The Gin Game

The movie was good and I was enthralled by the connection between Moore and Dyke. The only problem I had with the film was the ending. The ending is very abrupt when you don't really expect it.

Yet over all it was an intriguing story of two elderly people.

Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke were absolutely marvelous in this performance. The chemistry between them is remarkable. They play off of each other as if they had done it every day since the Dick Van Dyke show. A definite must see for fans of either.

Casting for this revival of the bittersweet play was perfect. I have enjoyed the work of these two wonderful actors throughout their careers. This play is a perfect vehicle for a reunion of Rob and Laura Petrie. At my age, the play is almost too close for comfort - I see Weller in me, but I don't plan to go down the same path...

I highly recommend this production to anyone wishing to encounter a slice of reality portrayed by two gifted actors.

It takes a bit to get used to VanDyke and Moore as the antithesis of Rob and Laura but the quicker you do it the sooner you can enjoy this well-produced version of D.L. Coburn's play. The rapport between these two is still present and just as sharp as it was 40 years ago. The text (written in 1978) holds up well. Direction and camera work are also fine. A film well worth seeing/owning.

When I saw The Gin Game on Broadway in 1977 with Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy I thought for sure I had seen the best play ever.

Then when I saw Charles Durning and Julie Harris perform it again on Broadway 20 years later, with my fiancee, I said "Okay, this is it. This one is the best."

Then last night I was flipping channels. I saw the card table and I realized what it was: "Look, it's The Gin Game!" I said to my bride, "Are you kidding me, it's Dick Van Dyck and Mary Tyler Moore."

I loved it. I think you can do more with a dramatic play on television, believe it or not.

Cheery Dick Van Dyck was an almost convincing Weller, but Mary is too sweet for a Fonsia. I am quite certain I saw Julie Harris stand up, lean over the table, shove the cards in Charles Durning's face and bellow triumphantly "Gin, F*cking Gin!". There's no way our dear Mary Richards would ever say that! :-)

The portrayals in this version are more subtle. You catch more of it in this version: The excellent script doesn't get lost in the commotion.

A great show. Don't miss it!