Customer Reviews

60 Minutes - Frank McCourt (September 19, 1999)

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Ed Bradley was one of the most humane of television journalists; his recent death truly marked the end of an era at "60 Minutes". Bradley was at his best in getting his subjects to feel comfortable about themselves, often eliciting responses which might have eluded those more willing to use more formal journalistic techniques. Here, in this spellbinding interview with memoirist Frank McCourt - which aired originally approximately one year after the original publication date of "Angela's Ashes" - Bradley returns to Limerick, Ireland with him and has Frank speak eloquently, often profoundly, on the miserable childhood which he and his brothers had to endure upon their family's return to Limerick from Brooklyn, New York. This may still be the best interview I have seen of Frank done with ample intelligence, grace and wit from both Bradley and his subject. Those interested in understanding a bit more about Frank's dismal youth, and what, at long last, drove him finally to write "Angela's Ashes" will appreciate owning and viewing this "60 Minutes" segment (EDITORIAL NOTE: You should either view my personal profile page here at Amazon.com or my Amazon.com review of Frank's most recent memoir, "Teacher Man", which will explain my familiarity with memoirist Frank McCourt.).

Prior to watching this video I would advise reading the author's book Angela's ashes or you will certainly miss the more humorous aspect of conversations.

An excellent DVD that not only reveals the power of the book it is adapted from, but has extras that are truly special. My advice: read the book, wait a few months; watch the DVD, wait a week; watch the DVD with McCourt's narration turned on, wait a week; watch the DVD with the director's narration turned on; put the book and DVD away for a year or two then repeat any or all of the steps.

This was purchased as a teaching aid for the classroom. It helped the students get a better idea of what Mr. McCourt was and what he became.