Oliver's Story

Starring:Ryan O'Neal, Candice Bergen, Nicola Pagett, Ed Binns, Benson Fong, Charles Haid, Kenneth McMillan, Ray Milland, Josef Sommer, Sully Boyar, Swoosie Kurtz, Meg Mundy, Beatrice Winde, Sol Schwade, Father Frank Toste, Cynthia McPherson, Gloria Irizarry, Louis Turenne, Victor Gil De LaMadrid, Deborah Rush
Director: John Korty
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

A wonderful adventure re-visited
Such a sweet movie
classic fantasy
very good
Chapter 2 of the greatest kids movie

The NeverEnding Story
Starring: Barret Oliver , Gerald McRaney , Drum Garrett , Darryl Cooksey , and Nicholas Gilbert
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Mixed | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

Labyrinth
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The Dark Crystal

ASIN: B00005LKHZ
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Amazon.com essential video

Wolfgang Petersen (In the Line of Fire) made his first English-language film with this 1984 fantasy about a boy (Barret Oliver) visualizing the stories of a book he's reading. The imagined tale involves another boy, a warrior (Noah Hathaway), and his efforts to save the empire of Fantasia from a nemesis called the Nothing. Whether or not the scenario sticks in the memory, what does linger are the unique effects, which are not quite like anything else. Plenty of good fairy-tale characters and memorable scenes, and the film even encourages kids to read. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful adventure re-visited.......2007-06-04

The wonderful adventure of Bastion on the never ending story was my favorite movie when it was released many years ago. I now have the opportunity to enjoy it all over again with my 5 year old. She is particularly intrigued by the Luck Dragon and wants one. Don't we all.
Enjoy this movie as a family.
Sound recording is a bit poor but I guess it was pre digital and has alot of back ground hiss.

Such a sweet movie.......2007-05-17

I bought this b/c I used to watch it all the time when I was a kid. I loved it, and would watch it over and over again. Thing is, I looked around on Amazon, and this movie comes in a set w/ Part 2 and 3. That is where the value is, so look around. You can get 2 movies for the price of one.

If you don't own this movie, ADD IT TO YOUR CART today :)

classic fantasy.......2007-05-13

always enjoyed this movie as a child so i knew it was a must have and i was right.

very good.......2007-05-12

this is a very good movie for tha family, we are enjoying it. Thankyou.

Chapter 2 of the greatest kids movie.......2007-05-07

This movie was excellent my grandkids love it ages 2 the seller shipped it very quick and great price

The NeverEnding Story / The NeverEnding Story II

Average customer rating:

The First was Great the Second was Okay
NeverEnding Story
Very Happy
AWESOME movies
Awesome Combo

The NeverEnding Story / The NeverEnding Story II
Starring: Barret Oliver , Gerald McRaney , Drum Garrett , Darryl Cooksey , and Nicholas Gilbert
Director: Wolfgang Petersen , and George Miller
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

The NeverEnding Story III - Escape From Fantasia
Labyrinth
Willow (Special Edition)
Legend (Ultimate Edition)
The Dark Crystal

ASIN: B000BPL2GK
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Description

When 10-year-old Bastian opens the mysterious, ornately bound book entitled The NeverEnding Story, he never imagines he will be transported into its amazing world of Fantasia - and become the hero of its even more amazing tale. Now you can go there too in this magical film full of astonishing creatures and directed by Wolfgang Petersen (The Perfect Storm). Bastian, the Luckdragon and the genial Rock Biter return for more adventure in the spellbinding The NeverEnding Story II The Next Chapter from director George Miller (The Man from Snowy River). This time, new forces threaten the world of imagination. But they aren't the only foes Bastian faces. He must also overcome problems at home!

Customer Reviews:

The First was Great the Second was Okay.......2007-06-01

The first movie was fantastic!!! Something that I like to see over and over again. It is about a boy who gets this weird book from the library, starts reading it and that's where the story begins.
The second and third aren't really enjoyable but... they are okay.

NeverEnding Story.......2007-05-23

Every kid should watch this movie. It's good fantasy fun. I really liked this movie as a child.

Very Happy.......2007-05-12

I am really happy with the product. My niece wanted the movie for her birthday. It was nice that it was actually a 2 disk set. The price was great. The product was shipped very quickly without having to pay for expedited services. Thank you.

AWESOME movies.......2007-05-07

I used to love these movies as a kid, and now watching then while i'm in college, i remember why! :-)

Awesome Combo.......2007-03-01

I have been looking for The NeverEnding Story in my local movie store. Unfortuneately, I came to the realization someone had checked it out and never returned it after about a month of looking for it. So when I found this combo of not only The NeverEnding Story but The NeverEnding Story II as well, I was psyched. I may be a graduate student but still love some of the old school movies from back in the day. If you have the chance jump on this combo.

Bertie and Elizabeth: The Reluctant Royals - The Story of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth

Average customer rating:

Outstanding!
The Spare Heir...George VI... Takes The Reins....Excellent DVD
Wonderful movie, but it was too short.
Excellent Historical Drama
The love story of King George VI and the Queen Mum

Bertie and Elizabeth: The Reluctant Royals - The Story of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth
Starring: James Wilby , Juliet Aubrey , Alan Bates , Eileen Atkins , and Charles Edwards (VI)
Director: Giles Foster
Manufacturer: Wgbh Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Period Piece | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

WGBH Boston | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

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

Edward & Mrs. Simpson
Victoria & Albert
The Lost Prince
Edward the King
The Last King - The Power and the Passion of Charles II

ASIN: B0006Q93H4
Release Date: 2005-01-04

Description

James Wilby (Gosford Park) and Juliet Aubrey (Middlemarch) portray the reluctant royals who became king and queen of England when Edward VIII gave up the throne for the woman he loved, on Bertie & Elizabeth. Albert, Duke of York, called Bertie, married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923 after a storybook courtship. Expecting a life of genteel obscurity, they were thrust into the limelight in 1936 when Bertie's older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated to marry the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. Shy, modest, and a habitual stutterer, Bertie was crowned King George VI just as his country faced the onslaught of World War II. With the help of his devoted Elizabeth, he rose magnificently to the challenge. Bertie & Elizabeth also stars Alan Bates (Love in a Cold Climate) as Bertie's father, King George V; Eileen Atkins (currently starring with Bates and Wilby in Gosford Park) as his mother, Queen Mary; Charles Edwards as Edward VIII; Amber Rose Sealey as Wallis Simpson; David Ryall as Winston Churchill; Robert Hardy (Lucky Jim) as President Franklin Roosevelt; and Corin Redgrave (Persuasion) as General Bernard Montgomery.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2007-04-10

Makes one understand the things that the royal family went through during the abdication crisis.

The Spare Heir...George VI... Takes The Reins....Excellent DVD.......2006-08-10

This review refers to "Bertie & Elizabeth" (DVD/WGBH Boston Video)

This production of "Bertie & Elizabeth" was originally broadcast as part of the "Masterpiece Theatre" series(seen on Public Television). James Wilby and Juliet Aubrey, do a wonderful job of portraying the younger brother and sister-in-law to Edward VIII, who would abdicate his throne to brother Bertie(becoming George VI), in favor of his love for the divorced American, Wallis Simpson.It is probably a good idea to view "Edward and Mrs. Simpson" before this one, as Edward and his love get a pretty harsh going over in this story.

Bertie & Elizabeth are portrayed as "the reluctant" King and Queen of England, both being unprepared to fill their roles. But they rise to the occasion, becoming both capable and adored by the people. Bertie even overcoming his fear of speaking because of a stutter.Adhering to his strict upbringing, he lived the more structured and traditional life of the Royals then his older brother, who even before Mrs. Simpson, was a bit of a Randy prince. Throughout the story we see in them the strengths that they have within them to lead a country through their loyalty and inspiration. Even refusing to leave the palace as it comes under attack during WWII. Then going on to pass on those strengths to their daughter Elizabeth, who has now sat on the throne for over 50 years, since her father's death.

I have to agree with the last reviewer who said, this production(at 1 hour and 45 min.) is just too short. All the other films on Royalty(Henry VIII, Edward The King, etc..) I have viewed so far, go into much more depth of the family, and the events of the times, and take several discs to tell the story of each.I usually got to spend at least a week with each Royal, viewing an episode a night. I would have liked to have had more time with this King and his Queen to get to know them and the events surrounding them, a little better.

The quality of the DVD is excellent. A sharp, clear picture with bright colors. I loved the period costumes, and the adding of some actual footage from some of the Royal parades, etc. The DVD also has some very nice features. First it is presented in the letterbox format, and I thought the sound was very good as well. You can access described video for the visually impaired. This is found on the third feature down on the main menu, access availability, which will take you to an on/off button for that. There is also Closed Captions. To get to this you must go through your TV(not DVD player) remote. So your TV must have the closed caption option available in the menu. Most TVs these days have that. There is also scene selection and access to the Masterpiece Theatre Web Site.

Not quite as enthralling or as in depth as it predecessors, but very much worth the view, and a good addition to your Royal collection.

Enjoy....Laurie

Wonderful movie, but it was too short........2006-08-03

This is a wonderful movie, and the main actors did a terrific job in portraying King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The only thing I have against this movie is that it was too short. The director and writers should have added Princess Margaret's birth at Glamis, more of the trip to America and Canada, etc. Also, Queen Wilimmena was not the only royal that King George VI and Queen Elizabeth had to welcome and offer refuge...the rest of Queen Wilimmna's family as well as the King Hanakon of Norway and his family.

Excellent Historical Drama.......2006-03-03

I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in English history and monarchy.

The love story of King George VI and the Queen Mum.......2005-03-29

There was never supposed to be a Queen Elizabeth II sitting on the throne of England, anymore than there is ever supposed to be a second Queen Victoria. When the Duke of York, the second son of King George V, married Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the first commoner to marry into English royalty since Anne Boelyn, it was not of any concern because his older brother David would inherit the throne as Edward VIII. When the couple had their first daughter, they named her Elizabeth and I always thought it was because he wanted to honor his wife. So when Edward VIII gave up his throne for the woman he loved, the American divorce Wallis Simpson, the Duke of York became King George VI, his wife became Queen consort, and their daughter would one day be Queen Elizabeth II.

"Bertie and Elizabeth: The Reluctant Royals - The Story of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth" begins the story right before they meet in 1920 and ends it after his death in 1952. Of course, Elizabeth then became the "Queen Mum" and the most beloved woman in England and there is some indication of why in this Masterpiece Theater movie. During the Nazi Blitz during World War II when it was suggested that the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret be taken to Canada for safety, it was the Queen consort who insisted that the family stay in London just like all of the other citizens who had no place to go. There is some indication of the affection their subjects had for the King and Queen, but mostly the scenes are set in the castles out of the public's sight. Of course, that is the attraction of such biopics.

James Wilby ("Gosford Park") and Juliet Aubrey ("Middlemarch") play Bertie and Elizabeth, with Alan Bates as King George V, Eileen Atkins as Queen Mary, Charles Edwards as Edward VIII and Amber Rose Sealey as Wallis Simpson (note: the two brothers are actually named Albert and Edward although they are called Bertie and David respectively by family and friends). This movie enhances the reputation of the title characters and they end up replacing the Duke and Duchess of Windsor as one of the great love stories of Twentieth Century. The Prince of Wales was a playboy who lied to his family, neglected his duties, and made fun of his brother's stutter. His future wife was a snob and when she puts down Elizabeth it is Wallis Simpson whose reputation takes a major hit. Of course, any and all such hits are historically justified by the objective evidence regarding the infamous couple.

Ultimately, this movie is a testament to how King George VI, considered a shy, dull-witted, colorless man married to a hopelessly plain wife, became heroic figures by their actions during the war. Edward VII and Wallis Simpson were style, but George VI and Elizabeth had substance. Even though she is another minor character in the story, the Princess Elizabeth (Elisabeth Dermot-Walsh), can still easily be seen as the product of her pragmatic parents. Queen Mary has a couple of nice scenes, as does Winston Churchill (David Ryall), but overall this is a history light version of these interesting times. That is because the emphasis is on the Reluctant Royals and the peculiar dynamics of the House of Windsor. Yet, even against that troubled backdrop the simple bonds of affection between the last King of England and the woman he loved.

Sir! No Sir! - The Suppressed Story of the GI Movement to End the War in Vietnam

Average customer rating:

A documentary that should be seen by everyone in the military
so moving
A story retreived from the dustbin of history
War resisters speak out
Send a soldier this film

Sir! No Sir! - The Suppressed Story of the GI Movement to End the War in Vietnam
Starring: Louis Font , Michael Wong (IX) , Joe Bangert , Dave Blalock , and Howard Levy (II)
Director: David Zeiger
Manufacturer: Docurama
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

The Ground Truth
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ASIN: B000IB0DE4
Release Date: 2006-12-19

Amazon.com

Pundits often make parallels between America's involvement in Iraq and the nightmare that was Vietnam; director-writer-producer David Zeiger's Sir! No Sir! does it too. But while the comparisons are generally apt (both conflicts are known as "quagmires," became hugely unpopular with the public, and inflicted serious political damage on the presidents who presided over them), this documentary makes a vital distinction: namely, that some of the most vocal and active opponents of the Vietnam War were the very soldiers who fought in it. These are haunted men who went to Southeast Asia because it was their duty, perhaps even because they saw it as the right thing to do, only to become sorely disillusioned when they witnessed the horrible injuries, the villages bombed for little or no reason, the civilians tortured and killed, and various other horrors that took place "in country." Some, like the so-called Nine for Peace, formed GI protest groups while still on active duty in Vietnam; some went AWOL (there were reportedly 500,000 incidents of desertion); a great many, including soldiers who refused to be deployed to 'Nam at all, were court-martialed and imprisoned in military stockades like San Francisco's Presidio, while still others returned home, joined movements like Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and published virulent underground newspapers. All of this is delivered via personal anecdotes, photos, and occasional file footage. The material is undoubtedly compelling, but Sir! No Sir! pretty much makes its point in the first half hour, rendering the final hour somewhat tedious. And that's not even including the nearly two hours of accompanying bonus material. Most of the latter consists of extended interviews based on what we've already seen in the main program; there's also a look at the Winter Soldier inquiry (the subject of a separate documentary), as well as a joint appearance by "Hanoi Jane" Fonda, Vietnam's most infamous celebrity protester, and Cindy Sheehan, who became an anti-war activist after her son was killed in Iraq in 2004. --Sam Graham

Description

Easily the most timely and resonant film about the soldiers on the front lines of antiwar resistance, the award-winning breakout theatrical hit SIR! NO SIR! Tells an almost entirely forgotten story of the military men and women who helped force the U.S. government to end the Vietnam War. Contrary to the popular image of long-haired hippies spitting on returning soldiers, SIR! NO SIR! vividly demonstrates that GIs were the heart and soul of the anti-war movement. Poignantly narrated by a diverse cast of veteran GI resisters who recall the ferocious days of peace marches and stiff jail sentences, SIR! NO SIR! pulls no punches in its raw depiction of the power of people, especially those in uniform. Directed by David Zeiger, SIR! NO SIR! is "powerful stuff, offering us not only a new look at the past, but to the unavoidably relevant insights into the present" (New York Daily News).

Customer Reviews:

A documentary that should be seen by everyone in the military.......2007-06-19

Sir! No Sir! is one of the best documentaries produced about the Vietnam War. In light of the emerging soldier's resistance to the Iraq War, this documentary shows us where anti-war energy should be focused. See this documentry, than read The Deserter's Tale: The Story of an Ordinary Soldier Who Walked Away from the War in Iraq.

so moving.......2007-06-11

i don't have additional factual information to add to the excellent reviews already posted. i'll just say i viewed this last night and found it so moving and inspiring i can't stop thinking about the subjects of this film, what they endured and their incredible service to humankind. the personal risk they undertook is almost unimaginable. note that several commented they were not even aware there was a GI antiwar movement to support their actions.

i do want to add that besides the fascinating subject matter this documentary is extremely well done. the pacing keeps you riveted and the production overall is excellent. highest recommendation.

A story retreived from the dustbin of history.......2007-05-03

This documentary is a necessary corrective to the widely held perception that the Vietnam anti-war movement was anti-soldier. In fact, a key component of the anti-war movement was the soldiers. As early as 1965, highly decorated "lifers", who joined the armed services convinced they were doing their duty to their country, began speaking out against the war, refusing orders, and faced court-martials to stop the war in Vietnam. As one former Green Beret said, "I was doing my job right, but I wasn't doing right." By 1969 war resistance among GIs, which had started as individual acts of defiance spread among draftees "in country" and among vets returning home, and emerged as a crucial component of the anti-war movement. So much so that even the US military had to concede that the majority of US troops were anti-war.

Sir, No, Sir is a very well done documentary that weaves together interviews, news footage, and commentary about the "forgotten" anti-war movement--the GI coffee house movement, the underground GI press, and the "alternative" USO-style shows that featured an anti-war message that was tailored to the soldiers' expereince. It closes with some parting shots on how the GI anti-war movement was "erased" from popular memory through films like Hamburger Hill and Rambo--which situate the anti-war movement as being anti-soldier.

The extras on the DVD are also quite interesting. Of particular interest is the interview with the infamous "Dave Rabbitt." Years ago, I received a copy of a recording of a "pirate" radio station in Vietnam and had often wondered about its authenticity. This film confirmed that briefly an unofficial radio station (Radio First Termer-FM69), which was "for the troops" but against the war, operated in the Phan Rang area of Vietnam. It broadcast "hard acid-rock music" for the "first-termers and non-reenlistees" in Vietnam. An interesting story in and of itself, and just one part of the forgotten anti-war movement.

War resisters speak out.......2007-04-15

A most-important film about the GIs who resisted the war on Viet Nam while inside the military and in the country itself. Fragging of COs was not unusual, leaving Nixon to pull out ground troups and send major air strikes to this torn country .. A must see for all people who think they recall or have read about the resistance against this war.

Send a soldier this film.......2007-03-01

I doubt that there is any better act of global citizenship that you can take at this very moment than to purchase this film, watch it, lend it to friends, host a viewing of it in your neighborhood, school, or workplace, and then send it to an active duty soldier you know who is serving in the United States military, or even in Iraq or Afganistan.

"A single spark can start a prarie fire..." And this film gives off more than a single spark.

Average customer rating:

The Gene Krupa Story
The Gene Krupa Story
GENE KRUPA STORY
I wish it was in color
One Weird Film-Big Bands for Bobby Soxers

The Gene Krupa Story
Starring: Sal Mineo , Susan Kohner , James Darren , Susan Oliver , and Yvonne Craig
Director: Don Weis
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Benny Goodman Story
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ASIN: B0001LJCOS
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Customer Reviews:

The Gene Krupa Story.......2007-04-10

It was a very good picture, it wasn't the Gene Krupa story that I was expecting but it was still very good. Very impressed that there was no bad language in it.
Also purchased these movies due to my mothers maiden name was Krupa.

The Gene Krupa Story.......2007-03-09

Hello Dear Amazon Com
The commodity arrived safely though it took while it was a few. Thank
you.

GENE KRUPA STORY.......2007-02-11

Any film that features Gene Krupa and Shelly Manne on the track is worth seeing. It would have been nice to have more music included, such as the songs that featured Roy Eldridge, as well as Anita O'Day. Sal Mineo carried off the Krupa role with great style. For swing fans, it's a "must see."
Tony Horowitz
[...]

I wish it was in color.......2007-01-15

Interesting picture based on the life of Gene Krupa. Sal Mineo is the lead and he's got the timing down, his drumming matches the sound track. It's the only other show I've seen Susan Kohner in besides Imitation of Life. James Darren gets to play a more mature young man as Gene's best friend Eddie Sirota than he plays as Moondoggie. Susan Oliver is good as the bad girl who leads Gene astray.

One Weird Film-Big Bands for Bobby Soxers.......2006-11-15

Imagine that it is 1970 and they have just released "The Frank Sinatra Story" with then 20 year-old David Cassidy playing the Italian crooner from ages 17 through 47. If that sounds weird imagine that the production designer on the film never shows up and they film it as if everything from 1935 to 1965 looks (and everyone talks) like it is set in 1970. Finally imagine that to preserve the 1970's look, all the action takes place inside, with one short scene on an indoor sound stage with fake grass and trees.

That is essentially "The Gene Krupa Story", with bobby soxer heartthrob Sal Mineo replacing Cassidy, Krupa replacing Sinatra, and the look of 1959 replacing 1970. Mineo was the Cassidy of his generation, with about the same level of acting talent but harder working and more willing to take direction.

Like the imagined "Cassidy as Sinatra" film, the idea was to expand the target audience by including someone who would attract teen and pre-teen girls. In this "The Gene Krupa Story" was successful and the film had good box office. The downside was that big band fans generally considered the whole production laughable. My father was a huge Krupa fan and he hated this film with an unprecedented passion. In part for the cheap production design and in part because of Mineo and the reasons for his casting, but largely because of the many factual omissions and distortions. To him the only saving grace was that they used Krupa's actual drumming, to which Mineo is generally in sync although there are times when he is beating a tom and the sound is that of a cymbal.

Like most Hollywood bio movies ("The Lou Gerhig Story", "The Al Jolson Story", etc.) Krupa's mother was violently opposed to her son's ambitions, in this case she and her husband want him to be a priest. But he leaves the seminary to set out for New York with Eddie Sirota (James Darren) and Eddie's composer girlfriend, Ethel (Susan Kohner). After a rough three months Ethel is forced to take a job as a telephone operator and her romantic interest switches to Gene.

Gene's career takes off and he begins running with a fast crowd of 1930's musicians (who sound strangely like a Maynard G. Kreb's take on the 1950's beat scene). A jazz singer named Dorissa Dinell (Susan Oliver) connects him with some dope dealers and the film gets a lot like "Reefer Madness" (but with a 1959 setting). Which may account for a surreal montage of newspaper headlines chronicling his rise to national fame and his fall in a drug bust. There is even an "I told you so" phone call from mom. This has ramifications beyond Krupa as the entire jazz world is outed as dope fiends and corrupter of America's youth. When the chips are down, Dorissa bails on Gene with the classic exit line: "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a town I'd better get out of." Gene is reduced to playing in strip clubs with other beatnik musicians wearing dark glasses. When it seems like he can't go on another day Ethel re-enters his life and things begin to break his way once again.

For the aging sequences Mineo could draw upon the example James Dean, who he worked with in both "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant". Dean was faced with the same challenge in "Giant" and Mineo's attempt here is clearly superior. So much so that what could have been the film's biggest liability is actually a strength. And Mineo successfully mimics Krupa distinctive drumming style and facial expressions, details that he worked on with Krupa himself. There are seven drum solo set pieces, mostly medium shots that capture the spirit if not the actual magic of a Krupa performance.

Susan Kohner shows considerable range in two of her 1959 films, this one and "Imitation of Life". Here she will remind you of Eva Marie Saint's "On the Waterfront" character, a considerable contrast with the overwrought racially conflicted daughter she played in the other film. The likable James Darren (later to star in television's "The Time Tunnel") is a better singer than an actor. His scenes with Mineo are pretty awful, certainly the film's worst moments, and the fault does not lie with Mineo who tends to play up or down to the level of whoever he shares a scene. The hard working Mineo simply did not have enough talent or training to salvage a scene gone bad and really needed to be surrounded by a strong cast to help him sell his characterizations. Susan Oliver ("Butterfield 8") gets the best role and has a lot of fun with her character, benefiting from having almost all of the film's good lines. "Snow me again, junior, because I didn't quite get your drift."

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Average customer rating:

Same feel as movie version of Love Story
Oliver's Story
Love after Love Story
Critics aren't always right
A Must-See Follow-up For "Love Story" Fans

Oliver's Story
Starring: Ryan O'Neal , Candice Bergen , Nicola Pagett , Ed Binns , and Benson Fong
Director: John Korty
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Love Story
The Way We Were (Special Edition)
Summer of '42
Oliver's Story
Love Story

ASIN: B0000AUHPZ
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Customer Reviews:

Same feel as movie version of Love Story.......2007-06-10

If you love the books the movies won't disappoint you. Oliver's Story is very close to the book, and Segal does help write the screenplay.
Oliver's Story is obviosly not as compelling as Love Story, but uncomparable by the subject difference. Oliver does make ammends with his dad which has given him the purpose and meaning he cannot find without Jenny. O'Neal does some great acting! He brings our desperate, searching, Barrett to life.

Oliver's Story.......2007-04-11

This is such a wonderful companion piece to "Love Story". It is great to know that Oliver can move on with his life and grow from his loss.

Love after Love Story.......2006-04-12

Oliver's Story is a must-see sequel for all those Love Story fans who cried when Jenny died. There is serious truth to the fact that only another great love can heal the hurt and loss of an equally great love. There is something to love being the great healer of our hearts. The only problem is that Oliver is still haunted by the ghost of Jenny ... and it is an obstacle to new love. Although widowed he is still trapped by memories which is a barrier to what is available in the land of the living. Another great reason to watch this is there is a reconciliation between Oliver and his father. So the plot has closure on alot of levels. The classically beautiful Candice Bergen is a great opposite against the equally handsome Ryan O'Neal.

Critics aren't always right.......2005-04-04

I hesitated acquiring this movie, as it has been universally panned by the critics. "Love Story" was a classic of the '70's, so I believe the critics panned this movie, just because of their (justifiable in most cases) hatred for sequels in general. However, as a stand-alone movie, "Oliver's Story" is still quite an enjoyable film. I highly recommend anyone considering it to ignore the critics and give it a chance.

As for the DVD, it is a bare-bones release, not even including a trailer. The picture is adequate, showing no signs of wear or neglect, but not without a certain graininess.

One fluke I found using my Toshiba player was a French subtitle for the movie's opening title only. This is quite a strange occurence, given that French subtitles aren't even available from the "set-up" screen. My guess is that someone did some erroneous programming in the creation stages of the disc.

All in all, a quite enjoyable film, which I highly recommend.

A Must-See Follow-up For "Love Story" Fans.......2001-01-09

Although not as interesting as "Love Story," this sequel does allow us to see what Oliver's life was like in the years after Jenny's death.

The movie begins with Jenny's funeral and we watch Oliver go through the motions of living, but not really participating in anything except his work. One day, he meets a jogger played by Candice Bergen. They begin a relationship that is pretty much of a bore to all but the most devoted Ryan O'Neal fans (of which I am definitely one!). Ms. Bergen's portrayal is wooden and unappealing, and viewers are probably relieved when she announces she can no longer live with Jenny's ghost. The one good thing her character, Marcy Bonwit Nash, does is take Oliver on a tour of her company's Hong Kong factories. When Oliver sees the poor conditions there, he begins to gain respect for his father and the way the senior Barrett ran his mills.

Oliver's long overdue reunion with his father is touching and we finally get a glimmer of hope at the end that Oliver has learned that living is for the living, and he will finally be able to live his life again.

Customer Reviews:

Stiff acting, no chemistry, not an interesting story for me C-/D+.......2006-03-23

This is the 2nd Harlequin romance turned tv movie I watched. (The first being A Matter of Marriage which I also reviewed) I originally had no interest in the plot when I read it. I only watched Broken Lullaby because the dvd was available in my library and I wanted to see what Harlequin TV movie was like since I bought Diamond Girl and So Hard to Forget (which I am still waiting for and will review as soon as I watch it.) POSSIBLE SPOILERS First off I thought the heroine was a little too hard looking for me. She had a tough girl/strong woman. The hero was definitely good loooking and charming however I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between the two. It just seemed a little forced. I guess the characters in A Matter of Marriage had more of a chemistry (even though I didn't think so at first) than Broken Lullaby. The pacing once again was fast/not boring which was great. I had no problems there. Otherwise, I am STILL glad I watched this movie because I love/used to love Harlequin romance novels when I was a kid. So when my other two dvds arrive, I'll definitely (Id better!) be blown away. As usual, will review Diamond Girl and So Hard to Forget as soon as it comes.

Make sure this is the "Broken Lullaby" you really want!.......2005-01-11

The original "Broken Lullaby" was produced in 1932 and is a story of redemption and forgiveness through love (in my opinion). It is one of the most powerful anti-war movie you will ever experience and is a must-see for all serious movie-goers.

NOW THIS IS A ROMANCE .......2004-12-04

An elderly lady is seeking her roots. She remembers an orphanage and has a picture with a Fabrege egg mounted on a music box.

Ah, the tracking down of picture has stirred up some very interested parties.
One is the grandson of a deposed Arch Duchess -- A Count who wants to retain his title - and the villian of the whole plot.

The niece of the American lady is being pursued by a shadowy figure who is leaving a string of bodies behind.

We are lead to the inevitable bed scene which did not add to the story - how can people who do not really know each other hop into bed? And this leads to love??? Yeah! right!

Their trail lead to some interesting discoveries which told the tale [grin] - nicely paced - decent interest without being gory.

will recommend --M

Average customer rating:

Complex Subject; Complex Life
Very Good Documentary
Jim Brown All American

Jim Brown All American
Starring: Art Modell , Walter Beach , Ed Walsh , Sam Oakley , and Ed Corley
Director: Spike Lee
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000D9BBJ
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Amazon.com

Spike Lee directs a flawed but fascinating portrait of the sports legend, actor, and activist in Jim Brown: All American. Interviewing former coaches, teammates, and celebrity observers (including Oliver Stone), and with Brown's cooperation, this HBO documentary is best at detailing Brown's early life. Briefly raised by a great-grandmother in Georgia, Brown moved to Long Island, where he found a supportive, predominantly white, community that encouraged his high school victories in basketball, lacrosse, tennis, and, of course, football. He encounters racism at Syracuse University, but Brown's performance and pride overwhelmed all resistance. The Cleveland Browns chapter explains how Brown dominated the game, and then Lee ventures into his subject's experiences in Hollywood and as an African American community leader. The film is engaging and disciplined until controversial issues arise--Brown's alleged abuse toward women, for example--and Lee refuses to press. But in general, this is a good piece about a charismatic, dynamic figure. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Complex Subject; Complex Life.......2006-12-01

This documentary is probably more balanced thatn ESPN's and FOX's versions combined. Subjects like Jim Brown are difficult to be encapsuled in such a short time, but Spike probably did as good a job as any filmmaker could.

I also agree agout the balance concerning his legal issues. Allowing multiple parties to express their perspectives gives the viewer the responsibility to make up his/her own mind.

The most impressive thing was Jim expressing lament and remorse for not being the father he wanted to be for his children (prior to his present marriage to Monique and their two children). He took responsibility for their development and stated that by dealing with his personal survival and conflict with their respective mothers, the children suffer.

Overall, I highly recommend this documetary to anyone who says that athletes are one-dimensional and superficial.

Very Good Documentary.......2004-08-08

Jim Brown is One of the Greatest athletes ever&a very down to earth&given cat. this special showcases His Career&also His Many Endevours at given back to the Community through the years. he has touched so many lives for so long.He truly reached back&has a made a world of difference.very moving&a History making Brother.

Jim Brown All American.......2004-02-27

I have seen only one Spike Lee movie so what I'm about to say is said (by my own admission) with ignorance, but Jim Brown All American must be his masterpiece... his tour de force. This hour long documentary deeply explores not only the incredible athletic career of this exceptional athlete but also the obstacles-- notably prejudice-- over which Jim Brown had to prevail on his way to greatness. It also reveals what makes Jim Brown an exceptional (and admirable) human being off the playing field as well. His capacity for love and forgiveness, portrayed in the opening scene of the documentary, impressed me at least as much as did his absolutely unbelievable performances on the football AND lacrosse fields.

At the same time, I was very impressed with Mr. Lee's evenhanded and thoughtful treatment of Jim Brown's legal troubles. He didn't whitewash or paper over this turbulent aspect of Jim Brown's life. He also documented the critical intervention of many good people in his formative years without whom Jim Brown's life might have taken a different course.

I know what you're thinking..."This guy's just another rabid Cleveland Browns fan in his 50's who grew up rooting for Jim Brown." Not so. I'm a rabid Chicago Bears fan in his 50's who sees Jim Brown and Gale Sayers starting in the same backfield on God's All-Universe Team.

The documentary was informative, entertaining, and-- above all-- inspiring. I can't wait until it is issued so I can buy it for myself and show it to all the aging Cleveland Browns fans who surround me in my cul-de-sac.

Amazon.com

The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle was the last of nine films Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made together for RKO Pictures, and it is unlike any other. For the only time, Fred and Ginger play historical characters--the legendary dancing duo that was all the rage between 1912 and 1916--and a married couple, no less. Instead of their usual innovative, plot-driving dances, Fred and Ginger perform pastiches of what the Castles made famous--the fox trot, polka, and tango. And rather than an original score of great American standards by Berlin, Kern, or the Gershwins, the film uses a collection of period tunes, including "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" and "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee." No, this is not Top Hat, but fans will enjoy the film anyway. Vernon and Irene Castle is an affectionate tribute to a bygone era and to a team that Fred said was "a tremendous influence" on his career. As portrayed in the film (which was based on Irene Castle's memoirs and input), Vernon Castle is a small-time vaudeville comedian when he meets and marries Irene. The two not only manage to forge a career as proper, respectable dancers, they become the essence of style, setting national trends for dance, fashion, and even women's hairstyles. The film briefly touches on Fred and Ginger's usual themes of pursuit and union, but mostly they are warm and tender together as they deal with real-life problems, perhaps portraying the earlier films' characters after those "happily ever after" fantasy endings. And as we watch the Castles' performing career rise and decline, straight through to the film's touching last shot, we realize that Fred and Ginger are saying farewell, which makes The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle an appropriate finale to the most glorious partnership in Hollywood history. --David Horiuchi

Description

Who else but the fabulous Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the greatest dancing team of all time, could portray Vernon & Irene Castle, the renowned ballroom dancers of the years preceding World War I? Fred and Ginger dance up a storm as they dramatize the careers of the Castles. The pair first unite when Irene persuades Vernon to give up his corny vaudeville clowning to cultivate his obvious dancing abilities. After some lean years, a sharp agent sponsors the team and their rise to fame is phenomenal. Soon they are setting Paris aglow with their stunning routines. Then the first World War intervenes and brings a shocking tragedy. Vernon is killed in a crash on a training field in Texas abruptly ending the Castles' reign on the dance floor. Astaire and Rogers are at their most appealing.

Customer Reviews:

Astaire, Rogers, and the first Tom & Jerry cartoon.......2006-11-05

This is not my favorite Astaire-Rogers movie. Their connection with each other was never more touching, but the dancing -- recreating the specific steps of the Castles -- by definition doesn't have the ingenuity that makes Fred & Ginger so special.

However, there is a feature on this DVD, that is interesting: 1940's Puss Gets the Boot is the first Tom & Jerry cartoon. Though the cat is named Jasper and the mouse is unnamed, this first pairing of directors Hanna and Barbera became so popular (the toon was nominated for an Academy Award) that the characters' names were changed and the series was officially born one year later.

Dancing During a More "Innocent" Era (DVD Review).......2006-10-31

Their ninth film together and the last for RKO, Fred & Ginger (F&G) play real life characters Vernon and Irene Castle. Since the story is set in the 1910s, which is comparably a more "innocent" era, the dancing is not as sophisticated but just as elegant, because it's F&G. A typical biographical account, it takes you through various trials and conflicts throughout their lives. The movie has more comedy in the beginning but becomes more serious at the end, especially when Vernon joins the Royal Air Corps during World War I. All the characters are lovable, and you wish you could be there. It's also the only F&G movie where the principles are concerned about having enough money to make ends meet.

In the vintage musical short "Happily Buried" two presidents of competing waffle iron companies want to marry each other but cannot agree on the shape of the iron in the merged company. As a publicity stunt, John Hubbard (Richard Wright) buries himself on display. Look for Tommy Bond, who played Butch in the Little Rascals. (1939, B&W, Run time 20:01)

In the classic cartoon, "Puss Gets the Boot" a cat and mouse fight for household domination. It is a Tom & Jerry predecessor before they were called Tom & Jerry. A written preface comments on how racist it is. However, the stereotyping did not bother me, and I would not have even noticed if they did not point it out. Nevertheless, I am glad they were sensitive about it. (1940, Color, Run time 9:11)

No featurette, running commentary, or theatrical trailer is on this DVD, which is why I gave it four stars instead of five.

A Tender Farewell.......2005-09-04

This beautiful and poignant farewell from one of the most memorable and beloved of screen couples in film history was the perfect way to say goodbye. Their previous pairings had been filled with joy, grace and elegance; a delightful escapism which helped get everyone through the depression and set a tone of charm and romance no one else has ever come close to. Appropriately enough, their last in the incredible cycle is tender and sweet, faint echoes of their previous entries mixed with the melancholy of something special disappearing forever, never to pass this way again.

Astaire and Rogers tell the story of Vernon and Irene Castle, who set dance and fashion trends all across Europe and America during a more innocent time in the world. Their's was a story of love, humor and dance. But when what they had always dreamed of was within their reach, the world intruded in a way which could not have been anticipated. Astaire and Rogers have never been so real as in this nostalgic and gentle ode to love and innocence.

Based on Irene Castle's stories, "My Husband" and "My Memories of Vernon Castle," the adaptation by Oscar Hammerstein II and Dorothy Yost was turned into a screenplay by Richard Sherman. Ginger's costumes were created by the real Irene Castle, and the Castle's love hangs over this film like a soft velvet fog. H. C. Potter's direction is minimal, allowing Fred and Ginger to say so long through the story of Vernon and Irene.

It begins in 1911, when Vernon, a second comic for Lewis Fields, is chasing after another actress. She ditches him at the beach, and a drowning little dog will bring Irene Foot and Vernon Castle together for the first time. Walter Brennen is wonderful as the crusty and protective Walter. He has practically raised Irene and calls her "Sailor" through her entire life. Vernon and Irene slowly come around to each other. A scene where both he and Irene attempt to get her dog to jump in his borrowed automobile, as an excuse to take a ride together, perfectly captures the sweet and lovely innocence of the time prior to WWI.

There is a charm to scenes in the Foot's parlor as Walter, and Irene's parents, go out of their way to leave the couple alone and keep asking if there is any news yet. It will bring a warm smile to your face when Vernon finally tells Irene he loves her and proposes, and laughter at his reaction to her acceptance. There is a warmth and sense of nostalgia to everything here as the young couple try to make their dreams come true.

It was Irene's belief in Vernon that pushed them forward as a dance couple, as she knew his talents were being wasted in the role of comic buffoon he was forced to play on stage. They have to leave Fields in America for Paris, in what appears to be their big break. Their springtime honeymoon in Paris, however, is plagued by financial woes when they discover they are not getting the chane to dance at all, but only for him to keep playing the comic fool for laughs.

That is when Maggie Sutton (Edna May Oliver) steps in, using her influence to get them a chance to dance at the Cafe De Paris. They do it for a meal for themselves and Walter, but once they hit the dance floor, they will never go hungry again. Maggie becomes their manager, her gruff exterior hiding a heart of gold. Their popularity grows to staggering preportions, as does their bliss. They travel all over Europe and America, setting dance and fashion trends the world over.

Vernon and "Sailor" set dance trends such as the "Castlewalk" and "Foxtrot," as well as the "Maxie," the "Castle Polka," and, the legendary "Tango." There are Irene Castle hats, bon bons and face cream. And Vernon Castle shoes and cigars. The montage of Fred and Ginger storming to success is graceful and joyous. Ginger is especially fetching in a memorable black tango dress designed by Irene Castle.

There are dark clouds on the horizon, however, as the entire world is sucked into war for the first time. Vernon and Irene are ready to stop touring and settle down to the life they've always dreamed of having. Irene's fears finally have to take a backseat to Vernon's sense of duty, however, when he joins the fight and enlists in the Royal Flying Core. Irene waits anxiously, the couple exchanging letters until they can be together once again. A more innocent time, intruded upon by the world as never before, is captured beautifully here.

There will be a reunion in France, and one more dance, before Vernon is finally transferred to Texas as a flight instructor. It seems they may have escaped WWI unscathed, but fate may be requesting some sad music, for a final dance. A bittersweet fade out of Irene and Vernon dancing forever, will bring tears not only for the Castles, but for Fred and Ginger, who were in their elegant way, trying to say goodbye.

There is a sweet scent of honeysuckle and roses here, a different but equally lovely magic caught on celluloid one last time. If you love Fred and Ginger, you can not miss the graceful way they chose to exit, spinning and dancing down the lane in our hearts forever.

Old-fashioned story, but marred by apartheid censorship........2005-01-17

Who doesn't enjoy looking at Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers for 2 hours? And this movie tells a nicely-paced story with old-time cinema elegance. But the most amazing part of the movie is the total cultural white-washing. The whole historical background of the movie is the black american dance-forms and music like ragtime that started breaking into the mainstream with a lot of resistance. And the Vernons hired James Reese Europe, a black bandleader and composer who wrote most of the music for the Vernons' dances. This movie would have been 100 times better if black people were allowed to play the part they really played in the Vernon saga.

wonderful.......2004-05-27

this movie is so sweet. After seeing eight preceeding films (all wonderful no doubt)where they squabble, it's so sweet to see them really act like a couple. The scene on the balcony of the Paris apartment, where Fred kisses her is aborable. Not to mention the acting is ducky. It would be easy to overact in a film like this but they pull it off fine. Ginger is a little scene stealer. (what else is new)

Average customer rating:

A Tender Farewell

THE STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE
Starring: Walter Brennan , and Edna May Oliver
Director: H. C. Potter
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Vintage Musical Short "Happily Buried."
Classic Cartoon "Puss Gets the Boot."

ASIN: B000K2P39G

Product Description

"You could be a perfectly wonderful dancer if you wanted to." Irene tells the vaudeville second banana who will someday be her husband. They were even more wonderful together. Vernon and Irene Castle became King and Queen of the Ballroom, creating the Castle Walk, Maxie, Texas Tommy and other sensations. The world followed their every move. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers close their fabulous run of '30s films by portraying the popular dancers whose influence extended to the pre-World War I lifestyles (Castle candies, shoes and beauty supplies were just a few of the duo's product lines). Period tunes and the stars delightful stepping of Castle dances accent this film of goodbyes to a fond yesteryear and to the Astaire/Rogers RKO partnership. Apart, Fred and Ginger would make fine movies. But they were even more wonderful together.

Customer Reviews:

A Tender Farewell.......2007-05-14

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