Reviews

As already described, the music on this CD is hillarious and the spoken sections usually less so. This CD includes selections from many collections, but no complete collections - for example, the Dramatic Oratorio does not include the complete Oratorio, but rather a few sections. Other tracks are single movements from larger works, such as the second movement from the Grand Serenade. I would suggest buying this CD if you do not already own any of PDQ Bach's CDs, but otherwise to buy the CDs containing complete works.

There's a lot to like here. OK, less than half of this cd is worth listening to. PDQ Bach, aka Prof. Peter Schickele, is an acquired taste for some. "Low brow" humor connected to "high brow" music in some cases makes for good fun. Pete's musical abilities are apparent all over the score(s) but the introductions, commentary, and non-musical moments now seem more sophomoric than when I saw him in concert years ago. The best and funniest and most joyful moments on this recording come from the 1712 overture and The Short Tempered Clavier, S3.14159, easy as 1. C major. All the rest is only modestly funny for all the creativity in evidence. For me, on a recording like this, I'd rather they left off the goofy introductions, except as absolutely necessary (for the sake of the music) and then let this mad musical mayhem speak for itself. All that said, you know I will be adding more PDQ to my collection. It is hard to resist and laughter--even in small sporadic doses--is good for the soul.

This CD is fun and action packed as much as you could hope for in a CD. He uses quotes from many famous folk and classical songs and implements them into his own compositions with a bit of a twist. For example, in Classical rap, where he raps about being the best rapper in the world with terrific brass interludes between the verses. The orchestra plays a clip from Vivaldi's "Spring" and then he twists it into a record "wicky-wicky" to the same tune. He introduces every peice before it is played in a hilarious manner in which he talks about the peice and something else that was going on in the composers mind as he wrote the peice. Starting at the begining-This is Professor Pete- Peter Schickele introduces himself as well as P.D.Q.1712 Overture- A takeoff of the 1812 overture of course, with snatches of some famous folktunes thrown in here and there.Oedipus Tex- A parady of the Greek Myth Oedipus Rex where he murders his father who is the King. Oedipus Tex lives a life like his brother but in Texas style.The next tracks are more comedy than exactly music like the WTWP station giving options over the phone about how you would like to hear a certain peice of music. Cooking French... is a woman cooking a French gourmet meal but flubbing up the entire time.What I have already said pretty much sums it up. The rest of the tracks are equally hilarious and as witty as all the others. If you buy this CD you will not regret it no matter what type of music you listen to.

Reviews

I lke this John Wayne movie. It is not a western.He is a boat captain in this one.

This was one of my mom's favorite movies. She too had left Communist China after the 1949 revolution. One of our customers at our laundry was an extra in the movie. I've always been a big John Wayne fan but this was not one of his best performances. It looked like he was walking through the role. Lauren Bacall could have also given a better performance. Seeing Blood Alley forty years later from the viewpoint of an adult was a little disappointing.

I saw this movie many years ago and thought it was great, however, I was rather young at the time. I recently bought the DVD and was apprehensive about it not living up to my memory of it. It was actually better than I remembered it. I am also surprised at how many people seem to share my opinion. I thought this movie was far less well known and appreciated than it seems to be. However, I think some people miss why it is such a good movie. Yes, it is a John Wayne movie and the narration follows his character throughout, however, the real star of the movie is the Chinese village. The villagers are the ones who plan and execute the ingenious escape from Red China. Wayne is just a hired hand; hired to accomplish one of the necessary tasks; and not a very enthusiastic hand at that. The real story is about the patience, ingenuity, dedication, sacrifice, and determination of the village to accomplish their escape. Although the scenes featuring Wayne and Bacall appear as if they are the main thrust of the story, they are actually, for the most part, just interludes in the real story; which is of the progress of the villagers' plan. I think this is the key to why this movie holds up so well after many viewings and after 30 years. It would have been a fine movie even without the Hollywood stars. Adding Wayne and Bacall was just the iceing on the cake.

If you are a John Wayne fan this is the movie for you. Great action and alot of personality for everyone.

Well, I guess I'm out of step with most reviewers on this one. I'm a great fan of the Duke, but this is one of his worst films. I didn't buy the plot for a minute. The scenes between Lauren Bacall and Wayne show zero chemistry. Frankly, much as I love Bacall's early films, she never quite made the transition from alluring ingenue to fully adult actress. This film is Exhibit A as to why her career never made it to the heights it might have. I don't think Wayne's conversations with the invisible "Baby" work either. They are annoying and don't add anything to the film. Finally, I have no political objection to using Caucasian actors to play Asian parts. In this case, though, using such familiar faces as Paul Fix to play the Chinese villagers is a major distraction and detracts from the realism of the film. So, unless you are determined to watch every film the Duke made, I would say not to waste your time with this one when there are so many better films to watch.

Reviews

this was a gift for my boy friends and we have watch it several times . we bith love older movies and glad to have found .

BEHIND THE SCENES & TRIVIA: This film features an impressive cast including Roddy McDowell, Suzanne Pleshete, Karl malden, and Richard Haydn. Many years earlier Haydn served as the voice of the caterpillar in the animated Disney feature, "Alice in Wonderland". The screenplay is by Lowell Hawley, based on a wonderful book by Sid Fleischman titled, "By the Great Horn Spoon". Read Fleischman's autobiography to learn about his own reaction to the Disney movie. Like all adaptations to screen, there are quite a few changes to say the least. Hawley also wrote screenplays for other Disney Studio projects including some Zorro episodes, In Search of the Castaways, The Swiss Family Robinson, and A Tiger Walks. The Sherman Brothers composing team wrote 3 songs for the feature including "The Girls of San Francisco" sung by Suzanne Pleshette and the chorus girls in the saloon number. Directed by James Neilson and co-produced by Bill Anderson. The film was shot at the Disney Studio backlot and soundstages, and berms Four & Five were used to recreate the gold miners camp. The studio had built berms that were planted thick with trees so it appeared you were in the woods even while sitting in Burbank. The berms included water ponds and fake streams. Studio veterans were brought in for many aspects of the project besides the producer, composers, director, actors, and screenwriter. The inventive title sequences were created by veteran Disney animator Ward Kimball. The background score music was by veteran studio composer George Bruns, and costumes by Chuck Keehne. The film was released to theaters on March 3, 1967. That year the Disney Studio also released The Gnome-Mobile, and The Happiest Millionaire. The film was later seen as a 3 episode show on NBC's Wonderful World of Disney on January 17, 24, and 31, 1971 along with a shorter film about Walt Disney's plans for a something called "Project Florida", which would later become Walt Disney World. The movie aired again witout Project Florida on November 27 and December 4, 1977. The DVD is widescreen enhanced and the image and sound are very clean. THE STORY: When the Flagg Family of Boston loses their loving husband and father, they also lose their provider and must learn how to obtain some income. Young master of the house decides to run away to the California Gold Rush to seek a fortune for his family, and the loyal family butler follows him to protect him. Along the way they meet every manner of scoundrel and must fend for themselves in a lawless land.

Based upon Sid Fleischman's juvenile novel By the Great Horn Spoon!, this lesser-known Disney live-action film stars the inimitable Roddy McDowall (who also appeared in several other Disney flicks, notably Walt Disney Presents That Darn Cat Featuring Hayley Mills) as Eric Griffin, the unflappable young butler to the Flagg family of Boston (his father occupied the office before him, and his grandfather, as he says, "prepared and served the meals for Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar!"). Griffin has literally grown up with Arabella (Suzanne Pleshette), the elder of the Flagg youngsters, though he's never dared aspire to her. Then, in the early days of the California Gold Rush, Arabella's grandfather and guardian dies bankrupt, and her 12-year-old brother Jack (Bryan Russell), inspired by the dime-novel adventures of "Bullwhip" Brannigan and his young companion Tom Wingate ("just the same age I am"), sets off to stow away on a California clipper and restore the family fortunes, falling in by the way with a Shakespearean actor, Quentin Bartlett (Richard Haydn), who is in flight from "the murderous hounds" seeking to steal his map to the Mother Lode. When Griffin, following Jack, boards the ship to take him off, Bartlett mistakenly conks him on the head, and both butler and boy end up working their passage around the Horn. What they don't suspect until the journey is almost complete is that Bartlett's pursuer--who turns out to be "Judge" Higgins (delightfully played by Karl Malden)--is also on board. He contrives to gain possession of the map, and Griffin and Jack make common cause with Bartlett to recover it. There's a lot of the true spirit of Gold Rush California in this movie--the culturally diverse population, the inflationary prices, the passionate interest in prizefighting, even the miry mud of San Francisco's streets. McDowall plays his part with a straight face and succeeds in making Griffin--christened "Bullwhip" by Jack after he knocks out the big brawler Mountain Ox (Mike Mazurki)--seem very believable. Plenty of plot twists keep the interest high, until Jack and Griffin return to Frisco with no gold and discover that Arabella has followed them--and, to Griffin's horror, is singing in a saloon owned by Sam Trimble (Harry Guardino), who's assiduously courting her on the side. Determined to obtain passage money back to Boston for both Flaggs (who don't want to go), Griffin allows himself to be signed up for a bare-knuckle brawl with the Ox, and here the comic side of the film really cuts loose as he trains, discovers and acknowledges his real feelings for Arabella (and she hers for him), and finally faces his nemesis in the ring. With a great cast and a lively feel, this is a fun movie for the whole family and may also cause younger viewers to seek out information about California's early days. It's been a favorite of mine for over 40 years.

This movie is very cute and endearing. For anyone that loves Disney history period films and loves silly slapstick comedy, this film is it. A good way to intro little kids to the goldrush history of California. May also be Roddy Mcdowell's only starring role. Review submitted by James Johnston

After finishing the book BY THE GREAT HORN SPOON with my 4th graders, I wanted to reward them at the end of the year with a video. I had heard there was a movie version of the book, and was thrilled to find this video. Yes, there are differences betweent the book and video, but nonetheless, my students thoroughly enjoyed "The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin" with tons of positive comments and much laughter. I am so pleased to have purchased this video as I was highly entertained myself. This is a must-have buy for any teacher who completes a unit on the California gold rush! The video was certainly a hit, but make sure you read BY THE GREAT HORN SPOON, as well! :)

Reviews

I'm quite surprised by the number of glowing reviews for this movie. It's at best an average Walt Disney family film full of bad acting, silly plot lines, and broad stereotypical characters. There's nothing compelling or interesting here, but I guess if you're 12 or younger it might be a good way to kill a couple of hours.

This movie is all about Peaches and Onions with a family curse thrown in. There are this kids in a Texas youth "camp' who are made to dig holes all day. Punishment just got a new low in a Disney movie here. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (Widescreen Edition) has this kind of kids tale and romantic feel to it. What I don't like is how they make it seem like treating these kids this way was a natural "Texas" thing. I'm afraid to think about widows and orphanes in a Texas like this.

Good movie, shea at the beginning of his career. Interesting plot line and worth the buy.

My whole family loves this movie. None of us knew what to expect when we first watched it except it starred Shia LaBeouf who we loved from the tv show Even Stevens. What a delightful surprise we got! The movie, based on the equally wonderful book by Louis Sachar, is an oddball tale about a bunch of oddball people. Stanley Yelnats comes from a long line of losers who blame their lackluster lives on a family curse. Adolescent Stanley, wrongly convicted of stealing a pair of sneakers, is sent to the ironically named Camp Green Lake, a work camp where juvenile delinquents are rehabilitated based on the dubious theory that a bad boy can be turned into a good boy by being forced to dig deep holes in the hot sun all day. Stanley meets Zero, an illiterate, homeless misfit, and the two of them embark on a strange adventure involving poisonous lizards, a bandit called Kissin Kate Barlow, a lipstick tube, and some antique canned peaches. Yes, I know how bizarre that sounds, but the movie seemlessly weaves these disparate threads together into a compelling, entertaining, funny, and moving story that shows nobody should be dismissed as a loser. Give this movie a chance to surprise you.

So many movies made from books end up being nothing more than mockeries of these books. Many book-to-movies I have seen were godawful, with no respect given to the book. This however, is NOT one of them. This movie is just as fun as the book. I love the opening scene where the bus is riding to the camp and at first you see a few holes, but then the holes multiply. One of the most freaking cool scenes I've ever seen. Shia LeBeouf and Sigourney Weaver, along with Job Voight deliver solid performances. This along with the story make for a great movie for kids and adults alike.

Reviews

My husband wanted this movie and I had a hard time trying to find it in town. Got it very fast and in great shape

Mixing smarts with hip and cultural "cool", this sci-fi action-comedy reached immediate cult status and is regarded by many as the main catalyst in Will Smith's acting career. Based on the comic book by Lowell Cunningham, Barry Sonnenfeld's fun spectacle is the epitome of a "blockbuster", casting big names, using big sets, incorporating first-rate special effects, and grossing nearly $600 million in worldwide box office sales (it earned over $250M domestically).

BLU-RAY VERSION IS WORTH BUYING. I DON'T NEED TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE MOVIE, OTHERS ALREADY HAVE. BUT, NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE TELL YOU IF IT IS WORTH UPGRADING FROM YOUR REGULAR DVD TO BLU-RAY. THIS ONE IS WORTH IT. COLORS ARE STUNNING AND SOUNDS GREAT.

Just over ten years ago I discovered what was to become one of my top ten favorite Sci-Fi movies of all time; Men In Black. Linda Florentino was hot in this, and I was amazed at how tough as nails Tommy Lee Jones could work so easily beside comedian Will Smith and both of them show how to get the job done when you're dealing with aliens from other planets. Tony Shalhoub (MONK) as Jack Jeebs is freeking hilarious and extremely well acted, Rip Torn is convincing as the agency top boss, and this may be the one and only time I will say David Cross did a great job in his role in this movie along with all of such a stellar cast throughout Men In Black. Frank the pug's, "If you don't like it you can kiss my hairy butt," is one of the most quoted lines from any movie for the last twenty-five years, and while I'm busy here telling you how much I like this movie, the sequel 'MIB II' is just as great. Get them both. If you like Sci-Fi at all, you'll love this movie.

A future Classic for the next generation - great for a wide age range.This was purchased as a birthday gift for an 11 yr old. Equally loved by the 19,22 and 50 yr old members of the family.

Reviews

I'm quite surprised by the number of glowing reviews for this movie. It's at best an average Walt Disney family film full of bad acting, silly plot lines, and broad stereotypical characters. There's nothing compelling or interesting here, but I guess if you're 12 or younger it might be a good way to kill a couple of hours.

This movie is all about Peaches and Onions with a family curse thrown in. There are this kids in a Texas youth "camp' who are made to dig holes all day. Punishment just got a new low in a Disney movie here. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (Widescreen Edition) has this kind of kids tale and romantic feel to it. What I don't like is how they make it seem like treating these kids this way was a natural "Texas" thing. I'm afraid to think about widows and orphanes in a Texas like this.

Good movie, shea at the beginning of his career. Interesting plot line and worth the buy.

My whole family loves this movie. None of us knew what to expect when we first watched it except it starred Shia LaBeouf who we loved from the tv show Even Stevens. What a delightful surprise we got! The movie, based on the equally wonderful book by Louis Sachar, is an oddball tale about a bunch of oddball people. Stanley Yelnats comes from a long line of losers who blame their lackluster lives on a family curse. Adolescent Stanley, wrongly convicted of stealing a pair of sneakers, is sent to the ironically named Camp Green Lake, a work camp where juvenile delinquents are rehabilitated based on the dubious theory that a bad boy can be turned into a good boy by being forced to dig deep holes in the hot sun all day. Stanley meets Zero, an illiterate, homeless misfit, and the two of them embark on a strange adventure involving poisonous lizards, a bandit called Kissin Kate Barlow, a lipstick tube, and some antique canned peaches. Yes, I know how bizarre that sounds, but the movie seemlessly weaves these disparate threads together into a compelling, entertaining, funny, and moving story that shows nobody should be dismissed as a loser. Give this movie a chance to surprise you.

So many movies made from books end up being nothing more than mockeries of these books. Many book-to-movies I have seen were godawful, with no respect given to the book. This however, is NOT one of them. This movie is just as fun as the book. I love the opening scene where the bus is riding to the camp and at first you see a few holes, but then the holes multiply. One of the most freaking cool scenes I've ever seen. Shia LeBeouf and Sigourney Weaver, along with Job Voight deliver solid performances. This along with the story make for a great movie for kids and adults alike.

Reviews

Better quality than most. smelled a little weird. But it was as good as I could have had hoped.

I own a bunch of these Majestic player t-shirts and have found that the new 2008 versions fit a lot better. As a bonus, you will find that some of them are actually "tagless" (I cannot remember if my Lowell version is or is not). This is a great feature. I ordered a Large (I am a 5'9" woman with a medium/heavy build) and it fit perfectly. In the earlier versions of the Majestic player t-shirts, I found the neck hole a little too small and restrictive. This one is perfect and is an overall nice fit. Lowell is a great player and person and I am proud to wear his number when I can. A great quality t-shirt for the Red Sox fan.

Reviews

If you want to read about Mike Lowell, defining moments in his life, what shaped him, his fight against cancer and beating the odds to become a World Series MVP then this book is for you. Living in Boston and following the Red Sox I knew I would learn new things about Lowell reading this book but didn't think I would learn as much or feel like I would know him so much better, as I do now. This is one of those books where you really don't have to be a fan of baseball to enjoy it, it is universally good story. I would recommend to this book for anyone to read.

There are few baseball players, or sports stars in general, who deserve our time as readers. Yes, occasional stories about the games themselves, told through the eyes of those men and women who played them, help keep memories of being a fan alive for decades. They become collectors' items and mementos of good times in our lives. But many have proven to be self-congratulatory for illegitimate purposes, leaving the reader with hollow feelings and changed perspectives on who they thought of as heroes. This book is the antithesis of the typical sports star memoir. Not much more needs to be said than Mike Lowell went from cancer to World Series Most Valuable Player. His story is one of inspiration, and a refreshing look at a very public and scrutinized persona. Red Sox fans get daily updates on Mike Lowell's life for about 200 days per year. My appreciation of him grew after reading this book, something I did not think possible after meeting him with a group of other baseball fans in 2006. Let's hope that in the future we see more Mike Lowells than not in the sports world. It's a lot to expect with all the temptations laid out before our generations of young athletic American millionaires not yet possessed of the wisdom of age, but Mike shows that it can happen. As a side note, the work of Rob Bradford is not to be downplayed. Although it's often difficult to discern where the autobiographer's work ends and the coauthor's work begins, there's no doubt he helped shape this book in important ways.

I bought this expecting it to be worth reading, and was not disappointed in the least. I admire the way Mike Lowell approaches life and baseball, and, now I feel I know the "person behind the jersey" a little better. I enjoyed it, and will definitely reread it.

In this book I found a man with character, integrity, honesty, modesty and strong faith and family values. A truly MVP in baseball and in the game of life. An inspirational book, a must read for the younger generation.

THIS BY FAR IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING. FOR ANY TRUE RED SOX FAN, THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ. EVERYTIME I WATCH MY RED SOX PLAY AND MIKE IS UP TO BAT AND HE HAS TWO STRIKES - I WANT TO SAY TO HIM - REMEMBER WIFFLE BALL MIKE, WIFFLE BALL. READ THE BOOK AND YOU'LL UNDERSTAND!