Grass

Starring:Woody Harrelson, Eli Perell, Gene Krupa, Jimmy Carter, John Sinclair (IV), Douglass Smith, Jerry Garcia, George Bush, Timothy Leary, Gerald Ford, Cheech Marin, Yoko Ono, Robert Mitchum, Tommy Chong, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Allen Ginsberg, Josh Perell, Nancy Davis, Dwight D. Eisenhower
Director: Ron Mann
Studio: Homevision
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Consider this a documentary for those who inhaled. Ron Mann's playful portrait of marijuana in America is less a social history than an examination of the government's systematic seven-decade campaign to demonize the devil's weed: the conspiracy against cannabis! Through government documents, period newsreels, and clips from hysterical educational scare films and campy overheated features (like High on the Range and the cult classic Reefer Madness), Mann reveals a systematic policy of misinformation to (he argues) justify the billions spent on the losing war on drugs. Well researched if one-sided and occasionally questionable in its own assertions (aren't there any side effects to this wonder weed?), this witty history lesson is charged with raucous energy and a satirical slant. Mann and his easygoing narrator Woody Harrelson may be preaching to the converted, but it's a hilarious sermon. Pass the munchies! --Sean Axmaker
Description
Grass, narrated by actor/activist Woody Harrelson, takes a highly spirited and innovative look into one of America's most deeply rooted cultural myths: the evils of "pot", "cannabis", "weed", "dubich", "doobie", "shrub", or whatever man. From the story of America's first drug czar, to the absurd scare tactics behind propaganda films like Reefer Madness, and Marijuana: Threat or Menace, director Ron Mann (Comic Book Confidential, Twist) poignantly and humorously exposes the social, political and economic facts behind this enduring weed, and the extent to which it has profoundly shaped our culture.

Horatio Hornblower Collector's Edition
Average customer rating:

Hooray for Horatio!

Hornblower

Hornblower Rocks

Hornblower is the greatest; Look out Lord Nelson

Huzzah for Hornblower!!

Horatio Hornblower Collector's Edition
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd , Robert Lindsay (II) , Dorian Healy , Michael Byrne , and Robert Bathurst
Director: Andrew Grieve
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Horatio Hornblower - The New Adventures (Loyalty / Duty)

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ASIN: B000AYEIW2
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Product Description

From midshipman to commander, experience the thrilling escapades of the ultimate high-seas hero with the HORATIO HORNBLOWER COLLECTOR'S EDITION, an eight-volume treasure chest of sweeping naval adventure and lavish historical drama.

Joining the British Royal Navy at the outset of the Napoleonic Wars, the enterprising Horatio Hornblower rises quickly from raw recruit to seasoned sailor, charting a course from the West Indies to the coast of Africa in the name of the Crown. Along the way he encounters roiling sea battles, mutiny, plague and love, but always proves himself equal to the task. Gorgeously filmed and richly produced, A&E's Emmy®-winning adaptations of C.S. Forester's classic novels star Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four, Black Hawk Down) and a stellar supporting cast that includes Robert Lindsay (Wimbledon), Jamie Bamber (Band of Brothers) and Paul Copley (Queer as Folk).

The HORATIO HORNBLOWER COLLECTOR'S EDITION contains all eight feature-length Hornblower films (with dozens of bonus materials below deck):

System Requirements:

Running Time 800 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Hooray for Horatio!.......2007-05-27

I love this set! I had barely heard of Ioan Gruffudd (a small role in Titanic) when I discovered this DVD set of the British tv series. I loved every moment of it. This young Welshman turned out to be a fantastic actor, and in this series one can almost see him grow up on the screen. His portrayal of Horatio Hornblower was flawless. It is an exciting series, filled with adventure on the high seas, and never a dull moment. There is a bit of loss of quality in the tranfer from tv to DVD, and the sound isn't great (no surround sound or DTS here), but I found that once the story got going, I forgot all about those flaws. I was engrossed in this series from beginning to end, and have watched it several times without losing my enthusiasm for it. I highly recommend this set to anyone who likes swashbuckling adventure movies.

Hornblower.......2007-05-21

I found this series of discs to be excellent entertainment. It was wonderful and it is a set that I will watch again and again. There just was not enough of it...another 10 or 12 discs would be nice LOL

If you like the Tudors on Showtime, or videos like Knight's Tale or Master and Commander, you will need to add this to your collection.

Hornblower Rocks.......2007-05-13

I waited years to see the Horation Hornblower series, not thinking myself a swashbuckler fan. After watching Amazing Grace six times at the theatre I decided I needed a little more Ioan Gruffudd in my life (Fantastic Four hardly counts) so I sprang for it. This is possibly the greatest dramatic achievement I've ever been privy to; I'll rate it up there with the complete Lord of the Rings, and know of no other comparisons. Outstanding Brit cast and flawless productions; completely engrossing tales. My only beef is that they stopped at eight films: there should be 12 or 16 ...

Hornblower is the greatest; Look out Lord Nelson.......2007-05-12

This is a very good series of movies. It stays basically true to the books. I would recommend this to anybody that has ever read or hasn't read the Hornblower books. I had always hoped that someone would make a movie about Hornblower that was more extensive than just one movie. Although this only takes placew for a short time in the deries of books, it is still an excellent series that my wife and I have watched multiple times and enjoy it more and more. The price was really excellent, where else can you get 8 good movies for this price. Hope you enjiy the series, WE DO!!!

Huzzah for Hornblower!!.......2007-04-26

This series is fantastic and does a wonderful job of bringing the books to life. I watched all 8 films in 3 days recently and enjoyed them so much, I wanted to watch them all over again! The acting is superb and there is an excellent mix of drama, wit, and action.

I highly recommend this to any fans of the novels or similar series (O'Brian, Kent,etc) and anyone interested in the Napoleonic era.

Average customer rating:

A Star is Born
Splendor alright
Splendor in the Grass
Move - Splendor in the Grass
Great Condtion

Splendor in the Grass
Starring: Natalie Wood , Pat Hingle , Warren Beatty , Audrey Christie , and Barbara Loden
Director: Elia Kazan
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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This Property Is Condemned
Gypsy
Rebel Without a Cause (Two-Disc Special Edition)
A Summer Place
Love is a Many-Splendored Thing

ASIN: B00002ND7B
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Amazon.com essential video

Elia Kazan's pedal-to-the-metal approach to psychosexual melodrama paid off handsomely when he had layered material by Tennessee Williams or John Steinbeck to work with. The very raw material here is an original by hot-blooded playwright William Inge, about a pair of teenagers in the American Midwest in the 1920s whose lives are ruined by the repressive sexual climate of the period. The girl, played by Natalie Wood, is literally driven batty by her pent-up adolescent lust and ends up in the bin---which admittedly plays better than sounds, because the hunk she yearns for is the young and almost impossibly handsome Warren Beatty. This is a very lush and beautiful movie, but also a deeply silly one. It's grade-A American cheese, with a pinch of dime-store Freud on top.--David Chute

Customer Reviews:

A Star is Born.......2007-06-12

Natalie Woods play a excellent part of a young High School girl in love with her High School sweetheart, played by Warren Beatty(screen debut)torn by beening respected by her mother's wishes and her human desires. This movie moved her from a child actress to a major player in the movie industry in adult roles.

Splendor alright.......2007-05-28

Splendor in the grass is a wonderful old Hollywood film. It's no wonder that Natalie Wood was a "million mens" dreamgirl. She is breath-taking and multi-dimensional in this film. The acting is emotional, and the actions cliff hanging in this beautiful story of love and letting go. It's a must see for anyone who loves old Hollywood classics.

Splendor in the Grass.......2007-05-07

I enjoyed this movie very much seeing natalie and warren in their youth and artistry was what made the movie so engrossingl.

Move - Splendor in the Grass.......2007-03-08

Great product, nice seller, fast service, very happy, will buy again!

Great Condtion .......2007-01-12

it was packaged very well and was a great gift for my mom.
VERY PLEASED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flicka Family Classics Collection (My Friend Flicka / Thunderhead: Son of Flicka / The Green Grass of Wyoming)

Average customer rating:

My Friend Flicka
Great to have the originals!!
Great But Sound Is A Dissapointment
Family Entertainment - Yes.
The Classic Flicka Trilogy

Flicka Family Classics Collection (My Friend Flicka / Thunderhead: Son of Flicka / The Green Grass of Wyoming)
Starring: Roddy McDowall , Preston Foster , Rita Johnson , James Bell , and Patti Hale
Director: Louis King , and Harold D. Schuster
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Flicka
Literary Classics Collection (Madame Bovary (1949), Captain Horatio Hornblower, The Three Musketeers (1948), The Prisoner of Zenda (1937 and 1952 Versions), Billy Budd)
The Silver Stallion: King of the Wild Brumbies (Parents Choice Award)
Tyrone Power: The Swashbuckler Box Set (Blood and Sand / Son of Fury / The Black Rose / Prince of Foxes / The Captain from Castile)
Fury

ASIN: B000LXHJZU
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Amazon.com

My Friend Flicka: This gorgeous 1943 family film stars Roddy McDowell as a Colorado rancher's son who takes a shine to a colt named Flicka and chooses to train her. The boy's father (Preston Foster) isn't happy about the idea: the horse is an offspring of a stormy mare who may not be right in the head. For a while, Flicka seems determined to prove the rancher's point, fiercely resisting young McDowell's efforts at domestication. But persistence and love win the day, and Flicka grows up to be a magnificent animal and friend. The film was shot by director Harold Schuster and cinematographer Dewey Wrigley as if for the ages, marrying such perfect elements as a Technicolor sweep of the beautiful Rocky Mountains setting with a wonderful story, plus McDowell's charismatic earnestness. Based on the Mary O'Hara novel, this film was popular enough in its time to inspire a couple of sequels, though the original best stands up as a perennially worthy adventure tale for kids ages 5 and up. --Tom Keogh

Thunderhead, Son of Flicka: A sequel to the wildly popular, heart-warming children's classic My Friend Flicka, Thunderhead stars the original winsome young Roddy McDowall as the horse-lover against all odds. The sequel is every bit as touching, involving, and misty-eye-inducing as the original film. Thunderhead, a headstrong albino colt, is the son of the mare Flicka, and McDowall's Ken McLaughlin sets out to find out what this wild thing can do. Thunderhead, when given his head, can fly as though winged, so Ken decides to enter Thunderhead in some horse races. But it becomes clear that Thunderhead can fly only if he's free. A tragedy threatens the sweet world that Thunderhead and Ken have created, and only that magical love between child and animal can overcome the stumbling blocks. Thunderhead, Son of Flicka is a worthy successor to the original film, and a touching family film for horse lovers of all ages. --A.T. Hurley

Green Grass of Wyoming: The final installment in Mary O'Hara's landmark horse saga that includes MY Friend Flicka, The Green Grass of Wyoming is a worthy valentine to the love of horses and the wild America they represented in the mid-20th century. Robert Arthur replaces Roddy McDowall as Ken McLaughlin, the boy horse whisperer who connects on a subliminal level with four-legged critters. The equine star is Crown Jewel, a harness-racing trotter for whom Ken has hopes of championships and financial windfalls. But Jewel has something else on her mind--love, for the stallion Thunderhead (star of O'Hara's second installment, Thunderhead, Son of Flicka. Arthur is a talented, charming successor to McDowall, and the breathtaking scenery and cinematography will charm even those film fans who aren't big horse lovers. (Charles G. Clark was nominated for an Oscar for best cinematography.) Burl Ives makes the most of his sidekick role as Gus, and Lloyd Nolan is sympathetic as Ken's financially struggling dad. Extras include a detailed featurette on the life of Mary O'Hara. --A.T. Hurley

Description

Disc 1: MY FRI FLICKA Disc 2: THUNDERHEAD: SON OF FLICKA Disc 3: GREEN GRASS OF WYOMING

Customer Reviews:

My Friend Flicka.......2007-05-21

I grew up wanting a place like the Goose Bar Ranch. I love it to this day when I can remember as a child wanting a horse like Banner. I watch it almost every evening when I get home from work. That is my relaxation.

Great to have the originals!!.......2007-05-16

I first saw Flicka (the new one with the girl) on DVD. Great movie by the way! It seems to be a mix of the first 2 (original) Flicka movies in this set. Remembered seeing My Friend Flicka on TV years ago so searched Amazon & here was the whole 3 movie set. I ordered it and was very pleased with the fast shipping as well as the DVD packaging. The movies? They were all very good. I sat through all 3 over 3 nights of viewing. Trust me this one's a keeper....

Great But Sound Is A Dissapointment.......2007-03-08

The movie itself is good quality but at some parts in the movie the sound is terrible, either to soft or too loud. You have to keep on switching volumes to hear.
Otherwise a good purchase.

Family Entertainment - Yes........2007-02-23

I'm giving this trilogy 4 stars based on its viewability and enjoyability for the family to watch. However, being a fan of Mary O'Hara's books (I read these when I was about 7 or 8), I was very disappointed in the way the story line strays from the books. Perhaps I am being overly critical, if so, I apologize to those offended.
The scenery is beautiful. The cinematography is great. The story line in "Flicka" (disc 1) is a little closer to the book than the other two.
But what happened to the older brother? The competition between Ken and his brother Howard was very important. However, the story line stays relatively close, and the moral of the story is there. Ken learns a lesson about responsibility, but at the same time realizes the imprtance of believing in the decisions you have made.
In the seond dis, "Thunderhead", the panorama of the mountains and the cinematography are still great. Perhaps even better, and the story line doesn't wander too terribly far astray, but it does deviate. Again, the absence of the brother in this story completely ingnores the bortherly competition, and the maturing that goes with it. And disappointingly (and erroneously) the McLaughlin stallion Banner does not die. Hurts part of the story in the next book. Still, the maturing of Ken and the developing respect between father and son are quite evident.
In the third film "Green Grass", the original story line goes on vacation to far away places. Beaver Greeenway is an uncle, not a grandfather. The grandmother (who dominates Carey's life) is gone, and the brother is still missing. And what happened to Pete, the hobo Clydesdale? And where did all those trotters come from? They were supposed to be jumpers. All in all, a completely different story. Panoramic cinematography still great. Different actors still did a credible job.
After all of that, when I watched the movies, I still enjoyed them thoroughly just as I did as a youngster. If you are a real fan of the books, you may find yourself disappointed, so watch it for the sake of enjoyment, not as they relate to Mary O'Hara's novels.

The Classic Flicka Trilogy.......2007-02-15

For those of you who only saw the new film last year (I bought it with this sight unseen because it looked interesting and it allowed me to get my favorite free shipping deal) here's your chance to see the Original stories of Flicka and her son Thunderhead. These 3 films which I am told are pretty faithful to Mary O'Hara's novels of the same titles (I have them too but never read them). The main difference between them and the 2006 remake is that is the central character is named "Ken (rather thank Katy McLaughlin", well at least the kept the same name in the remake) and is played by a young Roddy McDowell in the first 2 films and Robert Arthur in the third. The reason he probably didn't do "Green Grass" is that the same year (1948) he was making the second big screen version of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped. The first film was released on VHS years ago, and both the first 2 had been previously released on DVD to celebrate their 60th anniversaries. Unfortunately those discs are out of print, albeit some Amazon sellers are still offering them separately or together. But the copies in this set are exactly the same discs, except for the pictures on the jackets and the labels on the discs. The text on the back of the boxes and list of chapter stops (on the lists and discs) are exactly the same as the previous releases. This is also the only way to get all 3 (if you don't count the old copies) as only the first film has been re-released as a separate item (it also marks the first appearance of "Green Grass" on video in any way, shape or form). By the way, it was also made into the a short lived tv series in 1956 which I doubt we will ever see again. If you like the books and movies of Anna Sewell's Black Beauty and Walter Farley's Black Stallion and the 2006 remake interests (or interested you), get this set before they go out of print again.

Average customer rating:

A Gentleman's Fight For His Wife
Sophisticated Comedy
This is a comedy?
Amusing If You Don't Expect Much
Nothing wrong with movie, but DVD fails.

The Grass Is Greener
Starring: Cary Grant , Deborah Kerr , Robert Mitchum , Jean Simmons , and Moray Watson
Director: Stanley Donen
Manufacturer: Republic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Indiscreet
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ASIN: B00005N90Y
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Amazon.com

Cary Grant is the befuddled English earl casually puttering around his tourist attraction of a grand old estate in casual dress while a bull of an American millionaire (Robert Mitchum) crashes into his life and seduces Grant's sophisticated lady (Deborah Kerr). It's pure fantasy, of course, with its cool, cultured lovers swapping witty banter with the same calm they swap gunshots in an old-fashioned duel. Have adultery and jealousy ever been so civilized? Stanley Donen never shakes this very British drawing-room comedy of manners free of its talky, stagebound source or its deliberate snail's pace, but he does manages to bring a lightness that softens the wit with an American lilt. Ultimately, though, it's all about a crack cast in fine form: Mitchum's sleepy-eyed insolence, Kerr's easy elegance, Jean Simmons's flighty outrageousness, and especially the charm and measured grace that is Cary Grant. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

A Gentleman's Fight For His Wife.......2007-06-08

Cary Grant and Jean Simmons are pictured on the cover of the DVD, but this is a movie about Robert Mitchum (an American) trying to win the heart of an English gentleman's wife (Deborah Kerr), and his (Grant) reaction to that attempt. Jean Simmons has a very small role in the movie as a friend of the wife.

The plot seems contrived at times, and were it not for such outstanding actors in these roles, the movie would fall flat on its face. However, when you have Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, and Robert Mitchum in the same movie, it is well worth watching.

I doubt any of us would chose the method that the husband (Grant) chooses to save his marriage, but how many of us live in a house that is so large private tours are shown through it just to pay the taxes.

Sophisticated Comedy.......2006-02-20

The combination of Grant and Kerr is wonderful on the screen. I loved the mix of British humor and civility. Adding the dash of American brashness in Robert Mitchum, one can enjoy watching the wheels fall off. A very enjoyable movie!

This is a comedy?.......2005-02-15

Seriously, I didn't even think that this was a comedy until I came here and saw people saying "it wasn't funny." I got it as part of a boxed set of Cary Grant films (purchased here), and it's the only dud of the lot.

There was one scene that, I will grant you, was light and entertaining. Not laugh out loud, but funny enough (I won't spoil it by saying which one). Aside from that, the film struck me as a rather unbelievable farce about infidelity.

Most of all, you could almost feel the very talented cast trying to keep this elephant airborne. Grant and Simmons, in particular, are strong - but their efforts are ultimately squandered. Bob Mitchum is OK, but generally miscast, and Kerr's beauty and talent are basically wasted. No amount of acting would allow you to believe that anyone could act as impetuously and stupidly as she does here. She goes from happily married to tramp in about 5 minutes, for no discernible reason.

Overall acting: C (Grant/Simmons: B)
Directing: F
Writing: D-

I understand that this film caters more to English tastes, and that's fine, but I found it most un-satisfying.

Amusing If You Don't Expect Much.......2004-11-24

I'll bet that when Mitchum was announced for the movie Hollywood sniggered. Yet I think he did a good job, and held his own with Grant. I've always liked Jean Simmons and think she's a fine actress. For all her fine-boned aristocratic looks, she can play a wide variety of roles. Check out the variety of her talent, before she came to America, as Ophelia in Olivier's Hamlet, as the native girl in Black Narcissus, and as the young Estella in Great Expectations. Grant had three heavy-weight actors to play with, and I think the combined skill level shows in the movie. It's one more drawing room comedy that, for me, gets a little tiresome, but it's watchable and amusing. I think a lot of the credit for this goes to the Grant/Mitchum casting, and to Simmons.

Nothing wrong with movie, but DVD fails........2004-10-12

This has always been a favorite film of mine. The story is old-fashioned yet fun and the cast is divine. Despite having the VHS, I wanted more and ordered the DVD.

Beware! This DVD claims on its packaging to have Closed Captioning, but it does NOT!! No subtitles in any language, no line 21 captioning.

Nor does it have anything else. "Interactive Menus" means scene selections. This plain vanilla release doesn't even have a trailer. This film and cast deserves better and I see no reason Lion's Gate reissued this DVD with nothing added.

Since I bought it online, I can't return it and neither Lion's Gate nor Artisan will take it back despite the error in labeling and false advertising which is not the fault of the people I bought it from.

Average customer rating:

The Best For Pure Entertainment
A Classic Production
Confusing description of this item
Horatio is my hero!
the making of the hero

Horatio Hornblower Boxed Set
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd , Robert Lindsay (II) , Dorian Healy , Michael Byrne , and Robert Bathurst
Director: Andrew Grieve
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Miniseries | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

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

Horatio Hornblower - The Adventure Continues
Horatio Hornblower - The New Adventures (Loyalty / Duty)
Damn the Defiant!
Longitude
Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies (Hornblower Saga)

ASIN: B00003OSSO
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Product Description

The Emmy® award winning epic saga of HORATIO HORNBLOWER, the legendary sea-faring hero, comes to life in these films based on C.S. Forester s classic novels. Set against the bloody backdrop of the Napoleonic wars. HORNBLOWER charts a curse for high adventure, following the raw recruit as he battles the French, evades capture, and rises through the ranks of the King s Navy.With a powerful performance by Ioan Gruffudd (Titanic) in the title role, HORATIO HORNBLOWER brings C.S. Forester s classic tales to life in all their swashbuckling glory.Filmed in Turkey, the Crimea and on the Black Sea and produced by the same team that created the Emmy® award-winning JANE AUSTEN S EMMA --- now in the crystal-clear digital clarity of DVD ---- HORNBLOWER contains some of the most visually exciting films ever to be brought to the small screen.
FEATURES

About C.S. Forester; Nautical terms and definitions;

Behind-the-scenes Making of Horatio

Hornblower; England s Royal Warships hosted by

Edward Winsor; Scene Chaptering

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Based on the rousing sea adventures in C.S. Forester's novel Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, the four-film television series Horatio Hornblower explores the education of a plucky young officer rising through the ranks of His Majesty's Navy. Ioan Gruffudd is all integrity and honor as the ambitious midshipman who is taken under the stern yet nurturing guidance of Captain Pellew (Robert Lindsay) during the war against France in the French Revolution. Through these four adventures he faces a vindictive senior midshipman ("The Even Chance"); meets his hero, a reckless captain whose unorthodox methods are brave but foolhardy ("The Examination for Lieutenant"); is captured by the Spanish in a desperate maneuver to sneak through enemy lines ("The Duchess and the Devil"); and leads his men to French soil in an ill-planned attempt by French loyalists to start a popular front against the revolution ("The Frogs and the Lobsters"). The excellent re-creations of 18th-century vessels and ship-to-ship battles are astounding and reminiscent of such classic Hollywood seafaring adventures as Captain Blood and The Sea Hawk, not to mention Captain Horatio Hornblower, with Gregory Peck as the only previous screen incarnation of Forester's hero. This mixture of swashbuckling adventure and British naval tradition is leavened with well-placed humor and a cast of colorful characters, but at the heart of the tales is Gruffudd's quick-thinking, courageous Hornblower, a starry-eyed officer with the luck of the gods and the steely determination of an old-fashioned hero. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

The Best For Pure Entertainment.......2006-01-18

I read the 11 books in the Hornblower series many years ago and again recently. Then, I picked up the DVD set for all 8 currently in release. Wow! A real movie; not Hollywood junk. The stories are held close to the books, the actors are incredible, and filming is beyond good. This is well worth whatever you pay for it because it's real entertainment and not contrived like most of Hollywood's work. Get it, share it, enjoy it.

A Classic Production.......2005-01-05

Finally we have a series that does credit to its original inspiration. To watch these episodes is almost like reading the Forester novels themselves. The best part of this series is that it gets you to feel the life of a seaman of that time. The sounds of the ship, the bells, whistles, drum beats, etc. all merge together and bring you back into another time. While I always felt that the Hornblower books give a somewhat romanitzed view of Royal Navy life during the Napoleanic Wars, there can be no doubt that this TV series truly does justice to the books. More productions should be made like this. Hornblower's exploits while impressive, are believeable. There is none of that annoying tongue and cheek element that we find in many of these period productions. The "Sharpe Series" was largely ruined because of that. Here there has been a conscious effort to stay within the spirit of the books.

The best episodes in my opinion are 1 and 4. The middle ones are a bit slow and tedious a times, but they all provide wonderful character development. The fourth episode is a real treat for those interested in having a look at combined naval and land operations of the period. The British were the only ones that could do this sort of thing, and the coordination involved was very difficult. The viewer is treated to some interesting land combat scenes, which are nicely done. Much attention has been paid to uniforms, drill and eqippment, which all get high marks. John Mollo was the costume specialist, so its not surprsing that the uniforms are accurate to the buttons! He did many fine military uniform books in years past.
Perhaps what makes this series so good is that there has been no silly romance put in to distract the viewer. Highly recommended for all naval buffs, and for those interested in the Napoleanic period, as well as those who seek a really good period series with good acting and sets.

Confusing description of this item.......2004-09-30

I wanted to get the whole series of these because they are great films, but the descriptions of the episodes on this boxed set are misleading. "("The Even Chance"); ("The Examination for Lieutenant"); ("The Duchess and the Devil"); and ("The Frogs and the Lobsters")" are actually called "The Duel," "The Fire Ships," "The Duchess and the Devil," and "The Wrong War" and are also part of the 6 movies Complete set.

Horatio is my hero!.......2004-07-18

I can't guess how many times in my life I'll end up watching this beautifully made TV series!

It's an inspired production. The plots are compelling, and the action and suspense are very real. The soundtrack makes many scenes absolutely glow with life ("It's the Indie, sir!" and the final credits are my favourite!!).

The character of Horatio is what takes this show to the level of great storytelling. Horatio is brave, loyal, intelligent, and compassionate; and all too human in his vulnerability and self-doubt. In these four episodes, we see him grow from an impressionable midshipman into a more confident commissioned Lieutenant, always trying to be the best he can be. He is played superbly by Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd (pronounced YO-an Griffith).

The other regulars are just as enjoyable in their unaffected charm- seamen Matthews, Styles, and Aldroyd; midshipman Archie Kennedy; and especially the shrewd, noble Captain Pellew, played with great dignity by Robert Lindsay.

I hope you enjoy watching this wonderful series!

the making of the hero.......2004-02-21

in this second episode Horatio has already realised that he likes life in the navy, so much so that he is happy to be able to take the examination for lieutenant. Unfortunately, whenever he decides to open a book and study, there is an urgent distraction in the form of an adventure, especially at a time when the Spanish decided that they were allied of the French and they began to attack the British ships (with the infamous "fire ships"). These adventures are, in fact, a way for Horatio Hornblower to see the hardships that officials have to endure: he has to be prepared to take quick, life-or-death decissions for himself and his men; he has to be very sure of his priorities to take these decissions; and his priorities are not exactly the same as those of some other very well-regarded officials, who are considered heros and who could become new and powerful enemies. Horatio learns more about what being an official involves through these actions than what he could learn in a thousand books but, will he pass the exmination and finally launch his navy official career?

Average customer rating:

Would I recommend? Hmmm...
A mixed product saved by Firth, Holmes, and Pleasence
What year was this??
Based on unusual history
Excellent acting in a Medieval "Who Dunnit"

The Advocate
Starring: Colin Firth , Ian Holm , Donald Pleasence , Amina Annabi , and Nicol Williamson
Director: Leslie Megahey
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
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Relative Values

ASIN: B00008L3S0
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Amazon.com

The Advocate is an intriguing medieval court drama set in the days when humans and animals were both known to contain the devil. Courtois, an educated lawyer (Colin Firth), leaves the big city to find peace in the countryside but finds murderous acts holding the small hamlet in fear. To the town folk, Courtois's intelligence is nearly as mysterious as witchcraft, which is all the talk of the day. Since we rarely see a movie set in this time period, it intrigues but doesn't teach beyond its initial premise: animals can go on trial. The film is supported by some wonderful character actors, including Ian Holm as a priest with very liberal views and Nicol Williamson as the unofficial king. Lots of naughtiness mostly played for laughs makes this the first thinking person's ribald classic. --Doug Thomas

Description

Screen favorites Colin Firth (WHAT A GIRL WANTS, BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) and Ian Holm (THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy, FROM HELL) star in THE ADVOCATE -- one of Hollywood's most controversial films in years and described by many as provocative, sexy, and fascinating. A courtroom thriller with a passionate edge, it's the story of a dynamic young lawyer (Firth) whose quest for the simple life leads him to a law position in a small rural town. What he finds instead is a disturbing case of murder, seduction, and corruption -- a case that reveals the mystery beneath the village's quiet facade. Yet as he searches for answers, he finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue and betrayal. Don't miss this sexy thriller -- a dark story about the many sides of truth, and passion's deadly price!

Customer Reviews:

Would I recommend? Hmmm..........2007-01-04

This really is a quirky movie with a lot of humorous moments. It is unclean in the most literal sense-everyone could use a bath. Colin Firth and Donald Pleasence perform well, as do others. However, I am still completely stumped as to what the big surprise is. We the viewers are implored to keep it a secret, but I have no idea what the spoiler is, and I watched it twice! I am usually not so dull to details, but this one escapes me.

A mixed product saved by Firth, Holmes, and Pleasence.......2006-06-10

This is a very uneven film, to say the least. I would like to discuss the storyline/plot; the humor; then the film making and editing; and finally the actors.

First, this is the story of a dark time in human history where theocracy and fear of witchcraft ruled the minds of common people while wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few. It was a time of anti-semitism; torture; poverty; plague; and injustice. Into this mix comes a handsome young lawyer, played by Colin Firth, who defends witches and homicidal pigs. He falls in love with a Jewish beauty who seemed more gypsy than Jew. The story appeared to be written by a committee who could not decide if they were writing historic fiction, social commentary, or slapstick comedy. Dark humor prior to executions gave the film a odd sense.

Second, this film was poorly edited. Scenes were cut short and I felt constantly jerked around by amaturish film editing.

Third, the cast was actually superb even if the rest of the film was weak. Colin Firth never overplayed his part. For Colin Firth fans, he appears nude in several scenes. Ian Holmes was very good as a corrupt priest who advises Firth. Donald Pleasence wins the award for highly professional acting in a poorly developed story. Pleasence plays a aged lawyer who outsmarts and outmaneuvers Colin Firth in the courtroom.

Idiotic story with good acting - gets a 3 in my book.

What year was this??.......2005-06-16

A fascinating film that reminds us just how little has changed since the middle ages. This film could have easily been set in today's America, with it's take on "values", "morality" and other buzzwords, which are as eagerly used in today's "justice" system as they were then. If judges and Christians scare you as much as they scare me, you will enjoy this film.

Based on unusual history.......2005-06-04

A friend pitched this movie to me as an uproarious Monty Python-like film about medieval lawyers. The Miramax marketing division tried instead to promote it as a sensual murder-mystery and courtroom thriller. (They failed, however, to mention that it's set in the Middle Ages.) The truth is somewhere in between -- yes, The Advocate is funny, but it's no thigh-slapper. Yes, it contains something of a murder-mystery (with a large black hog as its primary suspect) and courtroom drama, but it's not edge-of-your-seat suspense. Yes, it is sensual at times (so much so that cuts were required to keep an NC-17 rating off the film), but it's certainly no glossy romance. (Generally, the film's love scenes generate a vague worry that perhaps the participants should have a bath or something first.)

But all combined, the movie is a fascinating -- if somewhat surreal and sometimes startling -- movie experience.

The Advocate (also known as The Hour of the Pig) stars Colin Firth as Richard Courtois, a Paris defense attorney who seeks a quieter life in the country. He and his diligent clerk, Mathieu (Jim Carter), settle in the quiet-seeming hamlet of Abbeville, but the town isn't as quiet as Courtois had hoped. Also, he learns to his frustration, the law allows animals to be accused and tried with the same rights and privileges as humans. Thus, shortly after freeing a man who bludgeoned his wife's lover to death and failing to save an accused witch, the conscientious Courtois finds himself called upon to defend the aforementioned pig.

Believe it or not, the major plot points of the film, set in 1452, are based on historical records, culled from court transcripts and diaries of the day. The opening scene, where a man and his she-ass stand accused of carnal acts, sets the tone as nooses are placed around both convicts' necks. A last-minute reprieve does arrive in time to save the ass, however -- the court has determined that she was a victim, not a willing participant, and therefore may go free with no stain upon her.

This movie isn't for everyone, and certainly the pace will seem a little slow for those raised on typical Hollywood comedy fare, but nonetheless it is worth tracking down for a curious 110 minutes of medieval intrigue and wit.

Excellent acting in a Medieval "Who Dunnit".......2005-01-31

This story is based on a true incident that occurred in Medieval France. In those times, an animal could be tried, convicted, and executed for murder! A very large pig is the suspect, and Colin was wonderful as the lawyer defending the animal, There are also
dark undercurrents of unsolved murders which I found quite gripping and exciting. The viewer will have to get accustomed to the unusual costumes (wearing apparel) of that time. As usual, Colin Firth does a great job, he even became friendly with this monster pig!!!

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - High Grass Dogs (Live from the Fillmore)

Average customer rating:

I MADE THE CUT!
Tom Petty and his loyal band, rock the Fillmore in sf, ca.
Essential T.P. DVD
Boring
Buy this...

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - High Grass Dogs (Live from the Fillmore)
Starring: Tom Petty
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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The Heartbreakers - Soundstage
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Playback [Region 2]
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Live at the Olympic: The Last DJ and More
Pack up the Plantation: Live!
Conversations With Tom Petty

ASIN: B00002ND7R
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Amazon.com essential video

If your ideal concert experience depends on flashpots, lasers, and fabulous costumes, turn back now. On the other hand, if you're looking for no-frills, straight-ahead rock & roll played with good humor and passion, you've come to the right place. Filmed in March '99 at San Francisco's legendary Fillmore and seen here in letterbox format with great sound, High Grass Dogs finds Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers in fine form, charging through a series of tunes from the guitarist-singer-songwriter's first album ("Breakdown") to his latest (four tunes from Echo). Petty's core musicians (guitarist Mike Campbell, bassist Howie Epstein, and keyboardist Benmont Tench) have been together for so long that their onstage communication is almost telepathic; the emphasis is always on dynamics and interplay instead of bombast. There may not be any surprises here, with the possible exception of an appearance by Bo Diddley on his own "Mona," but that's a good thing. Indeed, the only mystery may be where Petty came up with that weird title. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

I MADE THE CUT!.......2007-06-12

I had to have this DVD! After receiving many phone calls from people telling me that I was "all over the Fillmore dvd", I finally got it for myself! My friends and I went to night after night of this historic run at the Fillmore (one of two long runs in a couple of years that they did). I don't think Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were ever before or have since been so good! And I've been seeing them since I was 15 (now 42!). Unbelievable shows. Rock and roll doesn't get any better! It was a shining moment for both the Fillmore and TP and the HB's. Get your copy of this.....kind of like a little slice of rock and roll history. Not quite "The Last Waltz", but still amazing! In fact, it was one of the last shows where we slept in line for the tickets.....before the computer took the social aspect out of waiting in line with your fellow fans! Nowadays the tickets would be "auctioned" to the highest bidder......at the Fillmore, it was those of us who really wanted to be there bad enough to sleep on a cold sidewalk and get in the front rows to be included in the DVD!

Tom Petty and his loyal band, rock the Fillmore in sf, ca........2007-02-10

This video is great. The songs are good, it's a good time in the band's life, so buy it if you want a goor Tom P. & the HBrkrs video. You'll love it.

Essential T.P. DVD.......2006-11-04

Fantastic T.P. Concert Film. I've terrorized my neighbors with the soundtrack to this one!! Great camera work/production.

Boring.......2006-10-25

Not what I expected after seeing them perform live in 2005. Boring, on stage performance on this disc. Don't buy this one.

Buy this..........2006-07-31

This DVD is really amazing, the song selection is perfect and the playing is crazy great. Everyone is awesome in this filming, at the historic Fillmore. THis even features Bo Diddley with the heartbreakers playing mona, one of the best on the DVD. Tom even jokes around some between songs. Please buy this, you wont be dissapointed. THis is pure Rock 'n' Roll.

Average customer rating:

Touching rendering of a family dealing with their transgendered child
A Cinematic Triumph
How to be yourself in spite of ignorance of others
Excellent movie !!!
Excellent, insightful, troubling, beautiful, inspiring....

Ma Vie En Rose
Starring: Michèle Laroque , Jean-Philippe Écoffey , Hélène Vincent , Georges Du Fresne , and Daniel Hanssens
Director: Alain Berliner
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00001W9FZ
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Amazon.com

One of the sweetest films to emerge from Europe in the 1990s, Alain Berliner's Ma Vie en Rose is the story of an innocent little boy, Ludovic (played with noncloying directness by Georges Du Fresne), who wants to be a girl. Convinced that he's the product of misplaced chromosomes (he imagines the mix-up in one of many delightful daydream sequences), he sets about righting the mistake by wearing dresses and high heels and experimenting with lipstick and makeup. The otherwise friendly suburban neighborhood becomes horrified by the gender confusion, though tellingly the cruelest blows come not from the teasing classmates but intolerant adults: one scene recalls the torch-and-pitchfork angry villagers from a Frankenstein movie. Ludo tries hard to be butch, but he can't deny his nature, especially when he meets a kindred spirit: a little girl who gladly trades her dress for his pants and shirt. This bittersweet mix of innocent fantasy and childhood cruelty has its moments of sadness and crushing misunderstandings, but the overall tone is loving, filled with tenderness and culminating in acceptance and togetherness. As the family stumbles and struggles to come to terms with Ludo, they find something special within him, an innocent conviction so powerful and pure that it's infectious. Ludo may not grow up to become a girl as he hopes, but his belief is so strong it's hard to deny him the possibility. This films reminds us that, to a child, anything is possible. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Touching rendering of a family dealing with their transgendered child.......2007-05-26

The style of the film sets the mood for fantasy. The colors are vibrant and un-natural, the colors of a cartoon. We see Ludovic, an amazingly beautiful little boy who loves the cartoon character, Pam, apparantly a French version of Barbie. She is gorgeous, has long white-blond hair and sprinkles fairy dust to manifest the man of her dreams, whom she marries.

Ludo, somehow identifies with this dazzling character and starts dressing up as a girl, with makeup and jewelry and talks of marrying his little schoolboy friend. The parents who are middle class, apparently "normal" people, who have just moved into a picture perfect (for them) suburban neighborhood, and who just want a happy life, are at their wits' ends with how to deal with Ludo.

The mother has a mother, an aging wannabe hippie type who encourages Ludo in his escape into his fantasy world. Her personal fantasy is to remain forever young, slim and rich.

The story is delicately told, with perfect acting. The director is careful not to ascribe too much blame to anyone, I felt. We can see and empathize with the reactions of everyone. The parents and the granny sincerely try to help the child, each in his own way, even while their lives are uprooted by the situation.

As viewers, we are drawn into the drama by the sensitive script and excellent acting, especially that of the captivating child. We want everything to turn out well for him. The ending suggests that perhaps there is some kind of resolution, but I didn't find it very convincing, (hence the lack of more stars). I rather think that the director was engaging in some wishful fantasy himself with this conclusion. In "reality" I think Ludo and his family have a long row to hoe.

A Cinematic Triumph.......2007-03-04

"Ma Vie En Rose" Is the story of a little boy named "Ludovic" who desperately wants to be a girl.
While most boys his age want to be cowboys or Soldiers Ludovic dreams of living in a fantasy world where dolls are larger than life and he is a princess. He is not free to do the things that feel natural for him to do ,That other people say are not allowed or socially accepted. He creates an imaginary friend name Pam who is a Barbie like doll that plays with him and takes him on journeys far away from the reality of his confused and troubled life.
It's a heart breaking story of how people ostracize and condemn things and people they don't understand.
In Ludovic"s heart he is a girl and doesn't understand why people ridicule and torment him "cant they see it ?" he must think. He rebels against all the attempts to make him stop acting out his fantasies and wearing what he feels is proper and comfortable attire for him and then his neighbors and acquaintances perceive him as sick ,disturbed and in need of help when in reality they are the ones that need the help so they can stop being judgmental and ignorant.
While the other people around Ludovic are like circles and can roll freely he is a square that does not roll smoothly and will endure all the bumps and have a rocky ride ahead of him due to the fact he is shaped differently. This movie is a must for anyone who might think their child is exhibiting signs of transgenderism during their early years and for people who cant think out of the box so they can put themselves in Ludovic's tiny yet heavy shoes or for anyone who wants to see a beautiful story.

How to be yourself in spite of ignorance of others.......2007-01-11

What a delightful movie full of nuance and beautiful about a boy who loves wearing dresses and a family trying to accomodate him as best they can. What is particularly brilliant is that the family tries to help but they are faced (as is the boy) with the tension between individual desires and the demands of society to live within strict gender roles and expression of those roles. A GREAT MOVIE!

Excellent movie !!!.......2006-07-24

A very tender movie full of wonderful images and good performances...it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I highly recommend it . Besides, it deals with a controversial issue successfully without falling into stereotypes or predictive situations. It is a real "must see".

Excellent, insightful, troubling, beautiful, inspiring...........2006-02-14

One of the best movies I have seen!!! The subject itself forces you to look at your own limitations on anything that is out of your 'normal' boundaries. After watching this movie, you have a better insight on how limited most of us are and how this causes a lot more harm than we think it does.
In terms of film quality, it is also one of the best I have seen. The actors are tremendous, the characters are so accurately portrayed that you actually feel the pain of each one of them. Of course, Ludovic's innocence is rendered beautifully, but the changes that the mother goes through are very emotionally charged (maybe because I am a mother myself???). She seems at first to be the most understanding of all when it comes to her son's differences, then goes through a confusion stage, and then tries really hard to understand him. But when her family's whole life setting (house, husband's job, social life) goes havoc, she closes down emotionally on her own son which is extremely painful to watch. After one final emotionally violent confrontation with Ludovic, she realizes that she's loosing him and finally sees him the way it should be: her beautiful child, nothing more, nothing less.
It is also filmed in a very colorful manner (especially during Ludovic's escapes into dreamland), which accentuate the notion of Ludovic's innocence. The neighborhood setting seems to be a bit of a caricature of American suburbia (green front lawns, barbecue parties) with an European flavor (adults dancing at neighborhood parties). In any case, the movie seems to make a clear statement that intolerance seems to be most prominent in middle-class white surburban populations, which many could find this to be a bit of a stereotype.
In any case, I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants something more out of movie than what is presented in mainstream movies.

Average customer rating:

Nice Story
the grass harp, excellent!
Slow Paced Charmer
Undiscovered Gem of Wonderful Surprises & Great Perfomances
Hollywood's Nepotism Award goes to - Charles Matthau!

The Grass Harp
Starring: Joe Don Baker , Bonnie Bartlett , Nell Carter , Adam Crosby , and Nora Dunfee
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007P0XAA
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Customer Reviews:

Nice Story.......2007-03-05

"The Glass Harp" (1995) will remind a lot of viewers of "To Kill a Mockingbird". Not a huge surprise given that both stories involve Truman Capote's childhood (Harper Lee based the Dill Harris character on Capote). Both films also use small Alabama towns for their locations.

Capote loosely based his 1951 "The Glass Harp" novella on the eccentric maiden cousins of his childhood. For the film Piper Laurie plays good Aunt Dolly and Sissy Spacek bad Aunt Verena (who is even less likable than Pollyanna's Aunt Polly). Spacek gets to do something out of character and nicely underplays this one. Laurie gets to have even more fun and turns in a joyful performance. She is a little too good to be true but Laurie manages to sell the character with a remarkable performance. In the 1950's Laurie was an extremely pretty (and hot) young starlet but it is obvious from this and her performance in "Carrie" (playing Spacek's mother) that there was a lot of substance in that pretty package.

Edward Furlong (best know as John Conner in "Terminator 2") avoids the "Pollyanna" trap and is pretty easy to take. The coming-of-age side of the story works quite well.

"The Glass Harp" is a bit underrated, probably because the screenplay fails to capture the lyrical quality of Capote's storytelling, giving the viewer a surfeit of sentimentality compounded by a too sweet score. The title is a reference to the musical sound of blowing grass, a metaphor about intergenerational connections and the primary theme of the story.

Walter Matthau directed and would have benefited from a little more restraint. This is not a fatal flaw but the film would have been more powerful with Mockingbird's toned down production design and less colorful characters; maybe even going so far as to release it in black and white.

Those looking for action adventure and hot romance should look elsewhere. But there are a lot of "Mockingbird" fans out there who should really enjoy "The Glass Harp". Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

the grass harp, excellent!.......2006-02-23

I loved this film adaptation of Truman Capote's classic novel. Even if you haven't read the book, the movie stands on its own and conveys the wit, humor and depth of the characters as intended by the author.

Slow Paced Charmer.......2005-12-14

The main fun of this film is picking out the stars often
playing minor roles. In the movie Carrie, Piper Laurie
played Sissy Spacek's religious fundamentalist mother. In
this film the roles are reversed with Spacek playing Laurie's
domineering sister. Keep an eye out for Walter and Charles
Matthau, Nell Carter, Jack Lemmon, Mary Steenburgen, Joe
Don Baker, Charles Durning, Roddy McDowall and Doris Roberts
(Mildred on Remington Steele).

The movie is extremely slow paced. You know how movies
often go syrupy right at the end where the actors start
mouthing platitudes and smiling benignly into the sunset or
running over fields. This movie goes on like that for the
last 20 minutes of the movie. It became so unbearably
saccharine I started laughing.

The other pleasure of this movie is the recreations a
gentler time, the south in the 1930s. Lavish interiors,
antique cars, prudish townspeople and nature in fall colours
are a feast for the eye.

Undiscovered Gem of Wonderful Surprises & Great Perfomances.......2005-04-27

Set in the 30's, The Grass Harp is a story about an orphan boy who is sent to live with his eccentric aunts. The story follows the plight of social "outcasts" with humor and insight.

On the surface this story is about love and our connections to others - both living and dead. Yet underneath run themes of social prejudice, racial inequality, religion, morals and the struggles of social conformity vs. individual expression - but the film never preaches. It just reveals.

Director Charles Matthau accomplished the near-impossible task of adapting Truman Capote's classic book into a beautiful rendered film. Wisely, he approached this multi-layered story with a light touch, allowing the material and talent to shine. Matthau skillfully captures a myriad of complex relationships and emotions, allowing the characters to live and breathe without placing judgment on who they are.

The boy's coming-of-age story is entertaining, humorous and poignant. As the film unfolds, Collin encounters a diverse group of characters, from which he gains valuable insights about life. Now an adult he looks back (as the narrator) reflecting on this formative time.

Each character is uniquely distinct and true-to-life. The entire all-star cast is at the top of their game.

This is the best performance of Piper Laurie's career. She is delicate and mesmerizing as the fragile Dolly Talbo. Her scenes with Spacey and Matthau will break your heart.

For those of you who have only seen Walter Matthau in grumpy curmudgeon roles, you are in for a treat! Matthau is wonderful as a Judge Cool, a Southern gentleman struggling to find meaning in his retirement years. As Piper Laurie's love interest he is tender and charming yet dignified. A man of integrity and honor, Judge Cool is the only "accepted" towns person with compassion for the outcasts.

As a collective, the ensemble cast captures the social pecking order with uncanny accuracy.

Jon Don Baker is great as the Sheriff, Nell Carter is a hoot as the eccentric housekeeper and Sissy Spacek is an amazing blend of steely resolve masking her conflicted feelings of vulnerability and insecurity.
Roddy McDowell is the delightfully sarcastic barber. Jack Lemmon and Mary Steenbergen are great fun as out-of-towners who stir things up. Mary as a traveling cowgirl evangelist out to save souls - never mind that she is a single- mother of fourteen kids...all by different fathers! She pulls it off with comic charm and sad poignancy. Lemmon is a "chemical engineer" (read quack potions salesman) with a scheme to get his hands on Dolly's herbal potion. Although some locals may be skeptical about Lemmon and Steenbergen motives, they never play their roles in black and white terms.

The film is exceptionally well written, particularly considering how many characters there were to juggle. All the characters are well-developed and performed. Even the shady characters are oh-so-human in their desperate schemes to survive the Great Depression.

There is also one of the most delightful casts of furry creatures ever assembled: a host of cats, dogs, fish, and a scene-stealing Rooster named Ralph. It looked to me like Ralph was huffing around wishing he had more lines. I'd be all for him getting his own sequel.

Hollywood's Nepotism Award goes to - Charles Matthau!.......2003-12-06

A boy grows up in the thirties. Collin Fenwick (Edward Furlong) feels attachment to his aunt Dolly (Piper Laurie), a good-natured, warm-hearted, somewhat fidgety woman. But her domineering sister Verena (Sissy Spacek) considers Dolly unfit for life. In her eyes she is not presentable and she feels ashamed for her. When Verena falls for a trickster (Jack Lemmon) who pretends to market Dolly's medicinal draughts she blames her sister for her disappointment. Dolly and the other subjugated members of the household seek shelter in a tree-house. An old judge (Walter Matthau) who feels some affection for Dolly joins them...

Amazon.com

Anna (Arly Jover, Blade) is losing her memory. It started the day she failed to recognize her husband, Laurent (Philippe Bas). "I'm going crazy," she whispers to herself. Then at a dinner party, faces suddenly morph into death masks. Elsewhere in Paris, Captain Nerteaux (Jocelyn Quivrin, Syriana) is trying to catch a serial