Made in America

Starring:Whoopi Goldberg, Ted Danson, Will Smith, Nia Long, Paul Rodriguez, Jennifer Tilly, Peggy Rea, Clyde Kusatsu, David Bowe, Jeffrey Joseph, Rawley Valverde, Fred Mancuso, Charlene Fernetz, Shawn Levy, Lu Leonard, Joe Lerer, Janice Edwards, Michael McFall, Phyllis Avery, Frances Bergen
Director: Richard Benjamin
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Tony Kushner's prize-winning play Angels in America became the defining theatrical event of the 1990s, an astonishing mix of philosophy, politics, and vibrant gay soap opera that summed up the Reagan era for an entire generation of theater-goers. Post-9/11 would seem to be too late for a film version--philosophy and politics don't always age well--but this 2003 HBO adaptation, ably directed by Mike Nichols (The Graduate), provides a time capsule of the '80s and reveals the deep emotional subcurrents that will give the play lasting power.

The story centers around Prior Walter (Justin Kirk) and Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman), a gay couple that falls apart when Prior grows ill as a result of AIDS. But cancer is not the only thing invading Prior's life: He begins to have religious visions of an angel (Emma Thompson, Sense and Sensibility) announcing that he is a prophet. Louis, who doesn't cope well with disease and suggestions of mortality, leaves and starts a relationship with Joe Pitt (Patrick Wilson), a closeted Mormon who works for Roy Cohn (Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon)--the real-life right-wing lawyer, notorious for his ruthless behind-the-scenes machinations. Add in Joe's depressed and hallucinating wife Harper (Mary Louise Parker, Fried Green Tomatoes), his determined but open-minded mother Hannah (Meryl Streep, Adaptation), a fierce drag queen/nurse named Belize (Jeffrey Wright, Basquiat, reprising his celebrated performance from the Broadway production), and you've still only begun to discover the wealth of characters and storylines in Kushner's ambitious work.

The powerhouse cast (also featuring James Cromwell, Michael Gambon, and Simon Callow) is uniformly superb. The script has its weaknesses--some of the fantastic elements, including Prior's journey to Heaven towards the end, fall flat--but even what doesn't work is bristling with ideas and a ferocious desire to capture human existence in this time and place. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Academy Award-winners Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson lead an all-star cast in a 6-hour HBO Films Event. Directed by Mike Nichols and written by Tony Kushner based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning play: Angels in America.

Customer Reviews:

outstanding!.......2007-03-25

If I could rate it 10 stars I would. Heart-Wrenching, Funny, Appalling, Spiritual, Sexual, Powerful. Evoking Anger, Laughter, Sadness, Joy, Hope, Love for fellow human beings who have been discarded and ignored instead of included and cherished. Amazing Film Adaptation.

Magnificent.......2007-03-03

I have seen many hundreds of movies, and this is only the third that I rate 5 stars. The acting was beyond superb, the screenplay and story line truly outstanding. I saw the play many years ago and totally enjoyed it. The DVD was even better.
While reading the reviews, it becomes obvious folks get different things out of the movie depending on their frame of reference. As a straight man working in San Francisco during the 80s and 90s, I watched the devastation this disease wreaked on friends, colleagues and strangers while the world ignored the issue. This movie gave me an insight into some of the emotional and spiritual struggles of the human beings affected by AIDS. I also loved how the lives of the characters intertwined in unique and sometimes outlandish ways. For me, a truly satisfying film. Most of the reviews express my thoughts better than I. A must see, but schedule 3 hours for each of the 2 DVDs.

Pure Smut.......2007-02-21

I don't recommend this movie. Not sure why the title has the world "angels" in it. Didn't watch the entire movie as it was very depressing and profane. There is a lot of language in it and there is a scene showing two men humping- absolutely nasty.

Wonderful movie.......2007-01-04

This is a long movie but well worth the time. It's thought provoking, insight and even humorous in parts. Money well spent.

Marvelous.......2006-12-19

Profoundly moving. Evangelicals, please read the description. Don't buy it just because of the name and cover. It might not be about what you think it is. Nevertheless, if you've found yourself with it and have around six hours on hand, it's definitely worth a viewing or two. Part 1: Millenium approaches might drag a little bit, but Part 2: Perestroika, is some of the best theatre that I have ever seen or read. It's well worth your time. The writing is excellent, the acting is wonderful. It's a piece of art that definitely stays with you long after you've viewed it. Additionally, for people who truly love the miniseries, I also strongly recommend you read the play itself. There are a few changes in the adaptation, and it's worth your time from a critical perspective so how things are different. Both the DVD and the written play are wonderful on individual merit. Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Ms. Sills, we're going to miss you!
Excellent historical record
Sills Soars - again!
Fascinating docu on Bubbles - but too little singing!
This is not a recital

Beverly Sills: Made in America
Starring: Beverly Sills
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Strauss - Ariadne auf Naxos / Beverly Sills, Claire Watson, Robert Nagy, John Reardon, Erich Leinsdorf, Boston Symphony Orchestra
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The Very Best of Beverly Sills
Natalie Dessay: Greatest Moments on Stage

ASIN: B000JJRYAG
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Description

Documentary celebrating the career of Beverly Sills, America's Diva.

Beverly Sills' greatness and recognition as a coloratura

soprano and as a director of an opera company is the

epitome of the American success story.

Includes performances and interviews from 1930-1980.

Bonus material includes highlights from La Traviata from

1955--first time release in any format!

A must-have for every Beverly Sills fan and opera maven!

Customer Reviews:

Ms. Sills, we're going to miss you!.......2007-06-29

It's almost spooky: As a long-time fan of Ms. Sills, I had borrowed and watched this DVD only about a week ago. And TODAY I find out she's been striken with lung cancer and isn't expected to survive. And it's bringing me to tears.

Back in the 1970s when boys my age idolized rock stars and professional athletes, MY idol was Beverly Sills. A coloratura soprano, Beverly Sills (or "Bubbles" as she was nicknamed) wasn't exactly a critical darling; from a purely technical point of view she wasn't up there with Maria Callas or Jessye Norman. But she did bring a certain populism to the stage, a warmth and enthusiasm that endeared her to audiences everywhere. I thought she was wonderful, and I even had an 8-track tape of hers that I would bravely sing along to (but only in the privacy of my old Mercury Bobcat). But doing that falsetto today, at the age of 48, simply is no longer possible, alas.

As for this DVD, it's a wonderful retrospective of her career as opera superstar: Not only performing in lush and glorious operas, but also guest starring on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson (back when that program still had class), "The Carol Burnett Show," even "The Muppet Show." Few people younger than 30 will even recognize the name; but for those of us who remember Beverly Sills so fondly, it is a sad time indeed. As an online friend of mine said, "When she passes, Opera will lose far more than a singer; the Arts as a whole will loose an invaluable spokesperson."

Excellent historical record .......2007-01-18

I bought this mainly because I am a "die hard" Bastianini fan. This disc comes with bonus tracks from "Opera Cameo". In this, Bastianini sings Madamigella Valery", "Pura siccome un angelo", "Di Provenza il mar, il suol"etc..
But by watching about this American soprano, I realized that also she was a wonderful singer.

Sills Soars - again!.......2007-01-14

This is a wonderful collection of snip-its representing the long and fascinating career of Beverly Sills. I found it hard to believe that many of these stretch back almost 30 years when she was at the height of her career. You get to hear her in a number of classic roles in opera she is known for - "Manon", "Julius Ceasar", "The Ballad of Baby Doe", as well as enjoying her charm while guesting on numerous television shows like the Johnny Carson show, Dinah Shore show, and others. The quality is very good, and serves as a great reminder of what a memorable and fantastic singer she was. I'm happy to have been able to enjoy hearing her "live" as well as meeting her in person, and now have something to bring back some of those great memories.

Fascinating docu on Bubbles - but too little singing!.......2006-12-23

I loved this DVD a lot and I'll definitely watch it again. Even though not many of Sills' performances survive on DVD many videoclips of her art are available to be enjoyed. Here we hear Sills as the lovely lyric coloratura she was. Her silvery voice may not be everyone's cup of tea but it enthralls me every time I hear it. It's just beautifully pure and yet shockingly expressive. If you love Beverly Sills or want to discover the magic of a lyric coloratura, buy this DVD. The only drawback for me was that it's more docu than singing.

As for the former reviewer's unprofessional remarks on Maria Callas (A colleague Beverly Sills had nothing but praise for) ... I suggest you be more careful when it comes to judging people you've never met. La Callas the singer is for the audience, Maria the woman is none of our business.

This is not a recital.......2006-12-23

I was very disappointed. To begin with, the title is a real turn-off. "Made in America." As though that had something to do with her wonderful voice and personality. Callas was born here too, and she was a gorgon. I almost didn't buy this DVD because of that. I hate this country. Sills sings (I didn't watch the excerpt from Traviata) only 2 arias complete, Cara nome at the age of 10, and Una voce poco fa in an enchanting performance. Also she sings a few pop tunes complete. It's all excerpts (SHORT ones! VERY short!) and snippets. It's very disappointing and unsatisfying. I learned a lot about Sills (which I'm glad and grateful for), but I got bored with the flick. The movie covers her life from age 3 (when she started performing) up until age 51 when she retired from singing. I never realized how good (that's an understatement) Sills was or how much I loved her. There's nothing stuffy or pompous about her. She's nice and fun. After thinking that, sigh, it dawned on me just how many (almost all that is available) CDs and DVDs of Sills I own. If Netflix offered it (it doesn't right now anyway), I would recommend renting this DVD (to learn about Sills' fascinating life and to get a glimpse of her glorious voice and magical personality), then instead of this, buy compliations and complete operas with her in them. I'll sigh never watch this again. Sills, Sutherland, Pons - those are my favorites. Though before I discovered what a monster she was, I enjoyed Callas too. Sorry. I like to think well of my heroes. Oh hell. Buy this DVD. It's fascinating and there is SOME music in it, in bits and pieces.

Average customer rating:

I Deal in Danger
Starring: Robert Goulet , Christine Carère , Donald Harron , Horst Frank , and Werner Peters
Director: Walter Grauman
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000MGBLIM
Release Date: 2007-04-24

John Ratzenberger's Made in America (4 Disc Set)

Average customer rating:

Well worth it.

John Ratzenberger's Made in America (4 Disc Set)
Starring: Rick DeJonge , and John Ratzenberger
Director: Ron Ambrose , and Ed Nachtrieb
Manufacturer: Discovery Channel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

Television | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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We've Got it Made in America: A Common Man's Salute to an Uncommon Country
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McHale's Navy - Season One

ASIN: B000LPS2T0
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Description

Join Emmy-nominated actor John Ratzenberger for a red, white and blue tour across the country to uncover the history behind the most recognized icons of Americana. 20 episodes on four DVDs:Disc 1: Guitars, Harley Davidson, Monopoly, Airstream and Campbell's SoupDisc 2: Barbasol, Craftsman Tools, Zippo, Corvette and Sikorsky HelicoptersDisc 3: U.S. Mint, Carousel Magic, Fleer Trading Cards, Purity Dairies and Brooks BrothersDisc 4: Titleist, Longaberger Basket Co., Steinway, Barre Granite and Remo DrumsFrom the Crayola Factory in Pennsylvania to the Corvette plant in Kentucky, enjoy this patriotic adventure across the beautiful, and productive, USA.

Customer Reviews:

Well worth it........2007-02-05

Bought it for myself, but my kids, who are ages 8, 5, and 2, are also mesmerized by these videos. John Ratzenberger (who played the character Norm from "Cheers"), keeps it entertaining. Just waiting for the next series to come out now.

Average customer rating:

Curiosity Kills the Cat: Before the Fresh Prince became King of the box office he starred in this comedy
Made in America
A love made in America
Made in America
Made in America

Made in America
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg , Ted Danson , Will Smith , Nia Long , and Paul Rodriguez
Director: Richard Benjamin
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Drama | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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Burglar
Eddie
Jumpin' Jack Flash
The Associate
Corrina, Corrina

ASIN: 6305133417
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Description

An independent black woman conceives a child with the help of a spermbank. When her daughter discovers the truth 18 years later and attempts to learn who her anonymous father is, he turns out to be a car dealer who also happens to be white.

Customer Reviews:

Curiosity Kills the Cat: Before the Fresh Prince became King of the box office he starred in this comedy.......2006-12-03

This was a cute movie starring then lovers Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Danson as unlikely parents when their biological daughter discovers her paternity. A mistake at a fertility clinic lands the two polar opposites together while a young Will Smith tries to win over his best friend.

Made in America.......2005-10-12

It was so good and heartfilling you would really enjoy it that is one of them movies that will get your attention because their is love in the air and finding out that you are a father and learning how to care about somebody I think it is a really good movie thank you.

A love made in America.......2004-05-21

Just before Ted Danson began his 11th and final season of his sitcom Cheers in 1992,he teamed up with Whoopi Goldberg in this hysterical and somewhat romantic comedy. This led to the stars' real-life brief romance. Hal Jackson(Danson) is a truck salesman who is the father of Zora Matthews(Nia Long). Zora's mother(Goldberg) was artificially inseminated when she became pregnant with Zora. When Zora went to the sperm bank,she learned Hal was her father,which means she's half-caucasian. Supporting cast members include Jennifer Tilly,who's Hal's girlfriend and Will Smith,who was then the star of the sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. This led to a major film career for former rapper Smith. In the final scene,at Zora's high school graduation,Hal and Zora's mother are embracing and smooching. That reminds fans of TV's The Jeffersons of the sitcom's interracial couple Tom and Helen Willis.

Made in America.......2002-08-29

The movie was funny because of Will smith and Whoopi but the reason I like this movie was because it was filmed in my hometown which is Oakland.Everytime I watch it i always think about When I did not want to leave Oakland. I'm originally from East Oakland. Good shot at Lake merritt.

P.S.
Nia long was bangin in the movie
4 Real

Made in America.......2002-08-29

I can watch this movie over and over because the best thing abotu this movie is that it was film in my hometown which is Oakland(East Oakland)By Lake Merritt.Everytime I watch it I Think of living back in Oakland.

Customer Reviews:

DOESN'T QUITE FLY.......2006-11-12

This made for TV flick certainly makes an impact on just how devastating a pandemic of the dreaded bird flu could impact the world. That's the film's main problem--it is so heavy handed and somber that it doesn't really flesh out the storylines to make us care for the people. It's almost like a documentary; nothing really "happens."
Joely Richardson is lovely but her performance is lifeless; Scott Cohen fares a little better as the obsessed governor of Virginia; and Stacy Keach is appropriately bureaucratic. Ann Cusack takes acting honors, however, as the widow of the businessman responsible for bringing the virus into America. She evokes a lot of sympathy as a wife and mother who takes charge when things get really bad.
A dark, disturbing if ultimately uneventful movie, though.

AN OKAY TV MOVIE, BUT MUCH TOO SHORT.......2006-11-10

it wasn't much more than that. i saw this in my high school health class and liked it. it is a movie about what would happen if the bird flue disease spread to America. it is basically what you would think, mass histaria. it almost plays out like a vombie, but no running or chasing scenes. it's okay, it has a lot of subplots, but by far the best one is the one with the nurse working at the hospital. it cuts off at 90 minets though, i felt it could have been a lot longer. it ends basically ends at the first night of a two part mini-series. it could go into a lot more detail and got into the characters a bit more. it seems like they were tring to fit it into a 2 hour time slot and cut a lot out at the last minute. but ll in all it's pretty good. the dvd dosen't seem to have any extras or deleated senes which have been nice. but you take what you get, i'll ask for it for my birthday. can't wait to see it again.

Average customer rating:

At Least It's Albert King
A poor epitaph for a real King of the Blues
A nice package...
ALBERT'S FANS: DONT MISS THIS TREASURE !!!
Limited, but Essesntial

Live in Sweden
Starring: Albert King
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00016R128
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Description

Born in Indianola, Mississippi, Albert King remains one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time and enjoyed a successful career that spanned four decades, with wide critical and commercial acceptance throughout the world. The left- handed blues giant wrenched stinging solos from his trademark Gibson Flying V, informing the sound and style of such admirers as Eric Clapton, Luther Allison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Taj Mahal and Jimi Hendrix. This never before released concert film presents King in top form, tearing through his signature songs at the peak of his career. Songs include "Born under a Bad Sign," "The Sky Is Crying," "The Very Thought of You," "Cadillac Assembly Line," "Summertime," "Cold Women with Warm Hearts," "As the Years Go Passing By."

Customer Reviews:

At Least It's Albert King.......2006-03-03

I bought this DVD because I love Albert King. Otherwise I would give it 3 stars. It's short - about 1 hour - and he's only playing for about 40 minutes. I don't know why the band does a long version of Summertime without him at all. And the interviews, while good, make the DVD a little disjointed. But when you consider the rarity of King's videos, and who is playing, it's still worth buying if you are into the blues. The guy is as good a blue guitarist as anyone, ever. I have already watched it about four times since I got it ten days ago! I only hope there's more footage of him somewhere so more DVD's, preferably longer, can be produced. THIS IS BLUES POWER!!

A poor epitaph for a real King of the Blues.......2005-04-03

I have been a long time fan of Albert from the late 1960s post release of his Filmore Live wire/Blues Power set; have all his CDs and been fortunate enough to see him perform live before his death. Sadly, this hacked DVD of a Swedish TV live show including an interview is a big disappointment and not the man at his best.

1. The show has been edited around (as evidenced by Albert's state of dress and level of sweat) so is not the original running order it seems.

2. The highspots are when Albert lets fly on his solos (his fingering and left handed style caught very well on camera) but his West Coast support band is at best perfunctory and a second guitarist who is sadly not in his league which waters down the intensity of the show - highspots are "Born under a Bad Sign" and the Elmore Jame song "The sky is crying" and the first interview when he covers his early days of struggle pre-Stax success.

3. Lowspots are the band's (without Albert) rendition of Summertime and the final track overlapped with a second interview, plus the overall set listing is not all of Albert's best.

While one suspects Albert's video recording legacy is not great one hopes that better examples of this great bluesman can be traced and released (rumours his CD released Montreux shows were videotaped abound and paired with his Wattstax show would be a killer DVD).

A nice package..........2005-04-02

...not in the same class as some of some new productions (such as some of Santana recent video) but of its time it is excellent. There are a good collection of absolute classic blues tracks (Born Under a Bad sign, the Sky is Crying, etc.). Some nice interview moments, and the interviewer really let Albert talk. It was quite touching he seemed to be quite vulnerable, while also being layed back (smoking his pipe) and strong/masculine. He was very modest & understated -- but make no mistake, this former bulldozer driver's contribution to music is immense; this is where Eric Clapton & Cream (& thence Eddie Van Halen, etc.), Gary Moore & Stevie Ray Vaughn come for their inspiration and their licks!

The only odd moment is when the band play and jam over Summertime -- perhap while Albert took a break?

I am still scratching my head after watching Albert play though ... his V-shaped guitar, Lucy, strung normally but played left handed (I heard he also tune down a tone & a half to C#!). I don't expect that I will try that but it certainly works for him. His howling, soulful bends are very ...satisfying. Perhaps some of his feel is due to the fact that he played drums before guitar (like several other notable guitarists, such as Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson & Foo Fighter's Dave Grohl).

ALBERT'S FANS: DONT MISS THIS TREASURE !!!.......2004-03-05

I CALL MYSELF ONE OF THE MOST CRAZIEST ALBERT KING FAN WORLDWIDE.
AS A COLLECTOR AND ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE ALBERT KING TRIBUTE BAND IN ARGENTINA , THE FACT TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO GET THIS NEW DVD IS A MIRACLE.
NOT JUST ABOUT THE QUALITY, WICH IS GREATE IN IMAGE AND SOUND.
IT'S A REAL TREASURE TO HEAR ALBERT SO CLOSE IN THE INTERVIEW, UNGRY WITH THA BAND IN SOME MISTAKES ON STAGE, AND SINGING "THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU" BETTER THAN OTHERS VHS TAKEN.
TO TRUE ALBERT'S FANS: DONT MISS THIS CHANCE, TO MEET A DIFERENT ALBERT THAT WE NEVER SAW IN OTHERS FILMS.

LONG LIVE ALBERT KING

GUS

Limited, but Essesntial.......2004-02-27

Well it is absolutely about darn time a DVD was released dealing exclusively with the single greatest and most influential Blues guitarist of all time. This DVD certainly has its limitations. It was filmed in 1980 and the wonders of technology haven't done much to improve the audio or visual quality. It is also disappointingly skimpy. Just fifty-eight minutes and that includes pieces of an interview. When I saw the track listing, I was thrilled to see "Summertime". I could hear King's haunting guitar on the standard, and my mouth began to water. Unfortunately, Albert sat this one out, and it is just his band doing a nice, but predictable Jazz version.

Imperfections aside, if you know Albert King's work, you are invariably a fan, and so this DVD is an essential buy. There's plenty of good camera work showing King's giant paws working the frets and choking the you know what out of Lucy, the Gibson Flying V guitar that Albert calls, "My honey". We hear his signature tune "Born Under a Bad Sign" (I still haven't heard a version that wasn't just a little better than decent without King's Stax Records compadres Booker T. & the MGs backing him up) and the standard "The Very Thought of You", which shows that the deep voiced Blues giant was also one heck of a soulful singer, and that though Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn could almost match his power, they never came close to his tastefulness and touch.

King definitely provides great highlights, not only with his playing, but with his always perfectly timed "Woooooooos!" and "Yeahhhhs!". Those moments are great examples of Albert King style Blues. Orgasmic bursts of joy that could instantly cure the bluest man's blues.

Customer Reviews:

Don't waste your time.......2004-06-27

This movie was basically about a family camping out with some woodstock wannabes. If that's what interests you in a movie, Hey, buy several. As for me, I wish I hadn't wasted my money or my time. No plot, no objective, no reason to watch this movie. Don't buy it or even rent it, if you are invited to watch it by family and friends, just say no!

The Yin and the Yan of Mr. Go.......2003-11-02

Actually, I wanted to make a minor correction to my review below.
What I don't think I clearly conveyed is that the film has a "parallel universe" feel to it, where the film, apparently being so effectively squelched by the makers because of it's "nontraditional" quality, that it also doesn't even seem to fit into the film histories of it's distinguished participants, both in front of and behind the camera. So, since it will never play on the Sunday Afternoon Movie, "you shouldn't even be watching it". At least that's how it seems to me.
Now if you happen to enjoy that sort of phenomena(and I certainly do), you might want to check it out.
Also, apparently the film was "doctored" by the late screenwriter Philip Yordan(JOHNNY GUITAR, THE BIG COMBO), particularly the scenes with Broderick Crawford and Robert("Inspector Henderson") Shayne.
(If you'd like to read Burgess Meredith's version of what happened to the film, and his reaction to it, check out his autobiography). Now I feel better.

A charming & promising idea from the 1960s.......2003-09-17

Obviously intended as the pilot for a series, this little TV-movie offers a charming take on "dropping out and finding yourself." When college student Jeff Bridges decides to do just that, his parents & grandmother accompany him in a rebuilt school bus (pre-Partridge Family). What's interesting about the story is that his father (Carl Betz), initially skeptical about the whole idea, soon endorses it heartily. Clearly the father has as many questions about who he is & where his life has brought him as his son does, making this an intelligent midlife story as well as the first step of Bridges' journey towards wholeness.

If the storyline offers certain cliches & is forced to conform to the restrictions of network TV, it makes the most of it. Both generations are viewed sympathetically, yet with an eye for its own flaws & self-delusions; both generations will grow & learn from each other on this journey. A pity it wasn't made into a series, as the concept was quite promising.

Still, we have this short film, which serves as a reminder of a time when it was thought important & vital to take some time off from everyday life, and to get a new perspective on where you were & where you might be going. Current culture may dismiss such ideas with a disdainful laugh, but it's still just as important. So hop on the bus & check it out!

A charming & promising idea from the 1960s.......2003-09-17

"Black Belt in mouth Karate".......2001-10-12

This is a excellent film. It seemed corny at first with the family of Jeff Bridges being "squares" in the classic middle class family way, but wait till they take off in the bus to meet some of son Jeff Bridges friends at a hippie rock concert. There they meet Tyne Daly of "Cagney&Lacy fame as a knocked up hippie chick who wants to do natural childbirth in their cardboard box house they built. Sal Mineo many good lines as a good hearted hippie with an attitude in his open vest and motorcycle, he gets the great honor of saying "She has a black belt in mouth karate" and at the close of this great gem Sal gives the immortal "Peace sign" to the newly enlightened family of squares as they leave hippie land and down the road to their next adventure.
I fell into an intense fondness for this film after about 20 mintues into it. I recommened it highly. This film made me feel young again.

HISTORY IS MADE AT NIGHT with Charles Boyer (Ahistoria Comecou a Noite) (High Quality Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)

Average customer rating:

"I've never been happy before"

HISTORY IS MADE AT NIGHT with Charles Boyer (Ahistoria Comecou a Noite) (High Quality Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)

Manufacturer: Classicline
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000FMOCNE

Product Description

Brand new, factory sealed, fully licensed DVD manufactured in Brazil. NTSC format. Playable on any North American DVD player. High quality full screen black and white image. Original English dialog with optional subtitles in Portuguese. Portuguese subtitles can be easily turned off. The following review appears in the Internet Movie Database: "Luminous, 29 August 2005 Author: hildacrane from United States This mixture of suspense, comedy, and romance might seem unlikely to work, but it does, due to director Borzage's vision of a love that magically transcends even the most dire of obstacles. This movie is in love with love and the improbable, and in some ways is a Cinderella story almost in reverse (including the removal of a lady's slippers on two occasions). Arthur and Boyer are lovely together. Some of their scenes, luminously lit and heightened by Alfred Newman's lyrical score, are heartbreaking: their beautiful voices are almost like cellos. (Newman wrote a number of such tender and yearning scores in the thirties, including those for "Stella Dallas" and "These Three.") There's also an interesting paralleling of the love/passion that Arthur's husband has for her and that Boyer's friend has for him, although one is destructive and the other nurturing." Cast:Charles Boyer as Paul Dumond, Jean Arthur as Irene Vail, Leo Carrillo as Cesare, Colin Clive as Bruce Vail, Ivan Lebedeff as Michael Browsky, Vail's Chauffeur, George Meeker as Mr. Norton, Lucien Prival as Private Detective, George Davis as Maestro, Dora Clement, Bobby Barber as Paul, a Waiter at Victor's, Phyllis Barry as Bit Part, Joseph E. Bernard as Headwaiter at Victor's.

Customer Reviews:

"I've never been happy before".......2006-06-01

Though it is almost forgotten today, "History is Made at Night" is one of the most beautiful and romantic films ever to grace a movie screen. Not made by one of the major studios and released through Mary Pickford's United Artist in 1937, this film has a fine screenplay from Gene Towne and Graham Baker, and some lovely words of dialog from Vincent Lawrence and David Hertz. A young and luminous Jean Arthur and the continental Charles Boyer utter those words in charming, funny, and poignant fashion.

Like this film, director Frank Borzage is almost forgotten today, but through an impressive body of work that includes films such as "Street Angel" and "Three Comrades," lives on in the minds of true film buffs. "History is Made at Night" is a tender and romantic masterpiece. It easily makes my top ten list of the most romantic films of all time. It is a story of two people who try to cram a lifetime of memories into one night, and then one moment, when tragedy looms on the horizon in the form of an iceberg.

Jean Arthur is Irene Vail, the wife of a cold and unhappy shipping magnate who holds on to her too tight, his jealousy finally driving her to divorce. Colin Clive is her bitter and obsessed husband Bruce, who hatches a plan in Paris to catch her in a compromising position before the divorce decree can become final. But Bruce's plan goes awry and their history will never be the same.

Charles Boyer is Paul Dumond, headwaiter at Chateau Bleu, and Leo Carillo is his very funny chef pal Cesare. Paul is tucking in a drunk customer he has taken to the room next to Irene's in Paris, and overhears the commotion as Irene is set up for a scandal that will tie her to a loveless marriage forever. He steps in through the balcony and rescues her, charading as a jewel thief and wisking her away into the moonlight. It is one of the great scenes ever, in a film full of them.

They share a cab and drive around Paris, ending up at Chateau Bleu, Irene unaware Paul is the headwaiter there. Paul charms his pal Cesare into an after hours meal and he and Irene spend the night there falling in love. It is a long, extended scene full of charm and humor, with some sadness as well. Paul uses a hand puppet to get Irene to open up about her unhappiness and they dance the tango. Carillo is warm and funny as Paul's pal for life who watches and cooks while Paul and the silly American girl from Kansas who dances with naked feet find happiness. It is a happiness Irene has never known, and one she would give her soul for.

They agree to meet the next day when the happy Paul is planning on proposing. Irene doesn't show up, however, and Paul calls her, knowing if she is going back to a loveless marriage then something is wrong. Irene tells him she can never come back to him and he must never try to find her. What Paul does not know is her husband Bruce killed the man he hired to come into Irene's room, in an effort to frame him for murder.

The friendship of Paul and Cesare adds a charming humor to the story, and there is a running joke regarding salad dressing. Their repore is marvelous as they travel to the big apple in an effort to make Irene come to Paul rather than searching for her. The two come up with a scheme to make a place called Victor's in New York the "in" spot everyone comes. Holding a special table for her, Irene finally shows, but it is with the abusive husband she does not love.

Irene is joyous, but Paul thinks she is laughing at him due to his lowly position. Their deep love quickly overcomes this misunderstanding and Irene leaves Bruce once more, planning to run off to Tahiti so she and Paul can truly be happy. But a dark cloud hangs over their dream as an innocent man is set to go on trial back in Paris. Paul is not the kind of man who could let another take the blame or Irene would not love him so. They book passage back to France on Bruce's newest ocean liner, the S.S. Princess Irene.

As the two lovers head towards their destiny, her bitter husband Bruce fumes to discover the French papers are sympathetic to Irene's sacrifice and Paul's gallantry. When it becomes clear Paul will never be convicted for the crime, Bruce dangerously orders the captain to break the transatlantic record in a deep fog and cold water, bringing about a tragedy reminiscent of the Titanic's fate.

Many drown and all left aboard are presumed dead. There is a heartwrenching scene as Paul tries to get Irene onboard the last lifeboat and she clings to him for the love she knows she can not live without. Bruce writes a confession for his crime now that he has nothing to live for and makes one last, violent gesture. But Paul and Irene are not dead yet, clinging to a staircase on deck and desperately trying to know everything they can about each other while they await their fate. They and a handful of survivors hold their breaths to see if the last bulkhead will hold, and keep the S.S. Princess Irene afloat long enough for a rescue.

There are some beautiful and poignant exchanges between Boyer and Arthur in a film that is sweet, funny and tender all at the same time, sometimes in the same moment. Perhaps no other director of his time could have pulled all the elements of this story together so well. Borzage was always looked to by his peers as the go-to guy for any story which required a tender and romantic touch other directors could not pull off.

Jean Arthur is wonderful as the woman clinging to a happiness she has never known and Boyer had one of his finest moments in American film portraying the affable and charming Paul. Borzage sets a very special mood for this touching story of a love that sails with no wind and a full moon. Not just a great romantic film, but one of the great films period, "History is Made at Night" is a forgotten film from a forgotten director, and both deserve to be remembered. All those who love romance will certainly never forget either once they have seen this most beautiful of films for the first time.

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