Barefoot in the Park (1982 TV Movie) User Reviews

I'd gladly preserve this to DVD for someone who has a copy.

[jayburks · 8/10 · 20 November 2006]

I love this version as well and would love to once again see this production. I was pretty young when this aired but I remember seeing it all the time and even though I was only around 7 at the time, I enjoyed it and would like to view it as an adult.

If someone is willing to send me a VHS copy I'd be happy to preserve it onto DVD at no cost. Just so that the deteriorating VHS tapes can be preserved in some fashion, I may even be able to clean it up a bit. I can do this all on my computer and make it look very professional with menus, chapter stops etc.

I'm trying to preserve lots of 80's HBO features not on DVD, for instance HBO short takes etc. Anything that I can remember from HBO in the 80's I'd love to preserve.

Better than movie

[meileen1942 · 9/10 · 7 September 2020]

I love this version. One review gave an address for a DVD of it, but in checking, it is no longer available. Hoping one will come in the future. By far much funnier, and less snobbier than the original movie. Richard Thomas is great!

I have seen this movie and loved it very much.

[whisper9509 · 8/10 · 8 April 2006]

I seen this play on HBO so many years ago and have been looking for it every since. I thought that this version of the movie was very hilarious. Bess Armstrong was very great in her role, as well as Richard Thomas. This was so much better than the movie done by Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. I can not believe it is not available for purchase. I wish I would have recorded it when it was on TV, to my great regret I did not. Do anyone have any idea where one might find this version either to rent or buy. Or have anyone heard if they (HBO or any other network) will air this again. So if anyone finds this play please advise the rest of us who is so desperately looking to see it again. Thanks!!!

Wish this version were available on DVD!

[sprocket_girl · 10/10 · 7 April 2006]

I have been looking for this version of Barefoot to come available for years now. Barbara Barrie was brilliantly funny. Richard Thomas was also exhaustingly funny. The whole cast works together so well. I saw this version of Barefoot on HBO as an 8th grader and was so captivated by the play and the actors performance that 23 years later (I enjoyed it that much) I am still in hopes that one day I will find this released to DVD. This play, but more especially the actors performance made me want to be an actor. This is such fun to watch. From memory it moves very quickly, is full of energy, full of love and full of fun. I thought the Redford/Fonda version would suffice in lieu of finding this version on tape or DVD, but it really didn't. Not to say that the Redford/Fonda version wasn't good - I just liked this better. HBO, please release to DVD is all that I request.

Been searching

[DixCamelotFarms · 10/10 · 26 October 2007]

I actually had a VHS copy of this play when it appeared on TV. It was loaned to a daughter who tossed it out! I would love to find a video or DVD of this. Has anyone attempted to contact Mr. Thomas to see if maybe he has access to any copies? There MUST be a copy in an archive someplace. HBO does not list this play. Has anyone tried to contact them? The actors were amazing. Barbara Barrie was brilliant and her comedic talent shined. Bess Armstrong's character played beautifully and related so well to the other actors. No one actor tried to steal the show but they all were a team in getting the best performances out of each other. This is one of Neil Simons's best plays. The later version of it with Mr. Redford just did not hit the bullseye for me. I think that anyone who had seen the Thoms version was spoiled. For me to remember all the actors' names is a tribute to their performances. This treasure should not be forgotten and should be resurrected.

MUCH better than the Fonda/Redford version!

[thaeron · 2 May 2004]

I saw this when it first aired on HBO - and found it MUCH funnier and more entertaining than the bland, drab, and, in my opinion, un-funny Fonda/Redford film. Perhaps it was the fact that it was a stage production with a live audience, but the acting and chemistry are far superior. Hans Conreid and Barbara Barrie are delightful, and Richard Thomas and Bess Armstrong give Neil Simon's material the comedic flavor it deserves. (Look for James Cromwell in a memorable small role as the telephone repair man).

The "fight" scenes alone have twice the energy and comedy than the film version. Example:

Corie: "You're very nearly perfect!" Paul: "That's a rotten thing to say!"

The delivery of this in the stage version is SO much more fun than Redford's ho-hum delivery of the same line. (anyone having seen both will know what I mean . . . ) I would HIGHLY recommend this version over the more "famous" Fonda film. I only wish that whatever studio owns it would put it out on DVD! I'd watch it again and again . . .

This is the one to see

[counselor-2 · 10/10 · 21 January 2005]

There's no question that this is a superior production of "Barefoot in the Park" - I show it to my high school drama class (although, as others have mentioned, all I have is a poor quality video taped from HBO). It is faithful to the script and the acting/comedic timing is superb (particularly Barbara Barrie as Ethel). The pace and energy of Armstrong and Thomas exemplify the joy of live theater - they create a wonderful, wacky momentum that carries the viewer along to the final curtain. I also tell my students to look at the wonderful set design; it's absolutely a delight to see the actors interact with it as if it were another character. If this ever comes out on DVD, somebody please let me know.

Barefoot in the Park (HBO) Play

[newjennyk · 10/10 · 15 March 2007]

I was captivated by this play (on HBO) 24 years ago (13 years old) and surprised to read comments by others with the same enthusiasm. This play opened my eyes to the theater, how truly wonderful it is to see great actors perform on stage (and even be so enchanted seated on a couch in my own home). I rented the movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford and did not think much of it. I have been looking for this version from HBO and have not had any luck. If a version does come out on DVD, I would love to own a copy to show my daughter, also. I have seen Richard Thomas also in TV movies and have enjoyed his acting abilities in every one of them. Bess Armstrong as well.

Richard Thomas is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bernie_Potter · 10/10 · 22 February 2005]

I so love this production of my all time favorite play!!!!!!!!!!! Richard Thomas just shines as Paul Bratter. I wish I had a copy of this to watch at home over and over again! I think that nothing beats an actual stage production of any play or musical, you get a more intimate feel when you see something on stage, and that goes for this too. No filming on location, no changing of the scenes, though Neil Simon DID write the screenplay for the movie version of this, it's still better to see the actors be more open on stage. When you are on stage, your emotions and actions need to be larger than life, it's much more difficult than film, because you don't have any takes. I love acting so much, and this play has been a huge inspiration to me. Ever since I saw it for the first time in my high school drama class, it has remained my favorite play of all time. Thank you Neil Simon for bringing this wonderful script into our lives! :)

Barefoot in the Park HBO version 1981

[dondi318 · 10/10 · 26 February 2005]

I absolutely loved this version of Barefoot in the Park. I have an old copy from when it first aired but its so grainy its really hard to enjoy. I would love to find another copy somewhere. If anyone knows how to get a copy please let me know. This stage production was so much better than the movie, its scary. The actors are wonderful and the movie version appears drab and lifeless in comparison. I have searched all over the web looking for this movie, but I guess it isn't out on video at all or I would have found a copy by now. If anyone has a copy and would like to copy that, I would be willing to buy it. If anyone know of a website that sells old HBO movies, let me know.

I wish they would make a DVD available!

[mickeyx32 · 15 April 2008]

This was terrific---brilliantly funny! I only wish HBO would make this title available on DVD. I remember watching this version many years ago. I watched it many times as I thought it was so well put together. Bess Armstrong and Richard Thomas worked so well as the leading characters. Hans Conried and Barbara Barrie were no less than marvelous. Most of---if not all of the scenes were shot in the small two room apartment.

Are there any plans to make this title available? Is there are way to contact HBO for a request? So many great titles have been lost and I believe this is one of them.

Mickey

Better than the Redford/Fonda Movie

[CGMCC · 10/10 · 14 October 2004]

This presentation, which I saw on HBO many years ago, had so much more energy than the film. Richard Thomas proves here that he can handle comedy, and Bess Armstrong is a very fine comedy actress! There's plenty of witty humor accented by some physical slapstick that kept me laughing virtually the whole time.

The supporting cast is great, led by Barbara Barrie.

In the Redford/Fonda version, the actors seemed to just go through the lines without giving them much meaning. Neither Redford or Fonda seemed to be able to handle comedy as it should be done.

This version is probably very hard to find, but if you do, I heartily recommend it!

A solid 10, while the Redford/Fonda film gets a 6.

Surprisingly fun

[bob-lisa · 8/10 · 9 November 2019]

This tv movie/play hooked me right away. Great chemistry in the actors and a fun script. This needs a dvd release

I enjoyed this version much better than the Redford/Fonda version.

[rekohl · 9/10 · 25 July 2002]

Having seen this version, the Redford/Fonda version and having read the play numerous times, I like the characterizations in the TV (Hallmark Hall of Fame)production. Richard Thomas and Hans Conreid were especially notable in their interpretations of their characters. I wish I could get a copy for my library. If anyone knows how I may obtain a copy of this production your input will be greatly appreciated.

I love this movie!

[Smartwoman · 10/10 · 11 April 2002]

This is the first version of "Barefoot in the Park" that I ever saw. I recently saw the Jane Fonda/Robert Redford version. It was okay, but I think that a live stage version, even one on television/video, adds a depth to the production which made this one of my absolutely favorite movies ever.

Now if only I could find a video version of it!

Amazingly well acted, funny, and charming

[pdbordelon · 10/10 · 16 June 2020]

I remember first seeing this when I was 14-15 years old. Fell in love with Bess Armstrong immediately! The whole cast is strong and I prefer this version much more than the movie with Jane Fonda. Rewatching this lately makes me feel nostalgic for the early-80s and my early teen years. A wonderful performance!

Re: Richard Thomas in Barefoot in the Park DVD Copy

[markwilliams1313 · 17 October 2009]

To everyone that is seeking a copy of this wonderful show that I enjoyed so much as a teenager...I was able to purchase a good quality DVD at http://www.sell.com/2425QC the cost was only 12.95 and worth every penny. I saw the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford version of this Neil Simon play after I saw the Richard Thomas and Bess Armstrong's live stage performance and I have never been so disappointed! Fonda and Redford were absolutely dreadful and had no chemistry at all. Besides I was convinced that Jane Fonda couldn't act after seeing Barbarella! I have ordered another copy of this DVD to give to my mother as a Christmas present. She enjoyed it as much as I did and we must have watched it at least a dozen times together when I was 15. I hope everyone that is seeking a copy can get one to share with their family and friends!

Great!

[tbdwittyname · 9 February 2004]

Better than the Fonda/Redford version. The actors are funnier and more energetic because the director takes a more light-hearted approach. Bess Armstrong is superb as Corie. HBO should air this again. Why isn't it available on video?!?

Very Good

[hm174park · 16 February 2003]

Better than the Jane Fonda one.I like the acting better and the live audience part is great.It is more modern then the first one. B.Barrie is excellent and steels the show.