Change Your Image
jamieric
Reviews
French Postcards (1979)
Delightful fluff... look for stars-to-be
"French Postcards" is a light-hearted romantic comedy that was probably seen by more people on cable TV than in the theater.
Two rising stars have supporting roles in this film.
Mandy Patinkin plays "Sayyid." He won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for playing Che Guevera in "Evita" on Broadway in 1979... the same year "French Postcards" was released. He went on to star opposite Barbra Streisand in the film "Yentl," and to act in many other movies including another favorite of mine, "The Princess Bride." He's appeared in numerous Broadway productions and also played for years in the TV series "Chicago Hope."
The other actor to watch for is Debra Winger who plays "Melanie." She went on to roles in "Urban Cowboy," "An Officer and a Gentleman," and "Terms of Endearment," and is a three-time Oscar nominee.
As a reporter, I got to interview Winger when "Cannery Row" was released and asked her about her memories of "French Postcards." She said she was not happy about the way the film turned out because "Melanie" apparently played a much larger role in the original script as shot. She felt too much of her work was left on the cutting room floor during editing, and that her major character had been relegated to a lesser role. Judging from what's happened since, she was probably right.
After "French Postcards," Willard Huyck went on to direct the bombs "Best Defense," and "Howard the Duck."
Neighborhoods: The Hidden Cities of San Francisco - The Castro (1997)
A must-see story of a neighborhood that's become a symbol of the quest for gay and lesbian equality and freedom
This program not only tells the story of a city and neighborhood's growth and evolution, but of the growth and evolution of the gay civil rights movement itself. Beautifully photographed and intelligently written, this is a "must see" for anyone who's wondered why San Francisco is sometimes called a "gay mecca."
The producers have included interviews with a diverse group of people... heterosexual, gay and lesbian... most of whom have played important roles in the 20th century history of the Castro.
For anyone planning to visit San Francisco, for anyone who thinks they might be gay or lesbian, for anyone who knows they ARE, or for those just wondering about the whole issue... see this program. It will be time well spent.
"The Castro" captures the spirit of the neighborhood and of individuals seeking equality and freedom.