photograph of her as an "au natural" baby, or the moment after Jacob hands off the cookies he bought from Juliet's shop to a young boy, who collapses under the weight of two massive baskets full! And Lupino shows her independent mind and capabilities in this unsympathetic role, while Gig Young's scoundrel manages to gain a little sympathy as the ignored husband. But Ford, who rarely played villainous roles, really brings uncompromising realism as a greedy, self-serving, ill-tempered man (the scene involving the little girl and him allowing her to "play" with his shotgun is a classic example of this). His attempt at a German accent falters in some sequences, but this does not deter from his performance.

This aspect of the movie is actually shown in flashback, the opening being of Jacob's grandson Barry Storm (William Prince) trying to find the mine and solve the mystery of the many puzzling, tragic deaths of those who have attempted to discover it. Fans of the Lone Ranger television series will enjoy the early, uncredited appearance of Jay Silverheels as a deputy.

Now I know why greed is among the seven most deadly sins!

The DVD features a few theatrical trailers.

A Search For The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, With Murder And Greed Along The Way.......2005-12-13

This forgotten gem is an A movie trying to break out of a B movie's conventions. Even as a B movie, if it had been directed by Edgar Ulmer many people would be raving over it. But it was directed by a man named S. Sylvan Simon who died of a heart attack in his forties. This was his last movie, and it has been forgotten just about as thoroughly as he has.

It's the story of the Lost Dutchman Mine, a rich gold mine lost, then discovered again, and then apparently lost forever. It's the story of Jacob "Dutch" Walz (Glenn Ford), a German immigrant in 1880 who, with a partner, tracks two men to the mine in Arizona's Superstition Mountains. When the men find it, Walz and his partner shoot them down. Then Walz cooly turns his rifle on his partner. It's also the present day story of Walz' grandson, Barry Storm (William Prince), who is searching for the mine again. A generation and a half ago his grandfather disappeared, taking the secret of the mine with him. Storm is determined to find the place, but a killer has been murdering prospectors who have gotten too close to where the mine might be.

The movie is oddly constructed but still works well. Three quarters of the time is a flashback to Jacob Walz, his search for the mine and his entanglement with Julia Thomas (Ida Lupino), a woman as ruthless as he, and her husband, Pete (Gig Young), a jealous and weak man. Bracketing this story is Barry Storm. At first, Storm is following a man who is confident he knows where the Lost Dutchman is located. A rifle shot ends that search and Storm is left with a dead body to explain to the sheriff (Paul Ford) and the sheriff's deputy (Will Geer). At the end of Walz' story we move back to Storm. Now, the killer is tracking him. In a nice twist, the killer is probably not who you'll immediately suspect.

Glenn Ford does a nice job as the grim, mean Jacob Walz. When he thinks Julia may actually love him, he's shy and a little tongue-tied. When he realizes she was using him...well, let's say he gets his own back with her and her husband after he's tricked them into the Superstition Mountains. This is an unusual role to take on for a young and increasingly popular lead actor. After he was established as a major star, Ford didn't often play ruthless bad guys. With this role, he proved he could whenever he wanted to.

Ida Lupino does a great job as the in-it-for-me Julia Thomas. She looks just fine when she's luring Jacob into her web. Later, she's not afraid to look dirty and bedraggled after she's been without water for a couple of days, had to scramble over rocks, been shot at and tossed in the dirt.

The black and white DVD picture is in very good condition. There are no extras.

Great mystery Western.......2005-04-16

In a way LUST FOR GOLD is a "mystery" Western that doesn't lose its real interest after you understand (sort of) the mystery and understand the story. And that says a lot about its lasting attraction and why I am delighted to see it on DVD. The stark but beautiful B&W print lends atmosphere to the "search" for lost treasure, and even the name of the mountain range where the Spanish gold was mysteriously buried, Superstition Mountain, adds to the ambience. This is a truly entertaining oater that will entertain the entire family or friends. Recommended highly.

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Do you really know the one you love?
"I like you, that's the problem."
AN AFFAIR AT HOTEL CHANDELER
Dream Lovers Dream Small
Simply One of My Favorites...

Dream Lover
Starring: James Spader , Mädchen Amick , Fredric Lehne , Bess Armstrong , and Larry Miller
Director: Nicholas Kazan
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B0001VTPUE
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Description

How well can you really know the one you love? OscarÂ(r) nominee* Nicholas Kazan explores this question in his "sensuous, deadly game of romantic cat-and-mouse" (Roger Ebert) that features "terrific" (The Hollywood Reporter) performances by James Spader and MÃ¤dchen Amick and weaves "a tight web of suspense" (Playboy)! After a bitter divorce, wealthy architect Ray (Spader) fears he'll never love again until he bumps into sexy, sophisticated Lena (Amick) and sparks begin to fly. Before long, they are happily married and have a family. But when Ray's suspicious nature gets the best of him and he begins to investigate Lena's past, what he finds may not only threaten the state of their marriage but also Ray's life! *1990: Adapted Screenplay, Reversal of Fortune

Customer Reviews:

Do you really know the one you love?.......2007-06-28

James Spader plays a wealthy architect named Ray who divorces from his first wife then fears he may never find love again until one day he bumps into a woman who he thinks is perfect for him. They meet again a couple weeks down the road and end up hitting it off. Not long after that they end up getting married, wife, kids, the usual deal.. then Ray becomes suspicious..he starts to investigate and what he finds you wont believe.

Picture this: Your own wife is a psychopath and you dont find out until 2-3 years into the marriage and start piecing together clues as the years go by and then all of a sudden you find out this woman isnt who she says she is, everything shes said has been a lie and worse..

When he finds out and confronts her... well i'll let you find out for yourself, all i can tell you is its insane what she does to him, she fools and manipulates everyone into believing hes the 'crazy' one, then the twist of an ending.. This is the worst case scenario that could happen to someone. This woman is your worst nightmare. This combined with weird dreamlike carnival sequences make this a very good thriller. It also has a dark humor to it. Excellent performance by Spader. Highly Recommended.

"I like you, that's the problem.".......2007-03-26

I've lived this. James Spader as a successful architect who meets then unfortunately marries my ex-wife played by the insanely gorgeous and totally fruitcake Madchen Amick.

Gaslighting ensues while wifey goes about having babies, laying in the sun, and screwing all of Spader's best friends. Like I said...I lived it, and my only advice is to kill the bitch. I want royalties. "Sometimes what you think is paranoia is actually heightened awareness." Great line, great flick, Spader is weird and Amick is HOT! 4 Lenas

AN AFFAIR AT HOTEL CHANDELER.......2006-09-08

A small little seen intriguing thriller about outer beauty and inner lies of some sort. A recently divorced successful bachelor runs into and meets an unlikely beauty in a supermarket, they meet up for drinks. He becomes infactuated with her beauty and her reserved lady like qualities. Eventually hook up, fall in love and get married, everything is so perfect. OR IS IT? I like this movie because it tells the tale of what everyone looks for in a mate complete perfection but nothing and noone is perfect. Be careful what you wish for. Get to know someone completely before all those emotions take over because there is always a price to pay good or bad. GOOD MOVIE AND A SHOCKER OF AN ENDING.

Dream Lovers Dream Small.......2005-11-01

Plot is a good thing with this movie. It's entertaining and worth the price of the video/DVD. It's about a couple working together to legally rob his friend. And it's a good idea with a little twist on the ending that's pretty clever. 'The friend' comes out ahead and clean. The Spader Sex is good and it's filmed well with colors that seem dark. The bad thing about this movie is it's dream sequences: they are 100% dumb; I cannot figure out a reason for them. Viewers understand 'the friend' - Spader - the Dream Lover is living a dream...and we can SEE that it's becoming a nightmare, we don't need foolish clowns cut-ins to bop us on the heads and say, "DREAM!" I personaly find it a tad bit unbeliveable that a hot, sweet Sexy Spader would not be the 'dream' of any woman. The female lead in this movie is beautiful. Watch it.

Simply One of My Favorites..........2005-08-20

In order that I do not spoil the plot for you...I just want to say that 'you never know what you're going to get'...never...so be careful with every single relationship! It is so true.
Of course, this story is an extreme but it's also a wake up call. It's simply one of my favorite films. It's one smart diabolical thriller. Oh yeah...go for it! This is a great DVD for anyone's library. It will bring about good dinner table conversation for a good week afterwards.

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Cimarron 1930
Great technical achievements with stereotypes galore
a hard to find movie worth seeking out
"The Devil's Cabaret" is on this disc!
Cimarron

Cimarron
Starring: Richard Dix , Irene Dunne , Estelle Taylor , Nance O'Neil , and William Collier Jr.
Director: Wesley Ruggles , Nick Grinde , and Rudolf Ising
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000BYA4HE
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Amazon.com

This epic Western won the 1931 Academy Award for Best Picture. Heartthrob Richard Dix plays Yancey Cravat (yes, really, that's his name) a frontiersman, newspaper editor, and former gunslinger who's studly enough to fill in as preacher or lawyer should the situation demand. Yancey brings his young bride Sabra to the wild Oklahoma territory to taste the adventure, crusade for social justice, and leave his family for years at a time. Modern viewers will have trouble making it past one or two horrifying racist caricatures at the start, made doubly odd because of the film's intended message of tolerance. Once it gets underway, though, Cimarron can be quite a bit of fun. Most of its pleasures are of the guilty variety--Dix's performance in particular is endearingly huge--but there are a few genuine highlights. The Oklahoma Land Rush sequence is still exciting and wet blanket Sabra turns out to have far more gumption than anyone imagined. --Ali Davis

Description

Spaces were neither wide nor open in most early Sound Westerns. Not so in Cimarron. It starts with one of the most renowned giddy-ups in cinema history: a thundering recreation of the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush. From there Cimarron, based on the bestselling epic by Giant and Show Boat novelist Edna Ferber, traces the generations-spanning saga of that land. There rugged Yancey Cravat (Richard Dix) and his resourceful pioneer wife Sabra (Irene Dunne) sink roots, persevere, give shape to their dreams. It's a saga of change, told with an authenticity that moviegoers who had lived through that era recognized - and told with a skill that earned it three Academy Awards * including Best Picture!

Customer Reviews:

Cimarron 1930.......2007-08-30

Horizont-Stretching etertaiment from the Author of GIANT (1956) Edna Ferber (1887-1968) .Spaces were neither wide nor or open in most early Sound Western . Not so in CIMARRON , It starts with one of the most renowed giddy-ups in Cinema history : a thundering recreation of the 1889 Oklahoma land Rush . From there CIMARRON , based on the bestselling epic by Ginat (1956) and Show Boat (1951) novelist Edna Ferber , traces the generations-spaning saga of that land . There rugged Yancey Crvat ( Richard Dix 1893-1949) and resourceful pioneer wife Sabra ( Irene Dunne 1898-1990) sink roots , persevere, give shape to their dreams . It's a saga of change , told with an authenticity that moviegoers wha had lived through that era recognized -and told with a skill that eraned it three Academy Awards including Best Picture . High Quality Transfer. Highly Recommended .

Great technical achievements with stereotypes galore.......2006-12-22

Often, in the early talkies, you'll notice what you thought were sane actors talking to inanimate objects instead of their fellow castmembers. Of course, what they were really doing was talking into the hidden microphones, but the whole image can be quite a hilarious spectacle to the unknowing audience. Cimarron was an early talkie that made great strides in sound, allowing natural interaction between the cast and a more natural movement of the camera, allowing the filming of some truly spectacular scenes.

The film is very impressive when taken in the context of its technical achievements. The shots of the opening of the Oklahoma Land Rush, and the Land Rush stampede itself involve ground-breaking sound and cinematography that make it one of the most realistically shot scenes up to that time. Other well filmed scenes include those of Osage's dusty streets with the camera tracking the main characters as they walk along while hundreds of extras bustle about them, showing the life of a busy boom town shortly after the land rush. Unfortunately, this is pretty much where my praise of this film ends.

This film stars Richard Dix as Yancey Cravat, a man who was born under a wandering star. Unfortunately, that didn't stop Yancey from taking a wife and having children, it just stopped him from taking any responsibility for that same wife and children. Yancey goes after one hair-brained scheme after another while his long-suffering wife Sabra (Irene Dunne) must come up with ways to clothe, feed, and house herself and their children. Sometimes Yancey's adventures keep him home, other times they take him away for years at a time. It's all the same to Yancey as long as he is in the midst of excitement of some sort. The film focuses on Yancey's adventures, while the whole time I'm wondering what Sabra is up to. In modern times, her story is much more compelling and sympathetic.

Richard Dix's performance is quite hammy by modern standards. You'll find yourself laughing in places that were not intended to be funny by the film's creators, and in spite of your laughter, you'll still find Yancey to be completely unlikeable. He would make a great politician in the 21st century - he is very apt at doing one thing, saying another, and still finding time for splendid oratory.

The worst thing about this film, which was not unusual for its day, was the rendition of Cravat's servant Isaiah. The stereotypes are truly jaw-dropping. For example, in one scene Isaiah gets very excited when Yancey points out a cart full of watermelons at his new home. It makes you wonder how the actor portraying Isaiah felt about this, how the filmmakers felt about this, and how the audience felt about this sort of material back in 1930. Honestly, what were they thinking?

The extras on this DVD are stingy. There's a vintage color musical short - `The Devil's Cabaret' - which is a very strange musical number with an even stranger pre-code storyline, and an example of something that could only have been done pre-code. At "Satan & Co., Inc.", the Devil is upset because too many people are going up to Heaven rather than down to Hades. He gives his assistant, Mr. Burns the task of getting more people to his domain. In front of a nightclub, Mr. Burns invites a crowd of people to come inside to "The Devil's Cabaret" and be entertained. After they enjoy songs and dancing, the people go willingly to Hades. To me, this was more entertaining than the movie. The second extra feature is a classic cartoon - `Red-Headed Baby' - that runs six minutes. It's an early Merry Melodie that focuses primarily on a Baby toy that Santa is building. After Santa goes to sleep, the toy sings a song for the other playroom toys. The animation has that primitive charm that is trademark Merry Melodie, but as a whole there is nothing really special about it. There are no extras related to the film itself.

Remarkably, this film won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1931. Even more remarkably, Richard Dix was nominated for Best Actor for his performance in this film. Less remarkably, Irene Dunne was nominated for Best Actress for her performance, in spite of the lack of depth of the examination of her character in the film. There are two reasons to watch this film (a) To see the very good technical achievements it featured in sound and cinematography (b) To see the very bad things about it including Dix' hammy performance, the stereotypes that were common in films of that era, and the fact that in the early twentieth century nobody apparently thought that the long-suffering Sabra was doing anything other than her duty as a wife in spending most of her time waiting for her husband to come home from his misadventures.

a hard to find movie worth seeking out.......2006-08-03

one of the first best picture oscar winners, this was (appallingly) the only western to win until "unforgiven". like other adaptations of edna ferber novels, the source material is too sprawling to work, but its fascinating in its (for the time) relatively compassionate views towards race and towards "working girls". richard dix is pretty wooden as the male lead and irene dunne gives little early evidence of the glory that was to come, but as usual in this type of film there are wonderful performances in smaller roles. also, the scene depicting the beginning of the land rush in 1889 is spectacular, and one wishes a certain mr ron howard had studied this sequence before he made that crappy tom & nicole thing. a historical curiosity maybe, but i enjoyed myself nonetheless.

"The Devil's Cabaret" is on this disc!.......2006-02-22

There is another reason to pick up this DVD: the inclusion of the pre-Hays Code short film "The Devil's Cabaret." This short was created as a vehicle for comedian Edward Buzzell, but the highlights are the sequence with secretary Mary Carlisle (who is amiably daffy and cute to boot), and the extended "nightclub from Hell" sequence where girls strip off their clothes and happily sell their souls to the Devil. This is a vintage reminder of how racy the times were before the government piddled on the party.

Cimarron.......2005-09-18

One of the best films ever made in America..a milestone of the transition from silent films to talkies.

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Check Out "The Big Empty" Instead
Excellent film marred by ridiculous ending.
Very unique movie!
black and white
Great Performances In A Picture That Tries Really, Really, Really Hard To Be Both Outrageous And Lovable

The Big White
Starring: Robin Williams , Holly Hunter , Giovanni Ribisi , Tim Blake Nelson , and W. Earl Brown
Director: Mark Mylod
Manufacturer: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FDEVA2
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Amazon.com

In The Big White, a failing Alaskan travel agent hopes he's found the answer to his problems when a couple of thugs leave a dead body in a dumpster outside his business. The lack of a body has prevented Paul Barnell (Robin Williams, The Birdcage, One Hour Photo) from claiming his missing brother's life insurance. Unfortunately, the thugs who dumped the body in the first place (Tim Blake Nelson, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and W. Earl Brown, Deadwood) want it back, so they kidnap Barnell's wife (Holly Hunter, Raising Arizona), who may or may not have Tourette's Syndrome. Meanwhile, an obsessive insurance agent (Giovanni Ribisi, Saving Private Ryan) smells something fishy and thinks he's found the case that will get him and his phone psychic girlfriend (Alison Lohman, White Oleander) transferred to warmer climes, and Barnell's long-missing brother (Woody Harrelson, White Men Can't Jump) returns, a bit perturbed to learn he's dead. The Big White suffers from an overload of quirkiness--phone psychics, Tourette's, and possibly gay hit men are a lot of whimsy for one movie--but the actors commit themselves to their roles with gusto. The movie misses the bullseye that Fargo hit, but fans of macabre comedy may enjoy The Big White. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description

Outstanding performances are delivered by an all-star cast in this quirky black comedy centered on Paul Barnell (Robin Williams), a down on his luck Alaska travel agent who's on the brink of bankruptcy and whose beloved wife, Margaret (Holly Hunter), is on the brink of insanity. Special Features include: Behind the Scenes Featurette, and Photo Gallery.

Customer Reviews:

Check Out "The Big Empty" Instead.......2007-09-11

I don't need much of a budget to write a review of a film, only a little bit of my time for watching and writing. That said, I'm confident that if I had "The Big White's" $16 Million budget, indie director's dream cast, and lame "Fargo" inspired script; I could have made a better and more entertaining film. My first move would have been to throw some of the budget into a major script re-write, maybe just sending the thing off to the Coen brothers themselves for a quick IQ transfusion.

The "Fargo" rip-off comparisons are valid, but that does not mean that there is much about "The Big White" with which "Fargo" fans will connect. The similarities are pretty much confined to setting (Alaska instead of Minnesota), production design (white), and basic plot elements (two bumbling hoods, financially desperate businessman, kidnapped and bound wife), and a side story featuring an odd domestic couple (an insurance investigator instead of a female sheriff).

The "Fargo" disconnects are more subtle. Instead of a crime thriller with black comedy elements, "The Big White" is a black comedy with crime thriller elements. Which would not be a problem except that "Fargo's" occasional ironic comical moments have several times more amusement value than "The Big White's" frenzied efforts to inject some humor.

Secondly, on its most fundamental level "The Big White" is mean spirited. While "Fargo" parodied the great white north culture of Minnesota, the characters themselves were comfortable inhabitants of their strange white world; they had grown up there and were well suited to their environment. In "The Big White", the conflict and the character motivations stem from a desire to escape from a remote Alaskan town that seemingly has no virtues.

In The Big White, a failing Alaskan travel agency owner (Robin Williams playing his Jack Dundee character from "The Best of Times-1986) schemes to collect on his missing brother's life insurance policy by claiming that a dead body in finds in a dumpster is that of his brother. Things become complicated when two bumbling (possibly gay) hoods (Tim Blake Nelson and W. Earl Brown) kidnap his wife (Holly Hunter) because they need the body to prove that they have carried out a contract killing. Hunter's character may or may not have Tourette's Syndrome, a psychological condition which may or may not have comic potential in a feature film. But we will have to wait for a better script and a better to director to find out because the results are inconclusive here.

The main side story involves an obsessive insurance investigator (Giovanni Ribisi) and his air- headed telephone psychic girlfriend (Alison Lohman). Their scenes together provide the film's best moments and the only times when it manages to duplicate "Fargo's" almost poetic humor. Ribisi is solid in all his scenes and you wish a bigger part for Lohman.

If you like small off-kilter films (with big name actors having fun with their performances) you would be far better served by "Dummy" (2002) and "The Big Empty" (2003). "The Big White" tries for the feel of these two films but falls short.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Excellent film marred by ridiculous ending........2007-08-09

This film is a Coen Brothers wannabe. Quirky characters abound, and there are two dead bodies. The characters and the plot are very interesting, especially with heavy hitters like Robin Williams, Holly Hunter, and Woody Harrelson.

The climactic scene ties up all the loose ends in a neat and tidy package, but I found the staging quite artificial and contrived, for which I am docking the movie's rating. A man passes a dead body he finds in a dumpster off as his brother, who has been missing for 5 years, in order to collect on his brother's life insurance policy. Meanwhile, the two-bit hoods who killed the guy need a body to prove they carried out their assigned hit so they kidnap the man's wife and set up and exchange; his wife for the body. Once they complete the exchange, everyone just stands around waiting, and this was the part I found very contrived. No one would be hanging around after they did such an exchange. I don't appreciate movies in which the characters do stupid things that no reasonable person would do.

Worth watching despite the ending.

Very unique movie!.......2007-07-23

Robin Williams and Holly Hunter are always great, but the supporting parts make the movie. Very intriguing and surprising story line. Not for young children.

black and white .......2007-01-12

the big white is a black comedy shot in a white setting....just like life.

This genre is one of my favorites and in spite of it's flaws this film does not disappoint.
Other reviewers have written of the plot and summarized the story but I don't think they give the dialogue the credit it deserves nor the commentary on topics such as love,psychics,syndromes,relationships etc.
Sure there were flaws and the ending was a bit corny but with all the laugh out loud moments it was worth it.

Great Performances In A Picture That Tries Really, Really, Really Hard To Be Both Outrageous And Lovable.......2006-12-28

Mark Mylod's largest film to date has been "Ali G Indahouse," a sporadically funny (but often silly) Sasha Baron Cohen character picture. For those now on a "Borat" high, you might want to catch up on another Cohen creation. Ali G can be an amusing hip-hop poser, but the film done as a conventional narrative lacks much of "Borat"'s imagination or ingenuity. So, several years later, it's impressive that he has aligned a cast of such magnitude as was assembled for the black comedy "The Big White." We've got Robin Williams, Holly Hunter, Woody Harrelson, Tim Blake Nelson, Giovanni Ribisi, and Alison Lohman in a comedy of murder, kidnapping, insurance fraud, phone psychics, and mental illness. Set in a small Alaskan hamlet, many people would like to compare this film to "Fargo." While the film shares some of the same comic sensibilities and a similar wintry locale, it's kind of like comparing "Casablanca" to "Pretty Woman." Both films may have a certain appeal, but they are definitely in different leagues.

Williams plays a down-on-his-luck travel agent with financial difficulties and a wife with Tourette's (Hunter). Needing cash, he tries to collect on his missing brother's insurance policy. Ribisi, as the insurance investigator, informs him that his brother has not been missing long enough to be considered legally dead and there's nothing that can be done. In a coincidence, a couple of amateur hitmen dump a body in the dumpster outside Williams' agency. Williams, on discovering the corpse, masterminds a plot to get his brother declared dead. The hitmen, then, are ordered to retrieve the body (which is now missing) and all types of mayhem ensues.

I will say that "The Big White" has a lot going for it, and I can imagine some people really enjoying it. For myself, however, the picture was always trying too hard to be outrageous--it's not grounded in the reality, heart, and subtlety that accompanied "Fargo." Yet it isn't played as an outright comedy either, it does expect you to care about the characters (which I really didn't, except as a mild diversion). I give all the actors credit for giving robust and committed performances. While not a huge Ribisi fan, I actually thought this was one of his better performances. And Tim Blake Nelson, as one of the hitmen, continues to be an underrated presence in any movie. A few words for Holly Hunter, whom I miss as a major actress. She is appealing, as always, in a cringeworthy conception--the Tourette's as a "cute" disease syndrome.

There are plenty of funny bits, some macabre humor--but there is so much going on (there's another story involving Ribisi's home life, and then there's Harrelson), the picture always felt slightly off balance. I certainly didn't regret watching "The Big White," it just never engaged me the way I wanted it too. A mild recommendation (especially if you like the actors), it might be a slight and enjoyable romp for you. About 3 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 12/06.

What's the Worst That Could Happen? (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

What's the Worst That Could Happen? Well, Expecting this to be a funny movie for once
The worst that could happen? Watching this film.
AN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION IT ITSELF POSES.
Not too shabby
Waste of a good story

What's the Worst That Could Happen? (Special Edition)
Starring: Martin Lawrence , Danny DeVito , John Leguizamo , Glenne Headly , and Carmen Ejogo
Director: Sam Weisman
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005UQ9A
Release Date: 2002-01-01

Description

Possession may be 9/10 of the law but payback is everything to the lawless. Martin Lawrence and Danny DeVito escalate a battle of egosand a battalion of laughsto epic proportions in this fast-paced joke-fest that takes low-down behavior to hilarious new heights! Co-starring John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge), Glenne Headly (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), William Fichtner (Pearl Harbor), Bernie Mac (The Original Kings of Comedy), Carmen Ejogo (The Avengers), Larry Miller (The Nutty Professor II) and Nora Dunn (Three Kings), this laugh-out-loud comedy proves that "the worst that could happen is missing this film" (Jeffrey Lyons)! Caught red-handed trying to rob a mansion, Kevin Caffery (Lawrence) leaves empty-handed when the house's owner, ruthless billionaire Max Fairbanks (DeVito), spies Kevin's "lucky" ring and claims it as his own!Out of jail and out of his mind with rage, Kevin will do anything to get the ring back. But Max considers it his most cleverly won possession and will do anything to keep it! With battle lines drawn and no risk too great, these two set out to ruin each other's lives and both succeed admirably!

Customer Reviews:

What's the Worst That Could Happen? Well, Expecting this to be a funny movie for once.......2005-07-24

So not funny, I am a fan of Martin Lawrence's comedyflicks but this just isn't funny... and what's up with the gay fashion policeofficer?

Danny Devito isn't funny at all in this film, and he ahas the lead in it so it gets really annoying watching it...

Even BLACK KNIGHT was 5 times better... do not even rent this movie...

The worst that could happen? Watching this film........2005-02-25

Five minutes in, I was cringing. Fifteen minutes in, I was in pain. It rates one star because the cinematography, lighting, sound, and other techical crews did competent work -- and because it's the lowest rating on the form.

If you love a good comedy caper, read the Donald Westlake book this atrocity was based on. It's clever, thrilling and hilarious -- everything the movie ain't. If you *must* get your comedy capers in movie form, get The Hot Rock instead. On the other hand, if your idea of brilliant humor is the stuff that cracks up 12-year-olds when they think they're being naughty, hey, this may be right up your alley.

AN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION IT ITSELF POSES........2004-05-30

Starts out with good timing, and some decent laughable banter from Martin Lawrence. Nothing laugh out loud funny but pleasantly amusing schtick. The central premise is actually quite interesting (billionaire stealing a ring from a petty robber etc), but the film fails to take advantage of it, choosing instead to lapse into numerous plot-holes, cliches and mind-bending stupidity. There's even a gay, dog-loving detective who adds fart humor to the mix. And all this leads to a climax that takes a quantum leap of logic and rationality. Perhaps a worthy rental if you're into slapstick, but overall a skippable fare.

Not too shabby.......2003-06-01

Not the Best movie, but worth seeing. if your looking for a movie to make you laugh alot than thi isn't it. But its alot better than some other movie out there so just give it a chance

Waste of a good story.......2003-03-11

A big fan of Donald Westlake, especially the Dortmunder series, this adaptation of one of his funniest was ruined by allowing the likes of Martin Lawrence. Matthew Chapman, responsible for the screen play obviously didn't understand the Dortmunder character. As usual a good story is chopped and hacked deviating from the story line and loosing the real purpose behind the events that lead to the final confrontation with Max Fairbanks. What a disappointment. At least read the book, you'll enjoy it better and you're intelligence won't be insulted by the fast, smart mouth talking of Martin Lawrence, who by the way is one of the executive producers. Go figure. (I didn't even want to give this star but you can't forward your review unless you pick one of them)

Average customer rating:

Highly Subjective Interpretation
Henry V (1944)
Unique
Sir Laurence Olivier. What Else Need Be Said?
Consider this film in the context of when it was made.

Henry V - Criterion Collection
Starring: Laurence Olivier
Director: Laurence Olivier
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0780021320
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Amazon.com essential video

If Kenneth Branagh's 1989 version of Shakespeare's tale of conquering greed reflects the post-Vietnam era, Laurence Olivier's version very much mirrored his time. When Olivier gave us his colorful adaptation in 1945, it was vivid, full of pageantry, and most definitely geared toward war. Pretty flags and white steeds, shining armor and theatrical emphasis figure into Olivier's attractive but decorous version, liberally adapted for a pro-war stance. He used the French as comic relief; they appeared foppish and foolish. Their presence implied no threat. If you had not read the play, you would not have to wonder who was going to win. Of course, Olivier wanted England to believe in the justness of war--his country was in the midst of one. The propaganda gets in the way only because it has been filtered through so many decades. His Henry remains, however, a handsome cinematic spectacle. Olivier's performance is gentle and elegant, his imagery rich and colorful. It was considered such a superb film he was awarded an honorary Oscar. He followed this with adaptations of Hamlet and Richard III. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Description

Olivier mustered out of the navy to film this adaptation of Shakespeare's history. Embroiled in World War II, Britons took courage from this tale of a king who surmounts overwhelming odds and emerges victorious. This sumptuous Technicolor® rendering features a thrilling recreation of the battle of Agincourt, and Sir Laurence in his prime as director and actor.

Customer Reviews:

Highly Subjective Interpretation.......2007-09-11

This is a highly subjective, heavily edited version of the Shakespeare play. The playtext was cherry-picked to portray Henry as a pure, virtuous, patriotic leader. However, Shakespeare's Henry was very, very different. In addition to his good qualities, Shakespeare's Henry also made political deals with the clergy, executed enemy prisoners (and his own soldiers), threatened innocent people with rape and plunder, and threw his soldiers headlong into battle for highly questionable reasons--all while neglecting urgent issues at home. (Remind you of a certain US president?) Of course, this film was deliberately made as a WWII propaganda piece, so the English king had to be portrayed in a positive light. However, this film is far from representing the Shakespeare play. The color and inventive staging are pleasant to see. Unfortunately, the extreme departure from Shakespeare's text renders this play extremely dated.

Henry V (1944).......2007-06-22

Olivier inhabits the role of Henry with dazzling gusto in this rousing, energetic adaptation of William Shakespeare's play. The world was at war in 1944, and the gifted actor/director hoped the Bard's climactic tale of beat-the-odds triumph would comfort and inspire embattled England. Filling shoes once meant for William Wyler, Olivier's direction of his actors and the Technicolor battle scenes is sharp and inspired (with help from editor Reginald Beck). The movie's stylized opening in a re-created Globe Theater eventually gives way to beautifully scenic realism, an ingenious blend of theater and cinema that helped win Olivier a special Oscar for "outstanding achievement."

Unique.......2006-07-16

I read the play "Henry V" earlier this year and found parts of it very stimulating and other parts somewhat distracting. I looked forward to see the Olivier film version but I was concerned that it might move along too quickly for me to follow. As I sat back to watch the movie on TCM, I was treated to some background on how the film was produced in England at the height of WWII where just about everything was in scarce supply. The many innovation that enabled the film to come off were impression as was the reminder that "Henry V" was an excellent choice for an audience challenged by the strife of war.

It was the very beginning of "Henry V" that impressed me the most. We view the play being presented at the Globe Theatre in Stratford on Avon and we view it as part of the rauscious audience. The positive effects of this vantage point are numerous; we get a better sense of the humor when the audience periodically breaks out in laughter, we get a better sense of how Shakespeare wrote in various scenes to enhance its' impact on the audiences of his day (which were NOT the tuxedo wearing crowd that dropped a bundle to see Shakepeare at an exclusive theater),but mostly, we see the players playing to the audience. The major problem with film versus on-stage production is the lack of interplay between audience and performers. The actors tend to ham it up more for the humorous scenes and tighten the emotion more for the serious scenes. Each side of the stage feeds on the output of the other and a well-produced play leaves all with a sense of a common-shared experience. Not so when acting before a camera and that is why I was so impressed with this approach.

Eventually the panorama of the battle field leads us away from the audience to the movie sets. I was grateful for the introduction about the play that prefaced the movie because I understood the backdrop to me more of an artistic expression than a cheap attempt to kid us that it was a real background. I suspect Olivier's approach to the play helped to raise the emotional level of the cast. The ability of a leader to command the respect and inspiration of his troops was a major part of the play and it came through very well in this movie version.

My one objection to the movie (and the play since this is how Skakepeare wrote it into the play) was the closing scenes. Maybe it was to woo that same audience that shows up again at the end by adding a romantic angle to the drama. However, I felt that "Henry V" was meant to end on the battle field of victory rather than the wedding chapel of a new alliance. I suspose Shakespeare added that out of concern about how it would play in Paris. Oh well, alls well that almost ends well (as well).

Sir Laurence Olivier. What Else Need Be Said?.......2006-07-14

Besides Sir Laurence Olivier of course, the best thing about this movie is that it alternates between appearing as real and as a play in the Globe Theatre. Only Sir Laurence Olivier could manage this so smoothly and convincingly. That said, it may help to understand what happened before Henry V. Henry IV usurped the crown from Richard II. (Henry IV is of course Henry V's father.) Well, the eventual Henry V had spent a lot of time with rogues Bardolph, Pistol, Nym, and Falstaff (whose death we see in the film). Well, Henry IV faced revolts for what he had done, and he was overcome with sorrow and guilt over what he had done. One of Henry IV's last suggestions to Henry V was to unite England against a foreign foe to help unite them. (This may seem deplorable, but it was accepted in those times, and to some extent still is.) Well, as it turns out, the partially French Henry V IS the legitimate heir of the French throne, but France of course would rather choose someone of lower rank as their king. But France makes the mistake of mocking England and forcing Henry V's hand. This is when the scenery changes from a performed play to more realistic. Sir Laurence Olivier convincingly portrays Henry V's tremendous energy as well as the famous passages. ("Once more unto the breach dear friends....") One scene of horror from the play that is omitted in this movie is when Henry V orders the execution of Bardolph for stealing a mere cross. Moving on, France's plan (in the play as well as actual history) was to let Henry V get so far and then wear himself and his forces out. This helps make sense of the early victories followed by the weakened and vulnerable state of King Henry V and his forces. 4.1 is arguably the best scene in this play. This is the night before battle and Henry V disguises himself and converses with his men. Then comes the battle that is done surprisingly well with the limited resources back then. (And as in history, France's plan to let England wear itself out backfired miserably.) Then of course comes the tastefully funny scene where Henry V meets his to be wife Katharine. SIDE NOTE: In the reign of his son Henry VI, England was to lose all of France except Calais. (England was to hold that one last bit of land in France even in the later reigns of King Henry VIII and his son King Edward VI.) If you like Sir Laurence Olivier in this, be sure to see him as Hamlet in his "Hamlet," as Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice," and as Abraham Van Helsing in "Dracula" (1979).

Consider this film in the context of when it was made........2005-12-16

I have to say right off the bat that I am biased in favor the version Kenneth Branagh made in 1989. When I saw his version of "Henry V" in the theater, it was the first time I really came to appreciate the brilliance of William Shakespeare as a wordsmith. For me it was the way Shakespeare was meant to be, full of gritty realism. And a few years ago when I tried watching Lawrence Olivier's 1944 version on TV, I ended up turning it off after ten minutes or so, it seemed so cartoonish by comparison.

But last night TCM broadcast Olivier's "Henry V" again, and this time I was determined to give it a chance. I'm glad I did. While I still much prefer Branagh's version, this earlier production is a perfect example of how an older film has to be considered in the context of the time it was made, namely during the German blitzkrieg. Under those wartime circumstances this film had to be made on the cheap, and it shows. In this version, Shakespeare's play begins as though one might actually be watching it performed for the first time in 1600 at the old Globe Theater. Eventually, through the magic of cinema, the story FAAAAADES into a slightly more realistic environment, but only slightly. For the most part the sets and painted backdrops retain a very theatrical quality, and only the Battle of Agincourt (filmed in the Irish countryside) has a purely realistic feel to it. And I must admit there were a few shots during that battle scene that I was quite impressed with, particularly the tracking shot of the French army picking up speed while on horseback and one great special effect involving swarms of English arrows.

It must be noted that this production was designed in part to pump up the morale of the British troops during the war with Germany; therefore some of text that reflected a bit more poorly on the British was left out. The treacherous assassination plot against King Henry is gone, as are the king's horrific threats outside the gates of Har Fleur, and the hanging of one of Henry's own men for stealing from a church. Also gone is most of Chorus' denouement at the end of the play, in which he describes how the gains made by King Henry were sadly lost in the years to come.

Still, despite these lapses and a lot of overacting, this version of "Henry V" kept my rapt attention through its nearly 2.5 hour length. I think it takes a lot worse than cheap sets to diminish the power of The Bard.

Average customer rating:

Amazon Extremely Slow To Deliver
The Duel At Silver Creek 1952
Great Little B Western
The only time I draw is when I'm crowded
Overlooked but very good....

The Duel At Silver Creek
Starring: Audie Murphy , Faith Domergue , Stephen McNally , Susan Cabot , and Gerald Mohr
Director: Don Siegel
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008CMSW
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Customer Reviews:

Amazon Extremely Slow To Deliver.......2007-03-08

Item purchased Jan 30th 2007 and as of March 8th it still has not been shipped.

The Duel At Silver Creek 1952.......2006-04-26

Celebrated war hero Audie Murphy (1924-1971) packs a two-fisted punch in this action filled western adventure , which also features legendary Oscar winner Lee Marvin (1924-1987) in one of his screen appearences . Stephen McNally (1913-1994) is lightning , the quick-drawing Marshal of Silver City wh?s intent on capturing a ruthless gang of claim jumpers that have been terrorising and murdering local miners -including his best friend . After losing the of his famed trigger fingers in a shootout , Lighting deputizes the sharp-shooting Silver Kid (Murphy) , whose own father was killed by the gang to help bring
the outlaws to justice . But their plans are complicated when Lighting falls for beautiful new lady in town ( Faith Domergue 1924-1999), whose interest in the Marshal is a thin disguise for her own dangerous agenda , in this unforgettable drama brimming with puls-ponding thrills , danger-tinged romance and Gun-Blazing glory ! . This is a classic and well done plot ! . High Quality digital transfer . Highly recommended

Great Little B Western.......2004-09-10

We're not talking classic here but this is a good example of the solid little B westerns the studios were churning out in the fifties. There's a ton of action crammed into the modest 77 minute running time, from the opening montage of violent killings through to the final gun battle between the baddies and the town posse. Audie Murphy is his usual average self as The Silver Kid (yeah, it's that kind of western where charcaters get saddled with dumb names like Brown Eyes and Sombrero), but Steve McNally is good as the sherrif (making a change from his role as the villainous brother in the classic Winchester 73) and Lee Marvin adds solid support in a small role as a town heavy (it's never really made clear whether he's in league with the bad guys or not). Don Siegel who would go on to make Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dirty Harry and The Shootist, directs with an eye for tough action (this is one of those rare fifties westerns where you actually see blood on the guys who are shot). Universal has come up with a beautiful full screen print. Sure, there's not much in the way of extras (theatrical trailer and that's it), but it's not really the sort of film you can say a lot about. Good, modest entertainment that I'm sure western lovers will enjoy.

The only time I draw is when I'm crowded.......2004-06-28

I've been avoiding Audie Murphy for years, copping the attitude Howard Cosell had for the Frank Giffords of the world. Cosell devoted a good portion of at least one book attacking "jockocracy," the invasion of the professional broadcasting booth by unqualified ex-jocks. Audie Murphy was a war hero but the bits and clips I've seen of his work always made it look like he was in over his head. Murphy's appearance in a movie meant one unemployed real actor.
So I was a little trepidatious when I hit the play button on DUEL AT SILVER CREEK. I hung with it through the slow opening exposition scenes (a pod of claim jumpers are terrorizing silver miners, forcing them to sign over their deeds and then shooting them.) By the time Murphy's pa was kilt and he morphed into the poker playing Silver Kid I was hooked. DUEL AT SILVER CREEK is a fun little flick.
Look, this movie made me laugh at things decent folks don't laugh at, but I believe these elements were put in deliberately. This is director Don Siegel's first western and his first Technicolor production. He would go on to work with the likes of Clint Eastwood (Dirty Harry) and John Wayne (The Shootist.) Siegel knew what he was doing.
One of the humorous elements, to me at least, was the proliferation of nicknames. Murphy's Luke Cromwell is the "Silver Kid," or just "Kid." Sheriff Stephen McNally is "Lightning," there's a character called "Rat Face." Lee Marvin plays a heavy nicked "Tinhorn." The lovely Faith Domergue (Opal Lacy) is nicked "Brown Eyes" early on by "Lightning."
Then there's mondo-heavy Eugene Iglesias, who plays Johnny Sombrero. I honestly couldn't refrain from laughing every time he was on screen. Dressed in red and white striped pants and wearing an impossibly large sombrero pushed back off his head he was a caricature of... something. How can a guy in candy stripe pants and a balloon hat intimidate?
Wisely the film-makers don't overload Murphy in this one. Although he's the nominal star, McNally does most of the heavy lifting. Murphy is along more as a wise-cracking (!?) sidekick. My uninformed take on Murphy was that he was a Roy Rogers/Gene Autry type. Squeaky clean, you know. Siegel gives the Silver Kid an edge, and to Murphy credit that edge remains sharp. Still and all it was a bit of a surprise to see Lightning and The Kid interrogating Brown Eyes and hearing The Kid impulsively say "I bet I can get it out of her." Heeheehee. I was half expecting The Kid to call her a punk and ask her if she was feeling lucky.
DUEL AT SILVER CREEK is a dandy little horse opera. It will satisfy without offense those who love traditional westerns, and sate those with less conventional tastes.

Overlooked but very good...........2003-09-23

I had forgotten just how enjoyable this little Audie Murphy Western was until I recently purchased this handsome Universal DVD release. Murphy in this venture is "the silver kid," and his co-star Stephen McNally actually steals the show. The action is fast-paced and believable, the plot way above average. There are shoot outs, claim jumping, and some humor thrown in--Audie has some droll lines. Universal-International made a number of fine Murphy Westerns in the 1950s into the mid 1960s. DUEL AT SILVER CREEK is one of the better ones. Now let's hope that Murphy's finest outing in the genre, NO NAME ON THE BULLET, and some of his other, better films---RIDE CLEAR OF DIABLO, GUNSMOKE, SEVEN WAYS FROM SUNDOWN, TUMBLEWEEDS, get the nod from the engineers at Universal.

Average customer rating:

Anastasia-Mini Series
An engaging movie with historical signifance
A Glittering Television Adaptation!
One of the Twentieth Century's Great Puzzles
Anastasia, the Mystery of Anna....Superb!

Anastasia - The Mystery of Anna
Starring: Amy Irving , Olivia de Havilland , Jan Niklas , Nicolas Surovy , and Susan Lucci
Director: Marvin J. Chomsky
Manufacturer: Allumination
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Bloom, Claire