Video

Fiction

The age-old belief that children don't want to be encumbered by their elderly parents gets a timeless telling in this poignant 1937 drama from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Director McCarey, best known for Going My Way, The Awful Truth, and An Affair To Remember, takes a more solemn turn with this Depression-era story of a septuagenarian couple (Victor Moore, Beulah Bondi) forced out of their foreclosed home. Even worse than having to move in with two of their grown kids, they're unable to stay together after 50 years of marriage. Refreshingly candid and not overly sentimentalized for its time, Tomorrow is still meaningful today. In bonus features, Peter Bogdanovich (The Last Picture Show) and other filmmakers and critics weigh in on McCarey and the significance of this underappreciated little jewel. A genuine "family values" film suitable for most viewers but especially for seniors.—Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA

Gertrude Berg used to start every episode of The Goldbergs (1949–56) with a friendly greeting to her audience through an open window. As we follow her inside her Bronx apartment, we get a glimpse of what life looked like in the early 1950s—filtered through television's eye, of course. The Goldbergs started out on radio and moved to TV, where it was a sweet and domestic counterpoint to its wackier and louder contemporaries. Where Lucy was madcap and the Kramdens were cutting, matriarch Molly was a nice Jewish lady in pearls and an apron who served you chicken liver with a side of malapropisms. Much more interesting is the backstory of Berg, who worked through her costars' blacklisting, network shuffling, sexism, and anti-Semitism. This six-DVD set includes 71 episodes, 12 radio shows, a documentary excerpt, and a pilot for Berg's subsequent series (with appearances by Steve McQueen and Anne Bancroft). Digital restoration has helped preserve the earliest broadcasts, which show their age. Boomers and older audiences will get a kick out of seeing their own history from this gentle and comfy perspective.—Ellen Druda, Half Hollow Hills Community Lib., Dix Hills, NY

Vicki West and her daughters—Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe—the West Ladies, here share their skills in what appears to be their own cluttered but homey kitchen. Using basic ingredients and commonly found household utensils, the team creates basic bread plus variations, an assortment of simple yet stylish candles, and soaps scented with lavender and even coffee. While recipes are supplied, these processes "[aren't] an exact science," as one sister comments during a breadbaking demonstration. This may be the real message of these productions: have fun, don't get too hung up on measuring or making things look perfect, and enjoy and share the result of your labors. The folksy quality of the programs may not be to everyone's liking, but the directions are clear enough, with recipes included. The women seem to take great joy in working together, demonstrating the fun of collaborative efforts. Perhaps not an essential purchase but worth a look where craft videos are popular. [Also available: The Art of Canning. UPC 0-94922-30509-1; The Art of Herbs. UPC 0-94922-30511-4; The Art of Gardening. UPC 0-94922-30510-7. ea. vol: $19.95; set $44.95.]—Joan Greenberg, Warminster, PA

Filmmaker and former dancer Dehn (1905–85) compiled footage over 30 years chronicling the evolution of African American dance. The first volume highlights jazz dance from 1900 to 1950, the second presents performances from New York's Savoy Ballroom in the 1950s, and the third covers dance from the 1950s to 1980s. The dancers are amazing, and one can clearly see the origins of today's trends. The Russian-born Dehn provides an overview of the dances, but her heavy accent makes her difficult to understand. Especially troubling here is the camerawork, by Herbert Matter (1907–1984). On occasion the dancers move off screen or only an arm or one of two partners is visible. Some scenes end in the middle of the dance or during a trick step. Additionally, it is unclear whether the music is from the original footage or has been dubbed as background. The series was designed to highlight black social dance from the 1900s to the 1980s, yet there is no break dancing, specific disco, versions of the twist, or hand dancing. Collections focusing on African American history and performing arts may find these films of historic value; for others, this series is an optional purchase.—Danna Bell-Russel, Library of Congress

This captivating documentary reveals the life, career, and mystique of Helena Modjeska (1840–1909), the most notable and influential Polish stage actress of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who conquered European and American audiences alike with her interpretation of literary works from Shakespeare to Ibsen. Her remarkable story, filled with personal and professional intrigue, is told by a host of international academicians, historians, actors, theater directors, and her descendants, each offering details that enhance Modjeska's legendary status as the consummate actress, mentor of international literary and theatrical artists, and supporter of women's issues. The brief interviews are complemented by a variety of well-crafted cinematographic techniques, from shadowy reenactments to an extensive montage of historic photos, memorabilia, and newspaper clippings. Although riveting, the story can be confusing as events are not revealed chronologically and the Polish names are at times indistinguishable. On-screen subtitles and extra features to outline Modjeska's life and extensive career would have enhanced this biographical treat. Nonetheless, as an inspiration to a new generation of thespians, this film would be a jewel in any collection.—Stephen Allan Patrick, Jonesborough, TN

This technically excellent production documents Fundamentalist-raised Edward T. Martin's search for the truth behind the legend that Jesus spent time in India. As much about Martin's search as about the legend itself, the film intersperses footage of Martin's journey with interviews with biblical scholars who don't reject the possibility out of hand but do call it highly unlikely and with Hindus and Buddhists who are adamant about its veracity. The film discusses manuscripts that may be 2000 years old and others that are claimed to exist but cannot be viewed because of prohibitions made by an absent Lama. There is also consideration of the supposed tomb of Jesus, which Muslims in the area vehemently deny holds his remains, although one sect, a representative of which is interviewed, is just as adamant that it does. In the end, the questing Martin is no closer to an answer, but this film about one man's persistence in the face of opposition will interest anyone curious about the relationship among the major religions. [Inspired by Martin's 1999 book, King of Travelers: Jesus' Lost Years in India.—Ed.]—Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ

Young and old alike who enjoy any type of racing will be thrilled by this film. Seasoned race fans will recall the mid-1980s/early 1990s syndicated TV series The Super Chargers, from which many of these clips derive. There is racing action from jet cars to Indy cars, monster trucks to dirt bikes—if it's ridden, driven, and raced, it's featured here. The excitement is constant; the action is still fresh. Bits of racing history and safety developments are included for each vehicle. Stunt drivers on the ground and pilots in the air mix it up in this "supercharged" production.—Debbie Rzepczynski, Lake Cty. P.L., Merrillville, IN

Two films by Alabama filmmaker Clem document the lives and achievements of a pair of home-state heroes, both born in 1921, who reached great heights in vastly different fields. Last of the Bohemians is the story of high-spirited and stubbornly independent renaissance man Eugene Walter, whose remarkable life's journey took him from Alabama to New York and then to Europe, where, among other accomplishments, he helped establish the seminal literary journal Paris Review and appeared in Federico Fellini films. Walter also found time to translate Fellini's screenplays, write several books (e.g., The Byzantine Riddle), and throw lavish parties before returning penniless to Alabama, where he died in 1998. Clem blends archival photos and movie footage of Walter's Fellini scenes with entertaining new interview snippets with his subject's many friends, admirers, and literary colleagues to present a whimsical portrait of a multitalented and enigmatic artist.

Clem's tone turns somber as he recounts the tumultuous and controversial career of John Patterson, an accidental politician who served Alabama as attorney general and governor from 1955 to 1963, during the height of Southern racial strife. Mixing compelling archival footage, superfluous and corny reenactments, and insightful new interviews with Patterson and many others, In the Wake of the Assassins examines Patterson's actions during the Civil Rights Movement, including refusing to provide police protection to Freedom Riders and quashing college sit-ins. Historians and political scientists add insight to this well-balanced depiction of a principled, philosophical, and conflicted man while placing the Patterson gubernatorial administration in context. Walter fans and students of Southern literature will be delighted by this appropriately amusing and fawning portrait of a charming artistic enigma, while Southern political history scholars will be equally satisfied with Patterson's compelling saga.—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

Fifteen-year-old Sakia Gunn was murdered in 2003 on the streets of Newark, NJ, the victim of a gay hate crime. Dreams Deferred recounts the events and calls into question the media's coverage of crimes targeting gay, lesbian, and transgender people of color. There is extensive footage from the sentencing hearing of Gunn's murderer, at which a number of people close to the victim speak. The filmmakers repeatedly cut away from the hearing to interviews with gay community leaders and the personal reflections of Gunn's best friend. It's a poignant story that needs to be told, and Brack makes the case that it was poorly reported at the time of Gunn's death. Unfortunately, the quality of the production does not do it justice. Jerky camerawork and background noise that obscures what speakers are saying distract from the facts and the message. An optional purchase.—Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY

In 2006, East High School in Green Bay, WI, escaped serious violence when one student reported the plans of three others to attack the school. This film records that community's reactions to the thwarted tragedy, all too familiar, especially after Columbine. What separates this production from a nightly newscast is its completeness in reporting the community's response. Administrators, teachers, and students are joined by the local police, the district judge presiding at the trial, a forensic psychiatrist, and a threat assessment specialist from the Secret Service as they comment on this incident and on school violence in general. Missing, however, is a strong focus on the parents of the conspirators. The film wisely reviews the precautions the school has taken to prevent further violence. Strongly recommended for parents and school personnel.—Ernest Jaeger, formerly with North Plainfield Schs., NJ

It seems inconceivable that just 15 years ago reality television was a new concept and the idea of featuring a gay, HIV-positive male was unheard of. MTV pioneered the genre in 1992 with its insanely popular The Real World, where, in 1994, the good-looking and charming Pedro Zamora became a "star." Written by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black (Milk) and starring newcomer Alex Loynaz, this biopic documents Zamora's courageous personal story as it was revealed on television. Loynaz, looking startlingly like a young Sal Mineo, certainly has the good looks Pedro possessed if not the charisma. The real Zamora (1972–94) never apologized for being either gay or HIV-positive, and his refreshing candor served to push those issues to the back burner. What the made-for-TV film does reveal is Pedro's transcendence beyond a gay icon to a universal icon of his entire generation as an AIDS activist and voice of truth, tolerance, and awareness. Bonus features include an introduction from President Bill Clinton and Pedro's audition for The Real World. A unique contribution to all libraries.—Gerald A. Notaro, Univ. of South Florida Lib., St. Petersburg

This Frontline documentary investigates corrupt practices involving British arms manufacturer BAE Systems and the Saudi royal family. Much of the probe revolves around the secretive multi-billion-dollar al Yamamah arms contract negotiated in the 1980s. The film shows that lavish sums went to entertaining Saudi princes and their families, but the extent of illegal payments is unknown as official British inquiries were halted by Prime Minister Tony Blair. At the center of the affair is Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan, former ambassador to the United States and a friend to Presidents from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush. Correspondent Lowell Bergman conducts a number of revealing on-camera interviews with participants and investigators; the rest of the details are filled in by news clips and off-screen narration. Although both the astronomical sums in question and allegations of wrongdoing are noteworthy, the lack of a definitive outcome leaves the story incomplete. For viewers interested in the arms trade, corporate corruption, and Saudi Arabia. Supplemental material available at PBS.org.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA

Gwain, a young Canadian, has lived in Moscow for three years, teaching English to Russian students. He loves the city, even thinks he might spend his life there. The other young men with whom Gwain lives and teaches are somewhat less idealistic. They see freedoms in Moscow being curtailed and foreigners becoming more suspect as Chechen terrorist attacks increase. With clarity and integrity, this documentary captures the changes that take place in Russia over the span of a few days and their effect on Gwain's developing reality. He can tolerate many things about his life, including his seedy apartment, doing laundry in the bathtub, and the unpleasant side of the city. However, he comes to discover he is not really a Muscovite but a foreigner and must reconsider his future. Strongly recommended for Americans thinking of living abroad; also for contemporary history and travel collections.—Ernest Jaeger, formerly with North Plainfield Schs., NJ

In 2000, then speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Tom Feeney (R) asked computer programmer Clint Curtis of Yang Enterprises to write vote-rigging software. Curtis produced a simple program that would alter tallies on voting machines. He eventually left Yang over ethical concerns and went to work for the Florida Department of Transportation. Yang was later found guilty of fraud against the Florida state government, committed with the tacit approval of Feeney. Curtis and auditor Mavis Georgalis lost their jobs, and a colleague of Curtis's who investigated the affair died under mysterious circumstances. No evidence exists that Curtis's software was ever put into use, but sufficient irregularities during the 2004 presidential election, particularly in Ohio, cast serious doubt about the results. Years of investigation by journalist Brad Friedman underpin this troubling picture of corruption in American politics and the lack of security of our electoral process. Did your vote count in the last few elections? This riveting and disturbing tale of greed is recommended for the civic-minded everywhere.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.

This documentary surveys the fleet of mostly owner-operated Maine windjammers on a course where the journey, not the destination, is the objective. Passengers have a chance to experience life aboard a sailing ship much like it was in the past, albeit with a few more conveniences, and to unwind while learning about our country's maritime heritage and the coastal geography, flora, and fauna of Maine. In interviews with the captains and crews of a variety of historic wind-powered schooners we come to appreciate their wisdom and passion and the daily life aboard ship. "Sea kindly" is a nautical term that describes a boat or ship that has an easy motion on rough seas. Bonus featurettes include "What Is a Windjammer?" and "Day on a Windjammer." A seaworthy introduction for anyone contemplating this type of cruise. Highly recommended for all nautical and travel collections.—Tom Budlong, Atlanta

Retired U.S. Air Force pilot and astronaut Buzz Aldrin was the lunar module pilot on Apollo 11, which made its historic landing on July 20, 1969; he was the second person to set foot on the moon, following mission commander Neil Armstrong. In The Third Foot, Aldrin offers up his personal impressions of the early years of the space program from his perspective as a former astronaut as well as his thoughts on the current space program and the future of the United States in outer space. It is an interesting take on "where no man has gone before" but looking down the road into the 21st century. Recommended for general audiences.

The two-plus-hour The Apollo Years (produced to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the 1969 lunar landing) begins with the doomed Apollo 1 flight in 1967, in which all members of the three-man crew are killed during a training exercise. Following this tragedy, we see the unmanned Apollo missions 2 through 6. The remainder of the film features manned missions 7 through 17 (1972). The Apollo 11 moon landing is undoubtedly considered the program's greatest accomplishment. Each segment introduces the astronauts involved and illustrates the subtle changes not only in equipment and technology but also in mission control procedures. Unfortunately, this unnarrated visual history is not of the quality viewers accept as standard from PBS and NOVA productions. The footage here is real and is sometimes distorted, gray, and grainy. The footage following Apollo 11 is clearer, indicating the overall improvement in film technology and technique. Will viewers want to wade through this lengthy historical archive of the space program? A shorter version may grasp a larger audience; still, this tribute to our space pioneers is recommended for most libraries.—LaRoi Lawton, Bronx Community Coll. LRC, CUNY

A Moveable Feast is a glimpse into the styles, personalities, and recipes of various chefs featured on PBS series: Chris Kimball (America's Test Kitchen), Ruth Reichl (Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie), Lidia Bastianich (Lidia's Italy), Jose Andres (Made in Spain), Rick Bayless (Mexico One Plate at a Time), and Ming Tsai (Simply Ming). The premise is that they convene at a casual dinner party to concoct a meal. Though the film as a whole is contrived and somewhat awkward when the chefs are together, the individual segments are fun and a great way to get to know each expert's distinct style. The mouth-watering multicourse feast features dishes ranging from candied ginger to a pork on pork Spanish dish, all simple to prepare. Bonus features include printable recipes. Recommended for home cooks who can't get enough of their kitchen icons.

Primal Grill is packed with various grills, grilling methods, and too many ingredients to mention. Well-known chef, author, and TV personality Raichlen grills against the picturesque backdrop of the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa in Arizona. These straightforward, easy-to-follow recipes are diverse—from swordfish kabobs to ribs—and inventive; even the grills are unique. The scenes of Raichlen chatting in front of the fireplace are mostly unnecessary, as are the time-lapse shots of Arizona. The main drawback is that printable recipes are not part of the package. Viewers are directed instead to the project's web site, www.primalgrill.org. Still, Primal Grill will be a source of fun and inspiration for all those who love to grill; men, that especially means you. [Volume 2 (ISBN 978-0-9818500-5-4. $19.95) does include recipes as a bonus.—Ed.]—Claire A. Moitra, Providence

After seven years as a yoga practitioner, filmmaker Churchill is convinced that yoga can change anyone's life. To prove her theory, she recruits extreme novice and skeptic Nick Rosen to practice yoga intensively for six months. Her hope is that Nick's life will be transformed as was her own life. He starts in New York City with a class a day in a variety of traditions and disciplines, interviewing students and teachers along the way. Then he and Churchill travel to Mysore, India, where he immerses himself in the teaching of various gurus, including Pattabhi Jois, the father of ashtanga yoga, and a group that uses laughter as a yoga practice. The beauty of the film is that neither Churchill nor Rosen ultimately find what they are seeking. This well-paced documentary will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in yoga, skeptic or not. More at enlightenupthefilm.com. Highly recommended. [Pattabhi Jois died in 2009.—Ed.]—Manya Shorr, Omaha P.L.