Barefoot in the Park

There's no question that this is a superior production of "Barefoot in the Park" - I show it to my high school drama class (although, as others have mentioned, all I have is a poor quality video taped from HBO). It is faithful to the script and the acting/comedic timing is superb (particularly Barbara Barrie as Ethel). The pace and energy of Armstrong and Thomas exemplify the joy of live theater - they create a wonderful, wacky momentum that carries the viewer along to the final curtain. I also tell my students to look at the wonderful set design; it's absolutely a delight to see the actors interact with it as if it were another character. If this ever comes out on DVD, somebody please let me know.

I was captivated by this play (on HBO) 24 years ago (13 years old) and surprised to read comments by others with the same enthusiasm. This play opened my eyes to the theater, how truly wonderful it is to see great actors perform on stage (and even be so enchanted seated on a couch in my own home). I rented the movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford and did not think much of it. I have been looking for this version from HBO and have not had any luck. If a version does come out on DVD, I would love to own a copy to show my daughter, also. I have seen Richard Thomas also in TV movies and have enjoyed his acting abilities in every one of them. Bess Armstrong as well.

To everyone that is seeking a copy of this wonderful show that I enjoyed so much as a teenager...I was able to purchase a good quality DVD at http://www.sell.com/2425QC the cost was only 12.95 and worth every penny. I saw the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford version of this Neil Simon play after I saw the Richard Thomas and Bess Armstrong's live stage performance and I have never been so disappointed! Fonda and Redford were absolutely dreadful and had no chemistry at all. Besides I was convinced that Jane Fonda couldn't act after seeing Barbarella! I have ordered another copy of this DVD to give to my mother as a Christmas present. She enjoyed it as much as I did and we must have watched it at least a dozen times together when I was 15. I hope everyone that is seeking a copy can get one to share with their family and friends!

I saw this when it first aired on HBO - and found it MUCH funnier and more entertaining than the bland, drab, and, in my opinion, un-funny Fonda/Redford film. Perhaps it was the fact that it was a stage production with a live audience, but the acting and chemistry are far superior. Hans Conreid and Barbara Barrie are delightful, and Richard Thomas and Bess Armstrong give Neil Simon's material the comedic flavor it deserves. (Look for James Cromwell in a memorable small role as the telephone repair man).

The "fight" scenes alone have twice the energy and comedy than the film version. Example:

Corie: "You're very nearly perfect!" Paul: "That's a rotten thing to say!"

The delivery of this in the stage version is SO much more fun than Redford's ho-hum delivery of the same line. (anyone having seen both will know what I mean . . . ) I would HIGHLY recommend this version over the more "famous" Fonda film. I only wish that whatever studio owns it would put it out on DVD! I'd watch it again and again . . .

I seen this play on HBO so many years ago and have been looking for it every since. I thought that this version of the movie was very hilarious. Bess Armstrong was very great in her role, as well as Richard Thomas. This was so much better than the movie done by Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. I can not believe it is not available for purchase. I wish I would have recorded it when it was on TV, to my great regret I did not. Do anyone have any idea where one might find this version either to rent or buy. Or have anyone heard if they (HBO or any other network) will air this again. So if anyone finds this play please advise the rest of us who is so desperately looking to see it again. Thanks!!!