Tales of the City (Collector's Edition)

Starring:Olympia Dukakis, Donald Moffat, Chloe Webb, Laura Linney, Marcus D'Amico, Bill Campbell, Thomas Gibson, Paul Gross, Barbara Garrick, Nina Foch, Edie Adams, Robert Downey Sr., Meagen Fay, Lou Liberatore, Country Joe McDonald, Mary Kay Place, Parker Posey, Kevin Sessums, McLean Stevenson, Syd Straw
Director: Alastair Reid
Studio: Acorn Media
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

"The City" in question is San Francisco, and the tales are novelist Armistead Maupin's, his romantic, affectionate, and spirited homage to the glory days of his hometown. Maupin's idea of SF's glory days isn't the drug-filled Summer of Love (1967), but rather the drug-filled lust-in of the late '70s. Replacing acid with coke and ludes, psychedelia for disco, this six-hour miniseries (which caused controversy for its open drug use, nudity, and direct depiction of homosexuality upon its initial airing on PBS) follows the romantic struggles and identity crises of a colorful cast of characters. The action--as addictive as the drugs the characters ingest--is seen mostly from the innocent point of view of Mary Ann, the city's newest culture-shocked resident--so its presentation is rather decadent and hedonistic. Because the story originally ran as a daily serial in the San Francisco Chronicle before being compiled into a novel, its serialized structure suffers from typical soap-opera mawkishness and the need to shock with ridiculous revelations. Thankfully, this degeneration mostly occurs during the final two hours, allowing you to just enjoy the personalities and hilarious and often-touching interactions of the richly drawn characters before they're manipulated by plot devices. The performances are all outstanding, especially Chloe Webb's spacey ex-hippie Mona, Marcus D'Amico's romantically doomed Michael, and Olympia Dukakis's Anna Madrigal, the enigmatic mother hen/landlady of many of the film's central characters. --Dave McCoy

Customer Reviews:

A small correction..........2007-05-26

I join my voice with the other reviewers who loved the original series of "Tales of the City"....it was flawless! A note to hewasacloud and s. antonio: your complaints here were directed at the cleaned up DVD version (my gosh, what a shame THAT happened!). However, these reviews are for the VHS tapes, and as I understand it, they weren't dubbed over.

Oh, and a caveat: the two following series had mostly different actors and were lifeless. Stick with the original!

Brilliant.......2007-04-15

"Tales of the City"

Brilliant

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

Every once in a while I rewatch the screen translation of Armistad Maupin's "Tales of the City". Every time I watch it I am amazed at how good it is. For those of you who thought that "Queer as Folk" was the first TV series dealing with gay life, you have to have a look at the classical rendering of "Tales of the City". It has great writing, great acting, memorable characters and a lot of things you would not expect to see on television.
It is an honest and unflinching look at the lives and romances of a group of characters who live the way they want without subscribing to the rules of society. Dealing with life in San Francisco in the 1970's, we get a view of promiscuity and drug usage and all kinds of relationships and lives---gay, straight, bisexual and transgendered. The dialog is wonderful and when it is delivered by good actors, we get a stellar achievement which could easily have been a pornographic exploitation expose. But it is not, it is an absolutely wonderful mini series.
We have learned to be cautious when we hear that a great piece of fiction is being translated for the silver screen. "Tales of the City" translates beautifully, keeping all the excitement and integrity of the book upon which it is based. Maupin's wonderful characters are transferred to the screen and become even more real to us. The pace and emotion of the written word are evident in the screen adaptation and the performances are absolutely incredible. Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal exudes an air of mystery, Marco D'Amico gives a wonderful breath of life to Mouse and Laura Linney as Mary Ann Singleton is sublime. (I love that word).
The first time I saw "Tales of the City". I found it riveting. I can't remember ever being so engrossed in anything on television before. Watching it again last night, I felt the same way. The characters were written in such a realistic way and were portrayed brilliantly. The series brought life to a time and place that made you feel like you were there. It is if you and Armistad Maupin are in the same room and he is telling you the stories first hand.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the subject matter, let me give you a brief run through. Mary Ann Singleton comes to San Francesco from Cleveland on a vacation and falls in love with what she sees. A high school friend, Connie Bradshaw (Parker Posey) introduces her to the dating scene and Mary Ann decides to move to the city. She takes an apartment at 28 Barbary Lane, a complex owed and run by Anna Madrigal, who treats her tenants as if they are her children (she even tapes a joint onto the doors of the apartments). Among the other tenants are Mona Ramsey (Chloe Webb) who always seems to be in a drugged out state; Mona's roommate, Michael "Mouse" Tolliver (D'Amico), who searches for love in some very interesting and far out places; and Brian Hawkins (Paul Gross), an ex-lawyer who is now a waiter and is always on the make.
Add Edgar Halcyon (Donald Moffat) who is dying but first meets Ms. Madrigal and woos her, his daughter DeDe (Barbara Garrick), whose marriage to Beauchamp Day (Thomas Gibson) is a sham. He has affairs with both men and women behind his wife's back. There is also D'orothea (Cynthia Williams), a fashion model who is in some way connected to Mona and a mysterious new tenant, Norman Neal Williams (Stanley DeSantis), who has a romance with Mary Ann who discovers that he is connected to Ms. Madrigal in a strange way.
From these characters come the twists and turns and by the end of the three DVD series, lives are changed forever. Here is an ironic and very funny mini series that will hook you in the first five minutes as it addresses a pastiche of events and happenings which occur in a diverse neighborhood of California. Many of the main characters are gay but if you have ever found yourself looking for love in the big city, you will have no problem relating to what you see on the screen. There is nudity and sex but not in an offensive way--everything seems quite natural. Here is a beautiful way to spend a few hours and be completely entertained. What a wonderful series...and there is more to come.

Tales of the City captures the flavor of the 70's in a fun, kitch-y, sensational way........2007-03-20

The first time I saw this was the first time I saw Laura Linney in anything. I didn't like her at first, but since then I've seen her in different roles, and this last time I viewed Tales of the City, I could see what a good job she did.

The plot follows a woman who is new to San Francisco, she is very mid-western, tight, but there is something in her that is really drawn to these looser ways of San Francisco. She becomes friends with many outrageous characters, covering gay and straight worlds One of my favorite characters is Mrs. Madrigel, played by Olympia Dukakis, is a great portrayal from the book, that one wishes was their own lady in San Francisco. Another favorite couple of characters is the Halcyon family with Beauchamp Day as the son-in-law. There is a brief appearance by Parker Posey, whose character exemplifies the "gotta get some hot stuff" attitude of the 70's. There's a very typical relationship of a gay man and a straight woman in it that I thought had elements of realism to it, speaking from experience.

Tales of the City captures the flavor of the 70's in a fun, kitch-y, sensational way. It also pokes fun at the fads of the 70's. The plot has intrigue and mysteries, and the characters all have secrets. It is very true to the books, so if you are an Armistead Maupin fan, you will most definitely appreciate it. If you are not yet, try him out for a little brain candy.

Fantabulous Ditto.......2007-01-10

Ilove these! The story line was followed so well and the actors are as I imagined when I first read the series.

My Favorite Mini Series, A Nostalgic Delight........2006-12-14

"Tales Of The City" is an honest and very entertaining story about life in the big city in the late 70's.This review contains a spoiler for those of you that aren't aware of the complete premise of the series.
Leading the cast is Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal the very hip eccentric land lady with a secret. She grows her own marijuana , has a plethora of advice and loves her tenants like they were her own children.
Also starring 2 time Oscar nominee Laura Linney as the naïve Mary Ann Singleton who moves to San Francisco from small town America.
Chloe Webb as the confused self proclaimed fag hag in love with the handsome gay Michael Tolliver a transplant to San Francisco from Orlando Florida (used for plenty of fruit jokes) played by the adorable Marcus D'Amico.
The cast also includes Thomas Gibson, Billy Campbell, Barbara Garrick, Paul Gross and The wonderful Donald Moffat.
The acting is fabulous, Dukakis is the shining star in this series, her portrayal of Anna Madrigal is so honest and heartfelt that you totally believe her in this role ,I personally never like it when a genetic woman plays a transgendered woman but she makes it work by not going over the top or exaggerating the character of Anna.
She gives her class, a sense of belonging and dignity while making her seem somewhat vulnerable yet giving her that slight rough edge that comes along with the journey she has traveled.
This series has a little of everything for everyone all amidst the beauty of San Francisco.
And whether it's edited or not it's one fun ride.

Average customer rating:

Scary & twisted as hell I loved it!
another solid anthology film
Tales from the Hood
Horror in African American and White
DA HOOD MEETS HELL

Tales From the Hood
Starring: Lamont Bentley , Corbin Bernsen , De'aundre Bonds , Rosalind Cash , and Don Dowe
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305047502
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Amazon.com

Revenge/horror motif played out again and again and again, but this time with racial implications. Three drug-dealing thugs look for a stash in a funeral parlor and get the grand tour from Mr. Simms, the truly creepy mortician. As they pass the open caskets, Simms relates gruesome stories about the occupants' deaths to the increasingly restless young men. Each one of them falls to the vengeance of the supernatural theme, and it gets truly old. Nothing original is introduced, except that most of the stories take place in an urban setting. Produced by Spike Lee in an attempt to prove that bad horror doesn't discriminate, either. --Keith Simanton

Customer Reviews:

Scary & twisted as hell I loved it!.......2007-05-19

I seen this movie years back I can't remember what the whole movie was specifically about but I know it was so scary twisted and bizarre this movie really was. About a 3 african american gang members who hear this guys sick twisted stories about a kids voodoo drawing of a monster who is david allen grier as the violent abusive monster then crooked white cops beating on an (i think an innocent or crooked african american) african american and desecrating his grave and him coming back from the dead to get his revenge and last a killer who is in prison and is being completly tortured by some machine that takes him back to his gang life to see and talk to the people me murdered. This was a bizarre twisted movie especially at the end it was kinda funny too. I recommend this to any one who is into sick twisted horror with out of control swearing too.

another solid anthology film.......2007-02-22

The anthology horror film is a rare thing these days, and in the 1990s there were a few that came out. This was one of them. I wish I saw it in the theater but when you see this kind of horror film, it isn't common for a movie of this kind to really stand out like this one did.

Tales from the Hood, is not only a good movie overall and frightening in its overall wrap around story but the segements were just as scary. The basis for the film were about three gangbangers looking for their drugs, and they took out a rival gang member who eventually becomes one of the stories in the film.

Edgar Allan Poe if he was alive would be proud of this film in some ways, because the story that the dead or dying gang member was in was about consequences of his actions. They put him in a dark room and he was forced to see the ghosts of all the people he killed. The eeriest part of that segment had to be where they had a little kid walk in covered in blood. Frightening.

It is a film like this I could imagine author Joseph Armstead drawing some of his inspirations, especially from that particular segment. That segment is titled HARDCORE CONVERT. There were three other segments too in there. Voodoo, Slavery, Torment, and Crooked cops created the landscape of horror in this one.

Horror as a genre these days did lose its social concious, mainly the focus of the genre was about trying to get a little tail -- which was the focus more on the 1980s horror seeing how much skin they could show. This follows the tradition of the films Black Sabbath, the House that Dripped Blood (little known fact this is Robert Bloch's baby,) Creepshow and Creepshow 2, and Tales from the Darkside: The Movie. If these segments were extremely chilling on film, I would loved to see how they turned out on paper.

Kudos to George Arthur Cundieff for writing and directing this one, especially since he's more noted for doing things like House Party 2 or the Chappell show. Not many people would remember him for this film, but those of us who also write horror -- this film was actually my homework for wanting to do anthology books and stories.

For as funny some say this movie is, for as how funny it was it had a cerebral aspect to it too. That was why I remembered Hardcore Convert so much because that was the most serious of the segments.

Tales from the Hood.......2006-11-28

I loved this movie I have watched several time and am currently letting my brother and his wife watch it.

Horror in African American and White.......2006-01-06

While this film hasn't won any Oscars it's important viewing for some. Yes the tales within are moralistic but sorley needed at the time the film was released. The most important of the tales is the story of the gangbanger who becomes a victim of his own violence. Laying on the ground bleeding and dying, the young brother is offered a chance at redemption and salvation. He is placed in a facility for behavioral modification. He finds himself placed in a cell next to a white supremist skin head. The skinhead taunts the young brother and basically tells him that he likes him. Why? Because he's doing the supremists job for him. He's killing other black youths that the skin head wants to get rid of any way. After that the gangbanger is forced to watch images of dead African Americans who have been shot, lynched, and beaten to death. Some by the KKK and some by black on black crime. The scenes are very graphic. The last treatment for this criminal is sensory deprevation. His mind feeds on itself and produces images of the people that he has killed either accidentally or purposely. He refuses to be turned and give up his violent ways. The doctor that tries to modify his behavior is really an angel who is trying to get him to heaven but the gangbanger is too blinded by hatred and violence to see it. The scene returns back to the street where the punk still lies. The gang members that shot him shoot him again. He dies and goes exactly where you think he goes. To hell.

There is quite a bit of foul language and lots of violence in the film but that's what our young people go to the movies for these days. I've got to believe that at least one young person got the message here. Hopefully, not just the black kids but all the others too. I applaud this films efforts even if it's not the most wonderful film in all of film making history. One more important note. There was still time for the gangbanger to repent and go to heaven even though he had killed many and was dying himself. As long as there is life, there is a chance to change. Even the thief that was being crucified on the cross next to Jesus was welcomed into heaven that very day. It doesn't matter what you've done as long as you repent and accept the gift He's given!

Not suitable for those 13 years or younger.

DA HOOD MEETS HELL .......2005-11-21

Damn! this move was sick n twisted... jus da way a "Horror" Film gotta be."Tales from the hood" brings you that Deep erie mindset in each of the stories. The stories overall are just twisted , the horror is gruesome. One story brings you da Racism of inner city cops towards african americans that ends in well a horrific revenge of da agez. Another story that bring you the KKK racism of a powerfull white man too the black community that ends in a "Weird/Twisted way". Aswell as a Child abuse story between a step father and his step son. Which is a little boring but the end makes it all worth while. Then theres one of da best of the stories, in which a tough-talking "Gangsta" is strapped to a table by a sinister doctor and shown hellish visions of the consequences of his lifestyle. where he gets to chose to turn away from his wrongfull ways or keep the "Gansta mentallity" which ends on a strong shocking note. Overall this movies got everything of a "Good Horror Flick" Except the things that make it stand out is all the story topics which are big subjects in our society except that Horror twist to them makes it so much more fun.

Average customer rating:

I would live on Barbarry Lane if I could
Fabulous
Tales
Something Old...something new....
Continuation of the Wonderful Tales of the City

More Tales of the City
Starring: Olympia Dukakis , and Colin Ferguson
Manufacturer: Allumination
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Further Tales of the City. Vol 2
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ASIN: B0002X7GZM
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Description

This 2-disc set includes the laughs, tears, and nail-biting suspense of Armistead Maupin's beloved best seller in 1970's San Francisco. Included is over 4.5 hours of running audio commentary by Maupin, stars Olympia Dukais, Barbara Garrick, and Laura Linney, deleted scenes, exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal & film footage, production photo and props gallery, documentary, set blueprints and video tour, and cast and prouction bios including interactive video Q&A with Colin Ferguson, Thomas Gibson, Nina Siemaszko, Whip Hubley, and Paul Hopkins.

Customer Reviews:

I would live on Barbarry Lane if I could.......2007-05-19

This series is great. All the characters are unique and interesting and not your typical characture. Olympia Dukakis is phenominal as the landlady. The late 60's and early 70's are my era. I love watching this DVD.

Fabulous.......2007-04-15

"More Tales of the City"

Fabulous

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

The "Tales of the City" books are landmarks in gay literature and they are wonderful. The mini series based on the books are hallmarks of gay television and "More Tales of the City" is wonderful even if it is not quite as good as the original "Tales of the City". It begins a few months after the first series ends. The characters are the same and the story expands on the earlier series instead of creating a new series of happenings. It adds to what was already there. The only criticism is the cast changes and once you get used to the new faces, everything is just fine. In fact, everything is more than just fine, it is superb. Maybe it doesn't compare to the brilliance of the first "Tales" but it is worth seeing.
We have a few new adventures for our eccentric cast--a cruise, amnesia, romance that has been rekindled, a family reunion and older women who go to a sex club.
The character of Mary Ann Singleton progresses to an almost startling new place. She has become a man hunter and a pot fiend which is a long way from the innocent girl who came to Barbary Lane. Mona goes on a desert journey and meets someone named Mother Mucca who becomes an integral part of the cast.
The entire plot focuses on intrigue and interweaving characters and does not handle the development of personalities. But the great dialog is still there as is our beloved Anna Madrigal. The series is again wonderful and when I think how far we have come in terms of television, I think we should be proud of a series of this caliber. We all should be thankful for Olympia Dukakis--she is a wonderful actress and a brilliant Ms. Madrigal. Armistad Maupin has done us proud with his wonderful series.

Tales.......2007-01-06

You definitely have to watch all three miniseries and read all six books! They are fantastic, funny, smart, poignant, and keep you wanting more!

Something Old...something new...........2006-10-22

The 28 Barbary Lane saga continues in this second book-turned-mini-series set. The first thing you notice with this installment is that three of the original principal actors are replaced with new ones.

Chloe Webb(Mona Ramsey), Marcus D'Amico(Michael "mouse" Tolliver), and Paul Gross(Brian Hawkins) have been replaced by Nina Siemaszko, Paul Hopkins, and Whip Hubley, in their respective roles. It's not so bad if you haven't seen the first "Tales of the City," but if you have, it does create a problem with the suspension of disbelief. Not that the new actors aren't wonderful in their roles(not to mention how difficult that must be for an actor to step in as an already established character--created by another actor), it's just that the three original actors, particularly Webb(Mona) and D'Amico(Mouse), were the perfect fit.

In addition to the wonderful characters that make up the Barbary Lane family, we are introduced to Colin Ferguson(Burke Andrew) who does a fine job of portraying the amnesia-stricken love interest to Laura Linney's Mary Ann Singleton character. There's definite chemistry between the two and you feel that Mary Ann has finally found the "one." But of course, nothing is what it seems on Barbary Lane, and the couple find themselves at a bitter-sweet end.

We are also introduced to another new character played by Jackie Burroughs. Burroughs portrays Mother Mucca and boy what a character she is! Another stellar performance.

The set contains two dvds. On disc one you'll find episodes 1-4. Disc two contains episodes 5 & 6 along with the special features.

Special features include:

* Deleted scenes with commentary by Maupin

* Cast bios, including some Q&A with Ferguson, Gibson, Siemaszko, Hubley and Hopkins.

* Home video and virtual blueprints of the 28 Barbary Lane set

* Background notes on Anita Bryant-this provides info on the Bryant campaign "Save Our Children"

* Behind the scenes-this shows four scenes during rehearsals, shooting, and the final print

* Scrapbook-includes some production notes and Maupin's commentary on writing the screenplay. It also includes a photo gallery

All in all, MTOTC is a fantastic follow-up to "Tales..," with the exception of the new actors. Otherwise I would have given this set five stars! I know I'm being harsh and that I should just get over it...but I can't help myself!

Continuation of the Wonderful Tales of the City.......2006-08-09

Again, you have the warmth, laughter and wonderful characters from "Tales" coming back into the second installment. I am sorry there weren't more of the original actors from the original PBS series, but we have the pleasure of seeing Olympia Dukakis, Barbara Garrick, Laura Linney, and Thomas Gibson returning in their respective roles. This installment shows the influence Alfred Hitchcock had on Armistead Maupin's work; part romance, part mystery, with many scenes that will leave an indelible impression. Who will ever forget the meaning of "Transubstantiation" or the macabre scene in the church? I imagined the blue-haired ladies fainting in their pews if such an appendage were to seemingly fall from the sky and plop onto the altar...it's also a rather campy commentary on the church that Maupin slyly slips in. And once again, Mr. Maupin makes another Alfred Hitchcockish appearance in this film.
The actors do a great job, even the ones who replaced Mona and Michael Tolliver. I highly recommend this DVD.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Series Suffers from Actor Replacement
Hot, Cool, Fun
Great continuation of a great series
serie that is joyable to watch again and again
Fun & Exciting Plot Twists at "28 Barbary Lane"

More Tales of the City
Starring: Olympia Dukakis , Laura Linney , Colin Ferguson , Bill Campbell , and Barbara Garrick
Director: Pierre Gang
Manufacturer: DVD International
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Series Suffers from Actor Replacement.......2007-01-05

Often, the "extras" included in DVDs are extraneous or disappointing, adding little to the value of the title film. This is not the case here. The EXTRAS included on the disc offer a lot of insight into the series, the actors, and the characters.
First of all, replacing key actors in the roles of characters we've grown to love greatly distracts, and diminishes the experience. Period.
In the actor interviews included in the EXTRAS there are hints that there are some very interesting reasons why certain actors --none of them stars-- returned. One would think that with the cult following of the orginal, and the notoriety engendered by right-wing philosophy that real life representations should be excised from the popular media, that any actor in his right mind would fight valiantly to reprise his/her role. If anyone knows of a website that discusses the reason for the replacements, please let us know.
The most egregious replacement is that of Paul Gross as Brian. Wimp, uh, I mean Whip Hubley is a bland milque-toast totally lacking the necessary personality -and the good looks- essential to make the Brian lothario character believable. In his interview he states he never read the book or saw the original Tales Of The City [!!], and he thinks that was the right thing to do, lest he be influenced by Paul Gross' authentic, edgy turn. The result is a characterless character. We feel sorry for Laura Linney and Nina Siemaszko having to strain to play off an actor so completely lacking in understanding of the Brian character.
The idea that anyone would consider replacing Marcus D'Amico's Michael Tolliver is bizarre, and I'd love to know the rationalization there! Paul Hopkins is very likeable and brings his own bright personality and charm to "Mouse", but the fact remains, replacing this key character was very risky business and greatly distracts from the viewers' experience.
Billy Campbell as Dr. Jon Fielding is extremely likeable despite his character's flaw of chasing after the "A-gays" for approval, and he displays a great deal of charm and humanity here, as he also did in his TV series "Now and Again". Interestingly, he comes off very poorly in his interview. He seems totally bored with and distanced from the role/project, has nothing of value to say, and leaves us with the impression that the warmth and humanity he displays in his screen roles is truly just an "act".
Laura Linney's [Mary Ann] and Colin Ferguson's [Burke] interviews are intelligent and add a lot to the understanding of the characters and the enjoyment of the series, as does of course author Armistead Maupin's. We wish Parker Posey's very bright portrayal of Connie Bradshaw had been expanded so she'd have more to do.
But for true fans, despite the changes, this second installment of Tales is wonderfully entertaining and satisfying. We can't change history, so if you can get past the casting of new actors in the roles of characters we grew attached to in the original Tales Of The City, you'll enjoy yourself immensely.

Hot, Cool, Fun.......2006-12-31

I just flat out enjoyed this show from so many different perspectives its hard to even list them. It is like a breath of fresh air!

Great continuation of a great series.......2006-04-14

Again - faithful to the book and the characters, More is a real winner. In "More," things really start to get surreal and the situations a little crazy - but this accomplished cast pulls it off easily. Some cast changes are a bit off-putting at first, but once you make the transition - it's cake; good cake!

serie that is joyable to watch again and again.......2005-07-04

I like the touch of the writer, Maupin, in these tales. I saw it for the very first time on TV about ten years ago, and now I got it on DVD. Lots of friends watched the serie on TV.

Fun & Exciting Plot Twists at "28 Barbary Lane".......2002-10-08

"More Tales of the City" is a fictional, 6-part mini-series exploring the lives of gay and straight residents of a San Francisco apartment house at the address "28 Barbary Lane". A sequel to the original "Tales of the City" 6-part mini-series which aired several years earlier, both are based upon a newspaper serial started in 1976 by Armistead Maupin, who later coverted it into a set of novels. "Tales of the City" is based upon the first novel. "More Tales of the City" is based upon the second novel and continues the lives of the characters brought to life in the first installment.

Returning to the cast from the original "Tales of the City" mini-series are Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal (the landlady of the 28 Barbary Lane apartment house), Laura Linney as Mary Ann Singleton (a career-minded secretary), Barbara Garrick as Deirdre 'DeDe' Ligon Halcyon Day, Bill Campbell as Dr. Jon Philip Fielding and Thomas Gibson as Beauchamp Talbot Day. Replacing former cast members are Nina Siemaszko as Mona Ramsey (searching for her identity), Paul Hopkins as Michael 'Mouse' Tolliver (searching for 'Mr. Right'), Diana Leblanc as Frances 'Frannie' Alicia Ligon Halcyon and Whip Hubley as Brian Hawkins. New to the cast are Colin Ferguson as Burke Christopher Andrew, Swoozie Kurtz as Betty Borg Ramsey and Jackie Burroghs as Mona 'Mother Mucca' Ramsey (a brothel owner).

In this segment, Mona Ramsey is searching for her self identity and doing everything she can to avoid her controlling mother, Betty Ramsey. She leaves San Francisco on a bus and meets 'Mother Mucca' and agrees to work at Mother Mucca's brothel in Neveda as a receptionist. There, she discovers some startling truths about herself, Mother Mucca and Anna Madrigal. In the meantime, Beauchamp is causing problems for his secretary, Mary Ann, and his wife, DeDe, who becomes impregnated by an Asian worker. DeDe's mother, Frances, ventures off to rediscover her sexuality at an exclusive club. While searching for 'Mr. Right', Michael becomes paralyzed and it rekindles his romance with Dr. Jon Philip Fielding. Several things that happen at the end of "More Tales of the City" lead into its sequel, "Further Tales of the City".

Description

Catch the subway to go fishing? Only in New York. A subway car turned into an artificial reef? Only in New York.

Gotham is famed for its eccentrics. But in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty thrives a little known subculture. "New York City is a playground for the rich and famous," says one of its members, "but for me it's just a big ol' fishing hole, and I catch plenty of fish."

Once dead waters now harbor 370 species of fish. But the most interesting species are the people. The fishing cabbie who uses spark plugs for sinkers. The professional fisherman struggling to hold onto his livelihood. First-rate storytellers all, they share their love of their passion -- and their city.

With "buoyant bravado" (New York Times), filmmaker Robert Maass delivers a charming love letter to anyone who enjoys fishing, cities, and life itself.

Customer Reviews:

Fun documentary about a fringe community.......2006-04-20

My friend insisted I watch this film and even gave me a copy as a present - knowing that I love NYC and funky movies. One night, after dinner, I sat and watched it end to end. I expected to fall asleep half way through it and man was I shocked when it held my attention for the whole film. Basically, it's about people in NYC fishing in the waters around the City. They come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. Men and women too. Really a diverse group.

I laughed. I learned things I didn't know. I enjoyed it completely. Can't ask more from a documentary can you?

Like NYC and want to see a nice little movie? Give Gotham Fish Tales a try.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
I loved this movie!!!
Marvelous surprise
LOVELY FAMILY FILM
Fine.

The Hideaways
Starring: Ingrid Bergman , Sally Prager , Johnny Doran , George Rose , and Georgann Johnson
Director: Ingrid Bergman , and Fielder Cook
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005JA8F
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-05-31

This was a movie even my kids liked. It was something that the whole family can enjoy and it goes well with the book entitled: From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. My kids read the book and then watched the movie to find the differences and similarities. Great reading and great movie.

I loved this movie!!!.......2006-05-14

This movie is for the whole family and is filled with adventure.
It is the story of a brother and sister who run away to the New York Metropolitan Art Museum. It is based on a book and I loved the book too and so did my daughter. You will love this movie. It is a lot of fun!!!

Marvelous surprise.......2004-09-19

I saw this listed in the late-night TV program as From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and with the synopsis of "two kids run away from home and hide in the metropolitan museum of art" so I taped it and watched it a few nights later. What a marvelous surprise! This is a wonderful movie, billed as a children's movie, but so well done that adults will thoroughly enjoy it. The two children are terrific, especially the girl, Sally Prager, who unfortunately it seems did not continue her acting career, and Ingrid Bergman is absolutely wonderful (and there's a delightful appearance by the great comedienne Madeline Kahn). For most of the movie, it's fun to follow their "adventures" in the museum, which are not, don't worry, cartoonish and childlike (in fact, if you have never been there, it will certainly make you want to visit the Met) but then the ending gets a bit more serious as we are given some "life lessons" which are in fact good lessons, worth learning/remembering, and the movie closes in a bittersweet tone, with perfect acting and direction right to the end. Here's one reason why this movie is so good: the early scenes are of the children living a normal life at home with their parents. Then they run away, hide in the museum, and...we never see their parents again! You keep expecting, okay, now it will cut to the frantic parents, but it never does. We get the childrens' story, through their eyes, and that is the whole of it. Wonderfully good judgment on the part of the director. The book is probably like that, but I'm sure the temptation to show the parents again was great, and he wisely resisted it. Watch this movie, with your children if you have any, and you will be glad you did. (I notice that there is a companion video for use as a teaching aid, which doesn't surprise me - I was planning to mention it to our junior high school principal. It's a 30-year old film and I'm sure most teachers these days don't know of it, but they should.)

LOVELY FAMILY FILM.......2000-08-11

I thought this was a well-acted, well-written film that conveys it's message beautifully and will not soon be forgotten by most who watch it. Bergman is splendid in the role of a shy recluse chick. There are too many heart-warming moments to mention. It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling just thinking about this movie.

Fine........2000-01-30

This movie is a well written good-example of how a book can be transformed into a movie. Highlight: the scene in Macy's department store.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Series Suffers from Actor Replacement
Hot, Cool, Fun
Great continuation of a great series
serie that is joyable to watch again and again
Fun & Exciting Plot Twists at "28 Barbary Lane"

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Gay & Lesbian | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Miniseries | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Further Tales of the City. Vol 2
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ASIN: 1578482100
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Series Suffers from Actor Replacement.......2007-01-05

Hot, Cool, Fun.......2006-12-31

I just flat out enjoyed this show from so many different perspectives its hard to even list them. It is like a breath of fresh air!

Great continuation of a great series.......2006-04-14

serie that is joyable to watch again and again.......2005-07-04

I like the touch of the writer, Maupin, in these tales. I saw it for the very first time on TV about ten years ago, and now I got it on DVD. Lots of friends watched the serie on TV.

Fun & Exciting Plot Twists at "28 Barbary Lane".......2002-10-08

Customer Reviews:

Tales.......2007-01-06

You definitely have to watch all three miniseries and read all six books! They are fantastic, funny, smart, poignant, and keep you wanting more!

DVD:

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