The Betsy (Keep Case)
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Movie Reviews of The Betsy (Keep Case)
Movie Review: The Betsy is an Edsel...but like a car accident, its compelling to watch....
Summary: 2 Stars
Despite the lavish costumes and fantastic sets used in this film and the all-star cast, Olivier, Jones, Duvall. Ross, Alexander, and Herman, the film will appeal to fans of shows like "Dynasty," "Knots Landing," and "The Colbys" all popular dramas from the 80's. The characters are rather interesting, yet it is a shame they are not given enough screen time to develop or be fully appreciated by the audience--Duvall's character in particular. In some cases they blend too easily into the background and are hardly noticed like the many props and set decorations used in this film.
Tommy Lee Jones, although an actor with tremendous range, is terribly miscast as Angelo Perino, the race car driver who wrests control over Olivier's auto empire via manipulation and outright seduction. With his Southern accent, and his gangly manner, he hardly seems the type the would sweep his sophisticated female castmates off their feet. And as a romantic lead he fails miserably. A writer of limited appeal today, Harold Robbins' novel deserves better, but this film dilutes too much of the novel's appeal--primarily the characters--but instead focuses on sex or the boundless sexual exploits of its principal chracters, and in many instances a mere excuse for a scene change, or a blackfash.
Seeing Olivier, an actor I have always respected, in a scene feverishly boinking a maid in his employ at his son's wedding reception and then seducing his own daughter in law (Katherine Ross), is a bit much. Despite a timely storyline, with Olivier, following Henry Ford's model, to design a fuel-efficient car (hybrids, anyone?) for the general population that gets at least 60 miles to the gallon and well-within the average American's budget, this entertaining and interesting plotline is pushed aside for a storyline that merely moves from boardroom to bedroom and back again.
Kathleen Beller, few remember today and of severely limited range would later appear on televison's "Dynasty," makes an auspicious debut into feature films in "The Betsy" in a scene with full-frontal nudity--not exactly what I expected for a feature film circa 1978. Sure, Harold Robbins might write what we consider "trash," but even his novels deserved better treatment than given in this film. At least, the musical score, by John Barry (James Bond), manages to raise this film from the usual drivel.
Movie Review: Wooden, Contrived, and Seriously Hokey
Summary: 1 Stars
There aren't enough lousy adjectives to describe this dated piece of coal - and like coal - this should be tossed into a fire for warmth, thereby receiving something worthwhile in return for wasting your time.
This is a classic example of why writers like Jackie Collins and Harold Robbins are not renown for their great literary contributions - this being a prime example.
I can think of two good things to say about this ridiculous 'extravaganza'.
First - you can witness how the passage of time can sometimes be used to better one's self. This early Tommy Lee Jones flick proves you can get better - much much better - as you practice and hone your craft. Yikes - he was HORRIBLE back then. You would've never, absolutely never guessed he'd win an Oscar one day.
Second - the surprising amount of adult content for a mainstream film. Full frontal nudity and the suggestion of fellatio was very, very rare in 1978 for a non-exploitation movie.
Otherwise, this should be shown to film students as a showcase of bad acting, terrible scripting, pedestrian costume design and wholly unbelievable storytelling. And let's not even discuss Sir Laurence Olivier's accent.
I am curious how the producers got Robert Duvall hooked into this piece of trash? Money? Lose a bet? It makes one wonder.
Movie Review: The Betsy
Summary: 1 Stars
This is the third review I am completing regarding a DVD which was ordered and then sent to an old out of use Postal address. I have not received this DVD although I have most certainly been charged for it. The endless and faceless people I have dealt with trying to rectify this matter has become so frustrating that I have simply had to put this debacle down to experience. Certainly the tyranny of distance has not served me well and I am sure Amazon are not too concerned about one little customer in far off Tasmania.Movie Review: I Paid For It, Never Recieved It!
Summary: 1 Stars
I ordered the movie in DVD. But...I never reiceved it!!!
Enough said!!! They probably sent it to my Landlady.
I never got it!
Can I finally get one sent to the right address? Is it going to ake 3 months to do this?