5 comments about Peanuts: Easter Beagle Charlie Brown.

1. Product as described. Perfect condition. Fast arrival. Extra snippets and specials on the DVD. Would recommend seller without hesitation.



2. I am a little biased b/c my 2yo is OBSESSED with Snoopy, but this was a fun DVD. Easter Beagle is a classic and I especially enjoyed the part where Peppermint Patty tried to teach Marcie to color eggs. Easter Beagle is a classic and is enjoyable for us nostalgic adults too! And Charlie Brown--oops, I mean Schultz--allowed the female characters to be more likeable in this one, which is not usually the case. The bonus episode, Arbor Day, was cute and not an episode I'd seen before. Best of all, my 2yo loooooooves this DVD b/c there are plenty of SNOOPY scenes which cause lots of happy giggles! Definintely two thumbs up from us!



3. it brings back memories, it's innocent,cute, funny and great for the who family to see regardless of age.



4. Never laughed so much during the original classic Peanuts Christmas or Halloween shows, but this one is a hoot! The kids find nothing BUT Christmas items as they search for Easter goodies, seems like today even though unfortunately we have been dealing with this nightmare since the 1970s! Peppermint Patty trying to dye eggs as Marci constantly cooks them in every imaginable way, BUT hard-boiled. Buy it, watch it with your kids and find you're both "tee-hee"ing. Enjoy!



5. I like this special its very funny. I love how Marcie can't cook good and she asks "uh Sir how do we color the eggs after we fry them?" Later when Snoopy gives them some eggs Marcie asks what do we do with them and Peppermint Patty says "We eat them we put a little salt on them and we eat them." Marcie puts salt on the egg and then crunches down on the shell and says "Tastes terrible Sir." So funny and there's also the Arbor day special that's funny too but I don't care for the voice they used for Lucy. Great DVD. I'll have to get it. I had the old one but it got old so I thew it away.

1 comments about Baby Huey's Great Easter Adventure.

1. This movie was a good kids movie. It teaches a lesson,it's clean and any child 3 and up can watch it without a parents worry.

5 comments about Sex - The Annabel Chong Story.

1. This documentary tells, in a rambling, confused style, the story of Annabel Chong, the woman who participated in 251 sex acts in 10 hours.
   
   Although not being a fan of the porn genre, I have always been curious to understand why people would choose to give their working lives to such an appalling industry. This documentary - in a fragmented way - gives a suggested explanation in Annabel's case.
   
   Grace (Annabel's real name) was brought up in a fairly strict, but loving, family in Singapore and given a first-class education. She then came to London for a brief period to further her studies. Tragically, there she was brutally sexually attacked by multiple assailants. This seems to have set her on a new course in life: looking for something to alleviate her pain and come to terms with what has happened.
   
   She then decides to study sexuality, in particular "female empowerment", at USC. I have since learnt that Grace was reading Law in England, hence this represents a radical step - something the documentary-makers completely fail to discuss or even mention.
   
   This quest for empowerment leads to her misguidedly seeking sex with as many men as possible. It's only a step from there to the notorious "gang bang" movie. Of course, the men who run the Californian porn industry are delighted to have such a promiscuous and hard-working "talent" on their hands and go out of their way to exploit her apparent enthusiasm.
   
   After the event, Grace clearly has not found the sense of self-worth she was looking for. Quite the reverse, she descends further into harm and unhappiness; the most upsetting scene of all is when her mother finally finds out what she has been up to in the States.
   
   Don't watch this film if you are looking for titillation. It is one of the most distressing, least sexually exciting films ever made. And expect to come away with more questions than answers.
   
   The story of this woman is a wake-up call to anyone who thinks that porn is just a bit of harmless fun. It's just a shame the producers weren't more committed to their subject.



2. If you think porn actresses are well-compensated, this is the movie for you. I guess I thought those ads promising $500 - $5000 "daily" were for real. Chong lives the lifestyle of a cheap hooker, and her place is a dump. The reason she comes across as a "babbling idiot" when she speaks in public (her producer's words, not mine) is more than likely heavy drug use/addiction. She's one of these nimwit slicers who cuts herself "to let all the pain out". There is a whole subculture about these half-breeds on the internet. They even have their own newsgroup. Chong should be the newsgroup moderator, only she doesn't "get" computers, nor anything that doesn't involve a dildo.
   
   The premise of the film, as advertised, is her having sex with 251 men. Be advised, not even one encounter is depicted in full. Instead this is a serious, depressing documentary about her sordid, sad life. Chong's a bore. Not by a remote stretch of the imagination can she act or deport herself with any grace or character.
   
   Chong's purportedly (*it could be B.S.) a nympho, which is a remarkable and highly unusual gift, and the film should have explored this very interesting angle, and conducted experiments and/or shown more sexual activity. Everytime she opens her mouth to explain her views on sexuality, it sounds like something somebody told her backstage, five minutes before. She quickly spaces out and what seemed like a budding cogent conversation devolves into a marijuana trip.
   
   [SPOILER]...So if you want to get free drugs and sex and a little bit of money to support yourself in a wretched apartment, then maybe you can look into being a porn actress. The porn guys pay her less than a thousand bucks a film, a mere pittance for exposure to AIDS. And, they stiffed her on the 251 men thing...she got nuthin. My conclusion is, the porn industry sucks.
   
   Strangely despite all the nude flesh, I did not find this film even a little bit arousing. It is all mechanical sex, like in-out, not even slightly erotic. Sub-100 I.Q. man's idea of what is sexy. Nobody here is an artist; just cocks with cameras. Their idea of sophistication is triple penetration. I am not even going to explain.



3. What makes this movie work is the unique character known as Annabel Chong. Actually Annabel Chong is the "porn name" of a young USC student named Grace Quek. Grace grew up with a religious family in the ultra conservative society of Singapore. Apparently Grace began to rebel against these strict social conventions, especially after being exposed to more permissive people and cultures in London and California. Grace was a serious student who was seeking to combine her feminist perspective with her intense interest in sex. She became famous by appearing in a porn movie where she had sex with 251 different men in a 10 hour period.
   
   Grace is clearly an intelligent woman who was attempting to push the sexual boundaries (and buttons) of conservative society. She was also someone with "issues," as made clear by her admitteded drug abuse, weird mannerisms and inarticulate ramblings. Quite likely she was still getting high while this film was being shot. But yet I found her to be an interesting person. Remember she was just a college kid and an especially adventurous one at that. She was also someone who wanted to experiment with her sexuality outside of what mainstream society considers acceptable. Of course, a woman having sex with so many different men is disturbing to most people. But I think that is exactly what Grace wanted to do, to "disturb" people and to challenge the social stigma against the free and full expression of wanton female sexuality in its most extreme form. So, personally, Annabel/Grace I commend you for your courage!
   
   My primary complaint with the movie is that Gough Lewis is a pretty mediocre director. The documentary seems to lack a clear storyline or purpose and is instead just a confusing mishmash of different scenes thrown together. Not enough attention is devoted to explaining Grace's past or why she wants to do the "gangbang". Also on the bonus documentary, which was filmed 4 years after the movie, Grace complains that Lewis included certain scenes out of context. For example, the original film shows a scene of Grace mutilating her arm with a knife and makes it seems like this is something she does on a regular basis. But Grace says she only did this on a single occassion, the day that she and the director broke off their romantic relationship, and that he not only encouraged her to do this but took part in the self-mutilation himself.
   
   In any case, I'm curious whatever became of Grace. This world doesn't always treat it's weirdos and extremists all that well. But hopefully she is doing OK. Whatever your opinions on the actions of "Annabel" this is still a movie well worth watching.



4. I saw SEX - THE ANNABEL CHONG STORY at a film festival when it first came out and, happily, Chong herself was there for a Q and A afterwards. The movie itself explores the interesting, and often contradictory, personality of Annabel Chong. Born Grace Quek into a traditional family from Singapore, Chong had, as it seems, a taste for something a whole lot more. The film tries to get at exactly what it is that drives a woman to gain infamy as the receiving end of the world's biggest gang-bang. Given the type of person who would aspire to such, it is not surprising that it does not quite succeed despite an admirable effort.
   
   Chong comes off as troubled at times (she cut her arms with razors at one point), but, as a whole, more put together than coming apart. Pleasant and appreciative of her fans, she seems to have a decent sense of the moral quandries of her actions. The scene in which her mother discovers her daughter's true work is particularly tough. And the actress who breaks Chong's gang-bang record is so nasty and self-centered that Chong cannot help but seem like a decent person if only by comparison.
   
   Chong never achieved true fame through porn. Her name is not as well known as, say, Jenna Jameson or Tera Patrick. But her films are so wild that she gains in notoriety among those who do recognize her what she lacks in name recognition. During the Q and A she seemed nice though a bit overwhelmed in front of so many people and being peppered with (for the most part friendly) questions. SEX - THE ANNABEL CHONG STORY is worthwhile for those interested in a bit more backstory to the porn scene.



5. I came across this movie and it jogged a memory. I'd read this in the local arts weekley that Annabell Chong was coming to town to show her documentary and be there for a Q & A session afterwards. Having never met her (and still not wanting to meet her), I wondered why would someone want to star in the adult film industry let alone have sex with 251 men in less than 10 hours. She set a new world's record, outdoing (no pun intended) a sex worker in Amsterdam. What exactly is the point of doing this? I didn't know before and still don't know why afterwards.
   
   Girls who star in porn movies are pathetic. Annabelle is no exception to this. She tries to come off as making some kind of pro feminist statement that she is having sex with so many men. What kind of statement? That she has no fear of AIDS? That she thinks so little of herself to preform on camera with not just one but all these others? Some may say "it's just work". Per Ron Jeremy, he assured the audience that all the guys participating were wearing condoms and had been tested. Is that supposed to make me feel better?! We only saw hints of the real person. Is she hooked on drugs? Was she ever forced to preform on camera against her will? Why does she keep going back, because she's ashamed? The possiblities are endless. And she said if she did get AIDS she wouldn't be sad, because she had an experience. I hope no one takes that seriously. But guess what? She's a cutter. She wants to feel something, release the pain inside.
   
   Perhaps the scariest aspect of this is the unassuming interviews with her mother. Her mother clearly has no idea she is doing this. What would her reaction be? Would she even acknowledge that she knew her? What is she supposed to feel?
   
   This is a haunting look at the realities of porn. A must see for anyone who thought it was glitz and glam.

No comments about Children's Bible Stories: The First Easter.

5 comments about Easter Parade.

1. Words are not able to fully describe what your eyes will see.
   Can never, ever, be remade even with an unlimited budget.
   Fred is Priceless.



2. In this joyous musical romp, MGM producer Arthur Freed paired Garland with the recently "retired" Astaire after original lead Gene Kelly injured his ankle. Combining Astaire's moves and Garland's pipes with a phenomenal Irving Berlin score adapted by Johnny Green and Roger Edens, highlights include the vaudevillian duet "We're a Couple of Swells" and Astaire's excellent solo to "Steppin' Out With My Baby". The movie was a big success in 1948, and no wonder! By all means, step out with this title.



3. 
   Taking into account you are going to see 17 Irving Berlin's tunes, plus the first-rate cast Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, you may even forget the plot.
   
   An unforgettable musical.



4. When Don Hewes dance partner Nadine Hale (Ann Miller) abandons their act, he sets out to find a new partner. He discovers Hannah Brown (Judy Garland, in one of her favorite roles). This movie was originally intended to star Gene Kelly as Don Hewes and Cyd Charisse as Nadine Hale. But Gene Kelly broke his ankle and Cyd tore a muscle so Fred and Ann stepped in. (I really like this movie, but I think it would have been better with Cyd and Gene.)
   There is a little confusion as Don loves Nadine, Nadine loves Johnny (Peter Lawford as Don's best friend), Johnny loves Hannah, and Hannah loves Don. But in the end all works out well!
   Judy sings some wonderful Irving Berling songs: Easter Parade, It Only Happens When I Dance With You, I Wish I Was In Michigan, Better Luck Next Time and I Love a Piano. This DVD also includes the deleted song "Mr. Monotony" in which she wears the tuxedo top she later wore for her famous "Get Happy" number in Summer Stock.



5. Easter Parade, the movie, is a classic that those with dementia will enjoy especially during the Easter season. Folks with dementia feel a special connection to the classic musicals. The songs are familiar to them. They often will sing along. The music uplifts them. The dancing and the drama are exciting. This movie will put a dementia person in the Easter spirit. Buy them a new Easter bonnet to complete the experience. Watch this movie with someone you love whether they have dementia or not for a terrific Easter day.
   
   By Susan Berg author ofAdorable Photographs of Our Baby: Meaningful, Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals

5 comments about The Easter Promise.

1. This is the third installment stemming from "A House Without a Christmas Tree." I wasn't sure what to expect and I won't include any spoilers in this review, so I recommend buying the video first before someone spoils it for you. But, in short, this story is about a successful Broadway actress (played by Jean Simmons) who comes back to the small town where she grew up and whom Addie befriends. Simmons gives a riveting performance that I wonder if she was nominated for an Emmy. If not, she certainly deserved one.

   In addition to Lisa Lucas reprising her role as Addie, so do Mildred Natwick and Jason Robards. Buy it now for Easter before the demand hits.




2. This edition of the House Without a Christmas Tree series is as excellent as the Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day editions. Does anyone remember that there was a Valentine's Day entry? I wish I could remember the title. I am certainly glad that I purchased all of the titles available in this series a year ago. It now appears that they are no longer available. These stories are simple and powerful. I was really into art as a little girl and I always found the scene opening sequences made out of construction paper fascinating. The programs have the appearance of a play that was filmed and not some fancy production, yet they get their point across. Too bad current generations cannot enjoy these stories.



3. I have three out of the four Addie series on video. I Have "The House Without a Christmas Tree 1972. The Holiday Treasure 1974
   (It was originally called "The Thanksgiving Treasure" when it was aired on TV. And I also have The Easter Promise 1974. I dearly love them all. The first one the best. In the second one "The Holiday Treasure" the father softens up a bit.The last one in the series was "Addie and the King of Hearts" but I inquired and was told it was not and that there are no plans to ever release it on home video. I can't imagine why since they did the other three. I guess because it doesn't have sex and alot of obsenities in it. Maybe if alot of us wrote CBS they might consider it.



4. As a big fan of the first two plays in this series, "The House Without A Christmas Tree" and "The Holiday Treasure", I regret to say that I found the "The Easter Promise" to be not quite on the same high level as the former two in terms of substance. The lovely and talented Miss Jean Simmons is a welcome addition to the exceptional trio of Mildred Natwick, Jason Robards, and Lisa Lucas but I feel this story is not as moving and powerful as the previous two. It's still more rewarding and enjoyable family fare than the average TV drama just not "great" or a "classic" in my opinion.



5. All the Addie Mills stories (THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE, THE THANKSGIVING TREASURE, THE EASTER PROMISE, ADDIE AND THE KING OF HEARTS) were character-driven stories and I've heard many people complain that they are dull. While I disagree courteously about the first two installments, I did find myself a bit bored during this outing. I thought the stories for the first two were more engaging; even the second tale on the old theme of the child befriending an embittered elderly person had a couple of twists to it. But THE EASTER PROMISE story just seems like the same take on another old theme: child befriends successful person who turns out to be not the success people think and who is really insecure and unhappy.
   
   Had the story been more appealing I probably wouldn't have noticed what bothered me the most.
   
   CBS went very cheap filming all the Addie stories, using the same videotape they used for the daytime soaps. Many critics of the stories really hate this, but I was always able to look beyond it because I enjoyed the characters and stories so. In fact, it gave the stories a "reality show" type POV, as if you were observing an actual family in 1940-whatever. However, in the first two specials CBS also allowed the story to be filmed "on location," if not in Nebraska, at least on the prairies, the Canadian prairies, and in a little town in Ontario, Uxbridge, that looked a lot like Nebraska must have looked back then. You didn't have the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE TV-series effect with "Minnesota" looking like the southern California hills and it lent much to the verisimilitude of the story.
   
   THE EASTER PROMISE exteriors are filmed on a stage set and it shows very, very badly on videotape, especially a scene where Addie arrives when James and Grandma are working in the vegetable garden and also in the scenes where Constance's house is visited. The situation which has been so carefully crafted previously is jolted by the glaring sets and for me, at least, the illusion was ruined. One scene has Addie visiting James on the job and he is using his crane near a wooden bridge that has been used in the background of so many television shows that it sticks out like that proverbial sore thumb.
   
   They couldn't even be bothered to try to duplicate the "Clear River" scenes of the first two stories and it diverges wildly from Addie's original opening narration to HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE where she declares that Clear River is so small there are no buildings over three stories tall and the town has no traffic light because none is needed. The closing scene clearly shows a downtown that is a lot larger (and taller) than Addie described.
   
   So while it was great to see Lisa Lucas, Jason Robards, and Mildred Natwick again, and although Jean Simmons was quite good, this third installment (yes, I'll say it) failed to live up to the promise of its predecessors. Still, a DVD set of them all would be really nice.

5 comments about Here Comes Peter Cottontail.

1. To me this delightful Easter special is everything that Easter should be for young children and adults alike. Coming from a far more innocent age of television "Here Comes Peter Cottontail", is one of the greatest creations from the Rankin and Bass team of animators who brought us of course the immortal television classics "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", and "Frosty the Snowman". Taking Easter as their theme here they have created a memorable lead character in the delightful Peter Cottontail and this special was a regular feature of our Easter viewing when I was growing up for many years. I still treasure this special now as an adult and in the beautifully restored DVD version of it now available I still marvel at the truly superb animation created here by this legendary team without the assistance of any computers. Definately an Easter classic, this funny and warm hearted story has most surely stood the test of time. In between my more religious themed viewing over this holiday I always include "Here Comes Peter Cottontail", and the other Rankin and Bass Easter themed special "The Easter Bunny is Comin' To Town", in my regular viewing and it's always a joy to revisit these "old friends", each Easter.



2. My child loves this video & it's great to see it again since it was once upon a time broadcasted on TV.



3. Although "Amimagic" studios Rank & Bass produced over a dozen Christmas specials, they only made one Easter show and this is it! Charming re-imagining of the Peter Cottontail fable, with a year's worth of kid appeal. We follow Peter, who overslept and missed his attempt to become Official Easter Bunny, as he travels through one-year's time and almost every major holiday on the calendar. Think "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" meets "Holiday Inn." I only wish the cute music packed an Irving Berlin punch.



4. I bought this for my kids to watch. I remember it from when I was a kid. They loved it. They liked it better than the new Peter Cottontail Movie. I liked it too!



5. This is a classic holiday film that possesses the same quality as the original Rudolph. Vincent Price is a great villain as usual.

5 comments about The Long Good Friday - Criterion Collection.

1. This is a film is that is nearly great. Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren turn great performances as a gangster couple in the London of the early 1970s. Mirren in particular gave her role a take almost never seen in this sort of film. She is a competent partner of Hoskins playing something closer to the corporate wife than the old-style gangster's woman. Nothing like her performance has been seen before or since.
   
   Where the film goes wrong is that while it develops an elaborate mystery of who is attacking Hoskins, it gives an answer that isn't all that interesting. What we get is the Irish/IRA as a kind of faceless and nameless invincible monster. They are everywhere and seem to know everything while Hoskins (and everyone else in London) doesn't even know who they are. They don't speak, are rarely visually shown and amount to little more than ciphers within the film.
   
   Hoskins made the role interesting by seeming competent, but by the end of the film he is made out to be a total fool. It would have been a better film if the Irish had been more human or (better yet) the complexities of Irish Loyalist and Nationalist gangsterism had been used. With more political dialog and a better ending, this film would have reached the level of greatness. As it is, its very, very good but flawed.



2. This movie is excellent from the cast of actors through the plot and the realistic brutality that is far more shocking for it's realism than many of the movie scenes that almost glorify the act of killing and the crazed manner in which people die,that is all to frequently seen in movies of this ilk.
   The stone cold realism of someone being stabbed in the swimming pool shower scene, in this movie carried out by a very young Pierce Brosnan is so much more disturbing for the cold quick and mechanical taking of a life watched draining away with a simple scene of blood swirling down a drain as the victim lies dead,with only this trace of his existence left,than the wild shoot outs and incredible fire and fist power which is empty and ridiculous in so many films.
   The lack of airs and graces along with a lack of pretence as to who is who and who does what is also something that marks the movie as sitting in a category with very few other films of this genre.
   Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren as the principles are a suitably cold couple.
   Bob Hoskins especially seems to relish the role of being the top man,and the outtakes and follow up interviews from years later are of great interest to any film lover.
   They are far more interesting and revealing than many of the two hour "lost scene,outtake" discs that are usually the drivel that did not make it past the cut,that is why they are "lost" for so long,they should never be seen,as they are terrible.
   I am cynical in that i do believe these discs are deliberately held back for cash ins at a later stage,to ease the viewers money away from them to see a load of not much at a bloated price.
   I have not layed out the plot or said to much about the movie,more about the atmosphere,however giving things away to first time viewers is very unkind.
   I would suggest that you do get this movie and enjoy it for yourself,you will soon see how far the quick and simple efficiency of action is far more memorable and frightening than so many other movies action filled with guns,weapons,hundreds of deaths etc yet ultimately empty of any resounding memories or of wanting to watch the movie again or tell your friends about it.
   Ian.



3. "What I'm looking for is someone who can contribute to what England has given to the world: culture, sophistication, genius. A little bit more than an 'ot dog, know what I mean?" Harold
   
   Harold played by Bob Hoskins starts his Good Friday anticipating the day ahead of him. His plans include a large party on his yacht for a group of monied business men and a couple of men from New York. His plan is to tie up a massive real estate deal. The 1988 Olympics are coming to town and he plans to convert all the old docks into land for the Olympics.
   
   Then the entire scheme comes apart when the 'bombings' start. First his chauffeur is bombed in his car, next his casino is blown apart and then one of his best men is killed at a gym. Harold has no enemies that he knows of. The London world of crime has been quiet for a couple of years. Who is his enemy?
   
   Bob Hoskins keeps this film alive with his performance. Instead of retribution, Harold spends this day wondering and looking for clues. His men are spectacular. An interesting point is that real criminals worked on this set. Who knew that criminals would make good actors:-)?
   
   Helen Mirren as Harold's class act wife is low key but she has an important role. Sexy and intelligent, she is the hostess with the mostest and charms those around her. She and Harold share a true love and they depend upon each other. I am viewing all of Helen Mirren's films and this is the start of her career as a leading lady.
   
   When the adversaries become clear, the film shows a let-down. A true to form revenge mission is planned and the ending is not that surprising.
   All in all this is a film about character and Bob Hoskins is the kind of boss one would want in the underworld.
   
   "As long as it keeps up the mystery, the film sustains interest. This is due in no little part to Hoskins, just entering his film career after a decade of TV work but already in possession of an authoritative presence that was impossible to ignore." Chris Barsanti
   
   A day and a night in the life of London underworld. A shrewd, intelligent film with some memorable performance by Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
   
   Recommended. prisrob 06-21-08
   
   Helen Mirren at the BBC
   
   World War II - When Lions Roared



4. Refusal to adapt, refusal to comprehend... This is the story of a 'big time' London crime-lord's fall -- at the hands of his own ignorance.
   
   Hoskins and Mirren deliver the filmic goods, to their credit. *Pierce Brosnan* makes the scene with a signature feral gleam already a-twinkling in his eyes, and that's worth seeing. That gleam will still be in his eyes decades later while playing the leading man (with Davis and Kinnear) in The Matador.
   
   On the other hand, the soundtrack is annoying, whether you like 70's nostalgia or not. This combined with more flab and distractions (intentional and otherwise) almost made me rate the film a mere two stars -- and I won't bother writing about a two star.
   
   Then it hit me: The Long Good Friday is a nearly perfect allegory of the USA's Middle-Eastern foul-ups & follies. Examined in that light, I discerned the faint glimmering of a third star.



5. The best thing about this film is the soundtrack. 79 Euro disco and hypnotic psyche prog rock. I give the sounds track 5 stars.
   
   The movie itself. Not so good. Unless you like boring. none of the characters are sympathetic or fascinating. theres a lot of dead air where nothings is going on. the violence is sudden sadistic and revolting, and very rare. theres not much sense of impending doom or walls closing in. theres an obvious shakespear influence - but its no where close to that kind of quality. then tried to prop it up.
   
   the lead gangsters rant against americans at the end seems sudden and not really fitting with the theme of the film. there is a xenophobic undertone to the film - the bad guys are black, irish, or american.
   
   this one doesnt seem up to criterion quality. more like they licensed cheap back catalog. I could barely stay awake. My GF fell asleep in the first 20min. I held on hoping it was building to something... not really.

5 comments about Cora Unashamed.

1. This film, and the underrated talent Regina Taylor, does a great job of "fleshing out" Langston Hughes' classic short story. The film remains faithful to the Hughes tale and does an excellent job of giving the characters added depth. We see all of the elements that cause the bond between Cora and Jessie, the misunderstood daughter of her cruel and indifferent employers. The acting and Iowa scenery are superb. This is one adaption that does not require you to read he original first. Read it to compare, but see thins and it will really make you think of what's important in life.



2. Almost all of the "Masterpiece Theatre American Collection" dramas have been disasters. The sole exception is "Cora Unashamed." This adaptation of Langston Hughes's short story is beautifully written, directed, and cast. It packs a greater emotional punch than almost anything else that television has produced in recent years.

   Cora, a black housekeeper, works for a well-placed white family in a small Iowa town, and loses her young daughter to illness. Cora finds a surrogate child in the youngest daughter of her employers, and the daughter, in turn, finds a soulmate in Cora. This friendship, as well as the young girl's romantic attachment, does not please her social-climbing mother. Matters come to a head when this child also falls ill.

   The underrated Regina Taylor plays Cora to perfection, displaying the full range of the character's emotions. Cora's sense of humor, honor, and love balance her pain, hurt, and jealousy. She never loses sight of the entire woman. Cherry Jones, one of the New York stage's greatest actresses, matches her as the flawed and domineering mother. Where a lesser actress would portray a cardboard villain, Jones displays all the vulnerability and humanity that lies under the surface.

   A job well done.




3. I was drawn to the movie"Cora Unashamned" because of some issues present in my life. I use movies as therapy. They bring hidden situations to the surface where they can be healed.
   The cast in this movie was excellent. I learned something new about the story's author, Langston Hughes. I always thought him a great poet, but this story proves his greatness all around. He used his talent to point out social issues that needed to be addressed. They are still present, unfortunately. However,they are not quite as severe as in those times. It also pointed out historical facts that I'd like to study more indepth. Great movie. I'm proud to own it.



4. This is an important movie.
   The limelight is Cora, who lost her daughter and look after another daughter unwanted by a mother who hate her because she has freckles. The mother killed that child and she refused to acknowledge, covering her evil deeds, and her husband just watch and doesn't care, or at least, a wimp. It was only when the daughter died and Cora told the truth did the mother repent. BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. There are still parents around the world still like this. Is there a cure to stop this evil before it's TOO late??????????????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. This is a story about the shame that binds us, and the truth that sets us free. It's about adolescent love, classism, racism, and a love that crosses all the boundaries.
   
   Regina Taylor is a class act, and plays her characters with dignity and grace. Playing a woman who is fully expected to sacrifice her life for the family she works for, Ms. Taylor does as fine a job in this feature as she does in the TV series "I'll Fly Away" with Sam Waterston - one of my all time favorites.
   
   When she loses her child to whooping cough, Cora's dedication to the little white girl she cares for, who was her daughter's friend, deepens. The story becomes more tragic as the true nature of the little girl's relationship with her own mother is based on the mother's shame, lies, and secrets. The way that shame plays out causes devastating effects to unfold until you just don't think you can take it any more.
   
   And the power of the truth reveals how liberating honesty can be.
   
   
   When Abortion Was Illegal: Untold Stories
   
   Rambling Rose

No comments about Rugrats - Easter.