The Misfits

Starring:James Barton, Peggy Barton, Rex Bell, Ryall Bowker, Montgomery Clift, Frank Fanelli Sr., Clark Gable, Bobby LaSalle, Kevin McCarthy, Philip Mitchell (II), Marilyn Monroe, Walter Ramage, Thelma Ritter, Ralph Roberts, Dennis Shaw (II), J. Lewis Smith, Marietta Tree, Eli Wallach, Estelle Winwood
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

It was the last roundup for Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, who gave their final performances in this melancholy modern Western. Arthur Miller wrote the script (some say overwrote) as a contemplation of his then-wife, Monroe, and set the piece in the half-world of Reno, Nevada. The dangers of this kind of meta-fictional approach are not entirely avoided, but the clean, clear-eyed direction of John Huston keeps the film grounded. And then there are the people: Gable a warrior past his time, Monroe overwhelmed by the world and its attentions, Montgomery Clift visibly broken in pieces, Eli Wallach a postwar neurotic. If the encroaching mortality of Gable, Monroe, and Clift weren't enough, the stark photography and Alex North's score confirm this as a film about loss. It may have its problems, but seen at a distance of many years, The Misfits scatters its tender mercies with an aching beauty. --Robert Horton

Description

Expertly directed by John Huston (The Maltese Falcon) from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize winner Arthur Miller, The Misfits is a probing, exciting drama (The Film Daily) of honesty, intensity and sheer poetic brilliance. Divorced and disillusioned, Roslyn Tabor (Marilyn Monroe) befriends a group of misfits, including an aging cowboy (Clark Gable), a heartbroken mechanic (Eli Wallach) and a worn-out rodeo rider (Montgomery Clift). Through their live-for-the-moment lifestyle, Roslyn experiences her first taste of freedom, exhilaration and passion. But when her innocent idealism clashes with their hard-edged practicality, Roslyn must risk losing their friendship...and the only true love she's ever known.

Customer Reviews:

A SAGA OF THE NEW WEST.......2007-06-07

What is not to like about a movie set in the modern American West where civilization is fast taking the starch out of the independent-minded cowboys and their hangers-on and they are trying to hold on for dear life. Obviously they had not read Professor Turner's thesis on the end of the Aerican frontier. Nevertheless the code of the old West and its values was losing its effect by the day to the ethos of the modern capitalist farmer and rancher. Larry McMurtry and others have also taken up this theme but none have done it better on film.

Add a screenplay by the legendary playwright Arthur Miller. Further add the strong performances, aided by the black and white format, of a grizzled Clark Gable, the ill-fated Marilyn Monroe and the troubled Montgomery Clift supported by Thelma Ritter and Eli Wallach and you have a very good film indeed. I have read that Miller's screenplay was written especially for Monroe, then his wife. If so that explains why this story about castoffs, drifters and non-conformists looking for some emotional relief in the 'new' West that has passed them by had such a powerful effect on me. Monroe as the beautiful but hard luck and misunderstood object of affection seemingly was playing herself here. And to great effect. Watch it.

A Film That Ages Well.......2007-05-06

Released in 1961 and filmed in beautiful black and white, THE MISFITS is one of those rare films that get better with age. It has everything going for it. Directed by the great John Houston from a screenplay by one of America's greatest playwrights Arthur Miller,the film starred Marilyn Monroe as the just divorced Roslyn Taber, Clark Gable as Gay Langland, along with Montgomery Clift as an over-the-hill rodeo rider, Eli Wallach as a mechanic and Thelma Ritter as Rosyln's friend.

Each of these characters in his or her own way is a misfit. They all are pretty much asea even though they are in the Nevada desert. The males all are in love with Roslyn, a fragile creature who cannot stand to see anything or anyone hurt. Her attitude is pitted against the cowboys' who hunt wild mustangs that eventually will be killed. The men value their independence and fear the worst thing that can happen to them, becoming paid by the hour and doing something like pumping gas. The film is beautifully shot, and the stunts with the horses are tense and breathtaking. Monroe and Gable give stunning performances. Ms. Monroe really could act if given a chance and demonstrates it here. I had always thought of Gable as a one trick pony(Rhett Butler) but he is quite wonderful here as the aging cowboy.

What was going on off the set rivals the movie. Monroe's showing up late or not at all for a shoot was legendary; Clift was on a downward spiral because of substance abuse; Miller would divorce Monroe soon after the movie was finished. Gable had a heart attack days after finishing the movie and died. This was Monroe's last completed film as well. There are too many ironies here to unravel. Wallach early in the film tells Roslyn that she has "the gift of life." Surely no one would describe Monroe in real life in those terms. She apparently had a crush on Gable for years and convinced herself that he was her father.

THE MISFITS fits very well as a fine film.

a film made of legends.......2007-03-28

I've read most of these readers reviews and agree with little bits here and there. Some of the bits of info contradict each other though---namely the motivation of Arthur Miller who wrote the script. Some say he wrote it as a valentine for Marilyn, others that he wrote it for her while he was in Reno awaiting his divorce so he could marry her. Others say that he wrote it as a revenge when they were divorcing. Hmm. One reviewer quoted Judy Garland saying that she hated Miller for exposing MM here. (It got a lot worse in "After the Fall" when he got really nasty. He and Philip Roth should share honors for falling in love with beautiful blond women, their opposites, and then trashing them in their work, and calling it "literature.")

It's impossible to separate the legends from this movie because they were all legends. Miller, for whatever his own reasons, crafted a decent script, at least a vehicle for the artist John Huston to film a beautiful movie, and for these memorable actors to perform. Putting them all together was, by all accounts, difficult but this film emerges as a lovely gift. We get to see Marilyn at the height of her beauty, when she's beginning to outgrow her pathetic "sexy" mannerisms (although she does quiver her upper lip a little too much in the beginning). She is luminous and despite the problems of the script, the ponderous, stagy-ness of it, just having the privilege of watching this beautiful creature is wonderful.

I've never been a big fan of Clark Gable but he, too, seemed to begin to transcend his screen persona a bit here. I agree that the scene outside of the bar where he cried out for his missing son, was a recourse to the MGM old-school of acting, but his physical presence, too, was a gift. He embodies goodness and decency. The scene where he roped the horse was amazing. It makes me feel good that he must have been very pleased with his performance, before his death, two weeks later.

I agree with the reader who said that he (she?) felt little chemistry between MM and CG, but that they were there between MM and Clift. I kept hoping she'd ditch the macho old guy and go off with sensitive gorgous Monty. It was not to be, I guess. Rosalind (MM's character) was a lost soul, a wounded child in the body of a beautiful woman...an image she revved up to the max as it seemed like the only way she could get attention/love. She found this father figure in Gable who offered some sense of stability (shades of MM and Arthur Miller) so it was in his arms that she ended up. The self-destructive Perce (Clift) was too sacrificial in giving up his interest in her.

Again one can't separate this film from what has become public knowledge about it's principles (including Miller). The theme of wildness, raw masculine energy---hmmm---I can see how they would fascinate the bookish, bespectacled Miller. (I share Judy Garland's opinion that he exploited Marilyn...)

Much could be said about the themes of what constitutes true feminity, masculinity, real love, etc. that are touched on here. But I'll leave that to further reviewers.

One of the Best....Ever!!!.......2007-03-13

I like the acting in this movie. In fact, like all good acting, they actors don't appear to be acting at all, I guess that's what talent and the magic of Hollywood can do when they have compelling material. This movie, in my opinion, hits on all cylinders. Clark, Marilyn, Eli and the awesome Montgomery Clift who could ask for more, and of course, again, a script to die for. I won't go into the plot details, others have already, but this movie is compelling and the performances are sublime. Don't miss this one it is truly great.

A film that exposes more than you expect at first sight !.......2006-12-29

This film is just a curiosity piece than a good film drama. It's a poetic film about the existential conflict between modernity and the cowboy times, so he gathers three real outlaws an their livings in a true foreign territory.

On the other hand it may be seen as a mordacious paradox, between the febrile homesickness what should be called the tradition of the new.

Once more Huston' s approach is deliberately cynical respect his chosen cast: Montogmery Clift, an actor who was passing through for the mature age crisis, the declining stardom of Clark Gable and the multiple contradictions of the embodiment of Aphrodite on earth . Marilyn Monroe.

Average customer rating:

Yester Year
Superlative Documentary On A Legendary Film
Not much more than old legends
It's a treasure if you like The Mitfits
It's a treasure if you like The Mitfits

Making "The Misfits"
Starring: Arthur Miller , Marilyn Monroe , and Clark Gable
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Misfits
The Legend of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe - The Mortal Goddess
Marilyn Monroe - The Final Days
Marilyn's Man

ASIN: B00006LPEA
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Description

With John Huston directing a cast of Hollywood icons including Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe in a haunting screenplay by Arthur Miller, "The Misfits" was one of the most anticipated films of 1961--but difficult shooting locations, an unruly director, a crumbling marriage, an aging leading man, and an unstable leading lady made the behind-the-scenes story of the film's production anything but ideal. The film would turn out to be the final work of both Gable and Monroe and nearly the last appearance of Montgomery Clift. Luckily nine photographers from the renowned Magnum Agency documented this tale of loners in Reno, Nevada; with complete day-to-day access on the set, their work captured a fascinating tableau of life imitating art and vice versa. Now the stunning Magnum images and new first-person accounts from Arthur Miller, Eli Wallach, and surviving crew members illuminate the twilight moments of this fabled Hollywood production.

Customer Reviews:

Yester Year.......2007-06-08

Apparently made for television, it presents remaining POVs from this involuted crew, and raises more questions than it answers. Presentation and photography are good to excellent. Personal myths are interesting.
Definitely worth having if you are seriously interested in this "Nodal" film known as "The Misfits" I decided that I have to read the book. Much appreciated.

Superlative Documentary On A Legendary Film.......2004-06-26

The opening shot of "Making The Misfits" is charged with evocative nostalgia for a lost era in film history and stars of legendary status that haunt our collective memory. It's a simple yet telling shot of a nearly empty drive-in theater just after sunset. On it's battered shabby screen "The Misfits" is running.
The making of John Huston's misunderstood classic is presented here with artistry and integrity. It weaves present day interviews with surviving cast, crew, and photographers with shots from the film. Some of the interviews were filmed on the old set locations or in areas very near them. Through these interviews, film clips, and the wonderful photographs of such Magnum artists as Eve Arnold the story of one of the most unusual "Hollywood" film productions unfolds. For film buffs and fans of any of the principal players this is pure gold.
"Making The Misfits" is one of the best documentaries on Hollywood and how films get made. It was wonderful to see Arthur Miller being so open and candid about a painful part of his life. He is the heart and soul of this film and fills the frame with dignity and humor. Eli Wallach is charming as he spins his memories of those days in the desert with Marilyn, Gable and Monty.
This end result of seeing this documentary is that it makes the viewer want to revisit "The Misfits" and view it with a fresh prospective.
(For my review on "The Misfits" entitled 'A Lesson In Film' click on MGMboy more about me)

Not much more than old legends.......2003-07-20

Making "The Misfits" must have been amazing for film-buffs who happened to find themselves in Reno in the early '60's. Surprisingly, the people interviewed for this documentary aren't really fans at all, but relatives of those who were there, film-historians and folks who worked on the picture second-hand. Nobody seems very giddy about their memories, and they retell their old stories in a slightly dazed, distracted fashion. I did find it interesting that, near the end, most everyone reluctantly admits that the movie simply didn't work and is therefore one of the most legendary Hollywood flatliners of all time. I loved bits and pieces of "The Misfits", and anyone else with the same mixed reaction will end up wanting more depth and personality regarding the picture and why it all went awry. There are some fascinating photos displayed, making one wish he had been there too. B-

It's a treasure if you like The Mitfits.......2003-05-28

A DVD only for lovers of serious movies as The Mitfits was. I liked specially when the guest talk in the desert where the film was made.

It's a treasure if you like The Mitfits.......2003-05-28

A DVD only for lovers of serious movies as The Mitfits was. I liked specially when the guest talk in the desert where the film was made.

Average customer rating:

pretty rad stuff
Jackass it's not...
I miss jackass, and i cant quite wait until CKY5 comes out

American Misfits
Starring: Diva Zappa , Laban Pheidias , Steve-O , and Jason "Wee Man" Acuna
Manufacturer: Vas
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

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Other Skateboarding Equipment | Skateboarding | Categories | Sports & Outdoors
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Product Features:

T-Bone Films
Jason "Wee Man" Acuna and Laban Pheidias

ASIN: B00009WHRL
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Product Description

The "American Misfits" skateboarding DVD is jam packed with scandal, skits and surprise, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna and Laban Pheidias wreak havoc and lay waste to anyone who crosses their path in American Misfits. Skateboarding and stupidity have never looked this good.

Customer Reviews:

pretty rad stuff.......2007-04-18

This is a pretty good dvd. cool skating footage. some good stunts. i bit too much of the little skits full of a bunch of peopole i didnt care about, there shoulda been more wee man footage dude! but all in all this dvd wasnt bad at all, especially for the price on here.

Jackass it's not..........2004-02-17

I'm a fan of all associated with Jackass, cKY, Mike Vallely, Bam Margera, Steve O, etc, but this DVD let me down. I don't usually expect ANYTHING when i buy one of these DVD so usually i'm impressed but this was a poor (Jackass) attempt. It's not overly funny, it's like when you get your first video camera and you make a video of various stuff, and play around with the setting, etc, that is what this DVD is like.

If your a HUGE and i mean HUGE Wee-Man fan, consider buying this, but if your just a fan of Jackass and associates, dont bother.

I miss jackass, and i cant quite wait until CKY5 comes out.......2004-01-06

if your just like me, you miss the best show ever aired on television, jackass. I loved that show. Then there was cky. I liked the fact that it was created by a real pro skater, Bam margera. American misfits kinda fills the void after jackass had to leave so abruptly. If your into skating, stupid stunts, public obscenity then this is the dvd for u. get it. this is a must see.

Average customer rating:

My Review
good movie, could've been better
At least it has Charlie Talbert.
Social Misfits
cheesiness kept me interested

Social Misfits
Starring: Tyrone Tann , Ryan Francis , Michael Bower , Gabriel Damon , and Omega Kayne
Director: Rene Villar Rios
Manufacturer: York Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Newsies (Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B00005J76G
Release Date: 2001-07-24

Customer Reviews:

My Review.......2005-07-30

I sit here and read these reviews one after one for this film. Some gave the most horrible rviews from people who went to school with one of the actors to the most amazing reviews who saw the movie's potential. I can't believe people saw this as horrible and cheesy writing. In my eyes and opinion, I saw this as great writing. The actors did an incredible job acting out their parts as as some has already said, young adults can relate to these kids characters. I myself have shown this movie to others and all can relate to it...all can see themselves in certain characters.

If you look at the emotions and concentrate of the mood of this film, you will like it for the most part. If you want any action in your films, this would not be the movie for you...a lot of talking going on to make you relate with each character.

I for one picked this movie up on the east coast at a local Big Lots store...didn't take long before this became my favorite film...I cried three times during my first view...I def. reccomend for anybody to pick this up with an open mind!!

good movie, could've been better.......2001-11-25

This movie portrays the world's problematic teenagers very well to some extent. some of the speeches were unrealistic for your average teenager to actually be expressing to strangers, however, thanks to great acting by Francis, Tann, Huett, Damon, and the rest, the movie's quality was dramatically increased. One problem I personally had with the movie was the ending when all the kids were talking about what they were thinking. If you ask me, it was kind of cheesy. Overall this movie was well-written, had great actors and actresses, and had all the drama needed to keep a movie viewer inrigued throughout the film.

At least it has Charlie Talbert........2001-09-29

Social Misfits is a movie you can pretty much enjoy if you take the characters into account individually. I say this because, in general, the film's pretty stagnant. The writing was dull (even awful at times); some of the acting was questionable; the motives of the film are rather contradicting; the music was terrible and could have done better.

There are some good points, too. Some of the other acting, in particular by Damon, De La Fuente, Tann, and Huett, was wonderful. However, it is Charlie Talbert's short "moment" that truly saves this film. He plays Kyle the Klepto in this film and his performance, though short, is magical to watch. His starring role was in "Angus" (1995), of which he was terrific in, and he's just as terrific, charming, charismatic, and tender as he was in this film... perhaps better. This should be appreciated since Talbert is very rarely seen in any films.

The concept of having a smorgasbord of misfit kids shipped off by their parents and locked up in a room for two days is quite intriguing in itself. However, I'm not sure if the behavior the writer intended to show was really the appropriate one. There's no real closure; there's no real sense of ambiguity, either. It is implied out of little that these kids do in fact change. Even though their behavior is undeniably relevant for today, the writer fails to deliver it in a credible manner.

All-in-all, it's a decent film to rent. If you have any favorite star in this film, like Charlie for me, then go ahead and buy it. Otherwise, spare yourself.

Social Misfits.......2001-09-22

This movie was an utter train wreck, sheer dog .... Low grade trash that will wallow in the unmarked grave of ...movie making. It made me long to watch Battlefield Earth twice. Words fail to describe the utter discust and waste of time this dreadful picture representces, itemize the contents of your trash can it will be time well spent if your other option is sitting through Social Misfits.

cheesiness kept me interested.......2001-09-18

well, i was excited about the movie because i like movies about rebelous teenagers and i am also a big fan of gabriel damon. but when this movie started, after the first 'speech' i started to laugh. kids aren't really like that! whoever wrote this movie has no idea what kids are like. and the ending, when they all just got really nice! caring about the girl who got raped? um, i don't think so. i think the funniest parts were when the the guy who steals had his little speech and then the guy who tried to kill himself, his speech was funny too. i could just see myself bringing this movie to a party and just everyone laughing at how cheesy it is. but hey, you want to watch the movie to see what cheesy thing is next! oh yeah, and the girl who could fly!? um, yeah right! well, that is my opinion on this one! thanks. oh yeah, i can never forget the part when the girl got up and was like 'will you shut up. someone is hurting because they were raped' ok, sure. announce it to everyone honey! and how they dealt with it. um, that was the work of a true rape victim-YEAH RIGHT..
so i am pretty much saying 'if you want a good laugh, watch this movie with some friends who have a great sense of humor-and who can laugh at cheesiness'

Average customer rating:

A SAGA OF THE NEW WEST
A Film That Ages Well
a film made of legends
One of the Best....Ever!!!
A film that exposes more than you expect at first sight !

The Misfits [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
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Making "The Misfits"
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ASIN: B00005Q61P

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Customer Reviews:

A SAGA OF THE NEW WEST.......2007-06-07

A Film That Ages Well.......2007-05-06

a film made of legends.......2007-03-28

One of the Best....Ever!!!.......2007-03-13

A film that exposes more than you expect at first sight !.......2006-12-29

The Toy Shop - A Whole Story Full of Toys Comes to Life....

Average customer rating:

The Toy Shop - A Whole Story Full of Toys Comes to Life....

Manufacturer: GTMEDIA
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000MC21Y4

Product Description

Enter a wonderous world of love and laughter and join a lonely orphan on the adventure of a lifetime in this all new animated tale,featuring original songs and more misfit toys than roudolph the red-nosed reindeer.