jdeitz Reviews

Great Performances: Broadway's Lost Treasures (2003) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

Great little time capsules from the Tony Awards

[10/10 · 21 October 2006]

I'm sure the other reviewer did not realize that these performance capsules were done as musical numbers during the Antoinette Perry Awards in the USA(The Tony Awards). Many of these were originally on ABC for the 25th Anniversary of the Tony Awards in 1971. I was in the audience, and it was a very special night. They gathered as many of the Best Musical winners from the beginning thru 1970, with the original casts, or at least the principle stars. So these are celebrations of the Silver Anniversary of the Tonys, not done just for television's sake to capture a performance. The staging might seem shoddy, but these were done during an awards show, and that explains the limited staging and props. Since many are from the 1971 show, they only had a glittering curtain and slide out platform sets...would like to know if Robert Morse is going to be in a future one, as I remember he almost went flying when his meager set slid out, only to save himself when he hooked his arm through the phony, mirror-less mirror to sing "I Believe in You" from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

So don't think of think of these performances as strictly for archives...all were moments of Tony Award history, and thank God for that. Some of these are the only glimpse we have of what it was like to see the original stars perform their original Broadway performances. I never thought I'd see them again...since I was there in 1971, and it was before VCR's, it's delightful to see how it looked on the TV screen, compared to being there in person. In person was indeed a little more special, but this comes close!

S.O.B. (1981)

Better in '81

[5/10 · 24 August 2001]

As much as it pains me, as my favorite actor is William Holden, and it's his last role, this movie has aged badly. Bill is the only one in this film who doesn't overact. Over-blown and dated, it's a pale shadow to other Hollywood satires. It's not terrible, just not that good.

Network (1976)

The Best movie about TV ever made

[10/10 · 24 August 2001]

This movie is one of the few that actually gets better with time. When I first saw it in '76, I thought it was stupendous, but didn't think this stuff would come true. Now that it has, I suggest that it be required viewing for all film and television students. Finch is great in his role, as is Faye Dunaway, but Holden is the stellar standout in his role as Max Schumacher. He deserved the Oscar. Check out this film if you love great film-making.

21 Hours at Munich (1976 TV Movie)

Tragedy at the 72 Olympics

[6/10 · 24 August 2001]

Very well done film about the murders of the Israeli Olympic team members by terrorists. Gripping, heartbreaking, and a good job done by Bill Holden as the police inspector. Everyone involved does a stellar job. A great time capsule of the terrible 70's. See it!

The Blue Knight (1973 TV Movie)

TV's first mini-series

[10/10 · 24 August 2001]

Truly one of the best mini-series ever, with a monumental, Emmy-winning performance by William Holden. I sure wish I knew who to bug about getting this out on DVD, because if you weren't around in 1973, you missed a wonderful, gripping series. Holden is fantastic. Please, please put this on DVD!!!

Paris When It Sizzles (1964)

Paris-While it lays an egg.

[3/10 · 24 August 2001]

Big, big, huge fan of William Holden, and also Audrey Hepburn. While the movie has it's moments, this is just one, long, incredible mess. Well-known that they had to film senseless scenes with guest stars, like Tony Curtis, to cover for Holden while he went off the deep-end, bottle-wise. Audrey is lovely as ever, but I'm sure she wondered why she signed onto this. Holden does his best, (Holden as Dracula???!!!)but it shows that he had problems during the production, mainly, having to work with Hepburn again after their affair during Sabrina. If you're a rabid fan of Holden, like I am, you must check it out, anyhow. He made a few that were worse, but he has so many that are better.

Toward the Unknown (1956)

Realistic portrayal of supersonic flight

[6/10 · 24 August 2001]

This is one good film, with great performances by William Holden and Lloyd Nolan. Also James Garner's film debut. It seems to have disappeared here in the US, although I understand it's shown occasionally in Britain. Filmed at a real airbase, it looks authentic enough that you can almost smell the jet fuel. Great history lesson on the beginning of rocket flight. The only knock is Virginia Leith, who must be one of the most untalented actresses in Hollywood history. Even scene she's in brings the film down. But Holden is, as always, great.