Reviews

What a wonderfully humane story, of a great man who needs to be better known for his innovations. I'm now on the lookout for a more in depth study of his work. I'm sure for one so pivotal in the treatment in those labeled as 'mad' or 'insane', that one must exist. Perhaps those who have seen this and were interested enough to investigate further, can recommend a good one

I've just seen this as one of the extras on the 2010 Australian (Region 4) DVD release of the 1945 classic "The Picture Of Dorian Gray". So if you're looking to find a permanent copy on DVD, in an excellent transfer, that's where you'll locate it. Hope that helps those who enjoyed this fabulous story

First of all I was quite intrigued to see that at least 2 of the 3 comments submitted so far (the other a nom-de-plume) were from men. Good to see that such a wonderful film as this is being seen by an audience that might not have been the target one, as this would be considered a woman's picture in old Hollywood.

Unashamedly a tearjerker, anybody that is a loving parent or has any affinity with children will be well advised to have the tissues handy. Men not quite as in touch with their emotions in public might actually wish to watch this alone. From about 10 minutes in when I saw all the unwanted babies in the hospital I could not control my tears flowing relentlessly, whether they were tears of sadness or of joy (yes there are some wonderful joyful moments but I won't say when and spoil it)

Undoubtedly a great showcase for actors, the four leads are about as perfect as one could want. Like another reviewer, I was amazed at the performances of Parker and Noseworthy, mainly because Spacek and to an only slightly lesser degree Plowright, are renowned for their work and have the accolades and awards to show for it. But the formerly lightweight teen actress and the unknown youngster more than hold their own against the formidable twosome.

The writing and performances masterfully achieve it's desired aim, to entertain (if that's the word) and inform without unneccessary grandstanding. Yes the son does seem a little too good to be true, but there are such species still left in this world, and anyway his character is not perfect and still has his teeneage insecurities and traumas.

All in all, not to be missed and reaffirmation of the human spirit

O.K. This is not a great movie. The acting is so-so and the script is virtually non-existent. But if you want to see great acting why watch an Olivia Newton-John film. Go and watch Bette Davis or Meryl Streep. It is good to see Gene Kelly dancing again, and of course he's not as athletic as he once was but he is also 30-40 years older than he was in his heydey. And when did he ever win awards for his thesping, anyway ? Xanadu is simply innocuous fluff, like so many of the so-called "classic" Hollywood musicals of the '40's & '50's. Like them it is the music that counts, and among them are 2 #1 classics of yesteryear, Olivia's "It's Magic" & the title song performed with E.L.O.,plus a couple of other smaller hits E.L.O.'s "I'm Alive" & O.N.J. & Cliff Richard's "Suddenly". I have always enjoyed the 1940's meets 1980's musical pastiche "Dancin'", between Olivia & The Tubes & the finale is excellent, with Livvy performing a medley of diverse tunes in an eye catching array of costumes. In fact it's worth admission alone for lovely Livvy in micro-mini & knee high boots, strutting the stage & shaking her booty at the camera. Who ever said this girl wasn't sexy ??.

First of all to state the obvious, it must be said that the criminally underrated Eleanor Parker is not the great Bette Davis, who shot to fame with her stunning interpretation in the 1934 original. But then again WHO IS ? Parker should have received the same accolades for her own stunning performance, but the powers that be decided instead to withdraw this version from circulation for many, many years, and she would have to wait another couple of years to enjoy even a modicum of the same recognition. A box office flop on release, this film was one that I had always wanted to see just to make up my own mind. As Davis is my favourite actress, I was ready to agree with all the misguided so-called critics over the years. That is not to say that I wasn't aware of how good Parker could be: witness her outstanding performances in DETECTIVE STORY (1951); INTERRUPTED MELODY (1955) (as polio stricken opera star Marjorie Lawrence) and best of all, her mesmerising tour de force in CAGED (1950). All of these were Oscar nominated as well, so she wasn't without her admirers. With it's appalling reputation preceding it however, to my absolute astonishment, this version of W. Somerset Maugham's story is excellent in it's own right, and Parker's immersion into the role is the reason. Why has this woman never received her due credit. Why has she disappeared from the screen ? While Davis, Hepburn, Stanwyck, and mid period Crawford thoroughly deserve their legendary status, the likes of Parker and another forgotten great Susan Hayward, wait to be rediscovered. WATCH THIS AND SEE WHY.

ALL ABOUT EVE won 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and was nominated for a record 14. A total that has been equalled once but never surpassed. AND THE GREAT BETTE DIDN'T WIN!! DAYLIGHT ROBBERY!! True, she had formidable competition this year, particularly from Gloria Swanson in her comeback "SUNSET BOULEVARDE" and taking nothing from the thoroughly deserved Best Actress winner Judy Holliday for the comedy classic BORN YESTERDAY, nor from EVE herself, Anne Baxter. But Bette is utterly mesmerizing, and with a gallery of exceptional performances around her, in the end it's hers we all remember. With a plethora of outstanding films and performances prior to this and luckily for her fans, with many more to come, Margo Canning remains her best ever delineation. Perhaps Baxter, in the title role that gives full range to her own talents, from sweet to spitefullly manipulative, took votes from Bette. But that's no excuse for this outlandish oversight on the Academy's behalf. The deliciously malevolent dialogue is spat out with glee by both leading ladies as well as by George Sanders (an utterly deserving Oscar winner) & the ever delightful Thelma Ritter. Marilyn Monroe, in a small role, made sure she was noticed too among the fireworks. And let's not forget the stellar work of Celeste Holm & Gary Merill. Not to be missed, and repeatedly to be enjoyed, ALL ABOUT EVE is unquestionably the best ever film about the behind the scenes machinations of the acting world. In fact, IT IS THE BEST EVER FILM.