Customer Reviews

Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Chapter 20 - Mystery of the Blues [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The more I see of this underrated series, the more I can appreciate and admire Lucas's original vision. While each episode is complete in itself, each part also adds to a larger mosaic, moreso now that the Old Indy bookends have gone. This movie is also notable for the return of Harrison Ford as an older Indy in a comical, if inconsequential, bookend. In this movie, Indy finally begins college after having been away in europe fighting in the war. Whilst working as a waiter to pay for his tuition Indy crosses paths with the likes of Sidney Bechet and even Al Capone. He also meets his old war buddy Ernie Hemingway whom he'd met in Italy (see Tales of Innocence). Its fair to say that there is little action in this episode (or the whole series for that matter) however the point, of this series, wasn't simply to see how much action Indiana could confront. If it's simply action that you want then this whole series really doesn't compare to the movies, but then again what does?! The point of the series is more cerebral. Having seen Indy at high school in Spring Break Adventure, it's interesting to reflect how different his approach to education has become following his war exploits, a point he comments on in this movie. In my view this is definitely one of the best movies of this thoughfully created series. It has a SUPERB soundtrack too!

A previous reviewer commented that there is not a lot of action in this particular episode. This is true, but as someone who enjoys music, and jass in particular, this was one of the most enjoyable two hours I've ever spent watching televion. I've been waiting for this to come to video since it first aired some 5 or 6 years ago.

As with the rest of the YIJ series, the period sets are amazing, and the historical detail wonderful. The insight into music of the period was facinating. This is not an episode that will pull you through, but it's a luxurious hour and a half with incredibly well-done score (you can buy the soundtrack seperately). And there's a bit of action too, to give the episode as a whole some motion. Bottom line, though, is that it's about the music, and if you find that at all interesting you'll love the show.

The first hour of this film is in every way a full realization of the promise of the series. The historical situation is particularly plausible. Indiana Jones meets Sidney Bechet while working in a club to pay for his college expenses, befriends him, and gets to meet other jazz greats who were actually Bechet's friends. Along the way, we get a glimpse into the deep racial divide present in early 20th century America. And as the relationship between Bechet and Indy deepens, we get a primer about the mechanics and soul of jazz and the blues. The actor playing Sidney Bechet is a particularly fine guide into this world, and sorely missed in the second half of the film.

Indeed, much that was great in the film's first hour is missing in the second. This part, probably the newer of the two segments, suffers from the excesses of the series. Too many historical figures dropped too coincidentally into Indy's life. Elliot Ness as his roommate? Possible, because Ness DID attend the University of Chicago at roughly the time depicted here. But hardly plausible or necessary. Through the war years, we had a very effective, entirely fictional "sidekick" in Remy, and we could've used such a character here. The Ness that comes into view here is modeled far too much on Ness' own, largely fictional, view of himself presented in "The Untouchables". Yes, he was by all accounts a scrupulously honest man, but he was far from the square he's pictured as here. Indeed, Ness was a voracious party-goer--and frequent drinker--much to the detriment of his own career and relationships. Thus, while portraying him as straight-laced makes him an interesting dramatic foil for Jones' "hipper" character, it's not good history.

Nor is Hemingway's reappearance to the series. Hemingway WAS a freelance journalist around this time in history, but in Toronto, not Chicago. Chicago was probably the last place Hemingway wanted to be, as it was far too close to his parents in Oak Park, with whom he had a strained relationship. He's clearly drummed up here in the story just for the "cool" factor. If Lucasfilm really wanted Hemingway back in the series, they could've portrayed him accurately: surely there was a Canadian connection with the mob that Indy could've followed across the border.

As if these meetings weren't enough, how cute is it that Al Capone happened to be a barman at the same club where Indy worked? Too cute, for my tastes.

Indeed, the second hour labors HARD under the weight of its historical coincidences, and the fact that the historical figures were significantly misdrawn is entirely distracting--especially after such a fine first hour.

Historical fiction is tricky stuff. On the one hand, you do have to get enough drama into the past to make it interesting to a modern audience. On the other, you can't just have historical figures doing or being something they didn't or weren't. This episode sadly does both, and ruins what could've been one of the strongest episodes of the series.

While this may not be one of the most action-oriented Young Indy episodes, the second hour of the episode does have more action than the last reviewer lets on. For example, Indy gets into some pretty hairy situations with the Chicago underground, meets Al Capone, gets tied up, shot at, etc. But the point of this episode is about Indy's relationship with music, a trait which is very much Indiana Jones (readers of the Rob MacGregor Indy books will understand this). Harrison Ford well recognised the quality of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, as it gives a much better understanding of Indy's character. That's why he agreed to do the bookends to this episode. I think this is one of the better Young Indys.

this is a very good indy story, and it even has a special appearance by harrison ford. the movie is the story he tells to an indian guy about when he learned to play the saxophone. a good story with a part about jazz where indy joins up with sydney bechet. the other part is for the action and mystery lovers, indy and his friends try to break up al capone's illegal booze ring.

Set during the time when Indiana Jones is attending the University of Chicago, this episode takes Young Indy on an adventure through the Chicago underworld of speakeasies & jazz clubs to learn the mystery of the blues.

This is a two hour movie-length episode with the first hour dedicated to Jazz & showcases some outstanding music, while the second hour follows Young Indy & his two friends (roommate Elliot Ness & college buddy Ernest Hemingway) as they try to find clues to a gangland murder.

I really enjoyed this one. I loved the addition of soon to be famous writer Ernest H. and Untouchable Ness. Great Harrison Ford bookend story and a lot of fun during a chase through Chicago underworld. I also found the commentary on racism very affective. Oh yeah, the music is great! Not always action packed, but always involving.

I cannot stress this enough! This is not an action episode!

In spite of a brief, but very welcome appearance of the original Indiana Jones, (Harrison Ford), donning his whip and fedora for the fourth time, this is one of the quietest YIJC episodes ever!

The episode revolves around young Indy learning to play the saxophone and playing with a jazz band in the 1920's.

There is a moment in the second half involving a murder and an action scene in a warehouse. But this is not an episode for action fans; it's an episode for jazz afficionados.

I wish Ford could have leant his cameo apparance to an action-oriented episode!

This seller was very prompt,sent good communications, product was better then advertised. Great story.

Okay, this is my fave Young Indy episode! I love the part where Indy does his one-legger through the roof of the car, and all the music is really awesome too. Get the soundtrack! (P.S. This is where I got my nickname from!)