Editorial Review

Dustin Hoffman gives an amazing early performance in this drama about the "superfluous" man. Hoffman plays Zoditch, a reader in a publishing house, who has a humiliating job, a squalid apartment, and grandiose fantasies. He is assigned to read the diary of a dead man, whose story begins to weave with Zoditch’s own life. The play makes good use of double casting, as Zoditch imagines people from his own life as characters in the diary. Though a few of the performances in this adapted play still feel stagy, the production is visually playful--at one point a hand winding an elegant pocket watch cross-fades into a hand churning a meat grinder. The play’s message is satisfyingly complex; though Zoditch is routinely humiliated, he is far from blameless in the matter. This is a fascinating play, at once about the way people and events intertwine as well as the failure to connect. Read more

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Reviews (1)

"Lust is the devil's monastery on the road to hell."
Winner of an Obie Award in 1966 for his role as Zoditch in this play by Ronald Ribman, Dustin Hoffman reprises his role here in his first television appearance, an adaptation for NET Playhouse, directed by Larry Arrick.Hoffman is the neurasthenic "first reader" of a small publishing house in Petersburg, Russia, at the turn of the century.Speaking with a high-pitched, nasal whine and with posture resembling a crane--shoulders stooped, head forward, stomach protruding--Zoditch/Hoffman is "an interruption in everyone's conversation," a man who has no friends, no ability to relax, no lady-love, and no promise for the future.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts - Theater    4. TV Shows   

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Reviews (1)

At long last
Once upon a time they actually showed plays on late night television. I have not seen this play since first shown in 1967 but remember it with a great deal of fondness. This review is based on the original telecast, but I have waited a long time to see this again and have to recommend it. If you enjoy plays, Maxwell Anderson, or want to see Dustin Hoffman in a very early role then this time-travel fantasy is for you. Orson Bean is the lead actor but Hoffman stands out as he ages through the passing years in the play. Broadway Theater Archive deserves applause. for releasing this series of plays. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts - Theater    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

Fans of Julie Andrews will delight in this 1995 videotaping of the stage musical Read more

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Reviews (36)

One of the finest Broadway production to be seen
My only regret is I missed the chance to watch the show live when coming to New York City in late 1997.This DVD release may be the second best though we have the soundtrack CD for many years.Seeing the show is miles more enjoyable than merely listening to the audio tracks.
Just Another Review...
To start off before i rip the show apart I do like this show and I do enjoy watching this DVD as well as the movie itself.
A Great Musical
I have watched this DVD often over the 5 years I've owned it. I bought it when it first came out and I was so thrilled to have it on DVD because I wasn't able to go to New York to see the production. I think this is an excellent stage show even though it is obvious Julie Andrews was having problems with her voice. Her upward vocal slide at the end of "Le Jazz Hot" does have a noticeable switch from her lower to upper register. My favorite sequence is Julie performing the song "Living In the Shadows" which was written by Frank Wildhorn.
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Movie    3. Musicals    4. Musicals & Cast Recordings    5. Musicals (Theatrical)   

Editorial Review

Stephen Sondheim's Victorian horror thriller Read more

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Reviews (94)

A good if not perfect record of the play
Having seen this show in its original incarnation on Broadway, this production is an excellent reminder of how magically transformative live theater can be.While theproduction lacks some of the punch -- and a few of the details -- and has lost a bit of the scale of the original New York offering, it does capture the essential spirit of the play.
''A lavabo and a fancy chair'' (Sondheim's ''Love letter to London")
Warmly remembering the original London Production at Drury Lane in the early 1980's, and only having seen this version once on a washed out VHS tape many years ago, it's great to finally see the original Broadway Production on DVD. I live in the UK, and this NTSC region 1 disc played fine on my Multiregion player.
Spectacular!
Angela Lansbury and George Hearn give superb perfomances - supported by an efficient cast. If you like morbid humor, you will greatly enjoy it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Performing Arts - Theater   

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Reviews (2)

"Are you saying all these people are dead?It's inconceivable!"
Set in a holding room Vichy, France, in 1942, this powerful play by Arthur Miller introduces nine men who have been picked up on suspicion that they are Jews or Jewish sympathizers. Waiting to be questioned are an actor, a waiter, a businessman, a psychoanalyst, a Marxist railroad worker, a gypsy, an ancient Hasid, a fourteen-year-old boy, and an Austrian prince.As they talk and begin to share bits of information, Miller examines the tendency of ordinary men to become immobilized when faced with "an atrocity...that is inconceivable," to refuse to believe that such behavior can possibly happen in a civilized world.At the same time, he also examines those others, the Nazis and their collaborators in France, who serve an ideology, not mankind, those who subordinate themselves so completely to an abstract concept that they believe "there are no persons anymore."
Good Work from the Berkeley Theatre Archive
The action of this play takes place in a single room (and a single act), and this version makes no attempt to change this, so don't watch it if you're looking for filmic frills. That said, the set is well-done and the performances are very good, good enough, in fact, that it's hard to point out any particular standouts. (Star Trek fans will note the appearances of Rene Auberjonois and a very young-looking Andrew Robinson, billed as Andy Robinson, as Leduc the actor and the (German) Major.)Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts - Theater   

Editorial Review

While a proposed series of original cast recording sessions for documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (Read more

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Reviews (16)

A great documentary by a great filmmaker
I can't stop watching this documentary about the recording of the cast ablum of a wonderful musical Broadway show. And I found watching the film with the commentary was as entertaining as watching the movie without the talking heads.The film quality of the transfer to DVD isn't perfect, but it's a minor flaw. To top it off, you listen to great songs by the great Stephen Sondheim. I fully recommend it, especially if you're a fan of the documentary about Bob Dylan, "Don't Look Back," which was made by D.A. Pennebaker as well. Pennebaker just records what's in front of him and let's everything play out without manipulation. It's pure and simple and top-notch filmmaking.

If You Like Broadway Musicals, You'll Probably Like This
If you like Broadway, if you like Stephen Sondheim (or even if you don't), if you like behind-the-scenes looks at show business, you'll probaby like this DVD. It's a documentary of how the original cast recording of Company was put together a few days after the show opened in New York.
Compelling Document Of A Great Cast Album
Company is, to say the least, an unusual show. What is it, really? Certainly a brilliant musical, by Stephen Sondheim. But it's taken a very special place in Broadway Lore, thanks in great part to the Cast Album that was recorded in front of D.A. Pennebaker's cameras.
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Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

Editorial Review

This gorgeously designed theater production of Lewis Carroll'sworld-famous fantasy, based on a famous production from the 1930s,features an astonishing array of notable actors. Richard Burton is quietlytouching as the doddering White Knight; Eve Arden spits out commands asthe bloodthirsty Queen of Hearts; Donald O'Connor plays the woeful MockTurtle as a jaunty standup comedian; and such varied talents as ColleenDewhurst, Nathan Lane, Maureen Stapleton, James Coco, Andre Gregory, andGeoffrey Holder fill out Carroll's phantasmagoria as Kate Burton(Richard's daughter) plays the title character in the classicblue-and-white dress and blond tresses. All the sets and costumes aremeticulously based on the illustrations from the original books (thestory line is a mix of Read more

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Reviews (6)

a rare treat for theatre fans
Fantastic television performance of the Eva LeGallienne adaptation of Lewis Carroll's ALICE IN WONDERLAND, featuring the 1982 Broadway revival staging by director Kirk Browning.Richard Addinsell's lovely score highlights the production with fine performances all around, headed by Kate Burton who gives Alice a sassy, modern sensibility.LeGallienne's version (which premiered in 1933 and was first revived in 1947) throws the stories and characters of "Wonderland" and "Looking Glass" together, creating a veritable kaleidoscope of colour and whimsy.
It's a bad sign when the sets are better than the actors.
This particular "Alice" has a long history. It started as a hit play in the early '40s, was resurrected in the late '70s with Kate Burton in the title role, and then ported to Great Performances on PBS - the latter of which is what we have here on DVD. Presumably it worked a little better on stage, and probably a little better in the '40s, too. Sadly, it runs through both "Alice" stories in a breakneck 90 minutes' time, and much of the acting is truly lamentable - some of the actors are so bad, I actually thought that might be an intentional joke, as with Austin Pendleton's monotonistic White Rabbit! Probably the best of them are Donald O'Connor - the only one of the lot who can actually sing! - as the Mock Turtle, Geoffrey Holder as the Cheshire Cat, and Richard Burton as the White Knight. The tea party crew is fairly good as well. The rest...well, the sooner forgotten about, the better. Great Find
I remember watching this on PBS when I was a kid and I was so excited to see this on DVD. It's a great production with a great cast. I like that the play features both Alice in Wonderland AND Through the Looking Glass. As a Lewis Carroll fan I was happy to see how closely the play follows the books. ... Read more

Editorial Review

French playwright Jean Anouilh's modernized version of the classic Greektragedy Read more

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Reviews (5)

Watch the real "Antigoni" (1961) Irene Papas
As with many experiments in extracting classics and trying to adapt them to modern day you lose everything but the words and in this case those also. This was a horrible attempt to portray the story that has no relevance in the context of modern architecture and tuxedo. There is a lot more Jean Anouilh and very little Sophocles.
No good for tenth grade class
While this may be an artistic triumph for the actors, it is worthless as a teaching tool. My tenth graders were bored and didn't understand much of what was going on even though we had read and discussed the play in class. Most of them went to sleep, that is the ones who were not talking and ignoring the video. This purchase was money wasted by me.
ACHH artsy garbage
Here's the scoop from a non-artsy fartsy teacher looking for a well-acted play faithful to the original: this is utter garbage.
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Editorial Review

The Little Sisters of Hoboken, residents of Mt. St. Helens Convent and teachers at the school, have a problem. It seems Sister Julia (Child of God) has accidentally killed off 52 sisters with a botulism-laced vichyssoise. But even worse, the remaining nuns only had enough cash to bury 48 of the dearly departed; the other four are in the freezer. Read more

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I love Nunsense
Nunsense is one of the funniest shows that has ever been played on stage.The cast is Brilliant especially Rue McClanahan who plays the Mother Superior and the actress who plays Sister Mary Amnesia.It is hysterical and it has many great word plays such as the cook of the convent Sister Julia (Child of God) who poisons the whole convent.The others in the series are also great but this one is by far the best

FORMER CATHOLIC LOVES THESE NUNS
I BOUGHT THE VHS AFTER VIEWING THIS SIDE-SPLITTING SHOW ON PBS AT AN 'UNGODLY' HOUR BEFORE DAWN. (FORGIVE ME SISTER!)
Nunsense the Musical DVD
I absolutely loved the Broadway musical Nunsense starring the hilarious Rue McClanahan as Mother Superior. I'll admit though, perhaps the main reason for this is because I am a hugh lover of broadway musicals. Nunsense is absolutely hilarious.I laugh my head off everytime I watch it. Even if you are not Catholic, I promise that you will love this musical. The musical is not a preachy kind of show that's totally about Catholicism. It's a story about the lighter side of a group of nuns, who even sing and dance. The story is wonderful, funny and wonderful;the music, with songs such as "Nunsense is Habit Forming" "I Want to be a Star" and many more are wonderful, upbeat, and refreshing. They will have you laughing, toe tapping, clapping and even singing along. I hope this helps some of you who are contemplating on buying it for yourself or for someone else. Also, Amazon. com has always provided fast, reliable service, which I appreciate tremendously.
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Subjects:  1. Comedy Video    2. Filmed Stage Plays    3. Movie    4. Musicals    5. TV Shows   

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Reviews (13)

I love Sondheim!, but this DVD doesn't include everything.
I only give this DVD 4 stars (instead of the 5 I would normally give anything Sondheim) because I was gravely disappointed that they included only about half the show!!!I have had the CD of A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (which was taped live from the show, including audience reactions) for YEARS, listening and wishing I could see what the audience saw as well as being able to hear.When I discovered it was finally out on DVD, I was overjoyed.Next thing I know I got it for my birthday!What the DVD showed was great, but boy was it a let down that it didn't have everything in the show.If they can put all the songs in the CD version, surely they could have put the complete show of Sondheim-A Celebration at Carnegie Hall out for us.

Lloyd-Webber!?!?!?!
Joseph...oh dear...Sondheim versus Lloyd-Webber?! The genius versus the money-maker, there is no competition. You may not like Sondheim, but he certainly doesn't deserve to attacked and brought down. He's breaking barriers which you clearly don't even know exist.....keep humming your Lloyd-Webber songs. To everyone else, all Sondheim work is worth a listen...it's not commercial, and not all of it is "catchy," but it's intricacy and subtle emotional potency hooked me, and is quite capable of doing the same to anyone, given the oppurtunity.

Joseph Hart Doesnt Have A Clue
Sure, if you like composers who manage to plagerise their own work for every "new" "musical" they come up with.Sondheim is the greatest.Sure, so few of his songs have become "popular" music, but he composes good, no not good, OUTSTANDING music!ALW looks like a toddler banging on pans compared to Sondheim.Sweeney Todd is a brilliant piece of genius!Sondheim writes difficult pieces of music (an lyrics), that engage the audience, that stir their minds, send shivers down their spines and tears down their cheeks.He challenges the artist, he challenges what supposed "good music" is.Sondheim is a genius!
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Subjects:  1. 90's    2. Classical    3. Classical Video    4. Miscellaneous    5. Miscellaneous Music    6. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    7. Music Theater    8. Musical Theater    9. Orchestral    10. Orchestral Music    11. Performing Arts - Concerts    12. Show Tunes    13. Showtunes / B'way    14. Vocal    15. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

If you've ever wanted to sit in on a recording session for a Broadwaycast album--one that just happens to be one of the most successful in recent history-- you're in for a treat. Read more

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Reviews (28)

Not Too Insightful, But Interesting
This is sort of a documentary on the recording of the original cast album of THE PRODUCERS. It's also a chance for Mel Brooks to talk...and talk...and talk.
Simply Amazing !
If you've ever wondered what the making of a classic Broadway soundtrack looks like - - look no further !
WOW WOW WOW WOWWhat a set of LungsUlla has !!
This , This ManMel Brooks has added another string to his Talent bow.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Documentary    3. Movie    4. Performing Arts - Theater   

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Reviews (3)

Wonderful
An adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Feathertop", this play brings to life all the elements of that short-story.I performed as "Polly" (alias "Rachel" in the play) & its wonderful to see it dramatized.

Scarecrow: A welcomed gem returns after 32 years...
What a pleasure to revisit this first-rate production after its 30 years in obscurity. Funny, serious and haunting "Scarecrow" is the colorful tale of a bewitched scarecrow, falsely disguised as the image of true love, and the awakening of his heart's desire to seek and claim his soul as his own. Oh my god!
I've been looking for this for years!I'm so happy that it's finally available!I saw the Scarecrow when I was a kid and it made a tremendous impression on me (it also made me cry buckets).Can't wait to order copies for everyone.Hope it's as good as I remember!Yay! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedy    2. Comedy Video    3. Filmed Stage Plays    4. Movie    5. Performing Arts - Theater   

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Reviews (2)

As Bad a Production as Possible
This production took one of the wittiest, most sparkling 18th-century comedies--and ruined it.The costumes are intentionally absurd (think Beach Blanket Babylon), the acting is way over-the-top-camp, and the incidental music could not be worse.The music, BTW, is a combination of pop Renaissance and pop modern; anything but 18th century.The director appears to have had the goal of showing that his company was just too hip and too modern to do anything but make fun of this silly, fusty old play.
three to four stars - depending...
Classic drawing room comedy, period piece. Cleverly written in a time when the audience needed a bit of a nudge to figure out each character. Each person's name describes how you should feel about each! Charming idea from the 1700's. If you've never had a chance to see one of these comedies, take a look. This is a famous play and well done. Must see for theatre students. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Filmed Stage Plays    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts - Theater   

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Reviews (2)

Enthralling documentary
This video documentary adds so much to the CD. It really gets under the skin of the recording process, giving a fascinating insight into the artists and their styles. Sarah Vaughan is just magical; as she comes to the end of "Bali H'ai" you find yourself holding your breath. Mandy Patinkin's true colours show through: he's either a passionate perfectionist or an insufferable prima donna, depending on your point of view. Kiri Te Kanawa and Jose Carreras show their mastery of their profession. I'm writing this review from memory, having last seen the video about three years ago: it makes a strong impression. Normally I would not be interested in operas or musicals, but this documentary grabs and keeps your attention by showing gifted people working at the height of their powers. Highly recommended.

One of the best of its kind
Unlike many "how they were done" videos, "South Pacific, the London Sessions" actually gives one an opportunity to hear the singers perform their numbers with a minimum of narration.TeKanawa andCarreras are in beautiful voice and Mandy Patinkin is incredibly good. Worth every bit of the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music Video-middle Of The Road    2. Pop    3. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

This October 2000 follow-up to 1998's Read more

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Reviews (22)

Broadway Songs
I liked the DVD which I basically got for two reasons: Julie Andrews and Michael Crawford. I was introduced to new performers on Broadway, which I do not have the opportunity to visit at all. The quality of the CD is great.

Love Songs?
This is one of those things where you have to have to aquire a taste for it. Sure there are some songs that are definitely a good add to any Broadway collection, but if you're a classical Broadway fan you might be a little...disappointed.
By George, she's got it!
This DVD is a wonderful evening's entertainment. If you're anything like me then you'll applaud after the acts even if you do look like an idiot. Rebecca Luker, Bebe Neuwirth, Chita Rivera and so many others shine--such talent! My favourite numbers include "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" "I'm A Brass Band" "Every Single Day" and of course, the finale.
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Subjects:  1. Music Video-middle Of The Road    2. Musical    3. Pop    4. Showtunes / B'way    5. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

Steelworkers, waitresses, and parking garage attendants hardly make thestuff of the traditional Broadway musical. But their voices form the songs andmonologues of this plotless paean to the American working stiff, inspired by thebestselling oral history by StudsTerkel. Adapted from the stageproduction by composer Stephen Schwartz, this 1982 Read more

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Reviews (11)

a great dvd
never say you "have it bad" until you have walked in someone elses shoes..everyone has troubles..
What an awful imitation of the original!
I assumed it would be with original cast members... I loved the CD soundtrack.But here they are, parading out different "stars" of the 70s/80s, butchering the beautiful tunes without a trace of feeling.
Some great stuff
This production moved me when it first aired, and I was not disappointed when I bought the DVD.I remember thinking back in 1982 that some performances/songs were fantastic, others less so.This holds true today: Eileen Brennan is heart-wrenching as the millworker, as is her song; Rita Moreno is perfection as the waitress, with another great song; Beth Howland may not have been the perfect choice for the housewife, but the song is so good it doesn't matter; and who can resist Edie McClurg as the hotel switchboard operator?
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Music & Musicals   

Editorial Review

Highlighted by Swoosie Kurtz's Tony Award-winning performance, this 1982recording of Read more

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Reviews (5)

A Very Good Page-to-Screen Presentation
Lanford Wilson is the modern day Chekhov, and while "Fifth of July" isn't the absolute best example of this, it comes pretty darned close. The only thing really out of place is William Hurt as Kenneth, here portrayed by Richard Thomas. Throw away all preconceptions of Thomas's from his most famous earlier work (involving a family drama), and you'll find yourself very satisfied with his performance, as he is able to play the typically reserved, held-back Wilson-esque character of Kenneth with greath verve and conviction. He seems to be having so much fun, always smiling and giggling, but you can see in Thomas's performance that there's deep emotional baggage stirring, and even though William Hurt would've been able to more thoroughly convey Kenneth's complex character, Thomas does a very good job and it doesn't affect the quality of the production at all. Just don't stare directly at that mole-thingie on his face! A great play by a great playwright
This absorbing, amusing and moving play receives a splendid performance by an able cast.While Richard Thomas, Jeff Daniels and the rest acquit themselves splendidly, it is Swoozie Kurtz' brilliant performance that sticks in the mind.This really is a taught-me-what-it-means-to-be-a-human-being kind of play.Try it, you'll love it.

Great cast doing a great play!
What a pleasure it is to see this production again.I've seen several live productions of "Fifth of July;" and it has become one of my favorite plays.I well remember this broadcast version from many years ago when it was first broadcast on PBS; I was blown away by the fine performances then, and I am still. It was unforgettable.For those of us who remember the 60s and early 70s, its like welcoming dear old friends into my home.It's a terrific, warmhearted and human play.And really funny too. The performances are first rate all, but Swoosie Kurtz is amazing and touching as an ex-hippy with a fried brain, heart of gold and the wisdom of an old soul.Thanks to Broadway Theater Archives for this special treat. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Television   

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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Filmed Stage Plays    3. Movie    4. Performing Arts - Theater    5. TV Shows