Michael-Moriarty Movie Reviews

I just received this yesterday, and immediately settled down, with the cats fed and strict orders of silence, to watch it. What a wonderful, lost jewel. This made for t.v. film was produced the year I graduated from high school, and, the life I then lived in the apartment next to a city train trestle, that I dismally shared with my mother and my dear little sister, was probably a little too similar to Tennessee Williams beautiful play to be of much interest to me then. That this play is based upon his early years is now well known, and, though she denied it most of her life, "Amanda", the suffocating mother played by Katherine Hepburn, is undoubtedly Edwina Williams, Tennessee Williams mother. Though she is the focal point, this "memory play" is as much about Williams beloved sister Rose, whose tragic mental illness and subsequent lobotomy froze her in time. The crippled "Laura" inhabits another world, as did Rose. Williams remained devoted to his institutionalized sister, who outlived him, for his entire lifetime, and always proclaimed her his lifelong love. "Tom", the brother and narrator of the play, dreams of a life filled with adventure, outside of the despised warehouse where he performs his menial work, and free of the unwanted obligations to his abandoned mother and sister. Tom was Tennessee Williams real name, and there is much of him in the fictional Tom. When this play was first produced in the 1940's, Williams career was very young. He considered himself a failure, and, the play was not initially well received. Starring as "Amanda" was Laurette Taylor, formerly a renowned theatre actress, now a Broadway has-been, whose downfall to drink was well known in the theatre world. Upon seeing her in the first early rehearsals of this play, the financial backer screamed to the producer..."HOW could you do this to me?" Williams was also sure he had a failure on his hands, and the play produced modest crowds upon opening, and readied for closing. However, two local Chicago critics sang its praises, and, it subsequently received immense critical acclaim and major awards. As did Laurette Taylor, whose performance went down in theatre history, and was her "comeback" (she died the following year.) Katherine Hepburn, who saw the original production, is wonderful in this role. How lucky we are that The Theatre Archive has preserved her performance. There are close-ups and little bits of business here that make one realize just how rare and skilled an actress she was. What a joy she is to watch. She perfectly conveys "Amanda's" suffocating behavior, all in the name of love for her children, of course. With her at times false joy, and, at other times, her eyes brimming with tears, she repeatedly relives the memories of her bygone youth, beaus of past, and her faded promise, to the all too familiar resignation of her claustrophobic children. You may find her incessent instructions to them on how to breath, eat, stand, etc...exasperating, but this is her controlling nature. Having been abandoned 16 years earlier by her husband, she is determined to make her children "winners", saving them and herself from the obvious fact that they are not. Her grown children are wonderfully and convincingly played by Sam Waterston and Joanna Miles, and Michael Moriarty is equally moving as "The Gentleman Caller." A touchingly beautiful version of a classic, and a total pleasure from a gentler, simpler time. Tennessee now lies next to his beloved Rose, whose gravestone is inscribed...."Blow out your candles, Laura..."

Thank the theatre gods for releasing this absolutely spellbinding and majestic version originally produced for television in 1973.

Deftly balancing Williams' poetry and Hepburn's staunch strength, this version directed by Anthony Harvey absolutely resounds with gentle power and grace.

Waterston makes a delicate Tom without any of the overpowering effiminate qualities that undermines so many other actors who essay the role. He makes the consumate Thomas Wingfield by acknowledging Tennessee Williams' autobiographical reality and marrying it to idealized forms. Like Jason Robards was born to interpret O'Neill, Waterston was born to bring Williams' to life.

Of course one cannot be too effusive in praising the late great Miss Hepburn. Her Amanda is subtle, heroic and painfully tragic as she tackles one of the American theatre's greatest roles. Her work in this version stands as one of the great performances waiting to be discovered.

Thankfully this version is now availbe and serves as a must own for all fans of this play. Along with Paul Newman's equally excellent version, this demands purchasing and cherishing. Absolutely brilliant.

Having just watched the 1973 television production of "The Glass Menagerie" I have now seen every Katharine Hepburn performance she ever did on film or television. From "A Bill of Divorcement" to "This Can't Be Love" I now have everything on tape (yes, even "The Iron Petticoat"). This was Hepburn's first television performance and she was working with Anthony Harvey, who directed the actress in her third Oscar winning role in "The Lion in Winter." Hepburn had seen Laurette Taylor's exquisite performance in the original stage production of "The Glass Menagerie," and had long considered Tennessee William's "memory" play to be an American classic. Even though she is the quintessential Connecticut Yankee, Hepburn trotted out an affect Southern accent and tackled the role.

The play is essentially a gigantic flashback told by Tom Wingfield (Sam Waterston), who is now a merchant seaman in a distant port recalling the final days he spent in the family home in St. Louis with his mother, the faded Southern belle, Amanda (Hepburn), and his painfully shy sister, Laura (Joanna Miles). Stuck in a dead end job at a shoe factory and constantly going to the movies to escape his mother, Tom wants to be a poet. Laura, made physically ill by any attempt to go out and function in the real world, has retreated to her imagination and her titular collection of glass animals. Amanda is constantly talking about the old days on Blue Mountain, browbeating Tom for his lack of incentive, or hustling subscriptions for "The Lady's Home Companion." When his mother badgers him into finding a "gentleman caller" for his sister, Tom brings home Jim O'Connor (Michael Moriarty) from work. Even better, Jim is the boy the Laura had a crush on in high school, although she certainly never would have said anything at the time. But in a Tennessee Williams play, no good deed goes unpunished.

The centerpiece of the play becomes the scene between Laura and her gentleman caller. The scene is remarkable in that it is certainly unconventional to give two characters so much time on stage alone like this. Suffice it to say that on the basis of this extended scene both Morairty and Miles won a pair of Emmy awards each, for Best Supporting Actor/ess in a Drama and Supporting Actor/ess of the Year (the Emmys have had their fair share of strange awards over the years). Hepburn was nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Drama while Miles received a nod in the Supporting Actress category.

This version of "The Glass Menagerie" has the virtue of sticking to the play's original conclusion, which is not what happened with the 1950 film adaptation with Gertrude Lawrence, Jane Wyman, Arthur Kennedy, and Kirk Douglas. It seems that Hollywood always felt a strong urge to make Tennessee Williams' plays more upbeat on the silver screen. Once you get past her accent, Hepburn's performance is as nuanced as you would expect, and the rest of the cast more than hold their own. Given that their paths would almost cross on "Law & Order," it is ironic to find Waterston and Moriarty together in this production.

Kudos to the Broadway Theater Archive for preserving these fine performances on tape and many others as well. There just are not as many televised plays as there used to be in the old days, and it is great to see that many lost treasures are again becoming available to us as lovers of the theater.

At the dawn of the 17th century, everybody takes the explanations of the great thinkers such as Aristotle for granted. The astronomer and the mathematician Galileo Galilei is about to discover the biggest mysteries of the universe. The lack of money, a brother who lives in his depend and a rival can't stop him from continuing its researches. He finds support in his pupil prince Cosimo (who was spoiled by the monarchy at the beginning of the movie). The education of Galileo is going to change the vision of the prince. He's going to help its teacher to invent the telescope. This film (almost a documentary) is striking as for its attention to details. It's easy to understand why they won two Emmy Awards (as being nominated for five). Michael Moriarty (actor from the series "Law and Order") is excellent in the title role. As good as Kenny Vadas who plays the role of his student. It is very cool at the end of the film when an astronaut finally proves Galileo's theory of falling objects speed.

As a High School Physics Teacher I really recomend this video for the introduction of the scientific method. It details the importance of experimentation before making conclussions. It is also a unique resource to help teachers develop in students etics and moral values in science. I whish I can get a copy of this video in Spanish since that is the language most of my students understand better.

Starting in 1921 with the return to his homeland after many years in Europe, this marvelous film gives those of us who haven't had the opportunity to view these amazing masterpieces in person, a glimpse as to the size and scope of these frescoes.

I was fascinated to learn, and see by examples, the influence that Italian Renaissance painting had on his work. In the use of perspective, and the way certain figures are posed, one can see the relationship between Rivera and the Italian Masters, but he transformed it into an art that is 100 % Mexican.

Written by Michael Camerini (who also directed) and Stanton L. Catlin, it's well narrated by Michael Moriarty, with his calm and lovely voice. This terrific video (it feels way too short at 35 minutes in length) will inspire and give you a lot to think about if you're an artist, and will be a treat for those that appreciate the genius of Diego Rivera.

It amazes me, in many a good way, exactly what Anchor Bay buys the rights to and subsequently releases. Q - The Winged Serpent, a movie I hadn't seen in ages, was no exception to that rule. Recently liberating this David Carradine classic from the DVD graveyard, I found myself once again impressed by its estranged storyline that depicted, among other things, Manhattan being plagued by the infamous feathered serpent God. Yes, Quetzalcoatl - the winged typo, looking very much like a crude depiction of a feathered dragon and nothing like he did in his Aztec prime, was out in force, snatching off window washer's heads and naked sunbathers as well as dredging through the nastiness of communal pools to find a tasty treat. He had been called into action after years of dormancy by human sacrifice, not smog banks as we might have haphazardly guessed, and the key to finding out where the beast is and who called it here is none other than a smalltime thief who, after stumbling across Q's nest, is looking to strike it rich.

Apparently human sacrifice and wearing around human flesh does weird things, so beware wary of people you see wearing anyone unfamiliar and, most certainly, don't sunbathe nude without plenty of photographic protection to alert you and your impressed neighbors of any winged god's presence. As a precaution, you should also obtain this classic buy survival guide and at least die smiling, knowing what ate you and how to nauseate it accordingly.

Jaclyn Smith and Robert Wagner is always a "couple" worth a look and with this tv-miniseries, definitely worth collecting. Based on Sidney Sheldon's bestselling novel, this highly rated miniseries, released in 1988 is absolutely engaging from start to finish. It's not the type of film who's going to win an EMMY award but it's the type of movie you are going to enjoy like a Sheldon book plus with star performnce of the two leads.

Smith and Wagner should star in another film as a couple because they are so wonderful in the screen --one word-- Classy!!!

Can't wait to see the dvd version....

I am delighted to find this excellent biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright and their struggles, defeats and eventual triumph in the invention of the airplane. I am ordering it for a Christmas gift for my 15-year-old Godson. There is so much junk all over the place these days, but very little that inspires young boys to aspire to greater things than rock and roll bands! I have seen it on television twice and found it as interesting the second time as the first.

I was a kid when I saw the mini-series on TV in Italy. I remember sitting on the couch with my entire family since my mother wanted us to see what happened to the Jews during WWII in Nazi Germany. Back then, what I saw made an everlasting impression and got me hooked on everything that was Jewish. Since then, I've been reading books and watching movies and documentaries on the Children of Abraham... Anyway, after more than twenty years, I rented this TV movie to bring back the memories of the old times. The movie is moving and compelling. The only criticism that I have is that it uses the broad term Christianity when it's actually specifically referring to Catholicism; also, in a couple of scenes it looks like an apologetic portrayal of Catholicism as the last bastion against the Nazi horror, when it is common knowledge that the Catholic church had at last a dubious role in the handling of the matter of the Jews during that period. Other than that, the movie is truly poignant and well acted by the protagonists. Perhaps, the most incredible thing is how those monsters could coldly murders millions of innocent people and then go back to their families at Christmas, sing "Silent Night," and boldly proclaim to their children that they were defending the civilization of Western Europe from the threat of the Jews, the killers of Christ, like they themselves, with their folly, were not killing the spirit of Christ not one, but six million times.

THE SKINNEY ON THIS TALE OF ONE OF HISTORY'S DARKEST PERIODS IS THAT IT IS EVERYTHING SHINDLERS LIST WAS ASPIRING TO BE. THIS MOVIE IS SUPERB. MICHAEL MORIARITY, STREEP, WOODS ALL TURNED IN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES IN THEIR THEN YOUNG CAREERS(PROBABLY PUT THEM ON THE MAP). LIKE SHINDLERS LIST, THIS MOVIE SHOWS HUMOR AS WELL AS HORROR. THIS MOVIE IS A LITTLE MORE GRAPHIC AND DEALS MORE WITH 'FATAL' SOLUTION WHEREAS SHND LIST DEALT WITH THE SAVING OF LIFE. HOLOCAUST FOLLOWS A FICTICIOUS FAMILY THROUGH THEIR ORDEAL TOUCHING DIFFERENT NON-FICTIONAL EVENTS AND CHARACTERS. SHNDLR LIST FOCUSES ON THE NON-FICTIONAL RELATIONSHIP OF ONE MAN WITH THE HUNDREDS HE SAVED. HOLOCAUST IS A MUST SEE, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG ADULTS WHO TAKE CIVIL LIBERTIES FOR GRANTED. HOLOCAUST IS LOADED WITH HISTORICAL EVENTS EVEN THOUGH THE STORY REVOLVES AROUND A FICTIONAL FAMILY. REMOVE THE 'FAMILIE WEISS' AND YOU HAVE A HISTORY LESSON ( RIGHT DOWN TO HIMMLER BEING SICKENED AT THE SIGHT OF WHAT HE ORDERED DONE). SIE MUSSEN DIESEN FILM ANSHAUEN.

This legendary Emmy-winning 1978 TV miniseries is remarkable for many reasons, not the least for featuring Meryl Streep in an early role. Here she wears long blonde-auburn hair and is very focused. Perhaps her ambition explains the lack of affectation so wearying in her star performances. Playing a Polish Catholic with ironic comparisons with her later Sophie's Choice, she uses her American accent. In fact the international cast which includes James Woods, Fritz Weaver, Sam Wanamaker, Rosemary Harris, Ian Holm, David Warner and Michael Moriarty are a mix of accents but it does not jar since the script by Gerald Green and the direction by Marvin J Chomsky are so good. The video release is 3 tapes and 7.5 hours long, presenting the story of the members of the Jewish Weiss family as they live and die through Europe from 1935-1945. Cynics may baulk at the chance of someone being present or involved in every major event but Weiss is a big family and the approach personalises historical abstraction. I particularly like Green's insight into Nazi internal politics, the fact that there is no Hitler character, and Chomsky's decision not to show inside the gas chambers. Any attempt would be a disappointment and seeing someone eyehole it and then describe it as like "Dante's Inferno" allows you to imagine your own nightmare. A moving and intelligent must see. It should be noted that the original series ran 9.5 hours.

This film portrays the life of one the most talented and genius actors of the 20th century. After watching the movie, I feel as though I have a better understanding of what made this very mysterious young man tick. I believe that you have to get into the mind of a person to fully appreciate them and Franco's performance may be the closest we ever get to actually "knowing" the late Dean. the events of the movie show Dean's life from childhood and his struggles to the Big Apple and eventually in Hollywood. It also portrays his personal relationships with his family and co-workers. I recommend this film to any Dean fans or to anyone wanting to know about James Dean.

James Franco gives a remarkable performance in this excellent biopic of James Dean. The film beautifully shows James Deans rise to fame as one of Americas Idols. It also showed many things about his life that I had no idea about. His quirkiness, his rage against his father, his love for a 14 yr old, and many others. During this time James Dean was the hottest thing in Hollywood, and it was a shame he only did 3 movies. This was a very heartfelt, touching film filled with amazing performances. I had never seen a James Dean movie, but because of James Franco's remarkable performance, I plan too.

James Franco was superb and awsome in the role of James Dean. Usually television movies provide poor acting and story line. But this was different. It has great acting by James Franco, and so much happens in Deans life that the script can't be that poor. The only bad part is the running time, because a lot of things happen so fast, I guesse it would need to since it only runs for 95min not including commercials, it shouls have been extended by about fifteen minutes, then it would have been a perfect film. The film was awsome although it needed some changes a little, since some parts were educated guesses. But other than that, the film was awsome.

Why can't funny movies like this be appreciated instead of downgraded? This is a soap opera set in a soap opera, and better than any soap opera written. Obviously it's a spoof of soap operas and is well written and acted. Sure the acting is over the top but it's a spoof. Sally Fields is great as a Susan Lucci character. Kevin Kline is really over the top. Look closely as Teri Hatcher plays one of her first roles as a bit nurse in the soap opera with one great line directed at Kevin Kline.

It reminds you of another great soap opera spoof, Tootsie which is also one of my favorites. That was more of a love story where this is written for pure laughs and is very successful.

This is a very funny movie, for it is one of those situations of the real soap opera taking place BEHIND the scenes of the actual soap opera. it's a little bit like the undeservedly ill-fated show 'Sports Night', showing the funny sort of backstage, 'real life' drama happening behind the cameras and all that. The movie also employs a few soap opera -isms into the plot, loads of backstabbing, manipulation, deception, hidden secrets, misunderstandings, betrayel, but all in a very farcical & comedic type of format that works extremely well. Plus it showcases the extraordinary comedic talents of all of the film's stars, including Sally Fields as a sort of neurotic Susan Lucci, Kevin Kline (who is simply extraordinary) Whoopi Goldberg, Cathy Moriarty, Teri Hatcher, Elizabeth Shue, and Robert Downey Jr. check this movie out, you'll love it.

"Soapdish" works on so many frequencies simultaneously that you can watch it over and over and find some new kink to laugh at every time (not to mention bits you come to treasure). It's vulgarity is only surpassed by its sophistication.
And what a phenomenal cast! Kevin Kline got his Oscar for "Wanda", but this movie is even stronger proof positive that comedy brings out his genius. See Sally Field do a Jack Nicholson and examine her own brain! See Robert Downey, Jr. confront his sexuality (or not)! See Elizabeth Shue look like Tweety! Not the half of it, plus jokes at the expense of William Styron; who could ask for more?
Go - Enjoy!

Neighbors is a pretty interesting movie cause John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd's roles are reversed meaning John Belushi plays the serious role while Dan Aykroyd plays the crazy role.
This movie is about a middle aged man named Earl Keese (Belushi) who is a bored suburbanite and he and wife don't speak to each other often, then a younger couple (Dan Aykroyd and Cathy Morarity) moves in next door and the fun begins.
This movie doesn't have much of a plot but it's a good way to spend an hour and a half by watching this movie, for those who want a great performance by John Belushi may not think much of this movie but I truly think that you should give this movie a try, unfortunately this was John Belushi's last movie cause a year later he died of a heroin overdose and he will always be in my heart cause he has done so much is his short lived career from Animal House, Saturday Night Live, Blues Brothers and the underrated romantic comedy Continental Divide.

I normally don't like movies with bizarre off-the-wall plots but I thought Neighbors was fantastic, a dark comedy classic masterepiece of total genius that is so true and faithful to the wonderfully bizarre book by Thomas Berger that I read after seeing the movie! I also like that Neighbors is not the typical Hollywood movie filled with tired cliches, the movie is unconventional and quirky and I like that! John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd did fantastc jobs with their role switches with Dan Aykroyd playing the crazy obnoxious character and John Belushi the more normal character of the man who's house and whole entire life is invaded by the crazy couple next door. And who hasn't had crazy neighbors? I have had my share of crazy neghbors throughout my life some of them almost as bad as Vic and Ramona.

I have been a fan of both John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd ever since I was 10 years old and Saturday Night Live first came on TV and when this movie came out in the movie theaters when I was about 16 years old I went to see it and it was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was a very strange movie but I liked it and even though a lot of critics didn't think it was a good idea that John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd decided to trade characters with John playing the roll that was written for Dan and vise versa, I actually thought it was wonderful and and highly entertaining and Belushi was great as his character Earl and Aykroyd was a riot in his over the top performance as his creepy neighbor Vic! I would recommend this movie to every fan of Belushi, Aykroyd and SNL and I hope that this movie gets released onto a nice widescreen DVD with all of the trimmings like commentary, deleted scenes. The works!