Sometimes a Great Notion

Product Description:

Paul Newman, an American original, would seem to be the perfect choice to direct a film adaptation of the second novel by another American original--Ken Kesey. But Kesey's novel, written under the influence of both LSD and growing fame, was a mishmash, and Newman's film can't rescue it. It also seems strange to see the ultraliberal Newman starring as a strike-busting logger who honors a contract on principle, rather than observe union concerns, bringing all sorts of misery down on his family. Henry Fonda is interesting as Newman's father, but the film never finds its footing. One killer sequence, however: Richard Jaeckel, as Newman's brother, trapped under a log in a river, slowly drowning despite Newman's best efforts to save him. --Marshall Fine
Product Details
  • AudienceRating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Binding: VHS Tape
  • EAN: 9781558800854
  • ISBN: 630018188X
  • Label: Universal Studios
  • Manufacturer: Universal Studios
  • NumberOfItems: 1
  • OriginalReleaseDate: 1971-01-01
  • ProductGroup: Video
  • ProductTypeName: ABIS_VIDEO
  • Publisher: Universal Studios
  • ReleaseDate: 1998-01-01
  • Studio: Universal Studios
  • TheatricalReleaseDate: 1971
  • UPC: 096895508134
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Customer Reviews

Never give an inch2008-09-28
i paid $26 plus S&H for a VHS tape that does not play well, the video fades in and out, goes completely white at times, and is of poor quality. In it's present form it is not even worth trying to watch it again. I was greatly disappointed in watching it...
Great Cast of Characters (but read the book instead)2008-09-20
It took me weeks to read all 628 pages of this book, all the time looking forward to seeing the film. On one hand, the cast was wonderful - especially Henry Fonda and Paul Newman, as father and son. The movie went a long way in capturing the feel of the fictional town of Wakonda, including the river and many of the secondary characters found within the book.

However, it would be practically impossible for any group of filmmakers and actors to translate the magic found within the pages of this novel onto the silver screen. While I salute and commend the people behind this film, there was no reasonable way to include all the richness of the novel in a Hollywood film. Certain key elements of the book were left out of the movie (Lee and Viv's romance being an important section left on the cutting-room floor). All in all, a noble effort but flawed and lacking compared to the book.
Release it on DVD2008-08-16
Excellent movie. Great message. Newman on the tug's roof at the end sipping a beer is priceless. Excellent message: Honor your word no matter the price. Strange that Newman, an arch liberal, would be in a movie that paints unions in a very bad light. Release it on DVD and I'll purchase.
Never Give an Inch2008-08-11
Another movie hard to find was once billed with two different names.The title here and also "Never Give an Inch" With Paul Newman's first directorial debut it hits on all cylinders. With Henry Fonda as the patriarch, this film purveys strength in carrying on with true work ethic beliefs. The wayward son returning home and digging in to share the family values shows faith and belief that a lot of famlies today should adhere. It's always a great notion to never give an inch.

R Garceau
DVD PLEASE!!!2008-06-20
This is a fantastic movie, who do we have to petition to get it on DVD???
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