User Reviews

Its time for a little enchanted calm and wonder. What better than a fairy tale that everyone knows the story to? This is a very nicely executed version of the famous story. Trish Van Devere and George C. Scott put in fine performances and have good chemistry together - well, they were married in real life after all.

In one of the most beloved Beauty and the Beast versions, the original premise is upheld. Belle's father comes across Beast's castle in the woods and, though warned not to remove anything, takes with him a rose to please his daughter. She has two older daughters who are more superficial, but there is one difference: no Gaston. I don't really mind the omission, since the main focus of the story is Beast and Belle's relationship.

Real life spouses George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere add a cute and charming chemistry to the screen, as we all know they'll eventually fall in love. George always seems very fond of her, and Trish has a gentleness with him that lasts even when she tells him he's not human enough for her to ever marry. Then again, when she sees him devouring a dead animal on the grounds, you can kind of understand her reticence. Though a bit dated, and though I haven't been able to find a copy in good condition with the sound and images synched properly, I would recommend a viewing if you like this fairy tale. It definitely has some sweet moments.

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. Every exterior shot of the forest surrounding Beast's castle is filmed with handheld camera, fisheye panorama, or tilting movements , and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"

I watched Beauty and the Beast with my infant daughter and was so taken with it I described it to my wife when she got home that evening. Evidently, my description was vivid enough that over the years, she has become convinced that she actually saw it. My memory of the movie doesn't dwell on any specific scenes but on my impression of the overall effort. Obviously, the George C. Scott/Trish vanDeVere coupling had its own special chemistry for people to react as strongly to the film as many do in the comments.

This is significant for another reason. My taste in films doesn't often move toward this sort of romance (In "Titanic" I couldn't wait for the blinkin' boat to sink) I'd love to find a copy for a couple reasons: first, to see if my memory of the superb performances was indeed accurate, and second, to share it for the second time with my romantic wife... m

Ditto! How can we have vaults filled with clunkers and something with this power and grace remain unavailable?

I saw this television presentation over a quarter of a century ago and for my money, it was one of the most lovely things television ever gave me. One thing about Scott; he seemed incapable of turning in a bad performance no matter how vicious or viscous the material. But when

there was a marriage of man and material, like in Patton, or the Hospital, or even in (critics be damned) They Might be Giants, one was in for a rare treat. Now that this great actor has gone from us, can't we have his lovely work along with all those turkeys he graced?

This is a movie that my wife and I enjoyed together as with most Hallmark films. This movie should have been released long ago for public viewing again. My wife must have contacted Hallmark a hundred times to find out when it would be shown on their Hallmark channel. George C.Scott has passed on. His performances in this film and the many others he made during his life time should all be made available for purchase. Trish Van Devere, Scott's wife at the time, was a very believable Belle. Her performance and interaction with Scott were outstanding. Someone has control over the film rights and it really should be released.This is a film not of special effects but of true acting.

I am one of those who saw this when it was first televised in 1976. I was 7 yrs old and I was in awe of the beast make-up for George C Scott. I sat down to watch it with my sister and we were both completely captivated by the rest of the film. I had already seen Cocteau's version and I liked this one even more. George C Scott makes a marvelous Beast and his chemistry with his real life wife Trish Van Devere in the role of beauty is palpable. I recall almost shedding tears during the most dramatic scenes! My sister and I have often wondered what happened to this excellent version of this story. It is no surprise to see so many comments on the IMDb that say the same things i am saying: this was an excellent adaptation of a classic and there is a very large audience out there just waiting to see it again. I would buy it if it became available on DVD without a moment's hesitation. This is the best version of Beauty & the Beast and it deserves to be seen!

Like everyone else here I saw this movie just once and never forgot it..it was a fantastic movie! I've been looking for it all these years...Please, please, powers that be..release this movie on DVD! (Hey this sounds like a mantra..)

OK, where is it? This was one of the most compelling productions of the story I've ever seen. It was a Hallmark Hall of Fame, I know that because I got the poster from the Hallmark store back then. I agree, there was magic between the two and Scott was at his best. He WAS the Beast. No dancing teapots or children's trappings, this was adult fair and riveting in its emotion. Why isn't this released? Scott is dead, could it be tied up in court somewhere? We need a petition. I remember it being very dark, in subject and in setting. The castle was foreboding and it made Trish V. that much more lovely. The on screen magic between this husband and wife team, at the time, was palpable. I really want to see it again, better yet, own it!

I'm not sure why this movie has been so impossible to find. I have been looking for years.

My mother and I saw the movie (like most) one time somewhere around 1977 and was very moved by the performance. I keep looking for a copy to give to my mom (and one for me) as she and I both absolutely fell in love with it.

It is a very unforgettable adaptation of the story. Please find a way to get this movie released on DVD. I promise I'll buy at least two copies.

:o)

The classic actor/actress George C.Scott and Trish Van Devere make this movie come alive. I've searched the TV Guide for years trying to tape it from the television but no luck. This movie is a MUST HAVE on DVD or VHS...But when?!

I, too, saw this over 25 years ago and have never forgotten it. It was one of the most splendidly beautiful productions of the story I have ever seen. The chemistry between George C. Scott and Trish Van de Vere was magnificent.

I also remember that Ms. Van de Vere played Beauty as a strong-willed woman, not a simperer as the character has been portrayed. Although I loved the Disney version, as well as the TV series, this production was the best of the traditional ones. I seem to recall being told at one time that Mr. Scott bought the rights to the production. If that is so, then, Mr. Scott, please allow its release to DVD. I see that I am not the only one who wants a copy.

It's actually rather hard to review this made for TV movie for a variety of reasons. First, it has not been re-shown for decades and so it's hard to remember it with full clarity. Plus, I saw this movie before I saw either the Jean Cocteau or Disney versions. It makes sense with the Disney version, as it came out long after most people's memory of the George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere version had dimmed. I remembered the film as extraordinarily well-acted and beautiful throughout--so much so, that I developed a real deep love for the story. Now with so many intervening years, I don't really know which version I like best--if they would only put this one on video I could find this out once and for all!

UPDATE: I finally DID find the film on YouTube. While the print isn't great, it is the movie in its entirety. Unfortunately, the soundtrack is out of sync slightly--and you will notice it. But, it's the only available version I know of at this time.

Fortunately, it turns out that this Hallmark version is much different than the other two more famous films. The French film by Jean Cocteau is much more artsy and poetic. The Disney version is the best cartoon ever made. This Hallmark one is lovely because it is so romantic-- with a much stronger emphasis on the relationship between Belle and Beast. It also has an interesting contrast because her family, for the most part, ends up being scum! All in all, a terrific made for TV film...about as good as I remembered!

Just like so many of the other commentators, I am going from my recollection as a kid. But there was definitely something special about this version as I've checked on and off for the last 28-odd years to see if I could get it in _any_ form so I could see it again.

As a student I found that when I had a question in class, at least 30% of the rest of the class had the same question. My guess is that at least 30% of the potential purchase audience would enjoy this as much as I did and would pony up to buy or rent this film if it were released on DVD. Come on, there's some $$$ to make here. Release the film already!

This movie was that good that I have waited for it to appear on TV. again for 28 years now. Where is it? Why don't they put it on again? I am generally a harsh critic. You have to see this movie if you get a chance. I saw it when I was 14 and now I really want my kids to see it. The acting was flawless and the story timeless. It really will peak your imagination. Much better than the Disney movie which I also enjoyed ! George C. Scott did as good of a job in this movie as anything he has done on the big screen and I totally loved him in "Patton". Can someone please release this movie on DVD, as another user is hoping also. The scenery was great in this movie as well from what I can remember. It was just that the whole package was very well put together and meant for adults and children.

The love (or otherwise) of any piece of artistic work is obviously extremely subjective. We had just married at the time this film was released and so were very "loved-up". Nevertheless we were completely enchanted by the heart-rending tale of tormented romance. Of course the story is well-known to everyone, most children read or are read the book when no more than toddlers. There is no deep meaning or twists of plot to keep the viewer guessing, on the contrary - there is nothing added or taken away from the original storyline. It is therefore, a triumph, that such a simple yarn can be presented, such that real nostlagia, romance, magic, love, despair and joy are evident throughout.

George C. Scott is simply perfect in the role of the beast. It would have been such a temptation to "ham-it-up" and to make the beast even beastlier, but he gets the balance just right. The viewer is suitably revolted by him at first, but of course is soon won over by his presence and charm. Shrek is the contemporary equivalent - but Scott has no computer enhancement to get across his frustrated torment - just damn good old-fashioned acting.

I wish I could make more informed comments here about the film but it is so long since we saw it that I am struggling to remember more detail. It must have been good though - we still talk about it and are always on the look-out for it in programme listings.

I was so impressed with this production of Beauty and the Beast that I have thought of it many times over the years. How can it be that this little film left such an impression? I would absolutely jump at the opportunity to purchase a copy. George C. Scott became an instant favorite actor of mine as a result. He was the perfect beast and while Trish Van Devere was excellent and she made a fine Beauty, it was Scott's performance that stayed with me. I wonder if the people who own the rights to this film ever check the IMDb comments. If they did they would surely see that this feature would be much in demand among those of us who enjoy older films.

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale. When this version was first shown on Hallmark Hall of Fame, I thought it was the perfect version and have longed to see it again. I have tried to buy it from Hallmark, but, for some reason this is the one title not available.

I wonder if Disney has bought the rights to it in order to squelch the competition. I can't imagine that one movie would hurt them that much but I can't figure out another reason for it not to be available. I love the Disney version but it is a different story all together.

I would just love to see this version available for adults with a romantic side to watch.

I saw this movie as a child and have always thought about how much I loved it!! It is a movie that everyone should see and I would love to have the opportunity to share it with my loved ones. George C. Scott did an amazing job in this role as the beast! I am really surprised that it hasn't been printed for sale before now. I also am shocked that it has never been on television since then. For a movie that was nominated for three Emmy awards, it is a real injustice that it hasn't been shared with more people and that all the comments that I have read, all reveal that it has been missed, remembered and thoroughly enjoyed. All of us and those younger should be able to share such an inspiring movie.

The first comment made that many people would like to purchase this movie is very true. My mother-in-law has been looking to purchase this movie for quite some time now. I thought I may be able to purchase it on ebay or something but have yet to find the one she wants with George C. Scott. If it can be worked out for this to be purchased I would be on of the first to give it as a gift to my mother-in-law. She would love to see it in black and white but color I'm sure will not matter. I have not seen this movie so I am not going to rate it but I'm sure if she saw it and has been looking for a while for it, than it means something.

When I was young, this movie gave me a great feelings that I have had with me my whole life. I feel that all persons should be able to experience the same life long feelings that this movie gave me. The acting and powerful good examples of love should be shared with all. Please make this movie available for purchase or to be seen again on TV. Please let me know if it is. I have been looking for this since I was young. Just to see it on this web let me know it was not just in my mind, I really did see it. I loved this movie, please let it be seen again. Please let me know if there is anyway I can see it again. I now have grandchildren who should be able to see this movie. I would love to share this with them. George C Scott was incredible in this role and he should be seen by all in this grand acting roll.

I've wanted to see this movie again for a very long time.

I got a DVD of it recently from Sunshine Vintage Movies.

It's at least as good as I remember!! Having read recent reviews of the new version, I was really pleased with this old version. It's great!!! George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere are wonderful.

Thanks for all these reviews reminding how much I like this movie!!!

In the 70's my mom would record these Halmark hall of fame shows and we ran across this box of recordings on VHS. There it is. It's a beautiful version of the story and the acting is great. I'm going to need to convert it to DVD and make a thousand copies. The quality is "ok". It's funny the VHS kept recording after the show and the there are commercials and the news from the late 70's on the tape. It's like this little time capsule on VHS. Who knew this would never get released and mom would keep a box of VHS tapes all these years. You can tell some of the actors are kind of B quality but even they do a decent enough job. The end is great when her sisters steal her magic ring and you don't know how she will get back to castle. The confrontation at the end is perfect. They nail it.

George should have gotten the award, the big one had it not been made for television. I was enchanted, still am, and would like to own the movie, I haven't seen it play again, I'm waiting in can't wait anticipation. There was something about The beauty that made the beast more human than humans. This love story was not just for kids.

This movie has haunted me all these years. I remember watching it as a teenager, all alone in our living room and wishing I could share it with someone else. It was so magnificent that I talked to several people about it over the next few months and everyone that had seen it loved it as much as I did. Would pay lots to be able to see it again. More than anything, I wish I could share it with my mother who has searched for it all these years with me. It should have been a classic that would be shared for generations to come, like Gone with the Wind.