Barefoot in the Park

I actually had a VHS copy of this play when it appeared on TV. It was loaned to a daughter who tossed it out! I would love to find a video or DVD of this. Has anyone attempted to contact Mr. Thomas to see if maybe he has access to any copies? There MUST be a copy in an archive someplace. HBO does not list this play. Has anyone tried to contact them? The actors were amazing. Barbara Barrie was brilliant and her comedic talent shined. Bess Armstrong's character played beautifully and related so well to the other actors. No one actor tried to steal the show but they all were a team in getting the best performances out of each other. This is one of Neil Simons's best plays. The later version of it with Mr. Redford just did not hit the bullseye for me. I think that anyone who had seen the Thoms version was spoiled. For me to remember all the actors' names is a tribute to their performances. This treasure should not be forgotten and should be resurrected.

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 have been looking for this version of Barefoot to come available for years now. Barbara Barrie was brilliantly funny. Richard Thomas was also exhaustingly funny. The whole cast works together so well. I saw this version of Barefoot on HBO as an 8th grader and was so captivated by the play and the actors performance that 23 years later (I enjoyed it that much) I am still in hopes that one day I will find this released to DVD. This play, but more especially the actors performance made me want to be an actor. This is such fun to watch. From memory it moves very quickly, is full of energy, full of love and full of fun. I thought the Redford/Fonda version would suffice in lieu of finding this version on tape or DVD, but it really didn't. Not to say that the Redford/Fonda version wasn't good - I just liked this better. HBO, please release to DVD is all that I request.

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!

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.