Barefoot in the Park

I saw this when it first aired on HBO - and found it MUCH funnier and more entertaining than the bland, drab, and, in my opinion, un-funny Fonda/Redford film. Perhaps it was the fact that it was a stage production with a live audience, but the acting and chemistry are far superior. Hans Conreid and Barbara Barrie are delightful, and Richard Thomas and Bess Armstrong give Neil Simon's material the comedic flavor it deserves. (Look for James Cromwell in a memorable small role as the telephone repair man).

The "fight" scenes alone have twice the energy and comedy than the film version. Example:

Corie: "You're very nearly perfect!" Paul: "That's a rotten thing to say!"

The delivery of this in the stage version is SO much more fun than Redford's ho-hum delivery of the same line. (anyone having seen both will know what I mean . . . ) I would HIGHLY recommend this version over the more "famous" Fonda film. I only wish that whatever studio owns it would put it out on DVD! I'd watch it again and again . . .

This was terrific---brilliantly funny! I only wish HBO would make this title available on DVD. I remember watching this version many years ago. I watched it many times as I thought it was so well put together. Bess Armstrong and Richard Thomas worked so well as the leading characters. Hans Conried and Barbara Barrie were no less than marvelous. Most of---if not all of the scenes were shot in the small two room apartment.

Are there any plans to make this title available? Is there are way to contact HBO for a request? So many great titles have been lost and I believe this is one of them.

Mickey

There's no question that this is a superior production of "Barefoot in the Park" - I show it to my high school drama class (although, as others have mentioned, all I have is a poor quality video taped from HBO). It is faithful to the script and the acting/comedic timing is superb (particularly Barbara Barrie as Ethel). The pace and energy of Armstrong and Thomas exemplify the joy of live theater - they create a wonderful, wacky momentum that carries the viewer along to the final curtain. I also tell my students to look at the wonderful set design; it's absolutely a delight to see the actors interact with it as if it were another character. If this ever comes out on DVD, somebody please let me know.

I love this version. One review gave an address for a DVD of it, but in checking, it is no longer available. Hoping one will come in the future. By far much funnier, and less snobbier than the original movie. Richard Thomas is great!

I seen this play on HBO so many years ago and have been looking for it every since. I thought that this version of the movie was very hilarious. Bess Armstrong was very great in her role, as well as Richard Thomas. This was so much better than the movie done by Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. I can not believe it is not available for purchase. I wish I would have recorded it when it was on TV, to my great regret I did not. Do anyone have any idea where one might find this version either to rent or buy. Or have anyone heard if they (HBO or any other network) will air this again. So if anyone finds this play please advise the rest of us who is so desperately looking to see it again. Thanks!!!