From what I remember this was a fairly bad movie... but it had one redeeming feature. The best part was the plastic surgeon's office, which was decorated nicely with autographed photos displaying of each of his female patients (unclad chests only). I find this scene particularly entertaining, because my brother went to college with the son of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, and in this doctor's office, almost the exact same thing was on exhibition.... So that was cool. Otherwise, the movie pretty much blows. Don't see it unless you're really desperate to view one scene showcasing several faceless boob jobs


Peter Billingsly in trademark appearance and Burt Young were shamefully cast in this mess about a kid who decides to pretend to be kidnapped in order to get his snobby family to pay attention to him. This, unfortunately, produces little humor when compared to other kidnapping comedies like "Rutless People," "The Crazy Sitter," or "The Ref," for example. And worse, gets far more sentimental than it ought to be at the end.

This movie has been forgotten over the years for a good reason. It fails to offer little more than the story of a whiny kid and his obnoxious parents and an idiotic plot to help them all sort out their problems. I don't think its worth the time, even for a dumb 80s movie.


Mabel's Busy Day is a quick story of a vendor at a sporting event and the troubles that she encounters throughout her day. Chaplin actually plays the part of a more well-to-do individual, but he is still very recognizable, with the traditional look that Chaplin always seems to have. Also, he still manages to get into plenty of the high-paced and very amusing scuffles that are almost as much of a trademark in his films as that outfit.

What really makes this film unique is that Charlie actually plays the part of the antagonist. When the server girl - the vendor who the film is about - gets picked on by hordes of people, Charlie comes to the rescue, but he ends up hitting on her and then getting turned down. Not only did he not get the girl, but he also ends up stealing all of her products (which happen to be sausages) and handing them out to all of the people who are nearby. This is totally uncharacteristic, but it does not take away from the quality of the comedy delivered by this short film. The fight sequences, although dated very badly because of sheer physical deterioration, were particularly entertaining and amusing.


This slight Chaplin film has Charlie playing another troublemaker, which really did not suit him. Watching these films close together, one wonders whether or not anyone noticed. However, most of these early Chaplin films were experimental in terms of technique but rather bland in terms of plot. Many plots were repetitive it seems. This film concerns Mabel Normand having some trouble with selling what looks like hamburgers; however, one of the alternate titles for the film suggests she's selling hot dogs. You be the judge. Everyone seems to want to take poor Mabel's wares until Chaplin arrives on the scene and appears to defend her at first. Chaplin expects certain gratuities for standing up for her, and when none are forthcoming, he too absconds with her goods. Look for Keystone Producer Mack Sennett and future silent comedian Charley Chase in small roles. *1/2 of 4 stars.


After having seen this movies I was surprised because it was beyond my expectations.I was expecting a film with some poor jokes and little nice jokes but it was an interesting experience to see that the film has got good humorous parts.More than this the level of drama is perfect,in one scene it makes you laugh and in the coming scene you can cry so it's really hard to mix these so perfectly in a film.

What made really excited is the level of quality of direction in this movie.I know the music clips and other films of this director (Ö.Faruk Sorak who also directed G.O.R.A.) and I always liked his style,maybe he doesn't bring a new kind of direction style to the world but I think he can make the best direction in Turkey.Although I live in Europe I don't like the European style movies and I always like to see good action sees with a good scenario and this goal is achieved perfectly by this director.

Although the superiority of this film for a Turkish person I don't think it can make the same impact in Europe or United States because the film tells you a story which makes real deep wounds (I'm not joking,the wounds are really deep!) in Turkish young people.I think after the great Hababam Sinifi; movies (the old ones with Kemal Sunal,etc.) this is the only film that can take to high school ages' memories.

And the last words...It's 9/10 and It's not 10/10 because of its ending...It gives real good advices to the life but when the film finishes you leave the theater with some questions in your mind but maybe there is coming a second film and I may change my mind to 10/10 after seeing the conclusion.

Shortly If you are living in Turkey don't miss it!! If you are living out of Turkey if you can't see it in the theater take the DVD,you won't regret.

P.S.: It's a good idea that Jean Claude Van Damme is playing in the movie to attract an interest but the poorest level of acting is from him in the whole acting squad I think.


I read some topics of this film's board,some turk is praising g.o.r.a,and some other people declare they don't even know what is going on,why i am comparing this movie to gora,because of same directors,and gora was utterly crap..

anyway this movie is absolutely local,if you are not familiar with Turkish University Entrance Exam,probably there wont any empathy with feelings of characters,because in other countries the exam isn't same as ours..

The movie brings us the feeling of wrong idea of this exam,and it also adds everyone has thought to make difference,but in the end you wont,only hard-workers will win in the end,so criticism of exam and showing the results of working is too balanced so,we can agree it both ways..

Acting:Not the greatest there are some typecasting characters such as Big-Bad-Headmaster,Slutty music teacher,horny tea seller,punk-girl who was before a actual girl etc..But we can feel what students fell really,because of i was in that exam last year,i know that pressure and you feel it too..

Scenes:Some kinda video clip style,which is absolute problem of director,and because of shooting you always feel like its Requem For A Dream,and it also gives you pressure too..

Scenario:Good..The tie-in's are great,the evolution of characters are good,first the dream sequence which gives us emotions of characters to frp style evolution of their work style;first stealing math exam,second stealing their pre-test exams,then the final one..

Jean Claude Van-Damme:We see him talking french and being himself and B type movie style kick and steal sequences,what can we ask for more for this film? Chuck Norris? Our country isn't concerned with his facts,by the way he is much more popular in here,and the poster of film actually have him..(although he made it 10 minutes max.) So,if you are some kinda evolved with University Entrance Exam,you definitely enjoy this film,but you are from another country maybe enjoy the feelings of students and-thankful for yours- because there is no empathy for you..


This is good, light-hearted quasi-thriller (?) that succeeds without really trying to, or may be succeeds because it does not try too hard. Director Sorak seems to get the right lessons from the mistakes in G.O.R.A., or may be he fares better since 'Sinav' (The Exam) is his own project. Editing is better, seamless and fascinating. Turkish directors in general, Sorak included, are getting better and better at controlling the tempo lately.

The movie is about a small circle of friends, all high-school students under the stress of the approaching annual nationwide university entrance exam. They decide to ease their way by stealing the questions of the exam at all costs, even if they had pay thousands of bucks to hire a double-o-seven type.

The mixture of experienced and young actors do a good job with believable performances, they look and act real, even when things seem to go absurd for a while. It even has Jean-Claude Van Damme in a small but important cameo role to garnish. Any high kicks? well, one... kinda.

Turkish cinema produces about 25-30 movies a year - This one is one of the several that are actually worth watching.


I very much enjoyed the film, however it is mostly aimed at the Turkish audience, or viewers who are familiar with the University Entry Exam System in Turkey, in terms of understanding the emotions the characters dealing with.

The acting was first-class. Everyone seemed to have blended with their role and the messages and jokes were delivered how or where they needed to.

As mentioned in the very early trailers this film of both comedy and drama genre. Both aspects are implemented successfully, which is why it makes this film a must-see.

The jokes are clever, the conversations are natural.

There is an unexpected twist in the end. However, I must say, the ending has disappointed me in a way that it left us wondering what has become of the characters?


Its a movie, which combines successfully made music with flash-back scenes therefore it affects the audience easily.

It makes you laugh and cry at the same time, at least while you're watching the whole movie. Words are not enough for this one actually. It should be seen by anyone, not only the teenagers but the parents or adults.

Thanks to all crew who made this movie. You made me think that the Turkish movie industry isn't over yet. Now I see, we're still able to make fantastic movies.

In the conclusion; its a good movie, well, second thought: one of the best, I might say :)


When i went to cinema i was just hopping a teenage film but this film is more than this.. u can laugh and cry at the same time... it filmed a tragedy in Turkey about choosing jobs and exams.... this is nice...Jean Claude Van Damme is the best of course but the movie is better ... There are lots of choises in our lives.. this movie depends on them and it shows that how an exam changes a life and how peaople are just like horses in the race...and how can a person do something for their future and their loves... this movie is really good. if you want to have a good Friday this is your movie.. The musics are good. we heard them in other albums but in this movie they placed in correct places.. especially Nil KARAIBRAHIMGIL is the best with her 18years song...


This movie successfully shows the audience how this "university exam" concept affects high school students' lives dramatically in Turkey. In my opinion the acting performance of all the young actors are great and effective and also the musics chosen for the movie are making the movie more emotional and binds you with the characters of the movie more deeply.

I guess the ones who will find a part from their life in this movie are the students. Also in the film we see not only the exam stress that the students are dealing with but also their relationships and mostly disagreements with their parents. In my opinion every parent should watch this movie as well in order to see how their negative attitude can have crucial effects on the child's psychology.

"Sinav" is a movie worth seeing for. I'm sure that everyone will enjoy this synthesis of drama and comedy.


This is an excellent little movie which looks like it's about food but is actually about the search for success, the striving for excellence in a crass and uncaring world, and brotherly devotion. Two Italian brothers run a little restaurant serving superb food as a labor of love, but it's failing, in contrast to the wildly successful spaghetti emporium down the street with execrable food but which is raking in the big bucks. The story line - set in the late 50's U.S.A. - is paper thin, but the movie is populated with interesting, likable people and the tale is lovingly told with an excellent script and superb acting all around, especially from the two brothers and from Ian Holm, the British actor, who does an unexpectedly great job as the owner of the red sauce place (Ian Holm playing an Italian? Yes, stunningly). Caring seriously about food does help one to appreciate this flick; I have never seen the preparation and serving of food presented so beautifully and lovingly in a movie. The final, wordless scene, in which a simple omelette is prepared and the brothers express their reconciliation, is, for me, one of the most eloquently poetic codas I have ever seen. This is a warm-hearted movie with a great deal of humor that rates an A+.


After having looked over my reviews on IMDb, I noticed that only one of them was enthusiastic. That should be rectified, since I consider myself a big fan of cinema, and I choose as my second enthusiastic recommendation Big Night. This is one of those films that doesn't have to show off. It's a slice of life sort of thing going on here, with an assortment of people with strengths and faults, but who all value life's simple pleasures, like good food. It's a story about the underdogs , and their hopes and dreams and struggles -- some within reach, some not. It's got a good cast too. They all make it look easy, but they have a charming script and careful direction. I think Billy Wilder would have approved. At turns funny and touching, and the last scene -- several minutes without a word of dialogue -- is pure gold.


I can't even begin to explain how much I love this film. First, it may be one of the great "food movies" of all time. Anyone who considers him/herself a lover of good food and doesn't drool over the "timpano" alone should check their pulse... And the performances are remarkably restrained, yet lively. Stanley Tucci is sublime, Tony Shalhoub is, as always, a marvel. Truly interesting camerawork that draws one in, yet doesn't detract (or distract) from the story or the characters. Because, at its heart, this is a character-driven piece -- about the love and mutual respect shared by two strong-willed siblings. Someday I will take part in a feast like that shared by the characters in this film, and on that day, I will be an extraordinarily happy man. Until then, I'll watch this movie again and again.


This is just amazing, quite unlike any other "american" film I ever saw; a gentle, bittersweet tale of frustrated dreams and artistic integrity, an hilarious comedy of manners performed by an outstanding international cast, a touching blend of awkward romance and the central relationship between the two brothers, brilliantly portrayed by co-creator Tucci and Hollywood's "every-foreigner", the sublime Tony Shalhoub. Big Night dragged me through wider range of emotions than any other movie, it made me want to dance and sing during the party scene (Mambo Italiano), made me laugh out loud at the wacky characters sprinkled throughout, made me angry with the philistines and money-grabbing capitalists who spoil the brothers' dream, made me want to hug Shalhoub's shy gastronomic genius Primo as he tried so clumsily to chat up his flower-girl; the food looked simply amazing, Minnie Driver splashing around in the sea was at her most gorgeous, every actor played their brilliantly scripted part to perfection and the scene at the end with the omelette is the most beautiful and poignant ending I could ever hope to see. All in all this film is one of the best ever made and everyone in the world and especially in Hollywood should be forced to watch it every week until they get some humanity back in them. But not on an empty stomache, get some snacks in first eh.


When the British film magazine Sight & Sound had one of their periodic times of asking critics to list what they thought were the best films ever made, there was a book which collected articles by several of them, one of whom said that if you were the type of person who didn't tear up at THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S, he didn't want to know you. I try to avoid that philosophy, but if I endorsed it, BIG NIGHT would be that type of film for me, a litmus test. This is a wonderful movie, and I usually am not a big fan of food movies. I thought BABETTE'S FEAST was too full of whimsy, and whimsy also bogged down the often good TAMPOPO(EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN, it could be argued, was a relationship movie which happened to be set in the world of food, where the others are inextricably food movies). But this was wonderful.

Tucci and Scott said they studied a lot of film masters, and it shows here; there's nothing that screams "first film." Instead, they take their time telling the story, and setting up characters we care about, even Pascal, the rival restaurant owner. And a lesser movie wouldn't have had the scene between Isabella Rosellini and Minnie Driver which is quiet yet moving, like the rest of the movie. The food scenes live up to the hype, and that final scene is moving.


Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci are good friends in real life and together they made this delicious gem. Tucci plays Secondo who along with his brother Primo (Tony Shalhoub) run a restaurant named the Paradise. Primo is a genius as a chef but they are on the verge of going out of business so Secondo goes down the street to a very popular place run by an acquaintance named Pascal (Ian Holm) and Secondo asks for a loan. Pascal doesn't give it to him but decides to help him by having singer Louis Prima come to their restaurant with the press knowing he's coming also. Their restaurant will become famous when its mentioned in the paper so the two brothers plan a big night with special meals. Secondo invites his girlfriend Phyllis (Minnie Driver) and Primo wants to invite the flower shop woman Ann (Allison Janney) but is to shy. Secondo helps him out by inviting her. This is another enjoyable film where food is the common component that enables them to communicate. The food and its preparation is the art of the film. Watching Primo prepare meals is a real spectacle to behold. He really does come across as a great chef, there is no doubt as you watch this. But at the core of this film is the love and respect of Secondo and Primo as brothers. Even when they argue it is done with mutual respect. Yes, they get furious but at no real time do we get the feeling that they will walk away from one another. Scott and Tucci have created a wonderful blend of food and love and its the relationship between the two brothers that is the key here. Secondo is having problems committing to Phyllis and while its an important part of the film, its not the main focus. Janney adds just the right touch as Ann and you can understand the awe that she feels when she watches Primo at work and can witness his skill first hand. Tucci and Shalhoub shine in their roles and together they bring a very good film up another notch! This film also does a believable job of recreating the time period that the film is suppose to take place in. When people ask me for a good film to rent I always think of this one. Its a real gem.


Big Night is a peaceful joy to watch because its themes and the overall feeling of the film is so normal. The characters, so beautifully rich, are realistic and so are their problems. The characters are mainly wonderfully, infectiously bombastic Italians, and entire scenes are sometimes constructed of the process of making Italian food from scratch. The subtlety and unaffronting reality of these qualities are so endearing to me. In fact, the scene that leaves an imprint on me more than any of the others, despite how fun it is to see the actors have a blast playing fiery, thick-mustachioed men with heavy Italian accents, is a scene that hardly has a connection with any of the others. An Italian ballad is playing over the soundtrack through the previous scene and continues into this scene, wherein Marc Anthony, playing a low-level restaurant bus boy, a small, quiet, incidental character, begins dancing with himself as he mops the floor of the restaurant. When other characters enter, the music, coming from nowhere but the film's soundtrack itself, cuts off and he continues mopping the floor as if the dancing never happened. It's so touching for that scene to have been slipped in, giving a person who is only against the background of everyone's lives a dreamy, sensitive personality that he keeps to himself.

The focal point of the film is the chemistry between the characters of Stanley Tucci, playing a hard-working, pleading, frustrated restaurant owner, whose head carries only logic and a goal for success, and Tony Shalhoub, his brother, whose aggressive passion is for the food he cooks and the mystery and subtext within it, yet his interaction with people is painfully shy. Their clashes of pride, their battles with each other's completely different perspectives, and yet their sharing of the same dream are what drives the story.

A lot of the film's humor comes from the hilarity of Ian Holm. Ian Holm, a stiff-limbed Englishman, plays here a loud, very animated, hot-tempered Italian entrepreneur with a seamless and wonderfully entertaining delivery of an Italian accent and Italian movements. It's my favorite performance of his because I had never before imagined that he would play a role like this.

Big Night is not a masterpiece nor do I think it was even meant to be one, but what it is is subtle and interesting for purely human reasons. It's soundtrack is also a fantastic celebration of Italian music.


This movie is like a good poem: it doesn't all make sense, but you love experiencing it, and after you're done you keep thinking about it for days and days.

"Big Night" tells of two Italian brothers trying to succeed as restaurateurs in the 1960s. The bulk of the movie revolves a single "big night" in which they unleash their finest dishes in a culinary extravaganza.

The leads, Shalhoub and Tucci, are joined by Ian Holm (depicting a rival restaurateur) in a really memorable set of performances. All the minor supporting characters are equally endearing and real-to-life. There is a lot of attention given to the food and to its preparation, and the cinematography used to actually depict the meal (and the music superimposed onto it) is fantastically enjoyable. It's like the dishes are actors or characters in the play! The movie's final scene is perhaps deserving of the all-time hall of fame. It plays out over several minutes of complete wordless silence, yet it makes such a lasting impression. Ultimately the scene shows that the movie is not about the food or the striving for success, but about the relationship between these brothers, and that the relationship will outlast any of the trials they are undergoing, no matter how severe.

If you insist on a tidy ending that resolves all the issues, don't look here because the ending is completely hanging. Yet somehow I found it satisfying nevertheless. You'll find yourself recalling scenes and lines from the film for weeks to come.


Like "Chocolat", "Big Night" is the sort of movie that makes your mouth water. Portraying Italian immigrant brothers Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) trying to recruit Louis Prima to sing at their ailing restaurant in 1950s New Jersey, it's a great movie from various aspects. I felt like I just wanted to jump into the movie and eat everything on the screen.

Anyway, it's a movie that I recommend to everyone. This was certainly a great introduction for me to both Shalhoub and Tucci. I still enjoy thinking about it. Also starring Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, Liev Schreiber, Ian Holm and Allison Janney.


"Big Night" is a claustrophobic character-driven ensemble flick about two Italian immigrant brothers (Tucci & Shalhoub) trying to succeed in the restaurant business. There's little story to be found in this lovely little tale about food, brotherly love, food, family, food, friends, food, success, food, Louie Prima, food, the nature of the universe, and, um, food. File this one under "G" for "Gem". (B+)


I was a bit disappointed in this movie, I guess my expectations had been built up a bit by what I'd heard and read about this film. It is a clever, well produced movie - no question. However, it is also quite slow, and has no real resolution. In the end, all I can say is that it feels like a waste - of a clever idea, of good writing, of a very talented cast - because nothing really happened. Worth a watch but not worth the 7.8 or so it's currently rated at. My vote: 7/10


Big Night is one of those life affirming films that will have the audience exiting with their heads in the clouds,as well as hungry,as food is a central gathering force here. Two brothers,both immigrants from Italy,both run a failing Italian restaurant in New York. Failing, because the restaurant serves upscale Italian dishes (or,nouveau cuisine)in a blue collar,working class neighborhood that doesn't know (or care)beyond spaghetti & meatballs. The fact that the local bank is just a whisper away from foreclosure on the property doesn't make matters any better. A rival restaurant owner across the street (played by an cheerful,over the top Ian Holm)offers to bring his "friend",Italian-American Jazz legend, Louis Prima,to try their restaurant. Tony Shalhoub & Stanley Tucci (one of the two directors,and who also co-wrote the screenplay with Joseph Tropiano)play the two brothers who try to keep the leaky boat that is their beloved restaurant afloat. The film also gets some solid support from Minnie Driver,Isabella Rossellini,and even Marc Anthony,just as he was gaining fame as a pop singer. Campbell Scott (son of the late George C. Scott),who also co-directs the film,has a nice turn as a car salesman,who is always trying to sell just about anybody a Cadillac. Most of the second half of the film concerns the two brothers getting ready for their "big night". Does Mr.Prima ever show up for the feast? Food,food & more food are paraded on camera as much as possible. Make sure you enjoy a big meal before taking on this one. Rated 'R' by the MPAA,for vulgar language,some adult situations & much smoking.


This is a wonderful character study that shows the struggle between mediocrity and art, represented by a brilliant chef's inablity to complete with the slop shop across the way. He is offered an opportunity to show off his talents when the competitor offers an invitiation to Louis Prima to come to the enjoy the food of the great chef. Brilliant performance by Tony Shaloub as the chef as well as Tucci as his more pragmatic brother. Their relationship is a major part of the movie. It is touching and humorous and very compelling. The romantic interests in the movie are aytypical and keep you guessing till the end of the film who will end up with who. Finally the party is full of characters that are all individuls. This is not a hot bang up movie, not for everyone, especial people who like Pizza Hut.


Big Night was one of the sleeper hits of 1996. A comedy starring an ensemble cast including the two directors Tucci and Campbell Scott, this is very much an actors movie. The script is funny at times and slow at others. All the scenes involving food and especially the ones with the chef Primo are great. The only let-down was the last twenty minutes where everything seemed to fall apart. The entire cast (especially the vastly underrated Campbell Scott) does a great job. There's a great scene with Minnie Driver in the sea coming out all wet - hot! Another great food movie I recall is Babette's Feast. That was more religion-drama and not comedy though. The style of this film is faintly reminiscent of Woody Allen. This film will appeal to all Louis Prima fans.


Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott did well with this indie/art-house flick about two Italian brothers who attempt to save their restaurant business by organizing a big night to help get the word out. The film is written very well by Joseph Tropiano and Stanley Tucci, the direction fits and is a bit atmospheric, capturing the feel of the people. The cinematography was right on and done very well by Ken Kelsch. I liked the editing as well as the cast, Ian Holm was amazing, while Tony Shalhoub casted well here and not over-the-top, Stanley Tucci shows why he is underrated, with a good performance here. Marc Anthony, Liev Schreiber and Isabella Rossellini were all good in supporting roles while i didn't like Minnie Driver here (she was much better in good will hunting). All in all, a good meaningful film.---IMDb Rating: 7.1, my rating 9/10


A multiple course feast for the film fan. A great cast. A simple story that leaves just enough unsaid. A great soundtrack. Beautiful cinematography. Some great lines. 7.5/10. This was my 2nd viewing of the movie, with the first viewing quite a few years ago.

Warning - don't watch this movie if you're hungry. Anyone that loves Italian food, will love the talk and images of the meals that are created throughout the movie. If only we had the technology to truly capture the aromas of the food, then the only thing missing would be to actually be on the set and taste it all.

I also found it also rather sexy. I won't comment on the appeal of the suave Italian lead men, but the ladies were just beautiful. A couple of my favourites Isabella Rossellini and Minnie Driver grab lots of sexy shots and the early role from Allison Janney is a pleasant surprise. Like other movies centered around food, the food itself adds to the sex appeal of the movie.

Best line of the movie - "what's the matter?...my Mother was such a terrible cook". The small part of the car salesman played by Campbell Scott contributes more than its fair share of great lines, incl..."beautiful place though, Italy...yes it is, have you been?...no, never".

I've had the soundtrack for quite some time and I use it to accompany activity in the kitchen or dinner music, but I got a better appreciation of it seeing it in the context of the movie again.

The movie conjures up feelings of passion, perseverance, love and pride, as well as providing glimpses of a deeper understanding and appreciation for the human heart. Great movie, probably a keeper.


Roger Ebert gave 'Big Night' four stars; I would give it 3 1/2, but it is still way out in front of most films these days. I stumbled across it at the public library; I have never seen it in a theater, in any video store or on cable. It belongs in that small but distinguished genre of Movies About Food. Its structure most resembles "Babette's Feast," where the dramatic climax of the film is a sumptuous yet exuberant banquet. Despite the characters' constant bickering and occasional fighting, this is a film of refreshing gentleness, an independent film of the type Hollywood seems incapable of even imagining, much less making.

It is circa 1958 in what I take to be a Jersey shore town, although it could be anywhere from Maine to Maryland. Two brothers, immigrants from Italy, run Il Paradiso, a restaurant that is about to go under after two years. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) is the Bobby Fischer of chefs: Of superlative genius and creativity but impractical, difficult, a purist, disdainful of commercialism in any form. He is a dysphoric, dedicated Puck compared to Emeril Lagasse's Bottom (a metaphor, not a pun). Secundo (Stanley Tucci) is the younger brother, a good chef himself but trying to succeed mainly as the restaurant manager. The restaurant's impending failure is probably for several reasons but a big one is Primo's steadfast refusal to compromise his vision, to 'give people what they want,' unlike the tremendously successful Italian restaurant down the street run by Pascal (Ian Holm). Although Secundo is in constant chagrin about Primo's stiff-necked refusal to cater to public taste, he also recognizes that his brother's talent is rare and precious and hesitates to force the restaurant menu in a more popular and profitable direction. Eventually Pascal, who claims to know everyone, offers to help out by delivering bandleader Louis Prima to Il Paradiso so that they will profit from the publicity. But the film, though sweet, also establishes an undertone of such mournfulness that the viewer is not surprised when Prima never shows up, in fact, was never going to show up; it was a brutal trick by Pascal, who recognizes the brothers' abilities, so that they would be forced to close the restaurant and, he hopes, go to work for him. But that is not where the impact of the denouement lies, and there is no neat Hollywood-style resolution at the end, just an affirmation of the two brothers' love for each other and their dedication to good cuisine.

Stanley Tucci's endeavors in independent film-making aren't always successful (viz., The Impostors), but this one is one of his triumphs. He and the Wisconsin Lebanese Tony Shalhoub speak what sounds like very convincing Italian to each other. When Shalhoub played Antonio Scarpacci in 'Wings,' his faux Italian accent was comical, but it sounds real in 'Big Night.' Minnie Driver shows up in a supporting role, with hair dyed a sort of carrot color, again doing her perfect American accent. Allison Janney, as Primo's romantic interest, gets more screen time than her supporting billing would suggest. Isabella Rossellini has a small but crucial role. Watch her switch between English and her native Italian: In Italian, all of her linguistic mannerisms change, and she suddenly becomes much more natural and animated. The production designer chose mostly pastels for this film, which work very well. One unconvincing detail in the film is that, although it appears to be the 'on' season from the weather, the street the restaurant is on is always nearly deserted despite being only a couple of blocks from the beach. There should be more people walking to and from the beach. Perhaps the budget didn't permit hiring, dressing or directing the extras you'd need to populate the street with summer beachgoers, or perhaps the absence of people on the street is a deliberate metaphor for the poor business the restaurant is doing.


"Big Night" is a hearty, satisfying tale of two Italian brothers coming to America to make it big. Primo and Secondo have two very dissimilar ideals about food and business. The dichotomy that exists between the two brothers provides for both tension and humour and fuels this delightful tale.

Shaloub, Tucci and Holm are all magnificent. Holm as the (literally) ass-biting rival restaurateur is absolutely hilarious. Shaloub and Tucci, two native Americans, were very convincing as Italian emigres. The women, Rosselini, Driver and Janney complement and flesh out the cast quite nicely.

The film moved along at a nice pace, generously sprinkled with humour, passion and tension. The big dinner party scene is lively and will have you dancing in your seat. And the food they served -- I got full just watching it all.

My one complaint with this film was the superfluous use of Italian. It's an AMERICAN film -- why must the brothers (and other cast members) arbitrarily slip into Italian conversations. It's not as if it served as a place for the characters to "secretly" discuss things -- just about everyone was Italian! I don't feel it served the film well at all. It did not add to it's authenticity -- instead it appeared to mimic a true foreign film.

Other than that the film was pleasant and enjoyable! After watching "Big Night" you'll have a hankering for a big dish of just about anything Italian.


"Big Night" came off to me exactly like a movie that a bunch of actors who were friends decided to make together and of course each one wanted at least one big dramatic scene for themselves, so those of their friends that were writing the script and the friend directing gave them each one. And that was pretty much the entire story. They forgot that acting is not about "playing a character," it is about giving the audience an experience. My experience was that they were not in the least concerned with me, the watcher. It was all ego on the screen. I was bored throughout.

I felt the same way about "The Imposters," which Tucci also co-wrote.


"Big Night" could be called a gourmet movie. It's the story of two Italian brothers, Primo and Secondo, who run a failing restaurant in New Jersey. The food is excellent, but it's too sophisticated for the locals' taste. They might have to close their doors, but first, they plan a huge dinner, expecting Louis Prima and his band. It's a movie with lots of heart. Many scenes are rich in emotion, even when the characters have no dialogue. Tony Shalhoub gives an intense performance as Primo, the chef who always strives for perfection in haute cuisine. The food seems to become a character in itself, particularly the pasta colossus, the timpano. "Big Night" is the kind of movie you wish you could taste!


Apart from Babette's Feast, this is probably the best food-themed movie I have ever seen. Despite sounding dreadfully dull, the entire movie is about two brothers who own a struggling restaurant and the preparations they make for a special dinner which will be attended by the singer, Louis Prima (King Louie's voice in Disney's Jungle Book). How is this interesting? Well, the relationships between the characters are so well-written and the acting is so good you really find yourself caring about these ordinary and very believable people. It is a fine counter-point to the often loud and vulgar fare from Hollywood and in many ways is reminiscent of a foreign film (particularly the excellent German film "Mostly Martha"), though it was made in the good old USA.


This is actually the second time I've viewed this movie. The first time was during a benefit at a local independent movie house where several of the chefs from local italian restaurants cooked for the audience while Big Night was shown on the screen. Because it was such a social occasion it was difficult to concentrate on the film itself.

Consequently, while I watched this film for the second time it seemed like a new experience to me. And what an experience!

The film takes place during approximately a day and half in the lives of two italian brothers who run a restaurant in New Jersey that is less than successful. Unfortunately, the time has come where they are going to have to close up shop if their luck doesn't turn around immediately. Their competition, Pascal, has a restaurant down the street that is thriving, despite the fact that the food doesn't compare to the brothers' restaurant. Their hopes are heightened however, when Pascal offers to send Louis Prima and his band to their restaurant - a sure fire way to drum up business.

This is a small movie with scenes that have an enormous impact. You aren't just told that Pascal's restaurant is tacky and subpar, yet flashy enough for the average diner to come in droves, you walk into it with a great point of view shot. You experience the cramped seating, the garish decorations, the horrid singer who massacres "O Sole Mio" worse than any karaoke singer I've ever heard. Most importantly, the food takes an obvious back seat - there is no presentation. Conversely, in the brother's restaurant, the food preparation scenes are absolutely beautiful. As cliche as it sounds, you can almost feel the pasta dough, smell the basil and taste the marinara.

The character development also bears a strong mention. The viewer learns an amazing amount of information about the two main characters, brothers Primo (Shalhoub) and Secondo (Tucci) despite the short time span we have with them. Secondo is definitely the business minded one in the family, while Primo is artistic and passionate about his cooking. While we discover this mainly through their interaction, it is also subtlely exemplified in scenes such as the first sign of Secondo's pure delight while test driving a Cadillac, and Primo's abject happiness while discussing art and his passion for food with a woman with whom he is clearly smitten. There are many subplots within the main story, and for such a simple premise and short time span, the complexities the subplots add to the general story engage the viewer until the real co-star appears. The food.

I sincerely believe it is physically impossible to watch this film without your mouth watering at least once. This film could have doubled as a propaganda piece for italian food. As a major lover of italian and sicilian food, I was in my element. The presentation is such that you can taste, smell and feel this food on your pallette. It also unfortunately reminded me that I have a long way to go with my own italian cuisine. I am not going to linger on the scenes which involved food because it is simply something that needs to be experienced on ones own.

The acting in this movie was formidable. There were several co-stars that were kind of throwaway characters, (Driver, Rosselini and Marc Anthony, doing his best Harpo Marx impression come to mind). I still am marveling at the choice of Ian Holm as the crazy and ultimately destructive Pascal, but it definitely worked in the film. He also gives the funniest pep talk in the film: "Bite your teeth into the ass of life and drag it to you!" Campbell Scott, who co-directed the film with Tucci has a memorable short scene as a Cadillac salesman. I laughed through the entire scene, because Scott is normally the laid-back and intellectual character in his films - which, at least for this viewer, has always made him very endearing. His bizarre turn in this film was absolutely hysterical.

As for the two main characters, I was both content and amazed. While Tucci has long been recognized as a solid character actor (this film being no exception) it was Shalhoub's performance during the film, primarily in the final scenes, that literally made me ache. He was absolutely magnificent and completely exemplified the despair the brothers finally let surface after what has been an apparently long gestation period. Throughout the film as well, however his passion was palpable. He delivered my favorite line of the film, which struck home because of my own (at times) dramatic tendencies: "You have to kill yourself after you eat it because you can't live! To eat good food is to be close to God."

This is not intended to be a spoiler, but I found the last five minutes of the film that had absolutely no dialogue to be infinitely more profound than your average cookie-cutter drama. The viewer is left to speculate, something that is a rarity in american films, even with a lot of independents. There has been talk in the last few years of a sequel, but I sincerely hope this never comes to fruition because this film would lose its impact if it were anything but a stand-alone masterpiece.

Big Night draws you in quickly, leading you in by your senses. I have not wanted to be in a scene from a movie as much as I did during the last half hour of the movie. They made the spectacle almost as much a part of the scene as the food. The brothers make food an event and give the audience a plethora of reasons to do the same. As for me, I normally prefer "I Paliacci" or "Turandot" when I am attempting my Risotto or Lasagne Bolognese but I think I will pull out my Louis Prima albums the next time I cook. Besides, it's been a couple of years since I've danced around the kitchen with an open wine bottle lip synching "Mambo Italiano" by Rosemary Clooney.

Bottom Line: Watch this movie - just not on an empty stomach, unless you don't mind running to your local italian restaurant after.

--Shelly


A little slow and studied, but very worthwhile and ultimately moving. One of those modest little films that are awfully good but you may have to oversell it's virtues to get your friends to see it. Some will love it, a few will shrug and say "So What?" I've seen it twice now, I like it even more the second time around. The long, long single, almost wordless shot will move you or annoy the heck out of you if your impatient. By the way, my native Italian friend (who loved the film) says Tony Shalhoub is much more convincing as an Italian man speaking English than as a an Italian man speaking Italian.


Big Night is one of those rare movies that really hits every right note in great filmmaking. It's a passionate and heartfelt movie about the bonds of family and the love of class that gives you a sense of majesty and flavor. Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci, (Who by the way co-directed this film with Campbell Scott) Plays brothers who own a struggling Italian Restaurant who puts everything on the line for one big night to save their business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) Rather live for his art for fine food than be successful, while Secondo (Stanley Tucci) tries to keep Primo and himself above water while being tempted by the extravagances of owning a successful Restaurant. An all around superb cast of characters backs them up in this journey that includes Mark Anthony as their loyal follow coworker, and Sir Ian Holms as an rival Restaurant owner who tries to help them out. This is a true heartfelt movie that should not be missed under any circumstance.


- Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci do it here, and in the very highest style. This is the film where Tucci, previously stuck playing sleazyball creeps, reinvented his career. Primo and his brother Secundo (Tucci) own a gourmet restaurant. The conflict - Primo the purist won't sell out to commercialism, while Secundo is seriously considering it, in the interest of staying in business. A simple plot, but perfectly written and magnificently realized.


This film is an absolute delight, filled with fabulous performances by Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, Ian Holm, and Minnie Driver, I don't know how it managed to escape Oscar nominations. The sweet, poignant story of a restaurant proprietor and his brother, the cook's, attempts to keep their struggling franchise afloat is perfect fare not just for families, but for anyone who enjoys a truly well made film. Every aspect of this film sparkles, and provides a true cure to today's big bang, big money, flashtacular Hollywood films.


What a fantastic movie. Even though it was a little slow, Stanley Tucci and Tony Shaloub are phenomenal (why there was no Oscar nominations I'll never know). It's too bad that everyone ignored this movie. Please see it. If nothing else see it for the final scene, simple yet touching, and masterfully directed.


About 45 minutes into this movie, you start to realize this is one of *those* movies. It's one of those movies that never really gets started, then you realize, it's not going to tell you the story you want. Then you realize, it's not going to tell you any story whatsoever. You care about the characters; you want them to succeed, you'd even be willing to see them fail but in the end you're left with questions about what it all means. What happens now? It's all very unsatisfying. Sort of like smelling the food but never getting to eat it.

Why did they open a restaurant across from another, wildly successful Italian restaurant?


Seeing BIG NIGHT for the 2nd time, I am struck that this movie is essentially a film to showcase the actors. Many of the scenes appear to be improvised, almost acting-class exercises. And the acting is indeed a joy to watch, particularly the great Tony Shalhoub, who is so often under-used. Plotwise, the film is a bit slow and visually not particularly striking. The acting's the thing!

P.S. I disagree with another poster's assertion that Minnie Driver was cast for her "star power"; at the time of this film she was mostly known for CIRCLE OF FRIENDS and (somewhat) for GOLDENEYE, and was still part of that indy-film group of actors that included Scott, Tucci, etc.


Two immigrant brothers from Italy try to keep their restaurant in 1950s America from going bankrupt. It's pretty well made but there's hardly a plot, and it eventually runs out of steam. The acting is good. Tucci and Shalhoub are perfectly cast as the brothers - they really look like brothers. Holm has some funny lines as the foul-mouthed owner of another restaurant. Tucci co-directed with Scott, who plays a Cadillac salesman, the first time behind the lens for both and it shows in the form of some sloppy camera work. This is not a film to watch hungry as the last third of the film is devoted to a delectable feast. Unlike the feast, however, the film is somewhat unsatisfying.


In it's early years, Big Brother was fresh, original and fascinating, but I wonder how many watch it now for reasons other than duty, habit and so they don't feel left out at work, similarly, I wonder how many housemates appear because they aren't hopeless attention-seekers. Big Brother has singularly and spectacularly failed to guard against people playing the format, it is terrifically embarrassing how the bland identikits stand in exactly the right spot and say exactly the right things. The only consolation being that, Jade (RIP) aside, they sink without a great deal of trace within weeks of each series ending, sure, they may be recognised in the supermarket for years to come, but sleep with your next door neighbour and you'll be recognised in the supermarket for years to come. BB3 was the last great year and it's been a grim downhill tumble ever since, my only surprise is that anyone remotely contacted with it has the energy to drag themselves out of bed.


To be honest I would much rather be having my teeth pulled out at the dentist than watching this rubbish. There seems to be no entertainment value at all, it's a load of people sat in a house for 24 hours doing nothing but argue and bitch about everything all day long. I would find it much more interesting if they actually did something interesting Even making them kill each other in horrific death matches would be more interesting. The only people I feel sorry for are the ordinary people who occasionally show up they get treated like escaped asylum patients. Finally there's the diary room the perfect chance for the contestants to bitch and moan what a bunch of assholes.


I've seen a lot of rubbish being shown on TV in the past, but this show has to be in my Top 5 All Time Rubbish TV Shows (X-Factor is also featured on this list). A new series has just started in the UK and I'd rather chew off my own testicles than sit and watch these vacuous people hamming it up for an audience of equal worth. The thing is, I don't know anyone who actually admits to watching it - maybe I'm lucky and have friends that actually have taste (or maybe they're lying to me). Like golf, it's duller than a bucket, but TV channels insist on showing it just because it's cheap and fills slots that could be used to play decent, but expensive, shows. And please, can't we somehow put a stop to these people, after they leave the "Big Brother House", relentlessly inundating every other aspect of the media with their talent-free offerings and advice on how to achieve world peace by sticking pencils in our ears (and yes, for those who actually watch this, I know no one who has featured in Big Brother has said this  well, that I know of -- this is called exaggeration but considering all the other rubbish they spout, they may as well have)? Only in a country that loves the underdog can a fat, unremarkable, and remarkably stupid person from Essex become a star  does anyone have a shotgun? Only for the alcopop guzzling crowd that listens to the "Best of Ibiza '03" and enjoy the sound of nails scratching a chalkboard - you know who you are.


Television producers are notorious for their lack of irony. Peter Weir's 'The Truman Show' warned of the dangers of taking reality television too far. Those geniuses at Endemol U.K. couldn't have paid heed because each summer 'Big Brother' stinks up Channel 4's schedules like an overflowing dustbin in a heatwave. Its odd now to look back at that first series and see how normal the contestants were compared with those of recent years. Now the show's rules are being deliberately ignored so that 'voted-out' contestants can be brought back, resulting in understandable viewer fury. Why have rules if they can't be bothered to obey them? 'B.B.' deserves to be pilloried for giving undeserved media exposure to obnoxious, arrogant, foul-mouthed types who clearly belong in a mental home. With any luck it will one day be consigned to the same fate as 'The Black & White Minstrel Show' - unloved and forgotten, a relic of a shameful era when the lowest common denominator reigned supreme on British television.


I can accept that for some people Big Brother is addictive to watch, but unfortunately I am not one of those people. In fact,I can't stand this programme, if people like it that's fine, but as I believe in honesty, here's the bottom line... Down With Big Brother. I don't find it funny, quite the opposite, boring, tedious and a waste of time. And some of the contestants act disgracefully towards each other, if I had a choice of being a contestant on this programme and jumping out of a plane without a parachute,I'd know what I'd choose. The presenter Davina McCall is okay, but she can do so much better things with her life. Also most of the contestants have the likability of spinach and even worse in some cases, Big Brother does get my vote as having some of the most unlikeable characters on television. Even the theme tune I can't stand. Overall, a programme, like another reviewer summed up perfectly, that has limped past its sell by date, and should be taken off the air pronto. 1/10 Bethany Cox


i am an avid fan of this show, and have watched every series. when it first started out in 2000, it was intended to last for one series and be a social experiment. the first two series were this. from then on in, channel 4 realised that they are better off marketing this as entertainment, voyeuristic and easy to watch TV. they basically shove 10 people into a house and see what happens. as the show has progressed, more and more people are being put in, and the show is lasting longer. now on its 9 series, the show is starting to lose its shine. i think everyone thinks it is repetitive, and they have seen it all before.

despite this, i still think the show is great. this series is especially diverse. they have a blind man and an albino, a Buddhist and a Muslim and two immigrants, and a strict catholic. you really either love this series or hate it. a lot of people think it is boring to just watch people in a house, but big brother intrude, and throw some twists in to make it a bit more exciting. this is one of the reasons it has swayed from its original concept, because there are so many new people and twists put in throughout the series.

the first series was great, a good bunch of people with one evil fella, nick bate-men, who showed the viewing public how bad and desperate some people are for fame. he said he killed his wife by accident when she was waiting outside. the show pushes people to their mental limits, and shows how strong or weak some people are.

in the past they have put some people they shouldn't have put in, such as Shabaz, who was bullied and even threatened suicide. they put in lea, who was a porn star and had body-dismorphia. they put in Nikki, who had suffered from an eating disorder. Sam, a pre-op transsexual, was paranoid, Pete who had Tourette's, and Mikey who is blind. the shows morals and integrity have therefore been called into question 'what will they do for ratings?' is the question that people ask. some people believe they are irresponsible. big brother defends themselves by saying every person who enters undergoes a vigorous physcological analysis.

this show is the but of controversy, never being away from the papers. u really have to treat the show for what it is, because it certainly isn't intellectual viewing anymore, this was the start of reality TV, and has now developed a cult following who will not stop watching, i personally recommend it. i suggest you try it, and if you don't like it then fine, but don't prejudge it when you haven't seen it


This show may have started off half decent but it ages badly and got old quickly. It seems to just be a stage for some truly vile people who now seem to be the average Joe. The worst part of this show is that it COULD have been so good. I mean think about, people under surveillance 24/7. See the average people put in odd situations and locked away from the world. But sadly it was ruined when every chav, tart and odd mental patient signed up. And in an attempt to be 'ground-breaking' the producers picked them. Learn from your mistakes. Stop making this tripe.

I mean did the celebrity version not make enough people vomit for the producers to be satisfied?????

1/10 all the way... PS. If you want to see these people getting what we're begging for, then watch Dead Set by Charlie Brooker. Stress-relief...


Big Brother should not be allow on televisions and be boycotted by the viewing public. Unfortunately they are morons out there who enjoys this rubbish and because its cheap and easy to make Channel Four will not stop until there is no one left watching. This is a show based on hatred, conflict and humiliation. It degrades people in the most horrible ways possible. It looks for people who are desperate for fame and looks for the biggest freaks possible. The producers also looks for people who would end up fighting with each other, for example a homophobic and the most camp homosexual alive. Some of the people who end up on the show are really in need of psychiatric help. Big Brother is based on causing controversy and gives us a lot of z-list celebrates like the horrible Jane Goody who under normal circumstances would never been given any fame. It also looks for ways to get break the 9 o'clock watershed. I just can't watch Big Brother for more then a minute and always tries to avoid watching it. This is a show that needs to die and people should boycott watching this programme and force Channel Four to use the timeslot in a more productive manner!


I don't get Big Brother. I read George Orwell's novel 1984 where we are introduced to Big Brother, the watcher of all of us or at least in this case, these poor suckers who choose to live together under close watch by millions of poor Britons. This is the not the masterpiece theater exported around the world. This television show is all the rage in England on Channel 4 no less. They spend countless hours observing these young Britons and my sister loves it but I can't take it. I'm going to give the show a 2 because Imogen reacted when she was kicked out like I would have. I would have been begging the audience to get me off this sinking ship. I'm sorry but this is degrading to both sexes and the young. Who wants to be exploited for a hundred thousand pounds? I wouldn't do it for less than a million and I don't think I would survive. Let me answer questions or do something with my mind. Nicki's screaming is unbearable and the gay Canadian is annoying. Is there a requirement that there must be one gay or lesbian person in the group. The couples won't last off the set. Sorry folks, don't let your children be watching this rubbish as they say and I agree. This show is appalling to watch and can be addictive. I'm glad that I'm in my thirties and not my twenties.


We are talking about a show which was once introduced with the words "Day 21 - Derek is eating a sandwich". What sort of person carries on watching anything after that.

You'll see the phrase "like watching paint dry" through thousands of user comments across this website, on despised shows & films.

Never a truer word spoken here though & FOR TWO REASONS.

One because it is that dull - although that maybe a tad unfair on paint.

But secondly - the day British TV fell to it's knees (and went largely unnoticed). A few years back the housemates (there's better names for them than that - but wouldn't make it through the firewall) had to each paint a bench in a colour that reflected themselves. (I expected 12 grey benches). Anyway - after they finished painting them & went inside the camera remained outside, for several minutes - while the viewer did indeed "watch paint dry".

And still the public watched.

There is possibly one thing worse than Big Brother. The host. I won't give her the satisfaction of publicising her name (+or benal facial expressions) but we're talking about a woman who once introduced 3 OF THE 6 FEMALE ENTRANTS one year by their name & breast size. Never mind, name & job title, name & achievements, name and ambitions maybe. Nope, name & size of Charlies are all that counts nowadays.


Thusday 18 May 2006 was the launch show for yet another series of Big BRother in the UK. This show is the most popular Channel 4 show over the summer. Inexplicably. The only time I see nay of it is at 2 am when I look for a few minutes in disbelief that everyone is asleep and they insist on continuing to televise nothing happening. THe only time it becomes interesting is whenever they substitute bird song for speech as the producers feel the inmates re saying something libellous. This occurred endlessly during the Michael Jackson trial. It arouses our curiosity as to what is being said. Otherwise just enjoy the birdsong instead of the inmates inane wittering. What started as a serious psychological study in the 1970s has been reduced to a bunch of unknowns stuck on TV for 10 weeks doing nothing and thinking they have a career. The launch show ridiculously hypes the next 10 weeks with a hyperventilating Davina Mccall shouting to compensate for lack of presenting ability.


Big Brother seven continues to vary, from being funny, interesting and good entertainment, to boring and uninsightful trash. Big Brother is a reality show which locks a group of complete strangers in a Ikea-stylised house. They must complete tasks successfully to earn a shopping budget and parties and rewards like chocolates and alcohol. They must also nominate two people each week to put up for eviction. The public will then vote for who leaves that week. So it is basically a voyeuristic twenty-four/seven house, with thirty odd cameras taping everything the group says and does. Big Brother seven has been good and bad. Sometimes the people in house provide hilarious quotes and tantrums and conversations. Sometimes it can be boring and uninteresting. You have to take Big Brother lightly though. Don't expect anything glossy and glamorous, 'cause it isn't. It's 'reality' television. Although now the aim of this show seems to be to cram as many weirdos as they can into the house; gays, transsexuals, plastic surgeoned people, people with problems and so on. Big Brother is hit and miss really. Unscripted, with these people basically doing and talking about what they want. Many people will be false and fake, or have game-plans and ideas to win to game. There is a cash prize for the winner. Big Brother provides housemates with twists and cruel turns. So far we have had Big Brother School and University, Big Brother Prison, Big Brother's Secret House and Secret Luxury Hideaway, for example. These additions can be fun. Also this series had it's first double eviction. One of the decent things about the show is the evictions, which are usually good to tune in for. But the show can be crude, vulgar and a bit of a sloppy pigsty. Big Brother. Is it good? You decide.


I absolutely love this show. I stumbled upon in during the 3rd season premiere, and have been hooked ever since. It's such an intriguing chess-like game, and I'm always trying to guess what the players are going to do next... or rather, what I would do next were I in their place! I think, of all the reality shows, that this would be the one that's the most interesting to be on. :) I've also been watching the live feeds for the last two seasons, and find that that makes the show a lot more interesting. It's fun to see what the producers actually put on the show, as opposed to what really happens in the house. For the most part, their editing is pretty good - meaning that they portray what happens fairly accurately. However, it's always fun to get the full and unedited version when you're watching it live!


This show is amazing it has a combination of laughter,heartache,touching,funny,sad this show has everything.

every year the show changes so much new house, graphic designs ,themes, drastic HMs changes and even a different big bro.

SUMMER would not be the same without this show anymore as its now going into its eight year running and still going strong.

the show always has the word CONTERVERSY attached to it almost every year but its worth it that what makes this show so unique and above all its lesser knock offs because each year is so different and more outrageous.

the minute the hms enter and the doors are closed on opening night you have to follow the journey for 10-13 weeks to be able to become attached to the characters and love, hate them or feel sad happy for them. and thats what i love about it there is no other show like this on the telly.

the best season was in 2004 the HMs selection was perfect and BB got evil and Nada won on a very emotional final night. that series had everything fun fun fun LOL moments, funny HMs, great twists, huge fights(FIGHT NIGHT ANYONE). great group and friendship developments.

LETS HOPE FOR A BRILL BIGBROTHER 8 I LOOK Forward TO WATCHING YOU BIG BROTHER WATCHING THE HOUSEMATES.


This is just the best reality show that there has ever been. Every show they put in a bunch of people and we watch them 24-7. They have to also perform tasks to get their rewards, e.g. shopping, food, booze, fags, etc. It is basically like a pantomime, if you are the biggest character in the house it is more likely that you would win the show and £100,000, and you are booed or cheered. All the other house mates get evicted, it's us that decides who stays and who goes. Recently Big Brother turned evil and produced the best of the series so far in BB5. That is when I started to like it, since BB5 it has still been a great show. BB5 had the courageous winner Nadia, the nudity of Shell and Michelle, the camp Marco, and my favourite Victor, the slick man. BB6 had some okay people including Science, Roberto, Derek, Makosi, Eugene and winner Anthony. BB7 had some fantastic people including Grace, Lea, Nikki, Aisleyne Glyn and winner Pete. I would have loved to have seen Craig Phillips, Nasty Nick Bateman, Brian Dowling, Jade Goody (who returned in Celebrity Big Brother 2007 with Mum Jackiey and boyfriend Jack), Kate Lawler, Alex Sibley and Jon Tickle. Hosted by Davina McCall and Dermot O'Leary, and narrated by Marcus Bentley. Davina McCall was number 95 and Jade Goody number 4 on The 100 Worst Britons, and it has been on all 100 Greatest TV Treats programmes so far. Outstanding!


Wow, never thought I'd review a talk show but.. Jay Leno isn't that great, guys. If you've watched Jay Leno instead of David Letterman, watch David Letterman. He's just the best talk show ever. He's funny, smart, and brings great guests onto the show. Almost all of them I like and know.

I heard that he was fired from his other show because Jay Leno took over so he started this show because he was angry at Leno and wanted to compete. Well, hes competing and winning. I don't really know much what to say because this is just a talk show so.. Yeah.

I don't David Letterman ever takes a break. He has done the show since 1993 and is still keeping the spirit of doing talk shows and entertaining everyone. What I think was my favorite guest he did was probably Madonna when she was cussing. Although, It was probably in his other show but that was just funny. What I thought was the worst was the one with Marilyn Manson. David Letterman looked so bored and stressed because Marilyn was just so uninteresting.


As far as American talk show hosts go, I find David Letterman the least pretentious and the least fake out of all of them. He seems to mostly say what he thinks and not JUST for the sake of being shocking or funny.

Letterman is mostly a likable guy and can at times be very witty, and of course satirical, which is something about him (as indeed his writers) that I enjoy. Yes I know, he is at times cocky and a bit of a show pony, but he's a talk show host and he's meant to have a personality and in my opinion he's the best there is.

I enjoy the little sketches like "Great Presidential Speeches" and "Will it Float?," I always enjoy watching Biff Henderson's little adventures and of course hearing from the always wonderful, Alan Kalter.

It's a nice little piece of late night entertainment and while some episodes are obviously going to be better than others depending on the guests - you know you're always going to have a bit chuckle.


The Late Show with David Letterman is a show that has been on TV for way too long.

It would be OK it was funny but I just can't find any good humor in this show.

I find my self watching this show just staring whit out a smile on my mouth for way most of the time, thinking ohh was I suppose laugh there.

I rarely laugh or even smile when I watch this show, which is very seldom , but I keep hearing certain people not all, saying what a great show it is. Even when there is nothing at all on TV it is still better than The Late Show.

Little good to say about this show, and the top 10 list is not at all funny.

People keep saying that the Late Show with David Letterman is so much better than Jay Leno, NOT. I will take Headlines over top 10 any day

I give only 2 stars but I wonder why I give so many.


Wow. I really don't like this show at all. Letterman is funny once or twice and that band leader is ugly and annoying. Leno is much better and tonight I just swapped to see how stupid this show was and I know its a joke and all, but he made fun of president Gerald Ford's death. That was very mean and very unnecessary. Letterman should not be making fun of someone else's death for his show. I don't see Leno doing that. Also, that band leader, whatever his name is, my god so annoying. I can not stand him nor him and his band singing. It sounds like a whole bunch of cats fighting. They really should not sing every title, it is very irritating. Well, my final rating. 3/10


As a UK citizen, I had never had the misfortune to see an episode of this 'talk show' as it was on digital and I haven't upgraded yet. However, for reasons I won't go into it is now part of my job to watch the show for research purposes. I don't think I can last much longer.

It is almost impossible to verbalise how irritating this show is. The 'jokes' are non-existent, with each punchline scuppered with, erm-ah, the-ah timing of David's delivery. Every time the audience laughs I wonder what kind of funny-gas has been pumped into the studio.

Things are made worse by the visually stagnant way in which the show is filmed. Nearly the entire show is locked into one mid-shot of David at his desk. Even when he's talking to his house band we are rarely afforded a glance at who he is talking to, with a sinister high-pitched voice off camera underlining every sentence spoken by David: 'Oh! Uh-huh. Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaah.' When I first saw this show I thought I was hearing David's self-congratulatory inner thoughts through the mic he has on his desk. Instead, its a bald guy with sunglasses (is he blind? I'm afraid to ask) who pats David on the back at every opportunity.

The smugness of this show is suffocating, especially to new viewers such as myself who haven't witnessed anything to warrant their inflated opinion of themselves. I was hoping against hope that perhaps Letterman's interview technique was second to none, but yet again I was disappointed: they are as vapid and un-illuminating as the rest of the show. At no time are the guests asked anything more searching than what they had for lunch earlier. It may be just a cultural difference, but I prefer the cheekiness of UK talk-show hosts like Johnathan Ross etc. who manage to get under the skin of his guest through humour so that we get to know more about them than another well-rehearsed anecdote.

Unfortunately, there seems no way to make it stop. Its my job to keep watching this forever. I am in hell.


I don't see how CBS pays Letterman $30 million a year. This guy's jokes are so boring and redundant. Every show has the stupid Will-It-Float, George Bush making a speech scene, and the Rupert deli owner interview. And I always wondered who writes the Top Ten list - they are so damn lame. I also heard that the audience is told beforehand to laugh, whether the jokes are funny or not. That's ridiculous!

I know that most celebrities are leftest but Letterman makes it is so damn apparent. I'm no fan of George W, but his constant bashing of him is so obvious. On every show, Letterman shows the "great" speeches made by JFK and FDR and then all of a sudden shows Bush stumbling or saying something stupid during his speech. And him "inviting" Bill O'Reilly for an interview and making a mockery of him in front of a national audience. Absolutely classless.

Ten years ago, I remembered watching a couple episodes of the Late Show thinking this guy's jokes were getting old. Today, I'm even more shocked that he's still on.


As the host trained by Carson, Letterman should have inherited the Tonight Show. He was groomed for it, and CBS was darned lucky to get him. David Letterman's charm and style is both unique and legendary. His gimmicks are creative, and his presentation is stylish, but as a host, he knows how to make the guest comfortable enough to annihilate those uncomfortably silent moments so prevalent on other shows.

Letterman is the new Carson. America tunes in to him as they close their day and begin to wind down for the night. His name and the prestige he bears draws a great many big named stars, while he touches on all the current issues of our world.

Letterman is a special person, and deserves all the success in the world.

His show rates a 9.4/10 on the TV Scale from...

the Fiend :.


What more can I say?? Dave is witty sharp and very very funny. He beats Leno into a cocked hat. The key for me is that he never has to try to be amusing it just seems to occur naturally. Dave Letterman is a rare talent. As for comments about when Dave should retire well I am sure that the man himself is shrewd enough to know when to bow out gracefully. Hopefully it wont be for sometime yet. It is worth mentioning Paul Schaffer as well here because the chemistry between host and band leader is always amusing. Both men are capable of spontaneity and this makes for such entertaining dialogue. Keep up the good work Dave (and Paul).


#10: David Letterman declared that 60% of everything that Bill O'Reilly says is crap.

#9: "Will It Float?"...would any of those babes float?

#8: His musical guests have included Ringo Starr and The Temptations.

#7: Nodody gets away clean on his show.

#6: As a Bush supporter, he rips at Bush as much as possible.

#5: Paul Shaffer and The CBS Orchestra always have some great music in store.

#4: David Letterman once hosted the Oscars.

#3: I haven't seen any of the episodes where other people host (how can you fill in for Dave?).

#2: The jokes work, no matter which era we live in.

And the #1 reason that I like the "Late Show with David Letterman": The top ten list.


The film may have been a little sentimental, but not too much, and it includes Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole which sets the tone for the whole film. And seeing Jason Mamoa without his dreadlocks was worthy and dreamy (I love my Hawaiian men). I really did enjoy this Hallmark film, and the scenery made it worthwhile. Can you imagine, for the main character to find out that her mother was Hawaiian, and the land could be theirs. But this particular plot of the land feud was not resolve in the film by the time it was the ceremony for Lily. But ending it by her going back to her old life in Boston, is as real as you get, but what else could she do, split her family up to spend her romantic days with her Hawaiian hunk? and i suppose, Hawaii is a paradise, for a moment, and that's all. it would be nice if we all packed off to Hawaii to live with our Hawaiian hunks, if that were so, Hawaii would be the awful tourist trap of middle aged women you would see in some of the Spanish resorts today. Then, end of paradise.


Jason Momoa is an ABSOLUTE GOD!!!!! His presence dominated the entire movie...I kept staring at him throughout the entire show...I didn't know they made men like him!!! (YUMMY!) I thought the movie was beautifully played, excellent location. I thought Emma was a bit too old for him though, and the fact that Jason looked too young to have a fifteen year old son! that threw me a bit. I didn't feel the chemistry between them...but HELLO!!! if I had to leave a home where I felt unappreciated to go to a tropical paradise and met Jason..I would be on him in seconds!! he is just so absolutely perfect. Even though Emma's role was uncertain at times just having Jason's presence in the movie made everything worth watching again...and again...and again...


Yes, this movie may be a bit predictable, however the scenery is phenomenal and the acting is very good. It is a story about a woman who has lost her way. Upon returning the ashes of her adopted mother Lily to Hawaii, she begins to find her true self again. She is not, as one of the previous reviewers states, a cheating wife. She is in fact a typical wife and mother who is taken for granted by her family. She is also responsible for neglecting herself and the relationships that are important to her, including her relationships with her adopted mother, Lily, her husband and her children. She learns to reconnect with all of the people that matter to her through her journey in returning Lily to her homeland. It is actually quite touching to watch her as she rediscovers what is important in life: family. A very touching story that is a guilty pleasure to watch.


I've seen the movie and I absolutely loved it. The chemistry between Jason and Virginia was amazing. The friction between Lainie and Virginia was intense and interesting. The writing was very well done and the setting was unbelievably beautiful. I can honestly say that would've been an extremely hard choice to make,especially with Jason Momoa being my alternative.

Don't get me wrong,I'm all for the sanctity of marriage, but to escape an unfulfilled life with a disrespectful, brat of a daughter and end up in paradise with the hottest Hawaiian on the island. That might make a woman stop and reconsider her options. I think this is one of lifetime's greatest movies yet.


I hated this movie! Don't know why I even finished watching it. Oh, yeah, I remember...Jason Momoa was nice to look at.

It moved slowly. Stupid story. Bad acting. Way too sappy. I didn't feel any compassion or connection to any of the characters except maybe Kala (Jason Momoa). A dumb too-easy ending.

I had a big prob with the age discrepancy. Momoa & Madsen are actually 24 & 40. However, Momoa's character Kala has a 15 yo son who lives with his ex-wife! I think that would be biologically impossible. Ok, he actually looks older than 24 and his character behaved more maturely than Emma (Madsen). The character he played must have been much older than the actor really is, but IMHO not much older than 30. That would mean he had his son at 15. Ok, that's biologically possible, but married, too, at that age?

This movie was suppose to be about a married woman being tempted by a younger man. Jason Momoa is very sexy and sensual. Who wouldn't be tempted? So where were the hot, steamy love scenes??? There was some kissing, but I never felt any heat between them. Besides Jason Momoa, the only other thing good about this movie was the beautiful Hawaiian location.

I rate it 2 out of 10.


There are several beautiful things about this movie. The beautiful scenery of Hawaii or Maui, whatever, and the looks of Jason Mamoa. Both worth watching. Mamoa is fetching in his scenes without his shirt, running along the beach. Quite a fantasy. Or in the deep blue waters of the cave. However not too much else happens in this older married woman and younger lover theme. Virginia Madsen, that Sharon Stone wannabe, is just awful, in this. No chemistry, not even sexual for the young man. In fact their love scenes fell flat. Too controlled. Lainie Kazan doesn't sing a note in this. Too bad. She's a super singer lady and plays a grandmother on the island. For a Jewish mama she seemed to play the role all right. But, I'd rather hear Lainie sing a torch song. However, there is the beauty and distinguished Vietnamese actress Kieu Chinh in the film. She brings simplicity and class to this picture. So 3 stars for Hawaii, Kieu and Mamoa.


Oy, vey! Just when you thought it was safe to have a marriage, here comes yet another Lifetime "it's ok for women to cheat" yarn. This time the "sympathetic" wifey comes in the form of 80's pop culture queen Virginia Madsen (sister of Michael Madsen, infamous among cult-film fans as the sociopathic Mr. Blonde in "Reservoir Dogs"). Madsen plays--what else?-- the hardworking supermom with nary a discernable fault who is--what else?-- not appreciated by her --what else?-- undeserving husband. Don't forget the kids; their roles in these sorts of films are often varied, so the "what else?" lable can't really be applied. This time it's a bitchy teen-queen-wannabe-slut. In any case, our dear Ms. Wifey heads off to Hawaii to pay last respects to her foster mother, leaving behind the family in Good ol' New England. Out of sight, out of mind. While wifey's away, wifey shall play. Absence isn't making this heart grow any fonder: Rather, the heart is indulging in a bit of ever growing lust with-- what else?-- the physically-superior-to-and-much-younger-than husband uber-dude, here designated "Khala". If there is a message to this film it's summed up in a scene (ironically used in all the trailers) of a childishly grinning Wifey and Kala running down the beach hand in hand. Women don't want to be burdened by average looking men and family, they want to be carefree and like kids again; at least, that's what this movie tells us. As our snivelling hubby deals with the tramping daughter, mumsy is off making out in a cave with Kala and preparing to round second base. Oh, and guess what? It isn't long before our mini-heroine, trampy, is taking mum's indirect advice, likewise ditching her back-home boy toy for a hunky, dangerous uber-dude of her own, who is, oddly enough, Kala's son. All right, so maybe there are two messages: The one already stated, plus, keep your wives and daughters away from Hawaii, or you may find yourself living at the Bachelor Arms Apartments.


Ryan's Hope, the story of the Ryan family, was a wonderful show filmed in New York City, thereby giving it the advantage of some veteran stage actors as well as newcomers. The cast was led by the amazing Helen Gallagher, a great musical theater star, as the matriarch of the Ryan family, Maeve. Maeve and her husband Johnny (the late Bernard Barrow) ran a bar/restaurant and were the linchpins of the soap. Their children were Frank, Mary, Siobhan, Patrick, and the seldom seen Kathleen. The Coleridges - attorney Jillian and two doctors, Faith and Roger - were the other family, a bit higher in class but nevertheless closely tied to the Ryans.

Along the way, many young actors cut their teeth on "Ryan's Hope" - Kate Mulgrew, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Corbin Bernsen, Marg Helgenberger, Ilene Kirstin, Gordon Thomson, Roscoe Born, Earl Hindman and Ron Hale, to name just a few. Today Hale and Kirstin are still soap actors, as was Roscoe Born until recently, while Hindman, Mulgrew, Bersen, Daniel Hugh Kelly and Helgenberger went on to TV series fame (Hindman was the neighbor in "Home Improvement").

In the beginning, the great interest (for me anyway) was the love story between sexy reporter Jack Fenelli (Michael Levin) and Mary Ryan (Kate Mulgrew). The character of Frank started out with an older actor - Christian Slater's father, if memory serves - and there were several Franks, the best remembered probably being Daniel Hugh Kelly. The beautiful, classy Nancy Addison, unfortunately now deceased, was Jill Coleridge throughout the series, and Hale was her brother Roger. Their sister, Faith, was played by more the one actress, the most memorable being Karen Morris Gowdy (now a Connecticut socialite). Delia, Frank's wife and ultimately ex-wife, and Roger's wife and ultimately ex-wife, and a royal pain, was played by both Randall Edwards and Ilene Kirstin, more successfully by Kirstin, in my opinion.

The series had some interesting plots. Two I especially liked were the Gordon Thomson story arc where he played Alexander Benedict White, an Egyptologist who becomes involved with Faith in an intriguing story; and the other involved a relative of the Ryan's, E.J., an ambitious reporter trying to find out if a soap actress, Barbara Wilding, is faking leg paralysis. Unfortunately for me, Soapnet stopped the series in 1981 - in the middle of both of these plots. The word is that they are going to continue the series this time around. Let's hope.

"Ryan's Hope" started to lose steam around 1983 and limped to cancellation in 1989. But seeing it on Soapnet, one is reminded of how good it was at least from 1975-1983, before it became influenced by the breakout success of "General Hospital" and veered from its original structure. At its best, "Ryan's Hope" was more like the English soaps such as Crossroads - about the middle class in a big city, their lives and loves.


I was at this site some weeks ago and either missed this page for RH or it is new. I am delighted to have found so much info. both on the cast and the story line. RH was being aired on Soapnet (89) on cable, and then out of the blue they redid the schedule which was to exclude that great show. It now airs one day (sun.) from 6;30am to 7;00 it comes to 1 hr. of watching. I have read so much lately all over the net, wherever soaps are discussed, as to how much shows like this are missed. AW was pulled completely. I think that the nostalgia for saner time in our history is a big part of why this show is now getting so much attention. It would be great if it were put out on DVD and that way the really avid viewer can just purchase it. Well that was my thought and thanks for letting me express it. imm


I really have a question about Michael Levin, He was a substantially great actor ... and I can't find anything much he did after Ryan's Hope.

I would so be interested in what type profession he found a liking for after Ryan's Hope ???? Would anyone know anyway to be in touch with his agent or self or fan base person ????

Thanks. There is just nothing like the older shows... the character structure is never as Good in the shows of today, as it WAS with RYAN's HOPE. I miss stories of the Regular people, the Above Common characters on this show. I was so sorry to see the original drama go off air.

They were the First Show Ever (to my study) to do a GHOST story with Mary Fenelli (Kate Mulgrew) returning to give profound truths and messages to Jack ! I loved those scenes and Am Now WAITING for them to return to that time on the soap-net reruns.

I Have A Complilation Tape of Most All of the Jack Fenelli scenes ...

Thanks to anyone who can offer information about Michael Levin.


This show never caught on and I'll never know why. The writing was crisp and witty. THe cast was excellent and it was only 30 minutes long. Their half hour has been replaced by news which to me shows the lack of interest in keeping daytime television especially dramas like Ryan's Hope on the air. Claire Labine who lives in Brooklyn, New york was one of the major writers of this show. I don't recall it ever being outrageous but it reminded me of the British soaps where it was only 30 minutes long and there was a bar. Helen Gallagher played the matriarch and she is still a fabulous actress who has done television, stage, and films as well. Other cast members were Nancy Addison who passed away so young and Ilene Kristen now on One Life to Live. The show is gone but not forgotten in my opinion. It was one of those shows that should have gone on forever as well but I guess ABC thought it was expendable. Too bad, people out there would have enjoyed a nice written show like this. Since they were set in NEw York (big cities as settings don't fair well on soaps except Bold and the Beautiful), they also went out on the streets of the city to shoot. It was great to see.


Criminally underrated war picture details the adventures of a group of WWI volunteer pilots whose excitement turns to anguish and despair when they are confronted with the reality of combat. Director Stuart Walker helms this unabashedly grim WWI drama with tact and honesty, featuring some above average aerial footage and an unflinchingly blatant anti-war message that is still quite surprising and daring for a depression-era studio film. The acting is uniformly excellent, with Fredric March delivering a marvelously conflicted turn in the lead, and Cary Grant is convincingly cast against type as a hot-headed, violent brute. Perhaps a bit too a head of it's time when originally released, THE EAGLE AND THE HAWK is a terrific film that is ripe for rediscovery.


"The Eagle and the Hawk" follows the World War One exploits of three American volunteer airmen who are members of Britain's Royal Flying Corps (which was later to be renamed the Royal Air Force). After months of training, Jeremiah Young (March) and Mike Richards (Oakie) are transferred from England to an observer unit in France. The third airman, Henry Crocker (Grant), washes out and later becomes an aerial gunner.

The observer unit flies two-seat biplanes doing primarily reconnaissance work, but this does not stop Young from being a very successful pilot, downing two enemy aircraft on his first mission alone. His initial jubilation over this feat is crushed when he discovers that his observer has been killed. Though he continues to shoot down many German aircraft, he has the appalling luck of losing five observers in his first two months.

The film follows the career of this heroic pilot and his comrades, including Crocker who ultimately becomes his observer. As the weeks go by, Young becomes more and more guilt-ridden, not only over losing those who fly with him, but over the many young Germans he has slain.

"The Eagle and the Hawk" is a well-made, well-acted film with decent aerial footage and a wonderful, anguished performance by Fredric March. Though he might be overlooked, Forrester Harvey's character is rather thought-provoking. He plays an enlisted man who has the unenviable task of collecting the belongings of slain airmen for safekeeping. On Young's first day, he had to perform this task five times.

This film is truly a gem which presents a strong anti-war message, one which is particularly interesting considering the time it was made (1933 being the year that Hitler achieved power in Germany and the 1930s being the period of appeasement). Its ending has a pair of surprises which are well worth the price of admission. This is a film which is highly recommended for classic movie fans.


Powerful anti war movie - the scenes with Frederic March in particular and Cary Grant are quite intense and grim, but there is some relief to counter balance this aspect of the movie in the characters played by Jack Oakie (comic) and Carole Lombard (sympathy).

As another person has noted this was really directed by Mitchell Leisen. who is credited as assistant director. This was his second movie (after Tonight is Ours, also with March in it) and he does a fine job. It shows what a versatile director he was, considering he made him his name later with romance / comedy type movies like Midnight.

It was done pre code but re-released in 1939 with some editing that apparently lessens its impact (I have only seen the edited version). These are referred to in the book Mitchell Leisen Hollywood Director. The scenes with Carole Lombard are longer and imply a sexual relationship afterwards. Cary Grant survives the war but is a broken man.

Would love to see the original (please let me know if anyone has it). If the edited parts are still available this movie would warrant a restoration to its original vision. A DVD release along these lines would be most welcome.


This is a mostly forgotten film today, though it deserves to be seen. It bears a lot of similarity to the great All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) in that the film is meant to warn against the horrors of war instead of glamorize it.

Frederick March does an excellent job in portraying a troubled WW1 ace. Despite his success, he can't seem to forget that each victory equals him killing another human being. This inner turmoil continues throughout the film and climaxes when he is given yet another accolade.

I don't want to spoil the film by revealing what happens next. But, it came as a bit of a surprise! The ending clearly makes the movie.

By the way, the VCR box cover shows Cary Grant. Yes he was an important supporting actor in this movie, but considering March's performance, it is a darn shame they are trying to capitalize on Grant and not March.

PS--if you liked this film, try watching the hard to find ACE OF ACES, starring Richard Dix. It's very similar except that Dix is a pacifist who only reluctantly goes to war. Once he becomes a pilot, unlike March, he finds he LOVES killing and his personality changes dramatically! A truly unusual film.


spoilers-yes

A hidden anti-war gem. A marvel for its courage.

"The Eagle and the Hawk" is a minimal but concrete recreation of the lives of Air Force volunteers during world war one. Jerry Young (Fredric March) is a Flying Corps pilot who is more responsible for shooting (documenting) German positions than shooting people. But it's war close up and he' anguished and awed by the severe endings to the young lives who serve as his tail observers. Actual war deaths, as opposed to the glorifying and benign fictions fed him, evoke in him compassion and guilt. When Crocker (Carey Grant), a crack gunner, and the personification of cold-blooded macho, kills a parachuting German balloon observer (opposed to rules of engagement) from Young's tail position, Jerry's shell cracks. Broken-heartened and disillusioned, his life is robbed of sleep and solace. But because of his own survival of so many critical missions have given him hero status, he cannot cut and run. Caught in vicious cycle of metals, ribbons, honors, dinners, toasts, he is also caught in a deeper vicious cycle of killing and bloodshed. Tormented, he has but one exit, and after one final attempt to publicly lay bare his plights and that of lives he feels responsible for, he shoots himself.

Ironically, Crocker, the only soldier with the stomach to hear his speech, is the one who breaks away from this celebration in Young's honor, and finds his body. No longer able to feign callousness, he conceals his partner's corpse till the dawn mission, when he can set up an heroic battle death which is actually a double suicide--the eagle and the hawk going down together. This completes the unified statement this movie makes against war--so like the Winter Soldier Testimony held by Vietnam Vets and most recently by Iraqi Vets--in which "the war to end all wars" is exposed as a deeper commitment to the machinery of war.


Often when a classic movie is forgotten there is a good reason for it. However this is not the case with Eagle & the Hawk. Sure it's no masterpiece but it's a pretty solid WWI movie that focuses on the realities of war. It reminds me somewhat of "All Quiet on the Western Front." It's not quite as good as that but it has similar themes.

The movie stars Fredric March & Cary Grant. Cary Grant is probably the more well known star today but back in 1933 March was the bigger name and he is the main star with Grant as the supporting player. I love Cary Grant and he does a pretty good job here playing a character that is not completely sympathetic. This is the type of part that you would not really see from him later in his career. However March is the real star of this picture and he is absolutely fantastic as a soldier who slowly loses his nerve. It's a real shame March is not better remembered today. Overall March and Grant have great on screen chemistry and interact well as two WWI pilots who dislike each other yet respect the others' abilities. The ending in my opinion is also quite memorable.

The only sour point of the film is a small cameo by Carole Lombard. Don't get me wrong I am a big fan of Lombard but her part is pretty pointless here and it doesn't mesh with the rest of the film. It just seems the writers wanted to add a little romance to the movie whether it fit or not.


As the others have said, this surprisingly turned out to be a realistic, antiwar movie. Frederick March gives an Academy-Award-worthy performance as the jaded fighter pilot, and Cary Grant gives a good performance as his rival. Since Hollywood made more pro-war movies than isolationist movies up to Pearl Harbor, this one was a bit startling, judging from its era and its title. Perhaps that is why it has not received its due rewards. Those who have experienced war usually try to prevent its recurrence, and the grim reality of its death and destruction are shown in this film about as graphically as they were allowed at that time. I have heard that even Germany's greatest ace in WWI, the "Red Baron," was very disillusioned when he went home the last time before his death. When his mother asked him who his friends were in a photo, he told her sadly when each of them had been killed. War is only glamorous from a great distance and in games. "The Eagle And The Hawk" captures the real essence of so many wasted lives in the Lost Generation and the destruction of prewar civilization.


Bought my own copy. A film in the old style with many faults, but for someone who enjoys flying fliks, especially World War One aviation, it is great. Dialogue is terrible, the acting bad, plot predictable, but it has airplanes and derring-do in the air. All the "Dawn Patrol" cliches are there. Good fun and well worth seeing...if you like this sort of thing. I do.

cheers, Boom


I wasn't expecting much when i watched this, maybe something like the dawn patrol. Fredric March is excellent in this movie and cary grant is ok. Carole Lombard is only in one scene, and i had never heard of the director before. Watch it if you like these kind of movies.


Just finished this B- action movie. and i have to say i liked it a lot!! Echavaria show he is indeed the new J.C. Van Damme(Average acting, Great fight scenes)But the coolest part has to be the chemistry between Echavaria and Kong Li(Kickboxer's Tong Po)They Try to Copy the Rush hour routine and succeed. Some scenes are very funny!! especially the car scene, Were echavaria Gives a great ricky martin impression(i laughed my ass off) you have to keep in mind that this was a pretty low Budget production, so all the credits go to the actors who really keep this one moving!! The direction is pretty good and especially the fight scenes at the end are the best i've seen in years! Latin Flavor All The WAY