hachmom-1's reviews

I actually like this version better Than the film version from the 50s. I actually like this version1st I have to confess That I am not a Big fan of Mitzi Gainer. To me she played everything the same way Full force and lack subtle moments. Glenn close of course Is 1 of our great actresses But people forget she started out singing. As for her age I think people get the wrong impression Because mitzi Gaynor is so young But Glenn's performance Is more In mary martin's Tradition. I also Really liked Harry Connick As cable The people complaining About Carefully Taught Forget That in the show He sings it response to Nelly And it is an accusaion rather than an explanation. And this brings me to my big reason for preferring this version: I think it is actually much truer To the Broadway show.

The good news first, the dogs are adorable (and I'm a cat person). That's where the good news ends. Even by the high held standards of made for TV Christmas movies this is pretty bad. Just concentrate on the dogs. They're adorable.

I was only a casual Hardy Boys fan back in it's heyday, but this episode is something special. The Brothers journey to England after their father is kidnapped, meeting up with his British contact, played by the always wonderful Patrick Macnee, John Steed in all but name. It's a lovely tribute to an actor and his most memorable row, and well worth watching even for non Hardy fans.

Lear is such a tricky role for an actor. By the time he has the life experience to truly understand the role, he lacks the energy to play it night after night on stage. That is one of the things that makes this Lear so special, that for once we have an actor who is just the right age to play Lear.

It is true that the film quality, shot for television, is not great, but it truly doesn't matter. Filming for television has other advantages. It's unlikely that Olivier at his age and health could have managed Lear even on a more complication motion picture filming. And all the compromises of TV are worth it to have a record of Olivier's Lear on film.

Even More importantly, a stage production could never have gathered what may be the best supporting cast ever for a Shakespeare film. The two performances that best stood out for me were Diana Rigg's absolute evil Regan, and the gentle crazed brilliance of John Hurt's Fool. Since Mr Hurt seldom did Classic works, his performance is extra special.

But in the end, it's Olivier's Lear that matters. So many great stage performances from actors of his generation were lost. it's a lucky thing indeed to have his Lear.

As a film comedy short it is so-so. As a chance to see a very early Vitaphone film (a year before The Jazz Singer) it's a priceless treasure, not to be missed. The print looked good and the sound sync is excellent.

As a musical This is the Army is average at best. As a slice of American History, of a time when so many entertainers put aside personal profit to entertain troops, this film is special. Also it is a reminder that Michael Curtiz, not usually ranked among the great directors is none the less one of the most versatile director ever. Coming off of Yankee Doodle Dandy, this is another flag waving musical, and if he isn't lucky enough to have a star of the level of James Cagney, this ensemble review is more reflective of the wartime review show. The numbers are well staged, with many fine solo performances highlighted. Particularly outstanding is the performance by Kate Smith of God Bless America, interspersed with shots of families about to be affected by the war listening intently. It really does give of sense of what it was like in 1942, wondering where sons and husbands would be going soon.

But in the end nothing about that matters. This film is worth watching just to see Irving Berlin reprise his role in Yip Yip Yaphank, performing "I Hate to Get Up In The Morning". (Berlin, a chronic insomniac, really did hate getting up in the morning). In addition to the historic value of this piece of film, there is also some satisfaction in seeing one of the true geniuses of the American Musical Theatre, just managing to carry the tune of one of his own songs. It is a tribute to his commitment to the country and the war that he is willing to put himself front and center in this way. I own a DVD purchased in the wild and wooly days of copyright laoses, bought specifically for the purpose of owning this ;little slice of history. Sometimes I put it in and just waatch that part. There are better films of Irving Berlin's music, but none tht feature the man himself.

I was a casual viewer of Beretta in the years it aired, but this episode is a special treat. Ray Bolger plays a retired vaudevillian who is receiving letters threatening him with harm if he performs again. He comes to Beretta to find out why and informs him that he intends to defy the threats and return to the stage. The solution to the mystery is clever and satisfying,

The truth is the plot is not that important, as the pleasure of the episode is the performance by Bolger, still actively singing and dancing. It worth keeping an eye out for should Beretta syndicate in your area.

This is the single most important program I ever saw in my life...it introduced my to Joseph Campbell's work, which I later read everything I could get my hands on, and it gave me entire new perspectives on religion, myth, and my whole life's journey. The "labrynth" quote at the beginning of "The hero's journey" has guided me every since. And then there's just the simple pleasure of hearing two intelligent men in intelligent conversation. And its astounding to watch Campbell at his age, so close to his death, discoursing on such a variety of topics. Its rare to say a show changed ones life but this one did. I try to watch it thru at least once every few years, and have proudly introduced many friends to it as well. Must see viewing