Better Late Then Never

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

I rented this film because I love Tom Conti, and when he's on screen, I enjoyed it. Otherwise, it's formulaic and stagy: the characters are two-dimensional, the plot development obvious in the extreme. Anyone who's surprised by anything here must never have seen another movie or read a novel. I was particularly offended that we're told in advance of his entrance "not to be put off by the physical appearance" of character James Percy. So who walks in but Thomas Gibson, looking like a dark-haired Adonis. This is Hollywood TV at it's shallowest. Another reviewer said the movie is far better than the book. It must be truly ghastly.

I enjoyed this presentation of Louisa May Alcott's "The Inheritance". The story is broad and interesting, with great propulsion and a particularly satisfying ending. The characters initially appear to be broad as well, but the additions of class and gender consciousness flesh things out in such a way as one might expect from authors such as Jane Austin or Charlotte Bronte.The story is beautifully photographed with excellent ensemble acting performed by numerous old pros, such as Tom Conti, Meredith Baxter, Max Gail, and others. Look fast for an amusing cameo by Paul Bartel as a doctor - it made me wish that Mary Woronov would have been cast as Ida.I'd wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone. 7 out of 10.

I saw this first in 1997 on the Kraft something-something (CBS). The very first part looked so refreshing that I threw in a tape and have absolutely been gone on it ever since. I had read about the newly discovered manuscript and book publication at an earlier time. I bought several copies of the book and gave them out as gifts to friends and relatives. Everyone who has watched it with me has loved it. My brother, in from Knoxville once, and after watching the usual popular movies at that time, was, up to that point fairly unimpressed. I decided to put it in. He watched and even though he had not even commented on any of the others, he looked at me after the end credits then lights on, and said, "That was a good one." You have to know my understated Economics Professor-of-a brother to know how funny that comment was and how it pleased me. The filmed presentation and its screenplay are more flowing, integrated and related to a self-contained start-to-finish story than is the actual book. The scene where Edith is with her ailing uncle, her innocence, her lack of guile or ability to deceive, contrive or lie, is unbelievably attractive in character and essence. Edith is so transparently good and kind and always helping others without taking credit this story is about the rewards of that goodness and that sweetness. There are hints from the beginning that are noticed after the fact, about where the relationships lie and why certain people do what they do and act the way they do. How could the entire story be so simple and yet enchanting enough to cause me to think of it all the time. When Edith first meets Percy by the horse, spilling her apples and yet touching his scratched face with her handkerchief I loved the way the directors let us know the magic was on. When Percy comes in the house for the first time and meets her Edith cannot hide her bright-eyed, innocent crush and that she has met him already. Her facial expressions are uniquely well done as she hides behind the curtain. You can see that she is jealous already, even though she knows he is not there for her nor could there be a crossing of social barriers, yet he was hers, she thought. How many movies are there where one kiss, just one kiss is so dramatic? With all the thrills, spills and chills in modern movies, needed to even keep an audience awake, is this not a gem for those of us who are just plain in love with love?

The reason I voted a 9 out of ten is that there is one scene where younger children would probably not be allowed to watch. Shouldn't be allowed that is because a man is trying to persecute Edith but of course the dashing young lover rescues her from the evil villain. Like all happily ever after movies go. But this one is a must see. I mean there are a lot of good fairy tell-ish movies out there but seriously this is one of the best. I have only seen this once and I still rave about how good it was. I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD and finally I got my wish! yea! I am definitely going to get this one to add to my romantic series! Believe me if you liked Little Women and Little Men then you will love this even more!!! <>< Great Movie, Very exciting, Tear Jerker,and of course Romance! Got to love it.