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UncleOmar
Reviews
Salem Witch Trials (2002)
Historically interesting, and contrasted with Miller's allusions ... spoiler? I don't think so.
I looked this up on IMDb because I found a DVD copy in the discount bin, and wanted to know if it was worth the $4 ... I've been greatly interested in this period of history since I first saw The Crucible on stage, and also because one of my ancestors (Susannah North Martin) was hanged as a witch at Salem. I might guess that the above critiques that compared The Crucible (movie, not play, apparently) in any manner are perhaps not remembering that Miller's opus was an allegory for the McCarthy hearings during the Red Scare of the early 1950s, so Miller may have, in fact, taken some literary liberties with facts that could have been documented. (In his defense, I would suggest that the research done since his play was produced (and that story probably stimulated a lot of the research) has answered a great number of questions, and perhaps clarified inaccuracies presented, regardless of their sources.) I missed seeing this on TV when it ran, and since the above reviews generally are favorable, I will definitely be going back to the discount bin to purchase a copy. I expect that I have often spent money more foolishly, and at worst I will be able to pass a few hours enjoying the entertainment aspect of the story line. It will give me one more chance to glean background information on my family and their times. (BTW, Cotton Mather's alleged comment, which suggested that even though their guilt may have been in doubt, the court should "hang them anyway" has etched his place in history near the bottom of the garbage pile, regardless of his later recanting of the sentiment.)
Baja Oklahoma (1988)
Very worthwhile for Dan Jenkins fans, not to even mention fans of the several actors in the film.
Always on the lookout for a new Dan Jenkins tale, when I learned of the film, I was pleased and surprised. (We never had HBO in those days ... we were too poor to even pay attention ...) I like the song better after it was rewritten (for a more polished scansion) for the movie, but several of the "Hollywood Changes" from the original book were disappointing, to me. This is why I only rate the film with seven of 10 points. Such is usually the case when a book becomes a film ... that doesn't mean I must like the changes ... even if I like the movie despite those changes. The deletion or alteration of characters does not necessarily take away from the story, but I was looking for some of those Texans, and they were not the same. I also was disappointed with what happened with Dove, and I wished that the script had kept the same lighthearted tone of Jenkins book throughout that portion of the film. Overall, the tale is still great, and the humorous style of Jenkins survives quite well, even after the Hollywood meddling. Any who appreciate the idiosyncrasies and foibles of a specific group of society (Texans, in this case), presented without intent to insult or slur or disparage, should have a fun time with this movie. If you loved the book, I think you'll like the movie ... a lot.