Lawyer Lawyer

Starring:Chingmy Yau, Karen Mok, Simon Lui, Stephen Chow, Kar-Ying Law, Tat-Ming Cheung, Spencer Lam, Eric Kot, Siu-Kei Lee, Paul Fonoroff, Tats Lau, Bobby Yip, Vincent Kok, Bowie Lam
Director: Joe Ma
Studio: Tai Seng
Product Type: DVD

Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

The best of the best !
Good performances by whole cast.
Recommended to all people of all races
Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (Widescreen Edition)
Oh My Goodness

Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Louis Gossett Jr. , Juanita Jennings , Malinda Williams , Gary Sturgis , and Avant
Director: Tyler Perry
Manufacturer: Lionsgate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Norbit (Widescreen Edition)
Stomp the Yard (Widescreen Edition)
Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition)
The Pursuit of Happyness (Widescreen Edition)
Deja Vu

ASIN: B000PE0GR8
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Description

Monty (Idris Elba) is a mechanic struggling to make ends meet while raising his three young daughters. When the court awards custody of his daughters to his ex-wife, Monty desperately tries to win them back with the help of Julia (Gabrielle Union), a beautiful, Ivy League-educated attorney. Monty and Julia couldn't be less alike, but a flame is ignited...touching off a firestorm of love and conflict.

Customer Reviews:

The best of the best !.......2007-06-29

Living in Atlanta for over 12 years and owning all of Tyler Perry's films, this is one of the best! A must see and to own! Highly recommend...He is one of the best...he was definitely missed in the movie; however his writing was defintely there in the story line!

Judy Collins
Key Largo, FL

Good performances by whole cast........2007-06-25

Something to show my grands and godchildren for a change. Whole familly loved this movie. Great!!!! Tyler Perry we love you.

Recommended to all people of all races.......2007-06-21

Perry's theatrical experience comes in to play throughout the picture and I like it. He doesn't get into drag and play Madea in this movie -- in fact, he doesn't appear onscreen at all (unless he had an unaccredited cameo where I didn't recognize him). The final product remains representative of the writer/director/producer's abilities and his common themes of the power of family and how much a community can accomplish when they band together. "Daddy's Little Girls" has its funny moments, but overall it's fairly somber from the start.

The movie's opening scene is a montage of people of different ages on a city street, with children playing and men cooking dinner on the grill and women chit-chatting, showing the good aspects of a close-knit neighborhood. Later in the film, Willie stands up in a community meeting with police and politicians and tells his neighbors that the police and government have never and will never do anything to help them, and they all have to band together to help themselves. Perry grew up in New Orleans, and wondered if this scene was meant to reflect his feelings about the poor handling of post-Katrina rebuilding by, well, by damn near everyone except the residents themselves.

The one benefit of Julia (Gabrielle Union) and Monty's (Idris Elba) relationship is that it allows the story to branch out to wax philosophical about one more conflict: class. Julia's friends are not the kind to be amused or in favor of a relationship between a successful legal partner and a struggling auto-mechanic. The snobbery allows the movie to take on some of the all-too-frequent stereotypes that are automatically applied to black men, particularly ideas about being a "baby's daddy" or forty-year-olds in over-sized jerseys. Monty breaks all of these stereotypes as a caring, responsible adult who is still struggling through life despite those character traits. It's nice to see this kind of positive role model portrayed strongly on screen instead of reinforcing negative ideas.

Parts of "Daddy's Little Girls" may be predictable and convenient as the movie tells its tale but there's not necessarily anything wrong with that. The film is one of those ubiquitous "feel good movies" and as such it does its job well. When the final credits roll you'll feel good and maybe, through the film's attempts to challenge a few negative stereotypes, even feel a little better about the human race's ability to come together in moments of adversity. You'll laugh; probably tear a little; and most importantly feel good. Isn't that enough for a movie to provide sometimes?

Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (Widescreen Edition).......2007-06-21

This is a great movie! I am glad to have it as part of my collection.

Oh My Goodness.......2007-06-20

I absolutely looooooooved this film! First of all, this was a perfect example of good casting. All of the charachters seemed so believable, and the chemistry between them all was great as well. This is the third time I've seen Gabriel Union play this kind of charachter (kind of stuck up and well to do) and I kind of get tired of it, but I loved her here. Especially when she was drunk and immitating Lil Jon! My favorite charachter(s) had to be the Macclain Sisters. They were GREAT! Their sassiness could almost put you off at first but when you think about it, children really do behave that way.

This was a lovely film, and I just thank God for Tyler Perry and the positive message he put's out in his movies. It doesn't have to be about Get Rich or Die Trying all the time, or shoot 'em up, bang-bang, or all this other garbage black film makers put out now. He put out a nice film where for once the black man isn't the enemy and it's a great piece of work.

Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (Full Screen)

Average customer rating:

Recommended to all people of all races
Heartwarming and a huge improvement for Tyler Perry and Company
Wish It Would've Continued
TYLER PERRY IS A ROCKSTAR!!!
Absolutely Loved it

Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls (Full Screen)
Starring: Louis Gossett Jr. , Juanita Jennings , Malinda Williams , Gary Sturgis , and Avant
Director: Tyler Perry
Manufacturer: Lionsgate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000PE0GRI
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Description

Customer Reviews:

Recommended to all people of all races.......2007-06-22

Heartwarming and a huge improvement for Tyler Perry and Company.......2007-06-21

This story of a blue collar father's fight for custody of his three daughter's from his blatantly selfish and irresponsible ex wife was excellent. Idris Elba is a woefully underrated actor from England who was perfect in this role. I have been a fan since seeing him in the dramatic film "Sometimes in April" which deals with the affect of the Rwandan genocide on two brothers who have opposing idealogies. In that film Idris was awesome as a family man with three children and a wife to protect while the world was spiraling out of control around them. If you haven't seen it, check it out Idris and the rest of the supporting cast are superb.

Here in Daddy's Little Girl's Idris once again gives a honest, heart-felt performance. The chemistry between Idris and Gabrielle Union was great and I loved the date scene at the club where they first begin to really bond. Gabrielle was so amusing playing someone who loosens up after a couple of drinks and reveals a sweet heart under the tough "corporate woman" exterior, another one of my favorite scenes is how humorous she is when she gets home from the club. There wasn't one "false note" in her performance in the film, I enjoyed her throughout.

The three girls in the movie are also biological sisters and were cast perfectly, they each have great talent and I am certain we will be seeing a lot of more of them. Lou Gossett is the headliner and his part as a mentor and friend to Idris is also a great addition to the cast.

My least favorite character is the ex-wife's lover who grossly overplayed all of his scenes.

Overall this is a feel good movie and Tyler Perry's most even-handed attempt at producing and directing. As mentioned the casting of the leading man and woman was right on point, far superior to all the other TP movies. Tyler is continuing to grow in his craft and I look forward to more family-friendly movies from him that deal with life's many challenges.

P.S. I also loved the blues song performed live at the club where Idris and Gabrielle have their first date! Too bad its not on the soundtrack...a sad oversight.

Wish It Would've Continued.......2007-06-19

Pros: I am crazy about this movie. I saw it at the show when it first came out, and I was impressed that once again Tyler Perry has come out with a positive movie for the African American community (as well as any other community) to relate to. I'd never been a Gabrielle Union fan, but she definitely did a great job in this movie, and every single time I see her drunk act at the bar and her house, I fall out laughing. Nobody could've played the handsome man's man role that Idris Elba played. I was not familiar with him before this movie, but boy, am I a fan now. He has undeniable sex appeal. Daddy's Little Girls takes viewers on a ride through a father's life who is trying his hardest to take care of his children and maintain a decent lifestyle, even though he has a dark past and an ex-girlfriend/mother of his children from Hell. I already knew Tasha Smith was going to be a great evil mother since I consistently watch "America's Next Top Model" and I've seen her as an acting coach. The young girls were great playing sassy, intelligent kids, and it was a joy to see the people from Perry's previous plays. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and as soon as it came out on sale, I went flying out of the house to buy it. I'm not convinced that I'll ever get tired of seeing it.

Cons: The guys who played thugs weren't believable at all, especially the main one. He was handsome and he was cool, but nothing about him said thug to me. Even the dudes who jumped the guy who was selling something looked like they were fresh off a college campus. I know Perry wanted to keep the movie PG-13 so I'm guessing that's the reason he didn't go for more hardened characters. That or he was going for dapper thugs.

TYLER PERRY IS A ROCKSTAR!!!.......2007-06-19

TP rocked this movie for real. It has everything, you'll laugh, cry, get frustrated, angry and cheer for Monty. A hard working man that is trying to live life on the right side of the tracks so that he can take care of his girl It is so great to see a man not only step up and take care of their children but FIGHT to keep them. Julia is a hard nosed no nonsense profession woman that learns that sometimes you have to let go and let love. (kinda seen her in this role in Deliver Us From Eva)However Gabrelle Union and Idris Elba (whom I didnt know was from London)played these roles to perfection

Absolutely Loved it.......2007-06-18

I went to see this movie when it first was released in the theaters, then picked up a copy of the movie just this past Friday, and I highly recommend the movie to folks because for one, it doesn't have no nudity or sex scenes, you can relate to what is going on, especially if you have been through a custody battle like I have, and what I love about it is the romance. You can tell that Idris and Gabrielle were feeling each other(had a mutual attraction for those who didn't get that earlier statement), and they kept it without getting into a scene and all that. i respect Tyler for that. Another thing that I took away from this was the sense of community that was there. This guy was absolutely scared to raise three girls by himself, but stepped to the plate and gave it his best shot. He made mistakes, he endured heat from others as well as those he loved, but through it all, he kept his head on and you cannot help but love Idris Elba for it.The McClain Sisters were adorable and look forward to more from them. A part of the movie I didn't care for was Tracee Ellis Ross and Terri Vaughan's roles as the judgmental,funky girlfriends who poo pooed on Julia(Gabrielle Union's role)for Monty and his life, but yet they kept hooking her up with silly, hilarious, funky trifling men. One was married to boot. I truly loved the Aquarium scene and have made a mental note to go to the Georgia Aquarium myself and admire that for myself. Very good feel good, emotional film.

The Verdict (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Paul Newman's Finest Performance, in Tale of Redemption...
Mesmerizing.
Great film and an unforgettable acting performance
There are no other cases. This is the case!
The last gem of Sidney Lumet

The Verdict (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Paul Newman , Charlotte Rampling , Jack Warden , James Mason , and Milo O'Shea
Director: Sidney Lumet
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000O77SPY
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Amazon.com essential video

In this 1982 courtroom drama written by David Mamet and directed by Sidney Lumet, Paul Newman found the perfect role for a transitional period of his stellar career. As alcoholic Boston lawyer Frank Galvin, Newman shook off his screen persona as a handsome, blue-eyed hunk to portray an aging, weary man whose best years are behind him, with a shot-glass future that looks very bleak indeed. But when Galvin is given a chance to redeem himself--by proving medical negligence in the case of a comatose woman--he makes one final effort to regain his self-respect and tarnished reputation. He's an underdog against formidable odds, facing a powerful, politically connected lawyer (James Mason, slick as ever) who will do anything to win his case, regardless of professional ethics. Further complicating matters is a woman (Charlotte Rampling) who only appears to be worthy of Galvin's trust and love, until Galvin's best friend and colleague (Jack Warden) proves otherwise. Excellent as both courtroom drama and riveting character study, the film crackles with Mamet's sharp dialogue; and Lumet's direction is a brilliant example of forceful restraint. The film gave Newman one of the best roles of his career; many felt he deserved the Oscar (he lost to Ben Kingsley in Gandhi) that would belatedly be given to Newman for The Color of Money. Along with Hud, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict ranks highly as a signature performance by one of America's all-time greatest actors. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Sidney Lumet's riveting courtroom drama earned five Oscar(r) nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Paul Newman's towering performance as a down-and-out alcoholic attorney who stumbles onto one last chance to redeem himself. When attorney Frank Calvin (Newman) is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win, he courageously decides to refuse a settlement from the hospital. Instead he takes the case, and the entire legal system, to court.

Customer Reviews:

Paul Newman's Finest Performance, in Tale of Redemption..........2007-06-22

In a career of unforgettable portrayals, "The Verdict" stands as Paul Newman's pinnacle; as a shattered idealistic lawyer, on an alcoholic road to self-destruction, finding a chance at redemption, he is absolutely perfect. With respect to Ben Kingsley, Newman SHOULD have won the 'Best Actor' Oscar in 1982!

Directed by Sidney Lumet, from a remarkably candid screenplay by David Mamet, this is a film that never makes a wrong step. Newman's 'Frank Galvin' is not heroic, or even likable, in the film's opening scenes, but he finds, in a simple malpractice suit, an injustice so blatant that he sees an opportunity to redeem himself...but he'll have to defeat a rich, duplicitous law firm (headed by legendary James Mason), argue before an indifferent judge (Milo O'Shea), and, worst of all, face betrayal from within his tiny circle of friends, if he has any hope of rising out of his personal 'hell'.

With a superb cast, including the remarkable Jack Warden as his ex-mentor/best friend, and Charlotte Rampling, as the woman he trusts far too much, "The Verdict" is raw, powerful, and occasionally disturbing, but never dull!

This new two-disc edition is certainly THE version to own, with commentary by Newman and Lumet, and an entire disc of extras, including Lumet and Newman's personal recollections, and several 'Making of' documentaries, from 1982, and today. You'll never find a more complete presentation of a truly extraordinary film!

There are few films that I can watch, again and again, and never grow tired of..."The Verdict" is one. Bravo to Newman, Lumet, Mamet, and everyone involved in creating this classic!

Mesmerizing. .......2007-01-01

The Verdict is one of the most powerful films I've ever seen in my life. Frankly, I'm not sure what to rave over more--Newman's acting ability or the script itself. Imagining a physically gifted and charismatic man like Newman as an alcoholic loser on his last legs is not an easy thing to do, but his performance accomplishes this seamlessly. As for Mason, what a loss his death was because even nearing the end of his life he could do absolutely everything. His portrayal of Concannon is quite amazing. In O'Shea, Warden, and Rampling the lesser characters become quite major, and the courtroom finale is so good that I watched it several times over again. This should be on everyone's Top 50 list, in my humble opinion.

Great film and an unforgettable acting performance.......2006-11-10

Frank Galvin (Paul Newman) is on a downward slide as an ambulence-chasing alcoholic lawyer when his associate (Jack Warden) tries to slap him out of his stupor in order to remind him that he is throwing away an opportunity to get back on his feet. Galvin starts going through the motions of collecting information about a case that involves a young child-bearing woman who suffered brain damage as a result of being given the wrong anaesthesia. Some of his old fight comes back to him when he starts to realize the negligence involved, and before he has thought much about it, he starts on the path of what he takes to be doing the right thing. But doing the right thing can be a formidible undertaking. He had once lost a prestigious job and his wife had divorced him after he tried to do right thing. Now, as he struggles to clear out the cobwebs, before he realizes it, he has managed to alienate almost everyone, including his previously very trusting clients, and faces almost all by himself a power structure that is aware of and capable of subverting his every move.

The judge (Milo O'Shea) is always eating in his chambers, the defense attorney (James Mason) and his legions of lawyers are constantly winking and nodding at each other: they are like caricatures used as devices to condense the viciousness of self-interest. The greatness of this film especially concerns the script and the acting force of Paul Newman. The contrast is striking between the muddled, uncertain man on the verge of being a complete failure and the flashes of brilliance that he shows as he fights with his back against the wall. Some of the oratory has a Shakespearian quality to it.

There are no other cases. This is the case!.......2006-06-30

That was Paul Newman's response to Jack Warden, as Warden massages Mr. Newman's back and tries to assuage him by telling him there will be other cases. ( Pardon me, I always wanted to use the word ASSUAGE in a review ).
I live in Connecticut, and my wife and I drive thru Westport regularly, on our way to Trader Joe's. I know exactly where Mr. Newman lives,( I'll never tell ) and I always kid to my wife,
" I wonder what Paul is doing today? " Then I jokingly say that maybe we'll see him at Trader Joe's ( grocery store ) or at Mario's ( great place for lunch or dinner). Of course if I ever did actually meet him, I'd be stammering and babbling just like Jackie Gleason used to do in his old Honeymooner's television show. But enough of my dreaming. So, how was the movie? Sometimes there are events or moments in a movie that stay with you for a long time. In this movie, those times were: " There are no other cases..This is the case! " and the confrontation Mr. Newman had with the judge, when he proclaims, " I know about you! " as he taps his fingers on the judge's desk. Classic moments.
If I ever had a chance to become an actor, and had my pick of
acting coaches, one of them would be Paul Newman. I'm not sure how he does it, but somehow, after watching him on screen for a few moments, I forget he is Paul Newman, and believe he is the character he is portraying.I guess that's the " magic " of great acting. They make it look so effortless. And now onto Jack Warden. He is perhaps one of the most under-rated actors in history. A great performance from a great actor.
Back to Paul Newman. The next time you watch one of his movies, watch the pauses...the times when he's not speaking. It's the entire package that makes an actor great. It's the phrasing, the reaction, the eye movements, the pauses and how long he holds them. ( Sure the director has a lot of input too)- but just watch him. What you are witnessing is a STAR in action. As I write this ( June 29, 2006 ) Paul Newman is 81 years old. He may be a little slower, a little more wrinkled, but his acting just gets better with age. ( Watch Empire Falls ). I truly hope he makes more movies. And who knows, perhaps one day I WILL run into him at Trader Joe's or Mario's place. And in true Jackie Gleason form, say to him, " Hubba, Hubba, Hubba. "
And that, my friends, will be no act.

The last gem of Sidney Lumet.......2006-04-18

This outstanding and bold director has always paid special attention respect the dark side of the state of things; like in this case where a lawyer practically out of the game due the drink, decides to assume a delicate case of unorthodox medical praxis. Please notice how Lumet works with grayish tunes in the lawyer ' s office to accent his personal drama.

Go for this emblematic film, where Paul Newman makes a delirious performance.

Average customer rating:

Savannah
one of the best movies of all time
southern hospitality
Very good product
Lady Chablis Steals the Show

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Starring: John Cusack , Kevin Spacey , Jack Thompson , Irma P. Hall , and Jude Law
Director: Clint Eastwood
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790734702
Release Date: 1998-07-01

Amazon.com

Readers of John Berendt's bestselling novel were bound to be at least somewhat disappointed by this big-screen adaptation, but despite mixed reaction from critics and audiences, there's still plenty to admire about director Clint Eastwood's take on the material. Readers will surely miss the rich atmosphere and societal detail that Berendt brought to his "Savannah story," and the movie can only scratch the surface of Georgian history, tradition, and wealthy decadence underlying Berendt's fact-based murder mystery. Still, Eastwood maintains an assured focus on the wonderful eccentrics of Savannah, most notably a gay Savannah antiques dealer (superbly played by Kevin Spacey), who may or may not have killed his friend and alleged lover (Jude Law). John Cusack plays the Town & Country journalist who arrives in Savannah to find much more than he bargained for--including the city's legendary drag queen Lady Chablis (playing "herself")--and John Lee Hancock's smoothly adapted screenplay succeeds in bringing Berendt's characters vividly to life with plenty of flavorful dialogue. In similar fashion to Warner's acclaimed DVD of L.A. Confidential, this classy DVD includes a behind-the-scenes documentary titled The Real People in the Garden and an interactive map tour of Savannah and its most celebrated (or notorious) citizens. The original theatrical trailer is also included. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Academy award-winning director clint eastwood helms this story based on john berendt's best-selling book examining contemporary events and unique characters in picturesque savannah, georgia, following a shocking murder. alternately suspenseful, satirical

Customer Reviews:

Savannah.......2007-06-27

Love this movie, slow but deep. Love visiting Savannah right after watching! Purchased, shipped, received fast!

one of the best movies of all time.......2007-05-13

The book is just as quirky as Savannah or is the Savannah as quirky as the book...an all time favorite that should be on every one's shelf...you never know when you might new it !!

southern hospitality.......2007-03-09

The star of this movie is: John Cusack. Kevin Spacey. The Lady Chablis. Minerva, the juju woman. Savannah. Uga.

Okay, Uga can only be a supporting star; #1.,his part is small - important, but limited, and #2., he's a dog.

But everybody in this quirky, involving, dramatized true story is a star without a doubt, including a few folks you will recognize from other movie roles but not be able to put a name to. This is the sort of movie that attaches itself to followers of "Northern Exposure" and other vehicles for personal expression and individuality. The setting itself is spectacular; Savannah, Georgia, a town I could place on a map but until this didn't know much about, is suddenly at the top of my list of places to see before the end. There is undeniable Southern charm, the cliqueishness of a community dedicated to keeping outsiders in the dark, an indefinable spookiness aided by Spanish moss hanging from the trees and lush green gardens and dark corners everywhere; mystery permeates every frame of this film, augmented by a waggish I'm-Southern-and-you're-not attitude presented by almost everybody without rancor or arrogance. These are people comfortable in their own skins and they don't care if the visitor is particularly at ease or not.

John Kelso (John Cusack), a writer for Town & Country Magazine, gleans the peach assignment of covering the annual and much-desired Christmas party hosted by Savannahian Jim Williams, an entrepreneur restorer of old mansions and art works who resides in the gorgeous former home of songwriter Johnny Mercer. The house itself is a character in the movie; classy, elegant, well-appointed, it is the architectural equivalent of its human conservator, Jim Williams, who oversees every aspect of his place in Savannah society with panache. Genteel is a word that applies to all but one of the principals here, and that principal makes his raucous and vulgar debut fairly early in the Christmas party. During John Kelso's tour of this beautiful home, as he is being shown around by Jim Williams, a loud, ill-dressed young man strides threateningly into the room yelling at Jim, and we are introduced to Billy Hanson (Jude Law), who is miffed that he wasn't included in the party. It's obvious from the start that there is more to this meeting than is immediately apparent, and you can watch the wheels turning in John Kelso's mind as he attempts to work it out. After the vulgar young man stomps out, an unruffled Jim Williams explains with perfect Southern charm, "Uh, that was Billy Hanson, works part time in the shop - and can, at times, be a very colourful character."

Later on, John Kelso is awakened in his carriage-house quarters by a deal of noise and confusion, and wanders out into a surreal scandal which becomes his full induction into Savannah and all its many colours: wall-to-wall police at the Mercer home, all of Savannah milling about outside in the dark, and a dead Billy Hanson in the front room, an obviously traumatised Jim Williams giving an emotional account of Billy's demise in another room to the police detective. John Kelso is allowed to wander through the crime scene unchallenged for a few minutes until he himself realizes what he is doing and vacates.

The movie swings into overdrive now in its parade of colourful characters. John Kelso, abandoning his Christmas party coverage in favour of instead writing a book about what he sees to be a sensational story, embarks upon an examination of everyone involved. The movie is clearly stolen by the Lady Chablis, a local showgirl and friend of many of the principals, who knows a little too much about everybody and who is, moreover, played to perfection by the actual Lady Chablis (I can't imagine anyone else in this role). Others in this group of individuals includes the actual defense attorney in the subsequent trial (in the movie he plays the judge); an old juju woman who communes with the dead; a juror in the trial who wanders through Savannah with a flock of horseflies attached to his person via threads superglued to the flies; an entertaining duo who run a club (the woman singer is played extremely well by Clint Eastwood's daughter Alison); and various other small parts that make up a cohesive whole of a truly unique and charming community.

The fact that this true story was portrayed by many of the people who were actually involved is a great stroke of luck; they bring a light to the story that would fall a little flat otherwise. (The Lady Chablis is her own story, and it is impossible to look away when she is onscreen.) Kevin Spacey is unsurpassed in his portrayal (he even bears a remarkable resemblance to the real Jim Williams) and his wonderful Southern diction is worth listening to no matter what he is saying. John Cusack's wide-eyed-New-York-writer is well-played also. The only role i thought a bit stilted was Jude Law's Billy Hanson, which was jarring (perhaps on purpose) and seemed strained.

The extras section, which includes a tour of the noted locations in Savannah, is as interesting as the movie itself, and as said previously, makes me eager to visit this beautiful city.

Very good product.......2007-02-14

The DVD is of very good quality. The jacket is in very good shape, also.

There were no scratches on the DVD and no smeared scenes, either.

I am pleased with the product.

Lady Chablis Steals the Show.......2007-01-23

John Kelso, a New York writer (John Cusack) is commissioned by Town & Country magazine to write a 500 word article about Jim Williams, a Savannah, GA socialite antique dealer (Kevin Spacey).

A few days and a few parties later, the talented writer begins to think there is more than a short article in this little southern town. Perhaps a successful book. After Billy Hanson, the local hustler, played by a very young looking Jude Law, is murdered Kelso knows there is. As he begins to research his main character, Jim Williams, he learns the true character of his subject and the people he has called his friends. It's amazing what happens to southern hospitality when someone's sexuality is brought to the forefront of a murder trial.

This was such a great movie. Filled with colourful southern characters, lead by the fantastic Spacey. Not surprisingly Cusack's character moves the story along but my absolute favourite was the sweet Lady Chablis (Chablis Deveau) a.k.a. Frank, a lounge singer with attitude, a hidden package and a keen sense of wit. She really steals the show.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is loosely based on the successful novel of the same name by John Berendt and is directed by Clint Eastwood. It has the feel of the Usual Suspects, probably because of Spacey. Definitely worth watching. Reviewed by M. E. Wood

Average customer rating:

not softcore not good enuf for TV
Someone needs a spanking
My Favourite Film ;}
A new love story with a fun twist...
This movie is for the wild at heart

Secretary
Starring: Patrick Bauchau , Ezra Buzzington , Lauren Cohn , Kyle Colerider-Krugh , and Jeremy Davies
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
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The Image

ASIN: B00008DDSC
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Product Description

Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has a few strikes against her when she applies for a secretarial position at the law office of E. Edward Grey (James Spader). Although she's never had a job in her life, Lee is hired by the mysterious lawyer, Mr. Grey. At first the work seems quite normal but soon, in between typing, filing and making coffee, Lee and Mr. Grey embark on a more personal relationship, crossing lines of conduct that would give any human resource director the vapors!

System Requirements:
Starring: James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, and Leslie Ann Warren.
Directed By: Steven Shainberg.
Running Time: 111 Min., Color.
© MMII Secretary Productions, LLC

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

This kinky love story features a standout performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal, an offbeat young actress in her first starring role. Gyllenhaal plays Lee, a nervous girl who compulsively cuts herself, who gets a job as a secretary for Edward, an imperious lawyer (James Spader, an old hand at tales of perverse affection). Edward's reprimands for typos and spelling errors begin with mild humiliation, but as Lee responds to his orders--which are driven as much by his own anxieties and fears as any sense of order--the punishments escalate to spankings, shackles, and more. Secretary walks a fine line. It finds sly humor in these sadomasochistic doings without turning them into a gag, and it takes Lee and Edward's mutual desires seriously without getting self-righteous or pompous. Certainly not a movie for everyone, but some people may be unexpectedly stirred up by this smart and steamy tale of repressed passion. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

not softcore not good enuf for TV.......2007-06-14

DON'T BE DECEIVED BY THE COVER - NO STOCKINGS, NO HEELS. ONE BRIEF SPANKING SCENE (no flesh included) is the highlight of the film. Perhaps lifestylers would get nostalgic about this story, but for the curious weekend thrill seeker this DVD is sure to disappoint, if not get you 'shut out'. Definitely not a couples movie unless your lady is VERY much into BDSM, in which case this would only be a 101 level course if not a grade school primer. Don't judge a DVD by its cover!!

Someone needs a spanking.......2007-06-07

James Spader must be one truly sexually disturbed man. Most of his work seems to revolve around men whose proclivities are far from healthy. From Crash to Sex, Lies, and Videotape, James Spader seeks out sexual encounters that are distant, shallow, and self-destructive as well as demeaning. He continues in good form here in a rather entertaining piece on sado-masochism. Sexual harassment be damned!

My Favourite Film ;}.......2007-05-26

This is my favourite film of all time. A perfectly dark comedy and strange fairy tale romance rolled into one, "Secretary" shocked and enraptured me from the start. I couldn't ask for a more captivating storyline, carefully written script, complete character development, or perfectly executed performances! You MUST see this film... ;}

A new love story with a fun twist..........2007-05-06

Quirky, kinky, sensual, beautiful and fun!

James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal both have wonderful performances! Steven Shainberg put together a great film with more substance then may be expected from a love story. That said, be warned that if you are uncomfortable with the idea of bdsm being anything other then a sickness then "keep on walking" because this is not a movie for you.

One of the things I liked most was the depth of character development. Gyllenhaal and Spader had fantastic chemistry and were able to pack so much emotion and communication in to simple expressions and gestures. I can't say enough good things about the work they have done here.

As for the story, I LOVE IT! Both Mr. Grey (Spader) and Lee (Gyllenhaal) start out in dark places. Lee is drifting in life and has taken to cutting herself. Mr. Grey is alone and disgusted with himself. Both struggle with "unnatural" feelings and a sense of detachment, they just don't feel normal. By the end they have learned that it is OK not to be normal so long as you are who and what you are. They fine that together they are complete. A very satisfying ending!

This movie is for the wild at heart.......2007-04-11

This is a movie that is not for everyone. It is rich in emotions and goes way beyound some people's comfort levels. But I enjoyed it because there was a such an amazing finale that shouted originality. The 2 stars are perfect together and you totally want them to end up together. Maggie takes a job as a secretary- she has extreme self esteem problems and was just released from an institution. She starts working for Spader and he goes completely nuts when she makes even the most trivial mistakes and starts his own form of wierd erotic punishment. Most people would freak out but she starts to want it- and thus we have the start of a beautiful relationship full of wierdness. This is a love story and it is one of my faves because it is just soo different and lovely.
If you are a fan of James Spader then you should totally see this, and if you haven't seen Maggie Gyllenhaal you NEED to see this. I left this movie wanting to see it again and again.

Average customer rating:

This is the film that Khruschchev considered "decadent"!
A long awaited delight
Out On DVD At Last!
Finally on DVD, looking darn fine, if not perfect!
A 1960's Rip-off of "Gigi" and an Embarassment to the Broadway Musical

Can-Can
Starring: Frank Sinatra , Shirley MacLaine , Maurice Chevalier , Louis Jourdan , and Juliet Prowse
Director: Walter Lang
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000ND91YU
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Description

A 1890's Montmartre Dance Hall Owner Constantly Raided For Performing The Illegal Can-Can Has To Use Her Own Resources When An Elderly Judge Is Replaced By A Younger More Serious One. Based On Abe Burrow'S Play. Music By Cole Porter.

Customer Reviews:

This is the film that Khruschchev considered "decadent"!.......2007-06-15

When then-Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev visited the U.S. in 1959, he made a storied visit to Hollywood where he almost started a minor international incident when he wanted to visit Disneyland but was waved off for security reasons. He was also invited to visit the set of "Can-Can", then in filming, and he and his delegation were seated to view one of the movie's big set pieces with the can-can dancers. He reacted _exactly_ like the bluenoses in the movie. :) According to him, Shirley MacLaine and her can-can girls were a perfect example of Western decadence. One only wonders what he would have made of "Girls Gone Wild".

Be that as it may, this is a movie I've been waiting a very long time to see - I've never been able to find it on VHS. I'm not an especial fan of Shirley MacLaine, to be candid (which is why I give this movie "only" 4 stars), but that wariness really applies more to her New Age kookiness in the 1980's and later; in the 1950's, she was a young, sprightly, cute, sexy redhead with great legs. She's not half bad in the role of the cabaret owner who fights two comic battles; to save the can-can and to get the skittish Frank Sinatra to put a ring on her finger. Sinatra, Louis Jourdan and Maurice Chevalier, the movie's three male leads, are also very good, and the film is full of gorgeous set-pieces, including (of course!) several can-can sequences full of whirling petticoats and royal flashes.

Not quite as good as Jean Renoir's immortal "French Can-Can", but great fare for a weekend evening!

A long awaited delight.......2007-06-09

Having had to buy the VHS version of this film some years ago because no DVD was avilable I was delighted when this product appeared, to see if the modern technology could improve on the VHS format. It certainly does improve the picture and sound which coupled with the great performances of the stars and Cole Porters songs make it a pleasure to see.

Out On DVD At Last!.......2007-06-08

What can one say about Can Can. I saw this motion Picture three times in Todd AO when it came out. It is a rollicking good story with great music. Good performances by all of the cast. The Restoration for the DVD seems to have been done very well with only a very little evidence of the sort of colour shift that can occur with old negative or positive films. The pictures on the DVD are nice and crisp and a pleasure to watch. It is nice to See that the DVD is in the original Todd AO format of 2.2:1 as seen in the Cinema. A good addition to the DVD library of any collector of Musicals. For me it was a must buy.

John D

Finally on DVD, looking darn fine, if not perfect!.......2007-05-15

It took ten long years, but the wait is over!
"Can-Can" is certainly not very high on the list among the best film adaptations of Broadway musicals, but it contains lots of character charm and professional know-how, boasts a lushly orchestrated score, and is gorgeously designed in often daring color combinations. (For the stylish looking palette and fine-tuned overall detail of this film, I suspect we must thank not only the famous production designers and Ms. Sharaff's oddly chic costumes, but also very much styling consultant Tony Duquette and color consultant Leonard Doss.)
The first thing you see on your screen is a "warning" from Fox that they have used the best materials available for their transfer to DVD. This had me greatly worried for a couple of seconds, but when the credits came up on my screen I was both relieved and stunned. It looked super! Never had I seen "Can-Can" with colors as clean, bright and beautiful as on this disc! But some three minutes into the film I suddenly understood what Fox meant with their note: In many shots throughout the complete running-time, I could notice a certain discreet light-flickering that affected the colors somewhat, especially easy to spot in the darker areas of the image. This is, of course, distracting (at least for a while untill you get used to it), but I should think that Fox had found this problem impossible to correct completely. To my great relief and joy, it is quite obvious that the materials used for this DVD transfer originates from a 70mm negative in Technicolor. All previous transfers to VHS and LaserDisc must surely have used 35mm film in DeLuxe color. The difference is amazing, as the DVD has superb contrast, splendid color and a razor-sharp image all the way, which only 70mm film stock can produce. I suspect that when Fox had to decide between issuing a decent but dull 35mm (CinemaScope) transfer or a dazzling (but very lightly damaged) transfer from Todd-AO elements, they went for the later option. A good choice! Actually, the problematic shots are often very brief, and are mostly followed by longer shots or whole scenes that look picture-perfect. Even well kept negatives can unfortunately detoriate a little with age, and some of the problems that occur can apparently not be 100 percent erased even in our age of digital high tech.
Disc 2 has some well made, newly produced featurettes and lots of other goodies, but even though many highly well researched people are talking "Can-Can" history and memories, none are able to solve a mystery that has often kept me wide awake at nights for 47 years: Why was the most applauded and beloved song from the stage show not included in the finished film version; only heard during the credits and in the Entr'acte? I'm thinking of "I Love Paris"! Film historian Scott McIsaac incorrectly tells us that it is sung in the film by Sinatra and Chevalier. Not so! It is sung by these two gentlemen ONLY on the soundtrack album issued at the time of the film's release - and available on CD for a short time many years ago. But was it actually FILMED, and if so, was it cut out early or after maybe some not entirely happy preview? Can anyone out there explain this weird omission, or better, once and for all present all the facts concerning the rejection of this lovely Cole Porter evergreen?

A 1960's Rip-off of "Gigi" and an Embarassment to the Broadway Musical.......2007-04-18

It even copies "Gigi"'s titles with Toulouse Lautrec-looking paintings. Frank Sinatra is absolutely wrong for the era--he even says "ring-a-ding-ding" in the Belle Epoch. Shirley Maclaine is scintillating and Chevalier is lost. Hollywood had to take the Broadway show which wasn't very good and put all the glitters on little puff of a musical.

The arrangements are so sixties it could be a Sinatra solo album. They interpolated Cole Porter songs that just don't make it like "Let's Do It."

Better to get John Huston's "Moulin Rouge" to get a real feel for the can-can.

Average customer rating:

Night Music smiles....
a little night music
Keep your VHS.
Collectors, Beware!
A Well Meaning Adaptation

A Little Night Music
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor , Diana Rigg , Len Cariou , Lesley-Anne Down , and Hermione Gingold
Director: Harold Prince
Manufacturer: Henstooth Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00003CWT3
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Amazon.com

There are many enjoyable elements in the 1978 film version of Stephen Sondheim's exquisite chamber musical A Little Night Music, based on Ingmar Bergman's film Smiles of a Summer Night. First, Sondheim's score (all based on meters of 3) is full of riches such as "Now/Later/Soon," "Every Day a Little Death," "It Would Have Been Wonderful," and the famous "Send in the Clowns." There's even one reworking, of "The Glamorous Life," that became something of a collector's item for fans. Second, much of the cast is good, with original Broadway lead Len Cariou reprising his role as Frederik, the lawyer torn between his young wife, Anne (Lesley Anne-Down), and his former beau Desiree (Elizabeth Taylor). Others from the original Broadway company are Laurence Guittard (as pompous soldier Carl-Magnus) and Hermione Gingold (Mme. Armfeldt), and Diana Rigg adds a wonderful spice. Unfortunately Hal Prince couldn't translate his successful stage direction to this clunky film, Taylor's marquee value couldn't help her sing her big number, "Send in the Clowns," and a number of decisions--cutting songs, moving the setting from Sweden to Austria, eliminating the Greek chorus--just didn't work. It's worth seeing for the cast and for Sondheim's music, but all in all, A Little Night Music is one of the most dismal Broadway-to-movie adaptations ever made. --David Horiuchi

On the DVD
The 2007 DVD is in a barely perceptible 1.66 widescreen, not enhanced for anamorphic televisions. Years earlier, the film was scheduled to be released by Image Entertainment but the print was judged too poor to release. Hen's Tooth's DVD has visible print damage throughout; you won't use it to show off your home theater, but it is watchable, and the film's reputation makes an expensive restoration unlikely. If you want A Little Night Music, you're unlikely to get anything better than this any time soon, if ever. (Smalller quibble: only 12 chapter stops makes it hard to find the songs.) --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Night Music smiles...........2007-06-26

Night Music was a beautiful film with a leading lady who was charming but couldn't sing, but dispite that the movies is still a joy to watch. As for the quality of the DVD, some reviwers said their copies were bad...Mine was not. The Sound was great and the music beautiful and the picture cleat and the color beautiful. As for the clame of wide screen that is not quite true, But over all the DVD and it packaging were lovely and quite enjoyable and far better than my old VHS copy....Buy it you will enjoy it !

a little night music.......2007-06-12

I AM RETURNING MY COPY OF "A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC". FIRST OF ALL IT STATES ON THE DVD THAT IT IS IN THE WIDESCREEN FORMAT, IT IS NOT, IT IS FULL SCREEN. I DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY GOT THIS PRINT BUT THERE IS A BLACK LINE GOING DOWN THE PICTURE FOR ALMOST ALL OF THE FILM. THE SOUND IS BAD AND THERE ARE TWO PLACES WHERE THE A BIG BLACK LINE SHOWING TH AGE OF THE FILM. I TRIED TO FIND OUT WHERE HEN'S TOOTH VIDEO IS LOCATED AND THERE WAS NO WEBSITE FOR THEM. THIS IS AWFUL THAT A FILM OF THE CALUBLAR HAS BEEN LOST. WHERE IS THE MASTER STORED? I AM SURE THAT SOMEONE HAS IT.
THEY WERE ABLE TO RESTORE "MY FAIR LADY". THIS FILM NEEDS SONE RESTORING BEFORE IT IS LOST FOREVER, OR IT IS TIME TO REDUE IT AGAIN WITH A DIFFERENT CAST.

Keep your VHS........2007-06-12

This DVD is not good, not that the quality of the original film was all that good, either. Yes, the film has mono sound- it always did. Yes, the picture quality is not good- it never was. This DVD looks like it was put together from a best-available positive print. Both the DVD and the packaging look like fairly well done home-grown bootleg product. Don't ANY original negatives still exist? The worst part of the DVD is that, unlike the VHS, it has been remastered at a slightly accelerated speed, resulting in ALL the music coming out a half tone higher in pitch- MOST disconcerting.

Collectors, Beware!.......2007-06-08

This DVD is a major disappointment. Like so many other Sondheim fans, I'd been looking forward to this release because the 1978 film is--for better or worse--a rare record of one of my favorite Broadway shows. But, the film itself aside, this DVD is a problem. It is not professionally done. It's supposed to be a new, widescreen print in Dolby stereo, but it isn't. It's a terrible, scratchy old print, and the "widescreen" is apparently stretched out from a fullscreen TV print. The framing is so bad that the opening titles are all cut off, like on an old TV print. And the soundtrack is mono--not even very clear mono. There are more glitches and scratches and sudden jumps (indicating reel changes on old movie theater equipment) than you can count.

I swear, this looks and sounds like it was taken from a TV broadcast with second-rate equipment. Try pausing the picture, and you'll see the horizontal lines that indicate a broadcast on an obsolete TV. And there's a vertical slash down the entire center of the picture for much of the running time, projector damage from long ago. They didn't use the laser disc or VHF recordings, both of which are in much better shape, to make this DVD. Is this legal? Who is "Hen's Tooth Video," anyway?

I don't know what we can do about this, but you really want to think twice before ordering this title. I'm furious, and you will be, too. What a rip-off!

A Well Meaning Adaptation.......2007-05-28

Like Sweet Charity almost a decade before, A Little Night Music was a musical adaptation of a foriegn language film, Ingmar Bergmans' classic Smiles of a Summer Night.

The Broadway musical was set in Stockholm but for the film they moved the action to Vienna and the beautiful Vienna Woods. But the story remains the same.

Lawyer Frederick Eggerman had a torrid affair with actress Desiree Armfeld but is now married to the virtuous Anne. Anne's best friend is the world wise Charlotte. Charlotte's husband, Count Carl Magnus is Desiree's current lover.

When Desiree returns to town, a series of events are set in motion and no one's life will be the same.

Elizabeth Taylor takes over the role of Desiree (originated by Glyniss Johns). While she tries her hardest, this is a complex score and even the simplist of songs needs a trained voice. Liz gives the best performance performance but her singing lets her down.

On the other hand, Diana Rigg takes over the role of Charlotte with flair. Her Charolette becomes the center of the film.

Three original cast members reprise their roles. Len Cariou, as Frederick, has the least demanding acting role but the most complex singing role. And Cariou has the voice to carry it off (well he was the original Sweeney Todd). Laurence Guittiard, as Carl-Magnus, has the comedy relief role and also the most complex song, In Praise of Women. And finally the incomperable Hermionie Gingold as Madame Armfeldt, Desiree's courtesean mother. She has not lost any of here grace or beauty. This role is almost a reprise of her role in Gigi but 20 years later!

Also back is the creative team, director Harold Prince and writer Hugh Wheeler. This is probably the biggest misstep of the movie. Prince is a great theatrical director but does not have a lot of movie experience and does not take full advantage of the medium.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design (Florence Klotz who also won the Tony for the same.)

This film is a nice bit of nostalgia and is a must for true muscial comedy fans.

Average customer rating:

The Birds
The Birds are the manifestation of the mother's rage against rivals for her son's affection
Hitchcock's best
Hitchcock's best!
A Cult Classic

The Birds (Collector's Edition)
Starring: Malcolm Atterbury , Veronica Cartwright , Lonny Chapman , Richard Deacon , and Ethel Griffies
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783240236
Release Date: 2000-03-28

Amazon.com essential video

Vacationing in northern California, Alfred Hitchcock was struck by a story in a Santa Cruz newspaper: "Seabird Invasion Hits Coastal Homes." From this peculiar incident, and his memory of a short story by Daphne du Maurier, the master of suspense created one of his strangest and most terrifying films. The Birds follows a chic blonde, Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), as she travels to the coastal town of Bodega Bay to hook up with a rugged fellow (Rod Taylor) she's only just met. Before long the town is attacked by marauding birds, and Hitchcock's skill at staging action is brought to the fore. Beyond the superb effects, however, The Birds is also one of Hitchcock's most psychologically complicated scenarios, a tense study of violence, loneliness, and complacency. What really gets under your skin are not the bird skirmishes but the anxiety and the eerie quiet between attacks. The director elevated an unknown model, Tippi Hedren (mother of Melanie Griffith), to being his latest cool, blond leading lady, an experience that was not always easy on the much-pecked Ms. Hedren. Still, she returned for the next Hitchcock picture, the underrated Marnie. Treated with scant attention by serious critics in 1963, The Birds has grown into a classic and--despite the sci-fi trappings--one of Hitchcock's most serious films. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

The Birds.......2007-06-28

Undoubtedly one of Hitchcock's scariest films, the special effects are surprisingly effective for the time; you may never look at our winged friends quite the same again. Rod Taylor is stolid in a role Cary Grant might have done ten years prior, and Tippi Hedren is suitably intriguing as the icy blonde who's a magnet for men--and birds. The scene where Melanie sees the birds gradually build up on the playground jungle gym remains one of Hitch's most inspired and creepy set-pieces.

The Birds are the manifestation of the mother's rage against rivals for her son's affection.......2007-06-12

Hitchcock's last truly great film, The Birds, is an anomaly in his oeuvre by being based on a supernatural force, rather than the motives and machinations of his characters. And as a supernatural film, it opens itself to interpretation of what the real-world phenomenon is that the birds serve as metaphor for. The question everyone has about this film is: WHY are the birds attacking? Hitchcock, in his book of interviews with François Truffaut, says that he doesn't believe there IS a reason for the bird attacks. But even if Hitchcock or screenwriter Evan Hunter did not intend to provide a solid reason for the attacks, their work does present a subtext and pattern of dialogue and events that can be interpreted. I believe that a persuasive case can be made that the birds are the manifestation of the mother's rage at rivals for her son's affection.

THE FILM:

The main character of the film is Melanie Daniels, played by Tippi Hedren. Melanie is the daughter of a San Francisco newspaper executive and, though it is difficult to see today, is supposed to be a wild international party girl. She is introduced walking across the street to a pet shop. A man's appreciative whistle is heard offscreen, and when Melanie turns hear head to smile, she sees masses of birds swirling in the distance.

Melanie enters the bird shop, where she has ordered a pair of Mynah birds. She intends to teach them naughty language in order to mortify her "prim and strait-laced" Aunt Tess. While the shopkeeper is in the back, Mitch Brenner [Rod Taylor] walks in and pretends to mistake Melanie for a shop assistant. He says he is looking for lovebirds that are "not too demonstrative, nor too aloof. Just friendly." Melanie does her best to fake her way through a discussion on the mating and molting habits of birds, releasing a yellow canary [similar to the color of Melanie's golden hair] into the shop in the process. As Mitch catches it, he says "Back into your gilded cage, Melanie Daniels," revealing that he knows who Melanie is and of her scandalous past. Taken aback, Melanie decides to play a trick on Mitch in return. She purchases the lovebirds he was looking for and takes them up to his house in Bodega Bay, about an hour North of San Francisco.

When Melanie arrives, she receives a great deal of helpful exposition about the layout of the town. A plot contrivance gets her to the home of Annie Hayworth [Suzanne Pleshette], who has been out working in her garden. "This tilling of the soil can become compulsive," she says. We will find out later that Annie is a former flame of Mitch's, but their relationship was destroyed by pressures from Mitch's mother Lydia. Tilling of the soil