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Reviews (18)

White Beach, Okinawa
I lived on Okinawa 3 yrs. Last 2 in the US Navy and 3rd as a civilian. I feel like i've known every Okinawan characher portraid in the movie. I've located every town or village mentioned in the movie, except Tobiki.
Cute and Subversive
I've known that there was a film with the title "The Teahouse of the August Moon" for years but never had any interest in viewing it. I probably had it confused with "Sayonara", Marlon Brando's other post WWII Japan film. And there was never any reason to suspect that it was anything but a light comedy, as it was based on a stage play.
Timeless, Wonderful Comedy
I don't think anyone who hasn't lived in Japan or Okinawa can truly 'get' this film. Having lived there for 3 1/2 years in the mid-80's, courtesy of the U.S. Navy, this is one of my all-time favorite fims, ever.It truly captures the warmth and intelligence of the Japanese & Okinawan cultures.Marlon Brando is wonderful - and very believeable - as Sakini.We laugh just as hard every time we see this film. I can't wait for a widescreen DVD! ... Read more

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The Secret of Santa Vittoria
An excellent, excellent, excellent movie. Anthony Quinn should have won the Oscar. Anna Magnani is at her best. And Hardy Kruger underrated as always is the German officer who still has a humane aspect. A true delight of a film

Hidden Treasure
This is a must see movie that is a true Anthony Quinn classic.And all the actors are great in this movie that is both hilarious and dramatic since it takes place during the Second World War.I, and many of my friends and family, would love to see this movie come on DVD. I could see this movie over and over again and never get tired of it.

The Secret of Santa Vittoria.
A very good movie, an excellent performance by Anthony Quinn! I also read the book and the movie compliments it. I really wish this movie would be available on DVD for European format. Is anybody out there to hear this? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

This 1991 comedy by Gabriele Salvatores was knocked for notbeing deep enough, but it is what it is, and it's actually an easygoing, sunnymovie about eight Italian soldiers who manage to strand themselves on a tiny Greek island paradise during World War II. The sort of mutts who would shoota donkey for not knowing the proper password, these clumsy warriorsbecome a comic variation on the Lotus Eaters of myth, their fighting spirit evaporated in the midst of so much beauty and sexual availability among the local women. There are also sundry opportunities for the men to find another purposefor their lives (one particularly artistic fellow works on the restorationof a church, for example). Amid the sometimes coarse jokes and gratuitous nudity, there are subtle themes about the contrast between what men are truly like in their natural state versus what they are like as killers. (Read more

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Time Out from War
"Mediterraneo" is a FUN movie.It's a very likeable story of a group of Italian marines who follow an assignment to occupy an obscure Greek Aegean island during the early period of WWII.Due to a series of escapades, they lose their contact with the outside world.Instead, they get caught up in their own little world for the next three years.That may sound like a boring movie but things happen from time to time and the excerpts we see are generally pretty funny.The different personalities emerge and their variety allows the writer and the actors plenty of room for development.In the end, the marines are "rescued" by their new allies; the British.Initially, all of the soldiers were focussed on getting out of this forsaken island.In the end, the island had become their home and their "rescue" was a mixed blessing.A post script ending brings the feeling together in a poignant way.
Where is the DVD?!?!?!?
Where the heck is the DVD for this grand movie?? What the heck are the morons at Miramax and Disney doing???? RELEASE THE DVD IN THE USA!!!!! Che Piccato!!!!

Joy
This is an excelent movie, which has not lost any of its appeal since the release. Charming, romantic and philosophical with beautiful scenery. It flows like a sailing boat on a nice day. If you'd like to escape from this world (even for only 1.5 hours) just like the movie characters did - you got to watch it. This is one of those movies I have to have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - Italian    2. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

For those who love the Marx Brothers (Read more

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Reviews (98)

Hollywood wishes he could make a film like this today....
Despite the fact that this film is over 70 years old, it is still absolutely hilarious, and one of the greatest comedies ever made.Its pointed satire on war, idiotic government, and idiotic people is still potent, and probably always will be.It is only 70 minutes long, but it has more laughs than 10 modern comedies combined.There are no gross out gags, no idiotic sex jokes, no swearing, no illiterate, oversexed teenagers, just brilliant comedy.Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and even Zeppo rule!
Dialog Highlights This Marx Bros. Gem
Well, here we are with another wild and hilarious Marx Brothers farce, this time with Groucho taking over a small country and winding up in war with a neighboring one.
Undiluted Marxian Madness
If you prefer the Marx Brothers without sappy romantic leads and ponderous musical numbers, look no further than "Duck Soup" (1933). Director Leo McCarey dispenses with the extra baggage and focuses on nonstop anarchy in this classic political satire. Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo remain a formidable comic machine as they unleash a barrage of one-liners and sight gags -- highlighted by the immortal mirror scene. Members of Congress should be forced to sit through this cinematic masterpiece at least once a year. "Hail Freedonia!" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Andy Griffith burst to stardom with this surprisingly funny film adaptation of the Broadway comedy (by, of all people, Ira Levin of Read more

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Reviews (28)

Long Overdue for Release on DVD
Hands down one of the funniest movies ever made.Add my voice to the long and growing list of those calling for this comedy masterpiece to be released on DVD.To the powers that be:We're waiting...!

Where's the DVD?
Add me to the long list of Andy Griffith fans who would love to see this on DVD.Considering all the terribly unfunny comedies that have been released on DVD over the years, why not release one that actually works?
Certainly dated but very good fun just the same
Andy Griffith an underrated actor (as another poster says)? Griffith is a total legend in his own time! This movie has some hilarious moments with Griffith largely responsible for it all though Murray Hamilton, Nick Adams, and Myron Mccormick are all good support. The scene where the latrine is rigged so the toilets salute (!) was too riske for 1958 but they got it pass censors somehow (a mystery). Lastly, a splendid bit of thanks to the now late Don Knotts for his splendid cameo as the high strung enlisted man in this film. RIP Don! ... Read more

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Reviews (6)

Deserves to be issued in DVD
One of the more puzzling (no, scratch that - "nauseating") things about the wonderful world of home entertainment is that the ghodawful remake of this movie (Damon Wayans' *Major Payne*, 1995) is as readily available in DVD as is human papilloma virus in venereal warts, and the VHS version of *The Private War of Major Benson* is out-of-print.
Great Comedy classic with Sal Mineo
One of the brightest comedies of the 1950's,"The Private War of Major Benson", features brilliant performances by Charlton Heston, Julie Adams, and "scene stealer", SAL MINEO, in one of his first featured roles.Heston is "Major "Bernard Benson. A tough battle-scarred officer whose inappropriate comments to a magazine almost get him kicked out of the service. Instead, as a last resort, he is transferred to the Sheridan Military Academy for boys, aged 6-16.�Demanding and unsympathetic is how he seems towards the boys, and they retaliate towards Benson. And the school nurse, Kay (Adams), is concerned that Major Benson's unorthodox methods have much to be desired. Many HILARIOUS moments fill this uproariously funny film. Eventually, nurse Kay falls for the stoic, yet big-hearted Benson.�A young SAL MINEO steals the film, as Cadet Colonel Sylvester Dusik. He gains much respect for Major Benson, and has some truly comedic moments. Especially in the scene where Sylvester tells the training troups, in a frenzy, "Does everybody in this school have two left feet? Alright you guys, you're gonna keep on drilling till you do it right!" The delivery of these lines, shows Sal also had a terrific flair for comedy, and shows why he was such a meteoric rising young star! Also notable, is 6 year old actor, Tim Hovey, adorable in the role as Tiger, one of the youngest cadets at the academy. Directed by Jerry Hopper,�"The Private War of Major Benson" is a true comedy classic.

Gentle Comedy Scores a Touchdown!
Charlton Heston is generally thought of as the hero of epic-style films. But in this family-style comedy, filmed after The Ten Commandents and before Ben-Hur, he proves he has comedy chops. As a hard-driving Army major, he is "punished" by being sent to work at a boy's milatary school. Perhaps unique to the times, the love interest of this film is not, as Major Benson first supposes, a nurse . . . but a full-fledged doctor, beautifully played by Julie Adams. A trove of child actors from that period, plus wonderful William Demarest and quite a few other recognizable familiar faces (including a very young David Jansen, in the first few minutes) round out the cast. A good script and delightful theme song (used also for another Tim Hovey movie, Toy Tiger) make this a very enjoyable experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

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Reviews (5)

The Arrival of Andy Griffith from stage to Fame
If this is the product that I think it is; there is an opening monologue by Roddy McDowell explaining the origins of this television stage play version of No Time For Sargents.There is also an interview with Andy Griffith explaining how as a night club talking comic he auditioned for the Broadway stage play production and almost failed.The auditioners thought that his appearance and accent were acceptable but then, well, they just didn't know....so they asked Andy to wait in the office while a few other applicants were evaluated.In the office a secretary asked Andy what he did so in explaination he went into one of his night club monologues for her.Passers by heard the goings on and stopped their activities to watch also.Shortly the passageway was blocked with an impromptu audience.This so impressed the auditioner that Andy got the part.
(Spit) Hello? (Spit) hello?
No Time for Sergeants brings back all the sights and sound that you are familiar with the military, especially the induction process. They even included the military attitudes. What makes this so funny is the proximity to reality. You have met these people in all walks of life. From Irvin S. Blanchard, who has a bad case of ROTC. To Major General Eugene Bush that unwittingly gives a eulogy to (I'm not saying). This is th stage play, not the movie
I got this VCR thinking that it was the movie with Don Knotts and Myron McCormic. It was not. It was the stage play with different support actors and recorded on video tape. I enjoyed it and it is a good companion to the movie version withMyron McCormic and Don Knotts ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. TV Shows    3. Television   

Editorial Review

This tongue-in-cheek 1970 variation on Read more

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Reviews (121)

"A Sherman Can Give You a Very Nice Edge.."
"Kelly's Heroes" is an odd, yet quite enjoyable war movie. This 1970's comedic, cinematic take on WWII, mixes genres such as the suicide mission/action film, the crime/caper film and the army comedy. In other words, take a lot of "The Dirty Dozen", mix a bit of "Ocean's 11" and add in some "M*A*S*H" plus "Catch-22" and you'll have "Kelly's Heroes". The film features a battered U.S. Army infantry unit, which has been on the front lines since landing at Omaha Beach. All they have on there minds is a little R&R, that includes booze & broads. That is until Pvt. Kelly (Clint Eastwood) interrogates (with a bottle of brandy) a captured German intelligence officer, who tells him about a Nazi convoy transporting 16 million dollars worth of gold bars. Kelly hatches a plan for his unit to go thirty miles into enemy held territory and steal the gold from a small French bank, that is being vigorously guarded by three Nazi 'Tiger' tanks. I know in this day and age it might sound rather odd, but this is one war movie, that is not only suspenseful, but is also a whole lot of fun! Is it an accurate portrayle of WWII? Probably not. (I doubt there were too many hippie tank commanders during the "Big One") This 1970 release pretty much through its' hilarious, sharp scripthas more of a Vietnam era mentality, which satiracally makes fun of both the army and it's attitudes about war. Unlike the John Wayne style war films of the past, these guys are hardly trying to be patriotic heroes, but they are just trying to make it through the war with their a**'s intact (and maby make a little profit on the side). The film features a large, talented cast, some of whom, were already stars and others, who later went on to become big names in both television and film. This includes Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, Don Rickles, Caroll O'Connor, Gavin MacLeod, Stuart Margolin, Harry Dean Stanton and Len Lesser (Uncle Leo from TV's "Seinfeld"). How can you go wrong with a cast like that? If your in the mood for a good action picture with some big laughsmixed in, then I would highly recommend Kelly's Heroes".

flawed but good overall
Many reviews are billing this as a funny World War II film. I'm not sure I agree, if only because 1) I don't remember laughing one time, and 2) its attempts at humor are interspersed with scenes of grave seriousness. Regardless, not a bad movie, but various devices leave you scratching your head and wondering why they bothered to put that in the film.
NOT, ASANDWICHSHOP
What? like you never thought of that joke...
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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

A pampered socialite (Goldie Hawn) is so distraught after the wedding-night death of her husband (Albert Brooks) that she up and joins the Army. She whines, she pouts, she brings the corps down, until, of course, she gets with it. Eileen Brennan received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as the butch Captain Doreen Lewis, Benjamin's nemesis. Funny and winning, the film takes an odd turn when Benjamin is assigned to the international theater and gets involved with a dour Frenchman (Armand Assante). Of course, it's all part of Benjamin's growth as a person, and the part confirmed that Hawn had gone from a go-go girl to a "you go" girl. Read more

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Reviews (17)

Overrated, but still entertaining
Goldie Hawn gives an astounding performance as Judy Benjamin, a spoiled rich girl whose second husband just died six hours into their marriage.Not knowing where to go from there, she calls a radio call-in show to get advice from people.In the end, she meets an army recruiter who tells her to enlist.Judy does so, but only because the recruiter glamorizes the lifestyle to the point that he flat out lies.When she gets there, she gets a rude awakening.
One of Goldie Hawn's Best Comedies
Goldie Hawn has long had a knack for comedy."Private Benjamin" is one of her best comedies.The "Jewish Princess" persona wears a little thin in a few places, but most of the time the comedy works well.
"...but I joined a 'different' army."
Goldie Hawn is just perfect as Judy Benjamin, a young woman who is torn to pieces after the death of her husband just six hours after saying their vows.Yes her husband dies right in the middle of making love to her.That's enough to make anyone a little nuts.While in this state of anxiety she calls up a local radio station under the persona of Jessica and laments about her situation.While the radio receives dozens of callers wanting to give their advice, it's one in particular that gets Judy thinking, and with a little persuasion she up and joins the army under the false impression that she'll have her own condo and, if things prove too hard for her, she can just up and quit whenever she wants.Little does she know, upon arriving at her base, she'll be bunked with quite a few other women (some of which are hardened criminals) and there will be no quitting for three years.
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Editorial Review

Barry Levinson (Read more

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Reviews (44)

not as avertised..editted movie
the movie is good except this version has been editted and cut out sceens, very disapointting

More relevant than ever
An excellent film, Good Morning Vietnam, brings to the screen the story of a US airman that gets transferred from Crete in Greece to Saigon in South Vietnam as the war in S.E. Asia is escalating.
"Warm, No, This Is the Setting For London Broil"
Many have tried to dismiss this film as nothing more than a comedic vehicle for Robin Williams. The concept of making light of the horrors of war, particularily Vietnam since it's still so recent in the minds of many turns alot of viewers off to the important potential lessons to be learned in this wonderfully insightful movie.
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Editorial Review

This film was a touchstone of the late 1960s, when it was seen as an antiwar allegory for a world in which madness seemed to reign. Of course, that would probably be true whenever this movie was shown, wouldn't it? Directed by Philippe de Broca and set during World War I, Read more

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Reviews (42)

'King of Hearts' is King in My Heart
I have been going to the movies for a long, long time...starting in the late 1930's.'King of Hearts' is very near the top of my list of favorites and I was delighted to be able to obtain my very own copy.The premise asks the question, 'Who is Really Crazy? The gentle souls confined to an insane asylum or the warmongers on the battlefield?'Though the actions of the actors is comedic and amusing, this can hardly be defined as a comedy.It causes one to think a great deal about a very serious subject.

MORE URGENT THOUGH LESS POPULAR MESSAGE NOW THAN IN THE SIXTIES
We in the Sixties cheered this film heartily.
A FUN movie
I have learned from previous reviews that the movie has an antiwar message.When I watched the movie, my attention was held by its humor and entertainment.I was introduced to the film by a rental, and decided to buy it to replay when I was looking for a good laugh. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - French    2. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    3. Movie   

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Reviews (5)

Should be a classic if not!
First time I seen this movie, I loved it! Hadn't seen Mr. Roberts prior to seeing Ensign Pulver, but after seeing Mr. Roberts...Ensign Pulver is the video I bought!

Interesting Premise for a Sequel
This is not a bad sequel from director Joshua Logan. It more or less picks up where MISTER ROBERTS left off but is presented with an entirely knew cast in familiar roles. Robert Walker Jr. is Ensign Pulver. Burl Ives is the Captain. Walter Matthau is good as Doc. He has the cynicism and wit but lacks the good-natured purpose of being that William Powell demonstrated in MISTER ROBERTS. To its credit the film tries to uncover the facade that the Captain wears night and day. Is he really a no good miserable excuse for a human being or is there something lurking deep inside that keeps his humanity from emerging. Pulver sets out unravel the enigma. There are some great moments of comedy and humanity and the film does have a great supporting cast that includes Jack Nicholson, James Farentino, Millie Perkins, Tommy Sands, Al Freeman, Jr., James Coco and Larry Hagman that keeps it all moving.

Mister Roberts #2
Although not as classic as Mister Roberts, this is still a great movie. Hech, I didn't even know there was a sequel, so I bought both copies. They have both earned a Top Shelf placing in my bookcase. All characters play great parts, even though James Cagney and Henry Fonda aren't in this movie. It would have been great to see some of the actors from the Mister Roberts, even though the 'new' doc, played by Walter Matthea does a great job. Both he and the "old Ensign" make great movies together! As most movies drag the chain nowadays going for 2-3+ hours, this is one movie I thought could go on and not get boring. Another classic and great fun for all family to enjoy. We wish more movies were like this nowadays. No Swearing, No Violence, No War .... not even a bullet is fired. An allround great movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedy    2. Comedy Video    3. Drama    4. Feature Film-comedy    5. Movie   

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Reviews (14)

Just what the doctor ordered
This is a really enjoyable movie with good performances.I don't think they could get a cast like this together nowadays withount conflict on the set.Gregory Peck is as good as ever playing the title role.Tony Curtis is hilarious in a suuporting part.Angie Dickinson never looked better.Bobby Darin was up for an Oscar for his protrayal of a deeply trouble airman.I think the best performance goes to Eddie Albert as the troubled military staffer.Also, Robert Duvall puts in a fine show.It is fun and serious and extremely watchable.

Admirable movie, sort of like pre-Mash Mash, with good Darin performance
I admire what this movie is trying to do, show some damage war does yet keep it entertaining.It's like what Mash was trying to do and it uses the same solution (mix comedic scenes with dramatic scenes) though not as successfully as Mash.The comedic scenes are more jarring than in Mash; it doesn't meld as well.For example they go from a scene with an anquished screaming mental patient to the hospital ward playing hide the salami...literally.
David Miller's Best
David Miller, a talented hack who started out "directing" shorts for MGM, those documentary-style featurettes that would run for six or seven minutes and you now see them presented as "One Reel Wonders" on Turner Classic Movies.Though Miller showcased Robert Taylor in BILLY THE KID and the Duke in FLYING TIGERS, by the 1950s he was primarily thought of as a women's director, a sub-par George Cukor, who reined in Joan Crawford in two of her more restrained vehicles, SUDDEN FEAR and THE STORY OF ESTHER COSTELLO, but couldn't do much for Ginger Rogers in TWIST OF FATE nor Susan Hayward in BACK STREET (the remake).
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Editorial Review

Ever wonder what would happen if the imaginary worlds of Read more

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Reviews (33)

The Incredible Mr. Limpet
Excellent movie, good oldfashioned movie without adult language,
love this movie
this has been my favorite movie sence i was younger. i have children who also love this movie. what is suprising is my teenagers & their friends liked it too.

A Don Knotts Favorite
Loved this movie. Like all of Don Knott's movies. He is such a good character actor. This is quality family fare. Fun to watch. Worth the purchase price. A movie that is great towatch over and over again. ... Read more

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Reviews (5)

Last of the series falls a bit short of its predecessors.
This is the sixth and final film of the series produced by Universal that included Donald O'Connor, and director Arthur Lubin, who created the sequence. It would be charitable to state that this entry is up to the best of its antecedents, as O'Connor's tongue-tied routine as the chowderheaded sidekick of Francis the talking mule has become rather exhausting for audiences by the time of this release. Army lieutenant Peter Stirling (O'Connor) is advised by Francis that the mule has been "drafted" into the Navy and is positioned as surplus to be auctioned at the Coronado (Calif.) base. While attempting to regain Francis' freedom, Peter is mistaken for a lookalike bosn's mate, Slicker Donovan, is captured by the Shore Patrol and must then reestablish his correct identity while disinvolving himself from various examples of pulchritude with which the rakish Slicker has supplied him by default through their personality exchange. These latter include several of the studio's most highly considered contract starlets, including Martha Hyer, Leigh Snowden and Myrna Hansen, with the always enjoyable Virginia O'Brien attempting a comeback of sorts while restricted to a single scene. The ever efficient Lubin obtains maximum mileage from the dual performance of O'Connor, who stated after the film's completion that he found troubling the larger volume of fan mail received by the mule when compared with his own. Perhaps more telling is the failure of the popular actor to develop his character, a lack made clear by his adroit variant as Slicker. There is also a significant reduction in the use of Francis, and the minimal dialogue given to Chill Wills (his voice) lacks wit and is consequently delivered with scant spirit. Contributing most to the movie's potential appeal are early appearances of subsequently well-known actors, including Paul Burke, David Janssen, Martin Milner and, in his first credited role, Clint Eastwood. Despite the potentially interesting identity crisis involving O'Connor's two roles, it is plain that termination of involvement in the series by the director and star is a move to guard against further erosion of the lead characters' appeal.
Donald Shines Twice in Navy
Donald O'Connor had wearied of the Francis series by the time he made this film, but it certainly doesn't show -- his acting is as wonderful, fresh, and funny as ever (could his weariness have had something to do, at least in part, with the fact that he missed out on making White Christmas with his friend Bing Crosby because in real life he'd contracted an illness from the mule??).In this installment, Peter is a victim of mistaken identity.When the young second lieutenant tries to rescue Francis from being sold as surplus, he is mistaken for his doppleganger, Slicker Donovan, a Navy war hero, and carted off to sea.Peter and Slicker may look exactly alike, but they couldn't be more different.O'Connor's whole face changes when he plays Slicker, the sophisticated womanizing gob. Seeing O'connor do double duty in this film really gives us a chance to appreciate his acting ability.He may not have enjoyed it, but you will! Ahoy There Mate!Pipe me On Board!
The Grand Puba (that's Mister Puba to You!) loves Francis! These videos really are great if you are in to family fare!Something that you can let the kids watch without fear of comprimising your values.If you liked Mr.Ed - you'll love Francis!Barney?Ppphhorgetaboudit!Get Francisinstead! ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Penny Marshall directed this well-intentioned drama-comedy about a middle-aged advertising executive (Danny DeVito) whose heart has never been in his work. Fired for incompetence, DeVito's character is on the skids; but then comes an unusual job offer: Teach a bunch of boot-camp army recruits to read and think. The first-time teacher leads the uniformed men and women to an appreciation of Shakespeare, but he still has to grapple with his own problems with commitment and responsibility. Watching this film is like staring at a pool of broken eggs that never quite becomes an omelet. The story's promise is always there, but the satisfaction never quite comes.Still, there are some nice moments, and the whole thing works better on video than it did in the theaters. Read more

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Reviews (33)

Truly a Shakespearian Way To Look...
This movie is truly a good way to look at how Shakespear can help even bottom of the barrel Army recruits can grow and become a true Band of Brothers and Sisters. This movie also shows how one can find a new meaning in life if one just opens their mind to new possiblities.
Great teaching resource
I teach in an inner-city middle school. I have used this film for many years in connection with an article on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to demonstrate that our decisions in life are made based on our perceived needs.The course I teach is preparing low income/poverty level students for going to college and breaking the cycle of meager education and low income.Renaissance Man has multiple messages and valuable lessons - AND a cool introduction to Shakespeare.There is no sex, no nudity, no violence.The "R" rating comes from a bit of profanity (including the "F" word) but the profanity is lower frequency than what I hear in the hallway in any given passing period.

Yeah man
I love this movie dearly and I'm so happy that I was able to obtain it in DVD form.It arrived in a timely fasion and is in perfect conditon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Henry Fonda re-created his Broadway hit for this 1955 film that was mostly directed by Fonda's frequent collaborator, John Ford (Read more

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Reviews (58)

A different slice of the biggest war of all time...
For every guy who saw combat in World War II, there were eight to ten men in uniform who did not: these were the rear guard or stateside clerks, supply officers, cargo loaders, pencil-pushers, etc., the men who delivered the food and the guns and the equipment to the fighters. "Mr. Roberts" began as a stage play, but was beautifully expanded to wide-screen, perfectly cast, and excellently directed. From boredom to tedium and back, this crew moves cargo around the Pacific, but has no chance at heroism. Henry Fonda's title character engages in combat with his captain when he sticks up for the rights of his men, and James Cagney fights back but fights dirty. The tone of this long film is mostly comic, until the end, but it is a tribute to all those who served their country in the war without medals, or glamor, or even much danger. Their enemies were military bureaucracies...our own. Yet their service deserves respect, and "Mr. Roberts" gives that to them. It is a classic from the 1950's which has a few dated elements, but you can't help falling in love with this crew and rooting for all of them. Highly recommended.
Class-conflict aboard
Goethe once said that nothing is harder to endure than a succession of holidays. Mr. Roberts (Henry Fonda) could spend the waning days of WWII basking in the sun, enjoying the view of showering nurses or helping the enterprising ensign Pulver( Jack Lemmon who won a deserved oscar) in his attempts to seduce them. And if a lush blonde thirsts for a swig of scotch even the ship's doctor distinguishes himself as adulterator: "Coke for color...iodine for taste...hair tonic for age...". First-class honors are in store: "Our captain's palm tree, our trophy for superior achievement for delivering more tooth paste and toilet paper than any other navy cargo ship".
Mr Roberts A Pleaser Worthy of Owning
While in college in 1949, I had the pleasure of seeing Henry Fonda perform the role of Mr. Roberts on stage on Broadway in New York.This movie is a hilarious followup of the stage presentation.It is one that can be seen over and over and stlll remain as fresh as viewing it for the first time. Although the story is set in the waning stages of the Pacific War, this is vintage comedy that can be enjoyed by all today.I strongly recommend it for everybody. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie