The Matchmaker

Starring:Shirley Booth, Anthony Perkins, Shirley MacLaine, Paul Ford, Robert Morse, Perry Wilson, Wallace Ford, Russell Collins, Rex Evans, Gavin Gordon, Torben Meyer, Rhubarb, Harold Miller, Arthur Lovejoy, Joseph Forte, Cap Somers, Jon Lormer, Sandra Giles, Bess Flowers, Sam Harris (II)
Director: Joseph Anthony (II)
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Most people didn't mind Gwyneth Paltrow's English accent in this charming, 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen's novel (which also inspired Clueless). But even if it doesn't sound quite right to you, there are plenty of authentic and wonderful Brit thespians in this film by screenwriter-turned-director Douglas McGrath (co-author of Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway), including Juliet Stevenson (Truly Madly Deeply), Alan Cumming (Buddy), Phyllida Law (Much Ado About Nothing), Ewan McGregor (the Scots star of Trainspotting), and Sophie Thompson, outstanding and finally heartbreaking as the chattering Miss Bates. Paltrow plays Austen's benign busybody, Emma Woodhouse--so busy trying to arrange the lives of others that she is sidestepping her own. McGrath brings a kind of pretty and light touch to the production, his best move the wise delegation of creative authority to the actors themselves. --Tom Keogh

Description

This delightfully fun and lighthearted comedy is based on the story that inspired the hit movie CLUELESS! Dazzling Gwyneth Paltrow (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS) shines as EMMA, a mischievous young beauty who sets up her single friends. Funny thing is ... she's not very good at it! So when Emma tries to find a man for Harriet (Toni Collette -- THE SIXTH SENSE, ABOUT A BOY), she makes a hilariously tangled mess of everyone's lives. You'll enjoy all the comic confusion ... until Emma herself falls in love, finally freeing everyone from her outrageously misguided attempts at matchmaking.

Customer Reviews:

Another great production of a 19th century novel!.......2007-06-30

The story may vary greatly from what the book was intended to express but I liked the premise of the movie. I have never read the book. However, it doesn't matter. The movie is what the movie is.

The poor little rich girl has nothing left to do after her governess gets married but to try to "repeat" her success at match making by hooking up the parson with a local girl. The whole thing backfires miserably, and Emma nearly loses her true and best friend in the process.

There is so much in human nature and the nature of females during this time period that are still characteristic of women today. (Even though we have come a long way) I think the screenplay writers thought that it would be better to express the more positive sides of busy bodies given from the male perspective. Then one could understand the reasons why Mr. Knightly came to adore Emma.

The story was humorous and well written and the actors were all obviously selected to compliment one another. I loved Gwyenth Paltrow in this part and think she made an incredible character with or without any help from the "Emma" in Jane Austen's book.

Enjoyable Movie.......2007-06-25

I found this version of Emma to be more enjoyable than the A&E production. I found the characters to be more charming and distinctive in their roles, especially that of Mr. Knightly. I enjoyed the subtle humor of this version. I think it deserves a higher overall rating.

Not the Best Jane Austen movie.......2007-05-19

The movie renditions of "Sense and Sensibility" and of "Persuasion" and the BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice" are the best of this sort of thing. This movie comes in behind those, even though I think it's the most compelling of Jane Austen's stories. "Emma" is a novel with great moral significance because it is about everyone's inner secret belief in his own importance and infallibility. And Gweneth Paltrow is pretty good. She has a limited range of expression and ability to become someone else however and this combined with the failure of the writers and director to find the essence of the novel led to its being more of a costume romp than a good story. It's a very pretty movie and Gweneth Paltrow is an interesting looking, pretty woman. She was the prettiest woman in the film. Nor was she forced to stand in shadows created by the other actors' superior acting, except in the scenes with Toni Collette, who is a superb Harriet Smith.

All of which is to say that "Clueless" was a much more entertaining and even more meaningful "Emma" than this "Emma" was.

adorable movie.......2007-05-19

My favorite role for Gwyneth Paltrow. It's the original storyline for "Clueless". It's so cute and clever! My favorite line is:

Mr Knightly says "Why didn't you ask me to submit a riddle." and Emma replies "Your entire personality is a riddle. I thought you overqualified."

Funny and beautiful!.......2007-05-15

This was my first introduction to anything Jane Austen... It is funny, beautiful to watch, the character's are honest. I can truly thank this movie for peeking my interest in the genre. It's light enough to entertain. But with enough meat to make you think.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Version
Just Great!!!
A good Emma adaptation
j. austen lover
Keeps getting better with each viewing!

Emma (A&E, 1997)
Starring: Kate Beckinsale , Bernard Hepton , Mark Strong (II) , Samantha Bond , and James Hazeldine
Director: Diarmuid Lawrence
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Persuasion (1995)
Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
Mansfield Park (1999)
Emma (1996)

ASIN: 0767020308
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Product Description

From the greatest romantic novelist of all time comes a delightfully wicked comedy of love and matchmaking. Jane Austen's sly and vivacious heroines have enchanted readers for more than 200 years. Now, for the first time on DVD, this acclaimed production from the creators of A&E s bestselling PRIDE AND PREJUDICE brings to life one of the most fascinating Austen characters of all -- the charming and mischievous Emma Woodhouse.Starring Kate Beckinsale (The Last Days Of Disco), EMMA is the story of a rich, clever and beautiful young woman who can't resist orchestrating other people's love lives. As her romantic plans go ridiculously wrong, however, it's Emma herself who risks missing out on her perfect match! Join A&E for a wry visit to the drawing rooms and country manors of 19th century England -- a visit to the enchanting world of Jane Austen's EMMA now in the crystal clear digital clarity of DVD.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Similar to the equally excellent Valmont, this version of Jane Austen's classic novel had the misfortune of following a sumptuous big-star version with Gwyneth Paltrow, which was released the summer before. And, just as 1989's Valmont suffered comparisons with Dangerous Liaisons, inevitably these Emmas were held up next to one another.

This delicious Emma concerns a young woman of financial substance (Kate Beckinsale), who fancies herself a matchmaker, especially with shy Miss Harriet Smith (Samantha Morton, who also appears in A&E's Jane Eyre). In Emma's swirling world of social activity and social consciousness, one's position and stature is a constant preoccupation. But to her credit, Emma, albeit a busybody, has compassion for all classes, and for her kindly but hypochondriacal father (Bernard Hepton).

This miniseries is more subtle than the grand theatrical release, is truer to the novel, and gives a richer explanation of the relationship between Emma associates Jane Fairfax (beautiful Olivia Williams of Rushmore) and the duplicitous Frank Churchill (Raymond Coulthard). Of course, at the center, as in all Austen stories, is the romance between the unsuspecting leading lady and an unlikely, but wholly suitable gentleman. In this case, it's Emma and her brother-in-law, the righteous (as played here) Mr. Knightley (Mark Strong). Strong's Mr. Knightley is more reserved, less coy than Jeremy Northam's; he plays Knightley more like Mr. Darcy (the leading man in Austen's Pride and Prejudice, which A&E also offers in a wonderful miniseries). Beckinsale proves to be utterly delightful and in no way should this excellent adaptation be ignored. --N.F. Mendoza

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Version.......2007-06-19

This is my favorite of the Emma movies. Emma, though meddlesome, is so endearing and forgiveable in this version. I think A&E in general does a great job of adapting beloved novels to the small screen. They have also done well with the Hercule Poirot mysteries. In the same way they treated Agatha Christie's words with care, they have done the same for Jane Austen. The supporting characters are all well-done in this movie too. The scenery and costuming is colorful and superb. I am pleased I purchased this, and I am not at all disappointed in the way this story has been presented. This is a terrific version of a great novel.

Just Great!!!.......2007-06-08

This was a watch over and over friendly adaptation of Emma and captured the book very, very well!! In fact, my whole family found it witty, sweet, well adapted. It is colorful and fulfilling. I will be sure to put it next to my favorite Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and watch it again often.

A good Emma adaptation.......2007-05-24

This is relatively true to the book, much moreso than the Paltrow version. However, like the book, it may be a bit heavy for some viewers. They won't, for example, see Mr. Knightley as a romantic hero. The acting is good, and the story is great. It's a wonderful way to introduce someone to this work, by Ms. Austen, and would be wonderfully paired with something like Clueless, so that one can see how the story transcends time.

(*)>

j. austen lover.......2007-05-18

I was very impressed with this BBC version of the Jane Austen classic. The movie arrived in excellent condition and I was very happy with the price as well. I intend on ordering more movies from Amazon in the future.

Keeps getting better with each viewing!.......2007-04-05

I have watched three adaptations of Emma: the 1972 BBC adaptation, the 1996 Hollywood version, and the 1997 A&E production. Of the three, the 1997 adaptation starring Kate Beckinsale in the title role is my favorite of all time. Kate Beckinsale's Emma is vivacious, witty, and charmingly infuriating all at the same time. As the main character she breathes life into Jane Austen's most lovable heroine. The 1972 BBC version had Goran Godwin play Emma Woodhouse, and though it was the most faithful adaptation of Ms Austen's work, the title character appeared too old to play Emma, lacked the vibrancy that was Emma Woodhouse, and appeared cold at times. The 1996 version with Gwyneth Paltrow, although not fully faithful to the novel [due to time constraints] had a fairly lovable Emma [though Gwyneth's attempts at an English accent left much to be desired]...the Hollywood version was entertaining though as it had a stellar cast in Jeremy Northam as the dashing Mr Knightley, Alan Cumming as the loathsome vicar, and even Ewan McGregor...BUT, my favorite version is still this 1997 A&E adaptation as Kate Beckinsale[a true English rose] truly plays Emma Woodhouse to perfection!

Average customer rating:

A great musical
Wonderful Movie
Hello...Dolly fans!
Dolly Reigns supreme
Hello Dolly

Hello, Dolly!
Starring: Joyce Ames , Louis Armstrong , Richard Collier , Michael Crawford , and Fritz Feld
Director: Gene Kelly
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Funny Girl

ASIN: B00005JL1P
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Product Description

One of Barbra Streisand's most beloved performances is that of the indomitable Dolly Levi in this hugely popular musical that received a Best Picture Academy Award nomination in 1969.

It's turn-of-the-century Yonkers, New York, where an ambitious young widow with a penchant for matchmaking (Streisand), has an idea for the perfect match-tight-fisted, local merchant Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau) and-herself! As she tries to win his heart, we're treated to one of the most musically entertaining, hilariously underhanded plots in film history. Directed by Gene Kelly, this Oscar winner for Best Sound, Music, Score and Art Direction/Set Decoration is among the world's most cherished films.

System Requirements:

Running Time 148 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

They just don't make musicals like this any more. There are some who would be grateful for that--the plot is but a flimsy excuse to string together song and dance numbers. Some of us, however, love big, splashy, overdone musical scenes, of which there are many. Glittering stage numbers showcase a commanding Barbra Streisand as Dolly Levy, a New York matchmaker who can find a mate for anyone. Anyone but herself, that is. Determined to marry wealthy Walter Matthau, she lures him out of Yonkers and sets about wooing him.

Don't worry about the lack of a solid story or Gene Kelly's pedestrian direction. Watch instead for the musical numbers and the lavish costumes. Listen to Jerry Herman's score, and dance around the living room when a sequined Streisand arrives in a club as Louis Armstrong strikes up the title tune for her benefit. (Just pull the shades first.) Based on Thornton Wilder's play The Matchmaker, Hello, Dolly! won Academy Awards for best sound, art direction, and musical score. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

A great musical.......2007-05-21

Although Streisand was a little too young to play the lead she made a note worthy lead. But it was the songs and choreogragphy that made this an excellent movie.

Wonderful Movie.......2007-05-08

I had watched this movie many times on TCM in letterbox. I even recorded it. Amazon offered it at half price so I jump on it. The bonus features are well worth it. This Movie is real. Not a bunch of CGI crap. Appreciate it for what it is. A marvel and masterpiece.

Hello...Dolly fans!.......2007-04-01

"Hey Mr. Armstine...here I am" and i loved this movie. Its got everything a musical should have, and more with barbra in it. Its a recommend for anyone with a song in there hearts.

Dolly Reigns supreme.......2007-03-10

There has been much talk over the years about Streisand being too young for the role. Who cares? This is a Hollywood classic proving some movies will remain popular forever. Fantastixc production numbers, costuming and art direction. Put on your Sunday clothes and check out Dolly. It is a great film. Barbra at her musical best.

Hello Dolly.......2007-03-09

I love Barbra Streisand. She didn't disapoint me with this movie. She is great. I really enjoy this movie and am happy to add it to my DVD library. Highly reccomend.

Average customer rating:

True to Jane's original novel
Better than you might think
Simply the best!
Very Good
Well made brittish television theater

Pride and Prejudice (BBC, 1980)
Starring: Marsha Fitzalan , Peter Settelen , Priscilla Morgan , Edward Arthur , and Judy Parfitt
Director: Cyril Coke
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000244FDW
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Amazon.com

In Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice, the arrival of a young, well-off, eligible man named Mr. Bingley sends the Bennet household--with five girls of a marrying age--into a tizzy. But it's the introduction of Mr. Bingley's friend, Mr. Darcy (played with an imperious scowl by David Rintoul), that sets in motion the fate of Elizabeth Bennet (the adorable Elizabeth Garvie), resolved only after a labyrinth of social and personal complexities. Austen's novels are miracles of skillful plotting, fusing a rich understanding of psychological motivation with whimsical turns of chance. This superb BBC adaptation from 1980 zips along, thanks to lively performances, fluid direction, and a keen grasp of the wit of Austen's dialogue (expertly translated to the screen by British novelist Fay Weldon) and her satirical characters, who range from clever and kind to utterly odious. Due to its faithfulness and deep appreciation of the material, this five-episode miniseries stands up against any other film or television adaptation (at least nine to date), though Rintoul may not sets hearts aflutter the way Colin Firth did in the also excellent 1995 miniseries. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

True to Jane's original novel.......2007-06-22

Of the three recent (past 20 some years) versions of "Pride and Prejudice", this one most accurately reflects both the words and spirit of the original story by Jane Austen. The recent movie version with Keira Knightley, while a good movie in itself, was more like Charlotte Bronte's writing than Jane Austen - very dramatic. The A&E version was my least favorite of the three. If you want the real Elizabeth Bennett, this is it.

Better than you might think.......2007-06-14

I really enjoy this 1979 production of Pride and Prejudice, finding that it still holds up very well compared to the Colin Firth version of 1995, which I also immensely enjoy; also when compared to the 2005 movie with Keira Knightley, which, again, I also very much enjoy. They all have good things to offer in their own unique way. I may as well toss in the 1940 version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. It's definitely old MGM/Hollywood, but, hey, it's cool in its own way, too. Well, onward with my thoughts on the 1979 BBC version.

First, the production itself is purposely more simplistic and uncluttered in nature. It's not a technical or artistic triumph by any means. However, I found myself attracted to the simple nature of it all, perhaps in a strange way reflecting simpler times. For example, you can hear the room ambience via the simple miking techniques. It sounds like you are right there in the room. The audio is not produced to make each actor sound up close to you, therefore making it sound more like real life in a real room. Well, this is just one example. Overall, the film has the look and feel of a stage play, though it's not on a stage. I will admit, though, that the photography often looks a bit soft, and there are some exposure problems. In one scene (can't remember now where it is--somewhere in the second half?), it looks like the sun came out and then went back behind a cloud. You can see the effect on a building. Weird.

All technical and artistic considerations aside (some of you may have to try hard to set these things aside), I found myself very much enjoying almost all of the the cast members and story presentation, which, I believe, are the real issues here. I believe Elizabeth Garvie is wonderful in her role. However, I would have preferred that David Rintoul's portrayal of Darcy not be so stiff. If he had been less stiff, his relationship with Elizabeth would appear to be more real. I'm sure he's a fine actor, so I must assume his portrayal of Darcy is the full intention of the producers of the film. Though I haven't yet had the chance to read the book, I've heard that Darcy isn't this stiff in the book.

I like Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Bennett (not as shrill as the 1995 version) and all the other sisters, especially Jane. She's better than the other gal in the l995 version, whose facial features are kind of funny, almost slightly boyish. The 1979 Jane is much better. I also like Mr. Bingley in this '79 version, but I don't like Mr. Collins as well as the 1995 version. He's too much like a buffoon here. Lady Catherine is excellent here, however.

There are some small details missing as compared to the 1995 version. Certain scenes in the 1995 version are more fleshed out. One thing I found likeable in the 1979 version, though, is when we can hear Lizzie's personal thoughts. That nice touch really makes it sound intimate to the viewer.

Well, we could spend lots of time comparing versions, and comparing all of them to the book. There are too many details concerning the characters and story presentation to list them here. Shall we also count the times the actors quote from the book compared to the 1995 version or the movies? I'm not going there.

I try to enjoy each movie and mini-series on its own merits. In the end, it doesn't really matter, anyway. Pick whichever one you like and just appreciate the others. They all help us appreciate Jane Austen's writing. The same can be said of the various movie and mini-series versions of Jane Eyre, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, etc.

I hope I've been able to persuade someone out there to check out this 1979 version of Pride and Prejudice and enjoy it. Every movie and mini-series version of this book brings something to the table, so I hope you enjoy this version, too.

Simply the best!.......2007-05-17

First I am going to state that Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book and I have read my copy so often that it's falling apart. The poor thing. But because of my love for the book, I have watched many of the attempts to bring it to life through the screen. I have seen the 1940's version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, the 1995 version with Colin Firth, the 2005 version with Kira Knightly and this 1980 version from the BBC. This one is the best. period. It stays loyal to the book even using some of the exact language that Austin wrote all those years ago. If you were studying Pride and Prejudice in school and didn't want to read the book, you could watch this movie and read the epilogue at the end of the book, and you would be able to hold your own with proper discussions of the book. Not that I would recommend anyone NOT read the book! But this adaptation of the story is beautifully done. The costumes, the location, the music, and the script all blend together to transport you into a world that Jane Austin created. Please watch it and enjoy.

Very Good .......2007-05-14

A vert good adaptation to Jane Austen's book. It is better all that I have seen so far.

Well made brittish television theater.......2007-05-11

I have watched four adaptations of Jane Austens book "Pride and Prejudice" and I must say that every version has its charm. There are also a number of classic scenes that each adaptation does better than all the others. This version should be mostly for hardcore Austen lovers than seekers of screen romance, I think. It is rather faithful to the book, in dialogue and casting - I don't think any other Darcy I've seen has been prouder than this. He is so proud that it is slightly unbelievable that Lizzie should detect his love, but she is a clever girl and she does and through inner monologue makes sure the audience also gets it. I will certainly watch it many times!

Average customer rating:

I.Q.
Very Pleased
It's a no-brainer - "I.Q." is a fun movie
very good
Excellent in Every Aspect

I.Q.
Starring: Tim Robbins , Meg Ryan , Walter Matthau , Lou Jacobi , and Gene Saks
Director: Fred Schepisi
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000A2ZO0
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Amazon.com

I.Q. has all the elements of a classic romantic comedy. Certainly Meg Ryan has demonstrated she has the stuff for funny love with films such as When Harry Met Sally... and Sleepless in Seattle, and director Fred Schepisi's Roxanne ranks among top contemporary romantic comedies. Even though Tim Robbins received acclaim for dramatic work in Jacob's Ladder and The Shawshank Redemption, his early comedic work shouldn't be forgotten (well, maybe Howard the Duck, but not the hilarious Sure Thing). And Walter Matthau? No explanation needed.

Combine I.Q.'s talent with its fresh story and it charms. Garage mechanic Ed Walters (Robbins) is captivated at first glimpse by pretty, perky Catherine (Ryan), a gifted academic who lives with her uncle, Albert Einstein (a brilliant Matthau). Catherine is engaged to pretentious James Moreland (the oh-so-appropriate English actor and writer Stephen Fry). Catherine's early 1950s world is all bookish and brainy, even though she has aspirations toward the romantic (Moreland's idea of a honeymoon is the Belgian Congo with Pygmies; she longs for Hawaii). Einstein and his professor pals, played by Lou Jacobi, Gene Saks, and Joseph Maher, conspire to match their beloved Catherine with the sincere and smart (though not intellectual) Ed.

This is a sweet--but not saccharine--story about "engineering" the course of true love and the ironic triumph of heart over head. The topnotch performances (which also include Tony Shalhoub and Frank Whaley as fellow mechanics) really draw audiences into this winning movie. --N.F. Mendoza

Customer Reviews:

I.Q........2007-05-15

Very good quality movie. A movie I would enjoy over and over again.

Very Pleased.......2007-05-07

I love Meg Ryan and Tim Robbins so I love this movie. Amazon was very quick as usual with the order and I just love when I qualify for free shipping.

It's a no-brainer - "I.Q." is a fun movie.......2007-05-01

I just rediscovered this little gem of a movie on DVD recently and, as soon as I watched it, remembered why I had liked it so much when it was released in the `90's. While one of the major elements of the plot is quite far-fetched - that is, fooling everyone into believing that an auto mechanic is a nuclear physicist - the story is so well executed by all the members of the cast that it works perfectly. The result is a light-hearted comedy with the anomaly of Albert Einstein (!) as a major player in the action.

Garage mechanic Ed Walters (Tim Robbins) falls in love at first sight with Catherine Boyd (Meg Ryan), but he doesn't yet know how he can possibly win her away from the "lesser professor," James Moreland (Stephen Fry), to whom she is already engaged. Serendipity comes into play when Catherine accidentally leaves her watch at the garage; Ed goes to her address to return it to her and finds out that she lives with her uncle, Albert Einstein (played to gleeful perfection by Walter Matthau). Einstein and his cronies (also played with joy and verve by several co-stars) provide the vast majority of the laughs as they set about to make sure that Catherine doesn't resign herself to a drab life with the "chimp pimp" but instead falls in love with vibrant Ed.

There is not a bad performance in this film, the 1950's are recreated with a great sense of nostalgia, and the scenery is beautiful as well (New Jersey lives up to its `Garden State' nickname in this one). The movie is rated PG for "Some mild language," but there are fewer profanities than you can count on one hand (and these truly are mild); I dislike profanity in movies, but I must admit I that I can't even recall exactly when in the movie any of the instances of it occurred in this one. Other than two brief instances of sexual innuendo (nothing truly crude, but not as cleverly funny as the writers must have thought), there is nothing here that would be objectionable to anyone. What is here is a pleasant, well-done movie, and I recommend it.

very good.......2007-03-09

una pelicula super solida que permite ver el romance en todos los aspectos

Excellent in Every Aspect.......2006-11-26

I miss Walter Matthau. I believe this to be one of his finer movies. As much as anything Einstein seems to fascinate the public, Matthau's portrayal of Him simply adds his persona. Although somewhat in a better light and greatly fictionalized.
This movie is completely charming, funny and one to be watched over and over again without loosing it's ability to entertain.
Meg Ryan was perfect as Einstein's niece in the film and did an outstanding job as both a thinker and being a bit dizzy at times in common sense matters. She added greatly to the success of this gem as she does with most everything that she has appeared in.
If you're looking for a decent, funny, and at times heartwarming movie this is where you should be. You won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Near perfect...
The Matchmaker
Really cute movie
What A Gem
Definitely worth seeing!

The Matchmaker
Starring: Janeane Garofalo , David O'Hara , Milo O'Shea , Jay O. Sanders , and Rosaleen Linehan
Director: Mark Joffe
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000714BW
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Product Description

As she does in The Truth About Cats and Dogs, Janeane Garofalo proves she's a capable leading lady--beautiful, charming, self-effacing, and what used to be referred to as sharp as a tack. Garofalo plays Marcy, aide to dim Massachusetts senator McGlory (Jay O. Sanders). Denis Leary is appropriately slimy as a fellow aide. The senator and Nick dispatch Marcy to the remote (and fictitious) Irish town of Ballinagra, where she's supposed to unearth relatives to use in the senator's PR campaign. Along the way, Marcy not only encounters the eccentric locals, but finds herself in the maelstrom of the town's annual matchmaking festival. The single Marcy inadvertently catches the eye of the movie's eponymous matchmaker Dermot (a captivating Milo O'Shea). Dermot senses sparks between Marcy and the equally cynical, recently returned local boy, Sean (David O'Hara), once a successful journalist who's returned home to work on a book. The intimacies of the small town, the relationships between the locals, and the dialogue are credible and engaging. Look for beautiful cinematography and music, too. Also notable is the movie's ability to convey the feel of a foreign film while injecting humor that's both sarcastically American and yet Irish in trademark.

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Near perfect..........2007-05-13

Janeane Garofalo is an underused talent but she did have the opportunity to shine a few times on the big screen. This is one of those examples which, proves that good acting and a great screen presence is not reserved for stars with huge names and multi-million dollar signing contracts (though, it's a shame that Ms. Garofalo isn't pulling down super-star paychecks). This story is set in an Ireland that may be quaint but also shows it's cracks; they just aren't afraid of them. Instead it's the rough and tumble flaws of this country's people and locales that makes it so endearing as the primary setting. Janeane is a misplaced campaign employee trying to track down the roots of her boss, the candidate, who believes he has roots in a particular town on the coast of Ireland. To make matters worse than her difficulty getting to this place she lands in the midst of a matchmaker's festival. She has no interest in getting hooked up and only wants to get her job done so she can return to civilization. What she finds are scammers, overbooked hotels and a matchmaker desperate to hook her up with a rough-around-the-edges local son recently returned home. Dennis Leary plays a conniving campaign manager who is more focused on victory than on relative facts and also treats folks like Janeane's character like an under-achieving serf. Without giving too much away Janeane is a delight and a genuine talent. I doubt that this film did very well and that's a shame. It has some predictable romantic chops but it also has some wonderful dialogue and biting wit as well as observations on the shamelessness of politics. Janeane's a jewel and she doesn't seem to know it. All the better for us.

The Matchmaker.......2007-01-22

A real feel-good movie...loved it the first time I saw it - and still do.

Really cute movie.......2007-01-21

This is just a nice, feel good romantic comedy. Very cute, kind of funny. I like the lead guy, even though I can't remember his name right now. I also liked that they were not a typical hollywood-type couple. They look normal.

What A Gem.......2006-11-11

I absolutely adore this movie. It is a gem in the old style of comic movies. The characters are well enough developed that you can identify with them and come to like, love (or, in some cases, hate)the characters as the movie progresses. The dialogue is snappy and smart and assumes a basic level of intelligence. Jeanene Garofalo is such a terrific comic actress because she manages to portray an intelligent woman who has the same hang ups as the rest of the world. David O'Hara is a desperately underused actor in American movies (he was the crazy Irishman in Braveheart). Their relationship seems pretty real, since she loves him and yet still wants to kick him from time to time.

I felt real affection for most of the characters in this movie and I thought it made some good, if gentle, observations about American politics and how our priorities get a bit mixed up.

Love this film.

Definitely worth seeing!.......2006-11-10

This film has it all--comedy, romance and a really great cast! (The guys will love it, too.) I've actually vacationed in the town where this movie was filmed, so it was particularly nostalgic for me.

Average customer rating:

Cary Grant movie DVD
Unexpectedly Hilarious
"I wouldn't know what to do in the bathroom all day!"
Extremely lightweight romantic-comedy
The last movie of Cary Grant

Walk Don't Run
Starring: Cary Grant , Samantha Eggar , Jim Hutton , John Standing , and Miiko Taka
Director: Charles Walters
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008MTYC
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Amazon.com

This extraordinarily sweet--but thankfully not sappy--film proves once and for all that Cary Grant was devastating, period. Young, mature, or in his golden years. The reason Ian Fleming modeled James Bond after Grant is startlingly clear. Grant was 62 when this film, set during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, was made. Grant plays Sir William Rutland, who is caught in the crowded rush--without a place to stay. He finds himself subletting an apartment along with Christine Easton (Samantha Eggar), who's in town to be near her fiancé, a British diplomat. Also sharing their tight quarters is Olympic competitor Steve Davis (Jim Hutton), who's evasive about his sport. Soon Sir William, a distinguished businessman, finds himself playing Cupid to his young housemates.

The movie is a comedy of clever words, of misunderstandings, and, surprisingly, of physical humor. Grant, stripping down to boxers and a T-shirt, takes to the Tokyo streets, participating in "the event" to the incredulity of those around him and to the amusement of the audience. It's a priceless and very funny scene--and the film is full of such joys. Grant lived another 20 years, but this was his final film and a fine cheerio it is indeed. --N.F. Mendoza

Description

During the housing shortage of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, two men and a woman share a single apartment and the older man plays Cupid to the other two. Stars Academy Award winner Cary Grant in his last film role.

Customer Reviews:

Cary Grant movie DVD.......2007-01-11

This is one of my all time favorite movies. I think Cary Grant is at his best in this, his last movie. He always cracks me up. The movie is in widescreen and the colors and sound are clear and rich. It is well worth the money.

Unexpectedly Hilarious.......2006-10-30

Walk, Don't Run was a delightful surprise. It was Cary Grant's last movie, in which he proves that he's not only gorgeous and charming, but also a king of comedy. Whether searching for a pair of elusive pants, playing with an ubiquitous couple of Japanese children, or "dropping by" one of the Olympic races, there's no one funnier than him. A very good movie and an unforgettable star.

"I wouldn't know what to do in the bathroom all day!".......2004-12-06

In 1966, Cary Grant retired from his distinguished 34-year acting career after starring in the lighthearted romantic comedy "Walk, Don't Run". Set in Tokyo, Japan during the 1964 Olympics, Sir William Rutland (Cary Grant, 1904-1986), a very wealthy British industrialist, arrived in Tokyo two days ahead of schedule and the lavish Okura Hotel (where he is supposed to stay) has no rooms available. In fact, the Olympics have placed a giant "no vacancy" sign across the entire city of Tokyo. Frustrated, William goes to the British Embassy to seek out assistance in locating a room. There, he is seen by the snobbish & indifferent Julius P. Haversack (John Standing) whose attitude changes towards Sir William upon discovering who Sir William is. Sir William wanders out of Mr. Haversack's office and finds a bulletin board with a advertisement to share an apartment. Desperate to have a place to sleep, Sir William grabs the advertisement and travels to its address. Upon arriving, the woman who rents the apartment, Christine Easton (Samantha Eggar), doesn't want to share her apartment with a man, but is unable to convince Sir William to leave and reluctantly allows him to stay. The following day, while Sir William is conducting business with a Japanese company, he comes across an American busily taking pictures and making notes about the building's architecture. The American, Steve Davis (Jim Hutton, 1934-1979), is part of the American Olympic team, but is reluctant to discuss which event he is in. Also, insufficient room in the Olympics' housing has left Steve homeless, so he immediately latches upon Sir William to stay with him. Of course, Miss Easton is not particularly happy to discover that Sir William has sublet his part of the apartment, but again very reluctantly lets Steve stay as well. Of course, this creates even more havoc for everyone to try and use the apartment's single bathroom. Over the course of the film, it is revealed that Miss Easton is engaged to the unpleasant Mr. Haversack at the British Embassy, but Sir William would like to see the single Steve woo Miss Easton instead.

Other memorable characters in the film include Miss Easton's friend Aiko Kurawa (Miiko Taka), Steve's Russian friend & fellow Olympian Yuri Andreyovitch (Ted Hartley), the dimwitted KGB agent Dmitri (Ben Astar, 1909-1988), Aiko's parents (Teru Shimada, 1905-1988, and Lois Kiuchi) and the young boy & girl that often sit on the stairs inside the apartment building (Craig Matsunaga & Patty Siu). Fans of "Star Trek" will no doubt recognize George Takei playing the police captain. George Takei is known more for his repeated role as Lt. Hikaru Sulu in the original "Star Trek" series from 1966 to 1969 and the first six "Star Trek" films between 1979 and 1991. Memorable scenes in the film include Sir William at the Okura Hotel, Sir William meeting Mr. Haversack, Sir William arriving at Miss Easton's apartment, their first morning together, Steve meeting Miss Easton, the night at the Japanese restaurant (where Sir William proceeds to eat ham & eggs), the boat trip, Aiko's family, the police station, the race and the closing scenes. Overall, I rate "Walk, Don't Run" with 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a fun & lighthearted romantic comedy.

Extremely lightweight romantic-comedy.......2004-07-03

I'm just old enough to remember the minor controversy that was stirred up by the allegedly "risque" premise of the 70's TV show "Three's Company." It's hard to believe that once upon a time the idea of unmarried men and women simply sharing living arrangements together was supposed to be shocking. If you keep that dated sentiment in mind while watching "Walk, Don't Run" then you might be able to understand why this this movie was even made.

Essentially, what we have here is a "comedy" based on the alleged hilarity that ensues when a young woman shares her Tokyo apartment with two men during the 1964 summer Olympics. Pretty Christine Easton (Samantha Egger), a British expatriate living in Japan, had advertised for a roommate, but forgot to specify a gender preference. As a result, Sir William Rutland (Cary Grant), a visiting British businessman answers her ad and, ignoring her protests of the impropriety of a man living with her, promptly pays his share of the rent and moves right in. The next day while Sir William is attending to his business he meets Steve Davis (Jim Hutton), an American architect who is also an Olympic athlete (although what event he is participating in is kept a secret until near the end of the movie). For reasons that are never explained, Sir William befriends Steve, learns that Steve has no place to stay, and that leads to Steve also moving into Christine's tiny apartment. Sir William then decides that Christine's British fiance is a bore, who doesn't deserve such a "babe" as Christine, and so he starts manuevering Steve and Christine to get together.

If you don't know that the idea of two men sharing an apartment with a woman was considered shocking in 1966 then most of the "comedy" of this movie will fly right over your head. The "comic" premise of this movie is based on showing how unmarried people can co-exist in a cramped apartment. The movie wastes an inordinate amount of time around the idea of "bathroom scheduling" by showing how Sir William trys to squeeze in his bathroom time in between Christine's. It's overlong and boring the first time, but the film then repeats it by doing it again when Steve joins the apartment. Grant's amazing gifts as a comedic actor are the only thing that make those scenes watchable and even then just barely so.

This was Cary Grant's last movie and it's a shame that such a talent left on such a pedestrian note. However, "Walk, Don't Run" probably reinforced Grant's decision to quit. Here was an actor who, unlike many of his comtemporaries, had remained a believable romantic lead into his late 50's. Yet, here Grant is playing cupid for the superbland Jim Hutton. Grant seems to be having fun playing for the first time in his career the guy who doesn't get the girl and his look of chagrin when one of Christine's co-worker's tells him pointblank that she didn't even think that he and Christine are romantically linked is probably the funniest part of the movie. However, Grant was smart to get out after this movie if these were the roles he was going to be offered as he advanced into his 60's.

"Walk, Don't Run" was a product of Hollywood's dying studio system. It shows that Hollywood's self-imposed moral production code was breaking down as one hears Cary Grant say a curse word for the first time on-screen and the film makes no-bones that sex is a topic of discussion on several occassions. Also, one has to wonder if Sir William's befriending Steve was another nudge-and-wink reference to homosexuality that were occasionally sneaked into movies by closeted screenwriters and directors back in the day. Think about it- an older man starts following around a complete stranger, who just happens to be a young, handsome athlete, and then invites the young man to go to a bathhouse with him!

Overall, "Walk, Don't Run" is an extremely lightweight romantic comedy. The comedy is mostly based on a dated premise and the romantic chemistry between pretty, prim Samantha Egger and the bland Jim Hutton is minimal. Despite having Stanley Donen at the director's helm, this movie is only notable for being the last of one of Hollywood's greatest stars.

The last movie of Cary Grant.......2004-06-30

Director: Charles Walters
Format: Color
Studio: Columbia/Tristar Studios
Video Release Date: October 14, 1997

Cast:

Cary Grant ... Sir William Rutland
Samantha Eggar ... Christine Easton
Jim Hutton ... Steve Davis
John Standing ... Julius P. Haversack
Miiko Taka ... Aiko Kurawa
Ted Hartley ... Yuri Andreyovitch
Ben Astar ... Dimitri
George Takei ... Police Captain
Teru Shimada ... Mr. Kurawa
Lois Kiuchi ... Mrs. Kurawa
David Draper ... Swedish Athlete
Holger Abro ... Swedish Athlete
Andre Hemmers ... German Athlete
Dale Ishimoto ... Plainclothesman
Bob Kino ... Assistant Hotel Manager
Yangi Kitadani ... Bit Part
Frank Kumagai ... Plainclothesman
George Matsui ... Hotel Desk Clerk
Craig Matsunaga ... Boy
Rollin Moriyama ... Hotel Manager
Mori Moto ... Bath Attendant
Monty O'Grady ... Bit Part
Roy K. Ogata ... Bit Part
Bob Okazaki ... Plant Manager
Randy Okazaki ... Cab Driver
Leonidas Ossetynski
Ken Parker ... American Athlete
Mel Profit ... American Athlete
Alex Rodine ... Swedish Athlete
Bill Saito ... Japanese Athlete
Bert Santos ... Mexican Athlete
Lukas Shimatsu ... Bit Part
James Stewart ... Himself, in scene from 'The Man from Laraime'
Roy Taguchi ... Hotel Desk Clerk
James Yagi ... Jimmy, Rutland's Driver
C.K. Yang ... Chinese Athlete
Alan Chee ... Bit Part
Sonja Haney ... Swedish Athlete
Sonya Harrison ... American Athlete
Susan Ikeda ... Japanese Waitress
Miyoshi Jingu ... Bit Part
June Kawai ... Japanese Waitress
Lei Kim ... Bit Part
Miko Mayama ... Waitress
Irene Mizushima ... Bath Attendant
Noriko ... Bath Attendant
Gail Peters ... American Athlete
Peggy Rea ... Russian Shot Putter
Kay Shimatsu ... Assistant Hotel Manager
Anna Shin ... Bath Attendant
Patty Siu ... Girl
Yuki Tani ... Bath Attendant
Jane Tochihara ... Japanese Mother
Jodee Tochihara ... Japanese Twin
Wendee Tochihara ... Japanese Twin
Isabel Boniface ... Mexican Athlete
Ilona Wilson ... German Athlete
Sheri Yamasaki ... Hostess
Vickey Cason ... Contortionist

A British business man, Sir William Rutland (Cary Grant), faced with a shortage of available rooms due to the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo, shares an apartment with a young lady, Christine Easton (Samantha Eggar, a diplomat's fiance), and an American athlete, Steve Davis (Jim Hutton).

The movie is based on George Steven's "The More the Merrier," and is the last movie that the 62-year-old Cary Grant ever made. Many thought that he would go into producing, but he got entirely out of the industry. This was his "swan song."

This was a good one to quit on, if Grant had to quit. It was typical Cary Grant--a million laughs, and fun throughout with Cary Grant consistently himself: relaxed, suave, and impeccable, never taking himself seriously and always professional. He was one of Hollywood's greatest, no doubt about it!

Joseph (Joe) Pierre