7 reviews
Slapstick and opera go well together, as already the Marx Brothers proved, and here's another fine example. This entertaining version of the 19th century French opera contains some of the best scenes of Laurel&Hardy, such as the couples' hopeless attempt in robbery, the hanging fiasco, Stanilo's maddening finger and hand acrobatics and the drunk scene in the cellar. An absolute must for Laurel and Hardy fans! Especially as it also shows the superiority of Laurel's comedy over his partner's. Never mind that the scenery is as Californian as are the characters in the supporting roles. But after all - opera is all about illusion...
Excellent adaption of Nancy Mitford's sarcastic panorama of English upper class life between the wars. The casting is absolutely splendid from well known old battlehorses of British TV-drama like Alan Bates, Frances Barber, Anthony Andrews and Sheila Gish to outstanding new faces like the hilarious Daniel Evans. The congenial directing has managed to produce some of the funniest scenes on TV and I just love to watch the video again and again.
Lorna Doone was the Victorians all time favourite novel, and it does contain everything a sentimental reader could ask for: love and treachery, revenge and sudden twists, all set against a colourful local and historical background... Today we can't help noticing that the plot contains more holes than a farmer's sieve, but this production covers them up by its drive and opulence, supported by convincing casting and some very good acting. The only discrepancy is Lorna's Estuary English, but as she's so pretty and acts well
This could have been a really good film clever script, brilliant set, mostly convincing actors. If I can nevertheless only award an average assessment, it's because of the last half hour or so that drowns the real drama in a lot of splash and spludder. Doesn't a ship sinking with 2000 people on board not provide enough tension, emotions and tragedy?
So what's the point of adding all this chasing around of the main characters in pointless pursuits? Had Cameron cut out ca. 15 Minutes at the end he would really have created one of the great films
So what's the point of adding all this chasing around of the main characters in pointless pursuits? Had Cameron cut out ca. 15 Minutes at the end he would really have created one of the great films
The plot of this film a random team of dwon and out actors produce 'Hamlet' under impossible cirumstances and make it a huge personal success - is predictable. But the characters are as convincing as they are endearing, and this look behind the scenes and the masks is extremely entertain
A very courageous attempt to bring one of the most intricate books of literature to the screen. The story manages to get most of Conrad's basic messages across and the acting is superb. The liberties taken by the script often deepen the meaning and do seldom distort it. Compliments to writer and director.