Claudia Cardinale

The Red Tent
$14.98
Based on true events, The Red Tent is a moving story of a doomed Arctic expedition in 1928 that features a great cast and shouldn't be missed. In May 1928, Italian General Umberto Nobile begins an expedition to the Arctic with his crew in an airship, the Italia, with hopes of becoming the first explorers to reach the North Pole by air. Things go well early on as the Italia even reaches its destination, but nasty weather forces the ship back to its base as Kingsbay. It is on the return trip, that something malfunctions, forcing Nobile to crashland the Italia in the desolate Arctic wastelands. Rescue efforts are mounted, including a Russian icebreaking ship, aviators including the first explorer, Roald Amundsen, but can the survivors of the horrific crash survive in such harsh conditions? This is a bleak film, but it is a beautifully shot movie, especially the shots on the ice fields depicting the survivors trying to get by. The story is told from both perspectives, the survivors and the rescuers, and by the end you really feel for these characters and desperately hope the rescue comes as the days and weeks drag on. Then add in a very moving score from Ennio Morricone, and how can you lose?

Though he's given top billing at the head of a really strong cast, Sean Connery's part as Roald Amundsen is really nothing more than an extended cameo. He doesn't even show up until after the hour mark. It is a good part for Connery as Amundsen, the first Arctic explorer who joins the rescue effort, so don't count on two hours of Connery. Peter Finch gets the meaty role here as General Nobile, the leader of the expedition trying to keep his men going. A decision Nobile makes ends up torturing his thoughts throughout his life, something Finch pulls off well. Claudia Cardinale is excellent as Valeria, a nurse who falls in love with one of the expedition members, Finn Malmgren (Eduard Martsevich in a good part), and will stop at nothing to help bring him back. Hardy Kruger plays Lumborgh, a flyer in the rescue who has an alterior motive for his actions. Mario Adorf stands out in the supporting cast as Biagi, the radio operator who so desperately wants to get back to his pregnant wife. Much of the rest of cast are Russian actors who haven't been in many American films, but they provide strong support for the leads.

The DVD only offers the movie in a quality widescreen presentation, but unfortunately that's it. No special features here. The movie on its own is worth the price. The Red Tent is a moving story based on true events with a great cast, especially Peter Finch, so don't miss it!

Circus World
$5.80
A movie that I really wanted. It had a bit of a problem with the audio in sections but otherwise no complaints

Girl With a Suitcase
$9.98
"Girl with a Suitcase" is an interesting film that draws us into two very different characters. One is a world-wise "singer" who took some time off from her occupation to follow a young playboy. The other is the slightly underage brother of that playboy whose innocence contrasts nicely with the singer. "Girl with a Suitcase" is a very mature and somewhat complex film that can generally fit into the "coming of age" film category. What seperates GWAS from the others in that genre is the maturity of the two individuals. There isn't a lot of silliness in the film and the path the relationship takes is uneven. The mature person acts accordingly as does the immature person. We may not enjoy the developments but that is because we are used to predictible outcomes in these sorts of movies. This is not a great film but it is a movie worth watching. I judge from the other reviews that not many liked the transfer on the DVD. I didn't see anything wrong with what I was watching (that is unless it wasn't supposed to be B&W).

Henry IV (Enrico IV)
$29.95
Very well acted. Henry IV is brought to life. A very interesting take on the Henry IV character.