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Billyjhobbs
Reviews
Marco Polo (1982)
One of the best historical mini-series
Unfortunatetly, after the initial television run in 1982 this excellent mini-series has been shelved. Too bad. Combining much of what we know of Marco Polo and his trips to the Far East with some interesting and worthwhile Hollywood additions, this series makes for mesmerizing viewing. I would LOVE to see it again. And again. Any leads on its commercial future are, indeed, welcomed.
It's always good to see cameo performances by established stars and this version of a historical wonder-man is no exception (Gielgud, Bancroft, McShane, Lancaster, to name a few). The over-all casting deserves high marks, especially the role of Marco (young and older). Filled with humor, pathos, excitement, and welcomed verisimilitude, this is a series that deserves to be re-run.
Boccaccio '70 (1962)
Quality in this Italian film!
What superlatives can really be added to the directors of this film that haven't already been used! Certainly, too, the acting is top rate. Loosely "based upon the 'Tales of the Decameron' written by Boccaccio," this film "updates" (from 14th century!)and brings alive the passion, the tragedy, the humor that Boccaccio and friends sought to "while away their time as the Plague ravaged Florence below"! Certainly any film that features Signorina Loren can't be all bad; ditto with Eckberg and Schneider--what a lovely trinity! Alas, seeing this film today is very, very difficult, as it hasn't been released for general consumption (as far as I know). Pity. It's a great film, even after 39 years!