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Harper

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh
directed by: Jack Smight

February 07, 1995
This is an interesting film. Newman plays Lew Harper who is kind of like a groovy 60's version of Phillip Marlowe; sardonic, tough, irresistable to women. While the movie is dated and sexist, it is well worth viewing, not just for Newman's charismatic performance but for some brilliant supporting roles. Janet Leigh plays his bitter estranged wife, Shelley Winters is poignant as a sloppy barroom slattern, Robert Wagner is a breezy, easy and amoral but hides an unexpected secret. Best of all is Lauren Bacall who purrs, growls and hisses in a scene stealing performance as the cynical woman who enlists Harper's services. Not a perfect movie but immensely entertaining.

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The African Queen

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Peter Bull, Theodore Bikel
directed by: John Huston

August 26, 1997
What a work of art! This is one of the best movies of all time. When the spinster missionary woman (Hepburn) must TOLERATE Mr. Arnaut (Bogart)
in their life-threatening trip down the river in a beat-up old boat, The African Queen, the fun begins. She can drum up no respect for this man--until she realizes that he is an intelligent person who may be able to save their lives by his cool wit. He good naturedly sloughs off her constant criticism, while she endures his slovenly ways and colorful language. At some point they start developing a strong like for each other. When Bogie finally shaves, well you know romantic sparks are about to fly. Movies or stories do not come any better than this.

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Uncle Tom's Cabin

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Avery Brooks, Kate Burton, Bruce Dern, Paula Kelly, Phylicia Rashad
directed by: Stan Lathan

November 17, 1997
This is a 90's film adaptation of Harriet Beecher Stowe's important novel by the same title. This story, and the message of the story, is of utmost significance. It is a tale in 1850's America of slave trading -- buying and selling people like they were property, and of cruel treatment that would be unacceptable for even zoo animals. Obviously, plantation life for the slaves could vary from reasonably comfortable to incredbly inhumane, depending mainly on the owner. The film story demonstrates this well.

There are glimpses of light: the strong Christian belief system and ethics among the slave population, and the good Samaritan acts and sacrifices of those who would aid them. But the general environment and theme is dark and the horror of the situation ... Read More:

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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack Carson, Judith Anderson
directed by: Richard Brooks

September 19, 2000
I've seen this film a few times, but when I saw Paul Newman's review of the film in his remarks on Elizabeth Taylor, on TCM, I felt, as he did, that Ms. Taylor was a great actress and her performance was "right on". "Elizabeth is a true actress and survivor--while she made this film, her husband Mike Todd, died. We all tried to help her, but she said "the work is what keeps me going". She was a sheer delight to work with and 'one hell of an actress". When I saw this tribute to Ms. Taylor, I thought, what a great guy Newman is.
With his passing recently, 9/26/08, I found out he was a fantastic person. Has been with his wife, Joanne for 50 years, was an excellent actor and philanthropist--giving 120 million to charities thru his "newman's own" and "hole-in-the-wall camps for ... Read More:

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Richard Scarry's Best ABC Video Ever!

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Richard Scarry

September 17, 1989
This video is very simple in production and very well done. Very simple in message with a fun storyline that will create conversation with you and the kids. Our one year old son watches this video throughout, everytime we play it.

This video is a must have for my childs library.

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Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Mickey Rooney, Rene Auberjonois, Gabriel Damon, Greg Burson, Jennifer Darling
directed by: Masami Hata, William T. Hurtz

March 02, 1993
My children are older now and watched this movie when they were little. We enjoyed the memories and didn't have to pay and arm and a leg to get them. Thanks

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Peter & the Wolf Disney Favorite Stories

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Sterling Holloway
directed by: Clyde Geronimi

May 21, 1996
This is a VHS of the original broadcast of Walt Disney's animation of the story of Peter and the Wolf.

It was purchased to show our granddaughter before going to the Colorado Symphony to hear the Prokovfiev Concert of Peter and the Wolf.

It is everything I remember about the original broadcast.

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12 Angry Men (1957)

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Martin Balsam, John Fiedler, Lee J. Cobb, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman
directed by: Sidney Lumet

September 26, 1995
Excellent film with an extraordinary cast & plot regarding 12 jurors who have to deliberate on a man's fate. Well written & the performances by the cast are superb. Most notably Henry Fonda & Lee J. Cobb.

Robert Webber (Juror 12) was so handsome, sadly he passed away awhile back of ALS at the age of 64 (he bore a strong resemblance to Kevin McCarthy, though I find Mr. Webber to be the sexier of the two). It was an added treat seeing him in this picture even though I wish he were given more to do in the film to showcase his talent better.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys true movies with an absorbing plot from a time when cinema was cinema.

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The Dead

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Anjelica Huston, Donal McCann, Dan O'Herlihy, Donal Donnelly, Helena Carroll
directed by: John Huston

September 16, 1992
I find it really a disgrace that it isn't available on DVD region 1 along with the making of documentary.The first time I saw it, I found it to be amazing and beautiful.Although it is slow moving, it is really worth the effort to sit thru it and enjoy. There are some departures from the novella, but they only enhance the film. I recommend reading the short story after the movie like I did.

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Ironweed

Childrens Toy Shop > VHS > VHS
starring: Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Carroll Baker, Michael O'Keefe, Diane Venora
directed by: Hector Babenco

September 28, 1994
Like a cinematic Hopper painting, this film stays with you even when you are not looking at it. It is a perfect example of how American film can have substance and not insult you by giving you all the information and all the answers.

The film tells the story of a short period of time in the life of a "bum", played by Jack Nicholson. He has been adrift ever since two decades earlier he accidently killed his 13 day old son. He seems to go from place to place on the rails, with no other goals than making a buck here and there and finding a drink. He has no constant companions, only other bums he sees from time to time. The closest he has to a best friend is Meryl Streep's character. Aside from her alcoholism, she also seems to be mentally troubled. She has her own past to deal with, as it ... Read More: