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andrew stevens is philip kent
andrew stevens (son of stella stevens) stars as philip kent in this first mini-series based on the john jakeskent family novels.
the beginning of the kents in america
i saw this mini-series when it first air in the 70's on a late night channel when they had to call it the kent family chronicles because you couldn't say the word bastard on t.v.! how times have changed. well i felt it was a very good show and i bought the books and read them. now on that level the mini-series isn't near as good as the book, but it is very entertaing and fun to watch. there are very few movies or t.v. shows about this time in american history for some reason but i felt it did catch the idea behind the books very well. we see the birth of america through theeyes of philip kent former french boy with titled english father who kepet him hidden from his family. after the duke of kent dies the family sends people out to kill philip and forces him to flee to america where he takes the name philip kent and starts a new life as a printer in boston in the early 1770's. before long the man is swept into the colonies atemp to break free from england. it is more a soap than anything but it is great fun and sets up the second mini-series the rebels. worth a look

VERY GOOD for...
After reading all of the books in the series by John Jakes, I was very eager to watch this movie...I was not disappointed!! Of course this movie is not up to today's standard of made for t.v. movies but considering the time it was made it is very good and gets BETTER after the first hour!!
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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

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Editorial Review

Filmmaker Michael Verhoeven (not to be confused with Read more

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Reviews (25)

"The roadblocks of a stubborn and guilty bureaucracy."
Director Michael Verhoeven's film "The Nasty Girl" is the story of Sonja (Lena Stolze). Raised in the small Bavarian town of Pfilzing, she attends convent school. Apart from the odd flash of naughty behaviour, she's a good girl--tidy, quiet, and studious, so it comes as no surprise when she enters an essay competition and wins first place. With her model essay "Freedom in Europe" Sonja wins a holiday in France. Later, Sonja is encouraged to enter a second essay competition, and she selects the topic "My Hometown During the Third Reich."
a brilliant comedy about the sad truth
A beautiful film, funny, whitty, but yet - sad. The heroine says that you have to know where you are cdoming from, so that you will also know where you are going.
Hooray For All Nasty Girls
This film by Michael Verhoeven is about a Bavarian schoolgirls's (Sonya) quest to find out the truth behind her small village's history and involvement behind the Third Reich. The film gives a chilling depiction of how partriarchal institutions and powerful individuals in control will use any means to neutralize any seroius threats brought against them. Surprisingly enough, Nasty Girl is one of few films that depict a woman as being single-mindedly obsessed by the pursuit of the facts. This kind of discourse has always been reserved for males. Several times Sonya is almost diverted from her quest by the temptations society dangles in front of women to keep us in our places. Sonya even receives this kind of pressure from her own husband.Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign    2. Foreign Film - Other    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. International    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

The wartime memories of surviving World War II bomber squadrons were still crystal clear when this acclaimed drama was released in 1949--one of the first postwar films out of Hollywood to treat the war on emotionally complex terms. Framed by a postwar prologue and epilogue and told as a flashback appreciation of wartime valor and teamwork, the film stars Gregory Peck in one of his finest performances as a callous general who assumes command of a bomber squadron based in England. At first, the new commander has little rapport with the 918th Bomber Group, whose loyalties still belong with their previous commander. As they continue to fly dangerous missions over Germany, however, the group and their new leader develop mutual respect and admiration, until the once-alienated commander feels that his men are part of a family--men whose bravery transcends the rigors of rigid discipline and by-the-book leadership. The film's now-classic climax, in which the general waits patiently for his squad to return to base--painfully aware that they may not return at all--is one of the most subtle yet emotionally intense scenes of any World War II drama. With Peck in the lead and Dean Jagger doing Oscar-winning work in a crucial supporting role, this was one of veteran director Henry King's proudest achievements, and it still packs a strong dramatic punch. Read more

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Reviews (99)

It Takes A Village
I'm kind of responding to Mr. Britcher's review that seems to be criticizing this movie (is it?), or this society we live in or both. Well, as a prominent Democrat has said, "It Takes A Village". Mr. Britcher, you have the right to spew about not feeding Africa (why can't people take care of themselves though?), and bombing Europe instead, but that right of free speech is thanks to our armed forces and our politicians that have used them when appropriate. I'd like to know what your views would be about a society you would prefer to live in, but after reading your other reviews I can safely assume it would be a dark oppressive one that I would give my life to help defeat. As far as this movie goes, it was ranked #1 by the last poll taken by the American Legion for best war movie ever. I don't rank it that high, but it does take a village so I respect the voices of my fellow Vet's. I'd like to see it remade with a credible cast,
A Story Worth The Whole Nine Yards
If there is one war story to keep on your shelf, besides "Saving Private Ryan" this is it.
Peace is One Big Waste of Equipment
Hollywood comes through.Perhaps no film in history better glorifies commitment to an abstraction - in this case, low altitude bombing of industrial sites staffed largely by women and children - and its effects on command. (The claim of "precision" bombing was as ludicous then as it is now.) The film was, and may still be, shown in IBM's senior managment schools, and its effects are startling: it inspires men to become tough heroes and women to become men.
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Reviews (6)

Passion Behind the Scenes
The McConnell Story tells a true tale of an American fighter pilot who served during the Korean War. The man (Alan Ladd) had always been in love with airplanes and though he had a wife and children (June Allyson), he was able to pursue his dreams and make a name for himself in a plane.
The McConnell Story
A real thrill to get a copy of the McConnell Story since I flew F-86s!I did not see combat in Korea, but I did fly combat in Vietnam in an unarmed recon airplane.I have several friends who are veteran Korean combat pilots.Tje copy of this movie I received is in excellent condition, and I have enjoyed watching it again.
spectacular flying sequences
This bio-pic has action and romance. Alan Ladd is a bit aloof as Joe McConnell, but June Allyson counterbalances this nicely with her usual exuberant enthusiasm. The plot is standard fare for the era, though the twist of transport pilots dreaming of glory as fighter aces is novel. Allyson's role as the loving wife who wants Ladd to stop flying and settle down is familiar, as she basically plays the same part with Jimmy Stewart as the pilot hubby in Strategic Air Command. What really sets the The McConnell Story apart from other cold war military dramas of the 1950s are the spectacular flying sequences. It is unclear whether Major Stephen Bittinger or Captain Pete Fernandez flew the F-86 that was supposed to be McConnell's plane during the filming; both were ace pilots in Korea, and Fernandez was also McConnell's best friend, going back to the transport pilot days.(Fernandez is the only airman listed in the film's credits, as technical advisor.) Read more

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Reviews (3)

Final Film from the Director of WINGS
William "Wild Bill" Wellman directed 1927's WINGS the first film to win an Academy Award. "Wild Bill" Wellman was a real life Ace in the US Army Air Corps in World War I. He was wounded, went to Hollywood and ended up a prolific and hard edged director. It would seem fitting that Wellman's last film would be LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE. Unfortunately Wellman's status as a director had greatly diminished in Hollywood and so was the budget allotted for this would-be epic. Wellman tries to put what style he can into the aerial sequences but essentially this becomes a standard wartime love story via Tab Hunter. The film still boasts good photography by Cinematographer William Clothier and a score by Composer Leonard Rosenman and has an excellent cast including Clint Eastwood, David Janssen, Paul Fix, Will Hutchins, Tom Laughlin, Bret Halsey and William Wellman Jr.

Final Film from the Director of WINGS
William "Wild Bill" Wellman directed 1927's WINGS the first film to win an Academy Award. "Wild Bill" Wellman was a real life Ace in the US Army Air Corps in World War I. He was wounded, went to Hollywood and ended up a prolific and hard edged director. It would seem fitting that Wellman's last film would be LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE. Unfortunately Wellman's status as a director had greatly diminished in Hollywood and so was the budget allotted for this would-be epic. Wellman tries to put what style he can into the aerial sequences but essentially this becomes a standard wartime love story via Tab Hunter. The film still boasts good photography by Cinematographer William Clothier and a score by Composer Leonard Rosenman and has an excellent cast including Clint Eastwood, David Janssen, Paul Fix, Will Hutchins, Tom Laughlin, Bret Halsey and William Wellman Jr.

American Movie Classic type movie, not an airplane movie.
This video was interesting in a couple of areas. It has early appearancesfrom Clint Eastwood, Tom Laughlin (Billy Jack), David Jansen. Some ofthe early training flights are interesting in their realism.But, it isnot a movie for airplane buffs. Or WW1 historians. Or war movie fans.Itis a love story based on a young American boy, who makes some mistakes,fights with his father, and runs off to join the war. While there, he fallsin love, makes more mistakes, grows up, repents, etc.... everyone liveshappily ever after.American Movie Classic buffs will enjoy it (once).Airplane buffs will hate it (wrong airplanes). WW1 buffs will hate it (nohistory here, except opening credits). War movie buffs will hate it (theycall that a battle scene?)Two stars is all I can give. END ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Here's the alpha point of Elvis Presley's film career, the introduction of the raw-boned Mississippi boy into Hollywood pictures. E.P. takes a supporting role, and his entrance is delayed for nearly 20 minutes: kid brother to returning Civil War soldier Richard Egan, his character marries Egan's sweetheart Debra Paget when Egan is presumed dead. It's a chance for Elvis, his face still trembling with baby fat, to emote dramatically and finish tragically, both of which he does passably well. A serviceable Western, the film shamelessly shoehorns four Presley tunes into two sequences: E.P. crooning on mama's porch, and performing at a country fair (where starchy locals don't seem disturbed at the boy's gyrating hips and happy feet). All in all, a shrewd way to put a foot in Hollywood's doorway, and, of course, one of the last Presley movies to feel like a real film and not a vehicle for the King. Read more

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Reviews (16)

B&W or color?
I bought mine and it's in black and white, not colorized as the store claims to be. So I would give all the stores selling this item as colorized version a zero star!!!!

NOT IN COLOR (as advertised by Amazon!)
Now, WHAT a major disappointment! Look at the product description. It says: "Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC"
Here'sa raw Presley appearing in his film debut
For anyone who enjoys Elvis Presley's earlier films, Love Me Tender is a must buy.Presley was not even the top star of this film, but by now, the other actors are long forgotten, and Elvis Presley is a household name. This post Civil war bittersweet romance does not offer an overwhelming plot, but I enjoyed the rough edges in the characterization of the caring, but short-tempered, young Texas farmer that Presley portrays, The film does not contain a host of Elvis' songs as do his later musicals, but his sensitive rendition of "Love Me Tender" is unforgettable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Otto Preminger's sprawling World War II drama packs a lot into its 165 minutes, beginning with the attack on Pearl Harbor (which Preminger re-creates in amazing detail) and ending a couple of years later with America's return to the South Pacific in force. John Wayne and Kirk Douglas star as a career naval captain and his self-pitying commander in the peacetime navy who are thrust into battle when Pearl Harbor is bombed while they are on maneuvers. Minutes into WWII, they are already scapegoated and demoted by the embarrassed military brass. Wayne romances a WAVE nurse (Patricia Neal) and attempts a reconciliation with his estranged, spoiled son (Brandon de Wilde) while Douglas sinks into the bottle after the death of his cheating wife until the American fleet rebuilds and calls upon Wayne to lead one of the initial invasion forces. Henry Fonda makes a brief but commanding appearance as the fleet admiral. Burgess Meredith is a former writer turned witty commander, Dana Andrews a showy but indecisive admiral, and Stanley Holloway a genial Australian scout working with the American invasion forces. Tom Tryon and Paula Prentiss play newlyweds torn apart by the war, and also appearing are Franchot Tone, Carroll O'Conner, Slim Pickens, George Kennedy, Bruce Cabot, and Larry Hagman, among many, many more. Loyal Griggs's handsome black-and-white photography is topped only by Saul Bass's impressive closing credits sequence, a rising cascade of crashing waves and rough surf reportedly paced to mirror the dramatic rhythm of the film. Read more

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Reviews (71)

In Harm's Way -- More depth than you think
As a Navy veteran, I have little tolerance for movies that don't take the time to be accurate in their depictions of military life in both peacetime and war.Premminger took the time to get things right, which makes this movie an enjoyable tale.
Wayne triumphant
The director stood on the burning deck whence all but he had fled... save for a couple of extras putting out an engine room fire in one case, manning a pair of chattering anti-aircraft guns in another.The director is Otto Preminger, and he's seen - omnipresent, really - in a trio of trailers included on the IN HARM'S WAY dvd. I'm a great fan of trailers.They help get a handle on the movie.They tell you what the movie's about - the story of the lives of survivors immediately following Pearl Harbor; introduce the big stars - John Wayne does the heavy lifting here, but this is an `epic' so there's a mess-and-a-half of co-stars; and introduce the newcomers - in this case the spotlight is on pretty young Barbara Bouchet, who Preminger appropriately enough describes as "a new face, (pregnant pause) and a new body."Ms. Bouchet has a line of dialogue in the trailers that seems to have been cut from the final picture.In any event, the new body doesn't do much but perform a slink dance with an umbrella pole, share a beach blanket and a good night's sleep with pickup Hugh O'Brien, and, most importantly, provide a reason for hubby Kirk Douglas to crawl into the bottle when he should be acting responsibly as Wayne's aide.
Typical John Wayne Fluff
I was turned off by this flic in the opening sequence, during which a young lady, dressed in typical '60s attire, danced in a typical '60s style to a '40s tune.So much for historical accuracy.John Wayne played John Wayne; Fonda played Fonda, and Meredith played Meredith.Preminger gave us all of the usual cliches, but seems to have been unaware of the importance, or even the existence, of the aircraft carrier.This is definitely a B movie, and I would recommend it only to die-hard John Wayne fans. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

All the confusion, pain, despair, and even hope of the men and women who served in Vietnam is captured in Read more

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Reviews (55)

Powerful - a CAN'T MISS or MUST SEE movie for educational & historical purposes/values
Being a 5 years old boy living in Saigon (a peaceful but lively city even in war time) in 1972, I hardly noticed that the country was at war. If not for the facts that my father was an ARVN officer, news war footages on TV everyday, and once in a while seeing tanks & soldiers roaming & patrolling the countrysides, I wouldn't have thought or reminded of how much destructions the VN war brought to Vietnamese/US civilians, soldiers and their families.
It touched me deep within my soul.
In 11th grade, my history teacher showed this to us in class.It is one of the most unforgettable documentaries I've seen in my life.If you are not touched by this movie, you must have no heart and soul.A dark chapter in this country's history.Have we as a nation learned any lessons or will we continue to fight one unnecessary war after the next?This tearjerker of a film can be seen for free on google video.

Unforgettable Depiction of Vietnam
In the mid-nineties, when I was a high school student, my A.P. English teacher showed us clips from this movie as part of a weeks-long unit entitled war.Simply hearing the emotionally-laden words and viewing the clips of these young soldiers moved many of my classmates, not excluding myself, to tears.Almost a decade later, with the feelings and images still in my mind, I came online to order the dvd.The second viewing was as equally moving as the first.The ending is especially potent.An excellent addition to anyone's personal collection of media related to war/Vietnam/war literature. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Drama    3. Movie   

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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Editorial Review

It's tempting to call this harrowing picture a World War II version of Read more

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Reviews (164)

Up there with Das Boot
Compelling story from a "small cadre of individuals" perspective. Stalingrad
The movie was true. It was to the point. People nowdays may not what is really true.One of best.Outstanding.

Classic World War 2 Film
This film is a must for anyone interested in creating a 'collectors' library on World War 2 films. The film is an unbiased view into the sufferings and agony of both German and Russian soldiers during Hitler's famous assault on Stalingrad.
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Reviews (11)

Far-Fetched but Action-Packed Flynn Adventure!
Of all the actors of the 40s who made WWII-themed films, Errol Flynn was second only to John Wayne in raising critics' ire for 'winning the war single-handed'. His civilian status was ridiculed, although Flynn HAD in fact, attempted to enlist, but had been rejected (despite his robust appearance, it was discovered he had an 'athlete's heart', plus traces of malaria and TB he had contracted in his youth). Even with the negative press, Flynn's unique status as an Australian who was also an American movie star made him ideal as a morale booster for not only wartime American audiences, but audiences overseas, as well.
Fantasic movie
Fun, at times tongue in cheek, certainly cheesy in places, but a great old action adventure picture that rolls just about everything one could ask for into one film. This 1942 movie is one of Flynn's better films, though not as great as ones like Adventures of Robin Hood or the more serious Objective Burma (done a few years after Desperate Journey and now on DVD). Very colorful characters, good looking visuals for the time, great tight directing by legendary director Raoul Walsh who directed a number of Flynn films included the above mentioned Objective Burma. Soundtrack is very Flynn like in nature fitting the movie perfectly. I'm not a big fan of Ronald Reagan's films, but some of his lines in this movie are classic. All in all this is a fun action packed film that was perfect for 1942 and still easily manages to entertain today. Desperate Journey needs a good DVD release!

a 1942 version of "Behind Enemy Lines"........wheres the DVD
My older sister allowed me to watch the new military flick "Behind Enemy Lines" with Gene Hackman and Owen Wilson. I liked it very much. Then I found this movie in a movie catalog. At first I was a bit skeptical, then I looked at it on Amazon and saw the reviews it recived and I was hooked on it because it had the same story line as B.E.L. I bought this movie and I loved every minute of it. Raymond Massey does a very good job as the German major. Errol Flynn, Ronald Regan, Alan Hale, and Arthur Kennedy do very good in their roles too. My favorite scene is where Alan Hale is spitting those little pebbles at Errol Flynn and the German soldier through his mouth, I wish I knew how he did it. I also wish that the movie industry would release this action-packed war movie and other hit movies, like Crash Dive, Air Force, Destination Tokyo, Flying Leathernecks, Wake Island, Action in the North Atlantic, Sink the Bismarck, Battle Cry, Hellcats of the Navy, Up Periscope, Torpedo Run, Submarine Sea Hawk, all in DVD format. I think all of the war movies that were made during the early 40s through the late 60s should be put in DVD format. If you want a good old-fashioned, rousing war movie, Desperate Journey is both a treat and a gem. Please release in DVD format. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action    2. Action / Adventure    3. Adventure    4. Drama    5. Feature Film-action/Adventure    6. Movie   

Editorial Review

John Wayne, that pillar of machismo, was well aware that costar Rock Hudson was gay, yet he prized him as a boon companion, a fellow professional, and one hell of a bridge player.Each plays a Civil War commander who, after the ceasefire, leads a community of home folks into Mexico to make a fresh start. Hudson is a Southern gentleman; Wayne commanded the Yankee cavalry at Shiloh, where Hudson's brother died.Nevertheless, Rock, with his extended family, and Duke, with his troop of cowboys and 3,000 horses to sell to Emperor Maximilian, soon join forces to outgun banditos and beam paternally over the budding romance between their respective daughter and son (an adopted Indian played by footballer Roman Gabriel with Crystal Gayle hair).Lingering North-South animosities are celebrated in an obligatory communal fistfight in the Andrew V. McLaglen manner, and the showdown with both Maximilian's lancers and the rebel Juaristas is disconcertingly perfunctory.Read more

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Reviews (23)

undefeated
I think this movie is a great movie because Blueboy a cool character to help other people.

Thought it was great when I was a kid, but on second thought...
However, the scene at the end where they fight the French is great, so add it to your video shelf next to "Major Dundee"...

A solid Wayne Post 'War-between-the-states' Western. Ode to Roman Gabriel!
Also, Merlin Olsen, another of George
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Editorial Review

A box-office hit when released in 1994, this sprawling, frequently overwrought familial melodrama may get sillier as its plot progresses, but it's the kind of lusty, character-based epic that Hollywood should attempt more often. It's also an unabashedly flattering star vehicle for Brad Pitt as Tristan--the rebellious middle son of a fiercely independent Montana rancher and military veteran (Anthony Hopkins)--who is routinely at odds with his more responsible older brother, Alfred (Aidan Quinn), and younger brother, Samuel (Henry Thomas). From the battlefields of World War I to his adventures as an oceangoing sailor, Tristan's life is full of personal torment, especially when he returns to Montana and finds himself competing with Alfred over Samuel's beautiful widow (Julia Ormond), whose passion for Tristan disrupts the already turbulent Ludlow clan. Under the wide-open canopy of Big Sky country, this operatic tale unfolds with all the bloodlust, tragedy, and scenery-chewing performances you'd expect to find in a hokey bestselling novel (in fact, it's based on the acclaimed novella by Jim Harrison), but it's a potent mix that's highly entertaining. Not surprisingly, John Toll won an Academy Award for his breathtaking outdoor cinematography. Read more

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Reviews (149)

Legends Of The Dull
More predictable than an old TV Land episode of Bonanza and much less entertaining, this story of an anti-government rancher and his three sons, one the upstanding sort who seeks to work for good within the system, one an idealist, and the middle son, Tristan, played by Brad Pitt, a tormented man who seeks to find peace within nature's anger. At least that's what I think he was doing. The fact is I never was a fan of this movie, not back in the 1990's when my best friend loved it (and predicted Julia Ormond would be a superstar--sorry, Gina, if you ever read this, I just couldn't resist working that in there, ha-ha) and not upon the occasion of a recent second viewing. I don't think there's anything to really recommend this movie to anyone. It's not spectacular in its setting, it's not revolutionary in its by-the-numbers story, and I found then and still find now that it is highly melodramatic and boring. To each his own, I know some love this movie, but from where I sit, this film is a would-be epic that never rises above fluff.

I Love This Movie
Marvelous movie, marvelous cast in this 1994 release.
I'd rather be hit with a bat than watch this again
Beyond words.Just awful.I wish they would have just followed a bear around with a camera for a few hours instead of doing this to the audience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    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.