No comments about Biography - Daniel Boone.

No comments about Biography - Richard Burton.

No comments about Biography - O.J. Simpson.

5 comments about Evel Knievel - Hell on Wheels.

1. I agree with the previous review. This is a very cool film of the early 70's, clearly designed to promote Evel and his planned jump of the Grand Canyon (he had to settle for the Snake River Canyon in Idaho instead.) But this is quite simply the worst DVD transfer I have ever seen. The video quality is terrible. For a few bucks you might consider snatching this up, but don't expect much quality wise. On the other hand, this is my favorite George Hamilton performance, although he doesn't really look like Evel, he really nails the performance. John Milius co-wrote the script early in his career.



2. EVEL KNIEVEL was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. The idea of someone risking their life for my entertainment didn't bother me then. I was nine after all. Looking back, I think of Evel as an adrenaline freak with major issues, but still respect his right to jump over things. George Hamilton is perfect in the role of Bobby "Evel" Knievel. He captures his smirking attitude toward danger, bodily injury, and death. Hamilton hams it up in a way that only he could pull off, giving life to the legend and the man. We start off in Butte Montana (Knievel's hometown) where a young Evel watches as a car is sucked down into a sink hole. In flashbacks, we are treated to the story (well, small slices of it anyway) of Knievel's life, a tall tale almost as big as Paul Bunyan. I especially liked his obsession with and eventual kidnapping of his future wife (played by Sue Lyon). Hamilton gives us a portrait of a daredevil who knows his own destiny as an american superhero. This is Elvis on wheels, a showman who performs for us, knowing full well that he could splatter at any minute! This guy broke every bone in his body except his neck! The crashes are spectacular and disturbing. I found myself wondering at Knievel's nuttiness and disregard for safety, while marveling at what he actually did. The fact that he survived his many public suicide attempts is a miracle! Watch and enjoy...



3. I saw this in a theater, for a "children's matinee"(the original version had some racey stuff in it,and it may have carried an R or at least cautious PG rating, but other versions were edited for the kiddie market), it only ever seemed to play 2nd run in smaller theaters(and 2nd billing at Drive Ins) between 1971 and '73. VERY typical of early 70's filmmaking when just about anyone could make an indie film and get it easily distrubuted to "theaters and drive-ins near you".
   This low-end DVD sadly, maybe from the only copy available-on faded 16mm-it is on several other "public domain" labels("Public Domain" is when a film falls out of copyright because it's been edited different ways by different distributors and theaters and the original makers simply lose track of it, or disown it altogether). Still it is a product of it's time. They don't make'em like this anymore! A fun "road" movie from a more fun and carefree time.



4. My purchase and delivery of the VHS movie " Evel Knievel " was easy and prompt . However , I disliked the product because the video reproduction was faint and grainy (poor). Also , the sound reproduction was very noisey,cracking and had blank spots (terrible) ! I've enjoyed similar products from indiviguals selling a "used" movie , more than this unopened
   item ! My rating is up because the original film is very entertaining ! !



5. While remembering Evel Knievel, (gone Six Months now), this was the first film
   that was made of his life. George Hamilton in the Title Role (also known for
   his portrayal of Hank Williams), captures the essence of this daredevil. Seeing this
   in my early years, led to many Twisted Handlebars and bruises. My copy is from a
   Rough Film Transfer, maybe there's a better one. Still worth it after all these years.

2 comments about Biography - Soupy Sales (Prince of Pies).

1. This excellent A&E Biography shows how superbly Soupy Sales taught the World to laugh inspite of itself!Funnier than a barrel of Monkeys and able to throw Cream Pies with precision accuracy,Soupy sales knocked em' dead on early television back in the 1950's-60's with the baby boom generation childrens show that featured continuous slapstick jokes and gags with the type of hip humor that caught on with the adults also.You'll also see clips on Soupy Sale's hilarious 1966 Debut REKNOWNED Movie "BIRDS DO IT!"co-starring Tab Hunter and Arthur O'Connell for which many of his fans are still anxiously awaiting it's video/dvd release including the film trailer will hopefully happen someday and should be a smashing hit and a cult classic,so spread the word,it's been very,very long overdue!!Video distributors both large and small should aggressively inquire about releasing the overlooked gem of a movie!!



2. At long last!
   
   TV's favorite pie throwing funnyman..Soupy Sales
   
   has his life story recalled on A&E TV's "Biography!".
   
   In this hour long tribute to one of kids tv's most
   
   inovative but neglected performers..The show looks
   
   back at Sales' early days as a popular kid in Frank-
   
   linton,N.C.
   
   Where "His Imagination was fired up by the movies"
   
   of "The Marx & Ritz Brothers",Charlie Chaplin,Buster
   
   Keaton and "The Keystone Kops".
   
   From there,the story recalls the untimely death of
   
   Soupy's father..Struggling dry goods dealer:Irving
   
   Supman to his family's move to Huntington,West,Va.
   
   Where Soupy begins his show biz career as a copy
   
   writer and later on as a radio host and performer on
   
   a local station.
   
   After working on local West Va radio and in the
   
   nightclubs..he's invited to audition for tv station:
   
   WKRC TV in Cincinatti,Ohio..where he continues to de-
   
   vlop his talents as a broadcaster on radio & tv and
   
   as a performer on radio,nightclubs and on tv.
   
   The show continues as it goes onto to Cleveland
   
   where on a late night comedy/variety program Soupy
   
   gets his first pie in the face during a skit that
   
   spoofs the movie western:"Broken Arrow" and then
   
   his move to WXYZ TV In Detriot,Mi.
   
   When in 1953 he would host the tv comedy show for
   
   which Sales will always be remembered:"12 o'Clock Comics"/
   
   "Lunch With Soupy Sales"/"The Soupy Sales Show".
   
   While the "Biography"tribute skims over the pro-
   
   blems Sales had with network and station execs..who
   
   continiously and stupidly interferred with his creative
   
   freedom to do his tv shows his way..until they forced him
   
   off the air.
   
   The Show does give some insight into his work
   
   techniques and his love for his work,his family,his
   
   friends and most importantly..his fans!
   
   
   If You want a tv tribute that is warm,caring,
   
   honest, informative and fun?
   
   This is the one to have..Be sure to get a
   
   VHS Print of"Biography's"TV tribute to"Soupy Sales'
   
   :The Prince Of Pies!" this Christmas and Hanakah!
   
   Kevin S.Butler

No comments about Biography - Vanderbilts.

No comments about Biography: Cartier - Jewelers to the Kings.

2 comments about Biography: Tony Randall.

1. This video biography of Tony Randall is excellent from his childhood in Oklahoma to his rich movie,theater career.Although he is probably best known from the TV series"The Odd Couple",he has acted in so many wonderful movies and theatrical productions.You can sometimes spot him on the David Letterman Show begging to become a guest.This is a video well worth watching as a historical account of a Superb and Wonderful Actor Tony Randall.We Love You!!



2. This A&E Video is an excellent biography of stage,television and movie actor Tony Randall who became a household name from the TV series Mr. Peepers and The Odd Couple.Tony,we all love you!!This video is highly recommended!!

3 comments about Biography - Mike Tyson.

1. This is a fascinating A&E Biography of the reknowned and brilliant boxer Mike Tysonwith an unfortunate self-destructive mean streak!!It's an excellent video!!



2. 
   Anyone considering buying this DVD should note that it was done in 1994. This DVD gives a cursory review of Mike Tyson and does NOT include his professional and personal battles after prison. The interviews are good and keeps a steady pace, but more could have been said.



3. You don't have to be a boxing fan or historian to enjoy this product. It is carefully assembled from rare footage and well-conducted and edited interviews with friends and co-workers. The subject is a great athlete of with high aspiration; his scientific physical and mental preparation, including an intellectual study of his occupation, bespeak a remarkably disciplined man in his worklife, but the antithesis in his private life. In that light, he should be taken very seriously as a cultural enigma. The reported menacing behavior is also well-documented and intolerable, though it seems that his complexity has been misunderstood by many.
   This DVD concludes in the mid-'90s when he was living as a convict, when a future "comeback", or return at some level was just shakey speculation. His re-emergence, including more violence and confusion, of course is not covered. A very impressive production, nonetheless.

No comments about Biography: Dr. Joyce Brothers.