I can't believe no one has yet commented on this episode. This stands out as the most elaborate, imaginative, and funny episode, my absolute favorite one. The choice of casting Phil Silvers was, well I never say "perfect" about anything merely human, but I couldn't imagine anybody better for this part than he was. As trivial and small a thing as great comedy may be, this was some of the finest work he ever did, and some of the greatest comedy ever made. The idea to produce "Hamlet" on the island, to the music of "Carmen" yet, turned out to be so much fun. At the point where Phil Silvers' "Harold Hecuba" starts playing all the parts himself, singing, as Ophelia (including wearing her costume), "Hamlet, Hamlet, do be a lamblet ..." / "... You seek to harm your uncle and mom, but you're scaring me to death" (to the tune of Franz Schubert's "Bacarolle", so I am told), I'm always rolling on the floor laughing (even literally, when I saw it in its original run, as a 10-year-old boy). Honestly, silly comedy never gets better than this, and of course, this was *clean* comedy, too. Nobody had to get into the gutter to be funny in the days when people exercised their minds and were *clever*. Well, I'm showing my age now. *Do* believe that this comedy ages well, though -- it is timeless stuff. Enjoy!
Reviews
4 Reviews
Knyaz Igor
(1969)
Great movie-making, best opera realization on screen! Fun!
12 March 2006
I've never had so much high-brow fun watching a movie. More operas should be made into movies. This was at its earthy best, and the Borodin music was just so right for story of more primitive times. It was sort of like a spaghetti western set to music, and I mean that in a good way. Think what some of the opera-composing greats could have done with "A Fistful Of Dollars" and you have some of the feel of this spectacle, though of course the story was far different. The acting wasn't all that great, but that isn't the most important aspect of an opera, even one put on film. The music, the passion, the spectacle, those are what I look for. I mean, this had Mongol hordes in full regalia, horses, horses and more horses. Much better than seeing it on a stage. This was a lot of fun to watch.
The Nativity
(1978 TV Movie)
Simple, powerful account of Mary & Joseph, Jesus' birth
5 October 2004
This movie is an example of how a TV-movie can be better than a theatrical film. This TV-movie rises above low budget and primitive production values with the radiant performance of Madeleine Stowe as the Virgin Mary. This was her first movie, and Hollywood really missed the boat not recognizing her great abilities here. It took them another 14 years to recognize her as a star. In my opinion she is the best actress of her generation. The production maintains a simple, straightforward attitude about the story of Christ's birth. It tells the story with a down-to-earth feel, and Mary and Joseph were better understood as people, by me, after seeing this. The film achieves real profundity and power to move, rare these days. It is a real gem. I hope this comes out on DVD someday. Are you listening, Hollywood?
Our Town
(1977 TV Movie)
Finest version ever. A film that may change you forever.
8 July 2004
This film made me think better, and made me come to terms with life in a way that few movies ever have or could. To put it simply, it changed me forever, for the better. It has that kind of power. The cast is stellar from top to bottom. The directing is genius. I can't recommend this more highly. If you think that Robby Benson couldn't act, or that his type of acting style could never be suited for a film that mattered, see this one. He and Glynnis O'Connor are *made* for these parts. They had such chemistry in this film that it is truly a shame that they didn't go on to become a regular acting duo (this was their third, and last movie together). I always cry during the last part. Why in heaven hasn't someone put this out on DVD yet? The owners don't seem to know what a gem they have here.
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