Bob Barker

Owd Bob [VHS]
$9.95
So, let's see, we've cast James Cromwell, yet again, as a taciturn sheep farmer, and there're Border Collies, and trials ... and there the similarity pretty much ends.

Instead, we get two families with several kinds of losses -- dogs, lifestyles, parents -- and a vaguely Hallmark-flavored story of teen (and adult) angst and redemption.

Really, I wanted a different story several times during the climax of the movie, and I'm not even really sure why I'm unhappy with it, except that I think I felt vaguely betrayed. A limp performance from Provencher (the American grandson) doesn't help things any, nor those of the paper tigers who constitute MacAdam's rival farmers.

It was only after I was 3/4 through the movie that I realized I was watching "Bob, Son of Battle" -- a book I read when I was probably 10 years old; if I'd remembered that, I might've been less disappointed.

So, having said what I think's bad about it, what can I say that's good? Beautiful dogs, beautiful country. A really superlative and not-overacted moment from Cromwell at a key point in the movie (I cried, anyway). A good solid performance from Meaney, in fact both the male adult leads are really solid. And actually, it might not be a bad thing that, unlike the Ollivant story, the good guy has the bad dog and the bad guy has the good dog (I hope that didn't spoil it too much).

So, it's an okay movie and I'm not sorry I rented it, but I won't be buying it to own.

Best of the Price is Right
$39.98
Being a game show fan. I bought this set at Best Buy soon after its release. I had read about what would be on the set, so I wasn't as disappointed as to why some of the models and decades were not included. I also know they weren't included, since I read and post regularly on a few web sites. For those not in the know, I'll share:

Very first show is not included - because the very first item up for bids (IUFB) was a FUR COAT. Bob Barker has since become an animal rights activist and wouldn't clear the show, even though BCI, the makers of this collection, agreed to add a disclaimer. I think I have to side with Bob on this - it would be nice to see the show for historical purposes, but it does make him look like a hypocrite.

Missing models and decades - Barker and his beauties have beefs with each other. He admitted to an affair he had with Dian Parkinson, who sued him for $8 million afterwards. Holly Holstrom sued him for unlawful termination when she was fired in 1995 for being overweight. She got money in a settlement that was reportedly in the millions. Janice and Kathleen were let go in 2000, mainly because they testified in Holly's lawsuit against Barker and sided with Holly. They supposedly were paid a severence package in agreement not to sue. The 80s and 90s shows featured all of the models mentioned. Apparently Barker doesn't want to models to get any more money. Janice is featured since she was on from the first show and Diane is on an hour-long show. No Holly or Kathleen in this set.

No Rod Roddy - Bob reportedly got mad at Rod when he (Rod) went to negotiate for himself and the models that their salary for the nighttime specials should be equal to if not more than the daytime show. Bob cut Rod's on-camera time from the show after that. The excuse given was they "no longer show announcers on camera." Rod is not featured at all in this collection.

Other than that, the collection shows how the present day TPIR evolved from a friendly, sometimes unpolished show to the slick and smooth show it is today, with Barker's last week included. The Bill Cullen shows are a great treat as well. Yes, there was a TPIR back in the 50s and 60s, and the Cullen shows prove it. Plus to hear Johnny O say "Come on down" once again. He's the one who made that phrase famous.

Priceless Memories
$24.99
It is very well written. It opens the door to the beginning of vintag telivision. It is a good read

Showdown
$1.99