Harpy (1971 TV Movie) User Reviews

There are two HARPIES in this engaging telefilm

[garrard · 9/10 · 7 May 2006]

In this TV-movie from '71, Elizabeth Ashley plays the shrewish ex-wife of architect and bird fancier Hugh O'Brian. Ashley "swoops" back into O'Brian's life with intentions of rekindling the flame, doing whatever is necessary to get back with him. Since their divorce, O'Brian's character has started romancing his secretary (Marlyn Mason as the less-than-glamorous "Allison") and has also maintained his mentoring of a Native American teen, well-played by Tom Nardini.

Ashley's obsession with O'Brian leads her to drive a wedge between him and his secretary; she also accuses the young boy as having made sexual overtures to her, thus creating tension between man and boy.

In a fit of rage, she also kills most of O'Brian's prized birds, save one, a magnificently trained harpy eagle. Thus, this action on her part sets the stage for the finale, a most appropriate one.

Fantastic.

[CybaGirl · 10/10 · 26 October 2008]

I remember watching this movie on TV when I was a kid. It was the first time I had ever seen or heard of a Harpy Eagle and the bird was absolutely beautiful! Have to remember I was a kid back then so information had to be required from adults and the local library, as there was no such thing as computers and the internet back then.

Then after watching the movie I took the time to research this bird at the local library and from there my next art project became a drawing of this magnificent bird in which many people wanted it after woods. But I declined and kept it for many years later.

Anyway if you get the chance to see this wonderful movie don't pass it up! I only wish I could get the chance to see it again someday.