Richard Allen – Google

Definitely one of my top 10 classic novels. I can reread this book countless times and still thrill to the plot twists and cry at the unselfish goodness in Pips heart towards every he meets. The gothic elements with Miss Havisham in her crumbling mansion where all the clocks have stopped at the moment of her wedding that never materialized and decay and waste abound and the romance between Estella and Pip which is so unusual give this novel something Dickens had never played with prior. This novel definitely is a set above his other works in complex human relationships and undying love. Pips good deeds and the Kharma that comes his way is reassuring and a good lesson to all. He wants only to do good, to be a gentleman and be loved. His innate goodness as a little boy carries him toward adult hood and he is rewarded by his many kindnesses. The contrast between the icy haughty Estella and young Pip and her cruelty towards him is heart breaking. Still he can't help but falling in love with her. She was raised to break many hearts as revenge for Miss Havisham's betrayal and Pip gets in her way. Eventually she awakes from the ghosts that bind her and finds happiness in Pips love when he saves her from becoming a recluse like Miss Havisham and the curse is broken in a glorious conclusion.

This western is a stand alone classic. Nothing compares to it. At times it is so over the top and melodramatic but it all works as Joan and Mercedes vie to be the biggest star in the film. The drama never lapses and it is in my opinion as operatic in gesture and plot as you can find. Whenever Joan is on screen which is most of the time it's hard to the your eyes off her. I think she's wonderful. The color is fantastic also.

Marvelous adaptation of the worlds greatest novel. I’ve read W&P first time in 10 th grade, then again in college and 2 more times thru the years. It’s impossible to capsulize the epic majesty of the book into film so we judge it differently. The star quality of the casting is excellent. Hepburn is totally convincing as Natasha and her acting is sublime. You simply can’t take your eyes off her. Mel Ferrar plays Andrei stoically but with a certain element of inward reflection wanting to break free and shout to the world his love of life but is confined by his upbringing and tyrannical father. Until he meets Natasha his life is not complete. His death scene in my opinion is one of the best honestly played death scenes I’ve ever witnessed on the screen. I couldn’t stop my tears from flowing in his final moments knowing he is going to die and all the wasted time on meaningless war and pettiness is for nothing. Fonda on the other hand is the odd man out . I love Fonda for his acting ability and able to portray truth on the screen but I felt he just never really liked playing Pierre. His best moments come towards the last half of the film. I felt he was miscast. Do yourself a favor though and watch this movie and you will see magnificent sets and costumes and battle scenes that will leave you breathless. Herbert Lom as Bonaparte is wonderful also.