Product Details

• Actors: Tom Davenport, Richard Bauer
• Directors: Robert Rauchenberg
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Davenport Films
• VHS Release Date: January 1, 1982
• Run Time: 20 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1888522186
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #281,537 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This relatively obscure Brothers Grimm tale has been updated and Americanized in this 19-minute story of a deal with the devil gone right, for once. A Civil War veteran without family or prospects is propositioned by a man with a plan and a cloven hoof. The soldier agrees to stop bathing and grooming for seven years while wandering the country in a bear hide in exchange for lifelong wealth. Just when the situation seems intolerable, "Bearskin" is able to help a man who, in return, promises him one of his three daughters as a bride. From this point the story is similar to the traditional version of Beauty and the Beast. The selfish daughters balk, leaving the kind daughter to come to the aid of their father--and find reward in the end. The performances, costumes, and camera work in this "From the Brothers Grimm" series are professional and charming without being cloying. The content and pace will engage students 8 and older, and their parents. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Product Description

"A valiant soldier, wandering without cause or family after the Civil War, accepts the Devil's challenge to go for seven years without washing himself; cutting his hair, beard, or nails; or reciting the Lord's Prayer in exchange for limitless wealth. Draped in the Devil's cloak and the skin of a bear, the soldier travels the world, reveling in his riches until his appearance and odor become repugnant to all and especially to himself. At that point, the soldier learns to care about others and becomes the benefactor to a down-on-his-luck man who, in return for the soldier's generosity, offers one of his daughters in marriage." Booklist, January 1985

Winner of the American Film Festival Blue Ribbon The Parents Choice Award The American Library Association's "Notable Children's Film"

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The splendor of a bath, April 7, 2001

By 

Heidi Anne Heiner (SurLaLune Fairy Tales.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Bearskin (From The Brothers Grimm) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Even forgetting the themes of this tale and fine bit of film making, this film will remind you to be grateful for your next bath or shower.

Bearskin, a Civil War veteran, makes a deal with the devil and comes out victor, although he pays dearly for his deal for seven years. He agrees to wear the devil's green coat and a bearskin for seven years without bathing or washing his clothes. He also cannot groom his nails. Although he has plenty of money, he learns that he cannot buy friends or physical comforts very easily when he is unwashed and grotesque. There is a very humbling and disgusting moment when we see Bearskin picking at lice and and vermin on his body.

Bearskin is never the monster in spirit that he appears in body, however. He gives money to a man about to lose his home and family. The man then offers one of his daughters to Bearskin in marriage, although Bearskin does not ask for this. The two elder daughters are eager to marry a rich man until they see him in all of his filthy rags. The youngest daughter, eager to keep her father's word, agrees to marry him after his seven years are up.

Eventually, the devil returns and admits that Bearskin has won the bargain. Bearskin insists on being made clean again and the grooming scenes are just as refreshing for the viewer as they are for Bearskin. The message that appearances can be deceptive is another subtext of the film.

All ends well, except for the two greedy sisters, who the devil claims have made his bargain a good one--he got two souls for the price of one.

This film will work better for older school audiences, perhaps 8 and up.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great film, December 9, 2005

By 

Roland (Idaho) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bearskin (From The Brothers Grimm) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Firstly, should say that this film does not have Tom Waits in it as indicated on the display page. There is another movie by the same names that does have Tom Waits in it but its not this film, although Tom Waits would have been cool in this one. This is based on Grimm fairy tales and is filmed in a very candid and narrative manner, which makes it an intelligent movie for kids and also an everlasting tale for an adult too. Great work everyone and have a good day!! See you at the movies, or in this case at the good old VCR and the VHS - not betamax though, sorry Sony - geez you'd thought I was captious or something - ha!

5.0 out of 5 stars Tom Waits, May 2, 2010

By 

Carla Shankland "Mrs. Shank" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bearskin: An Urban Fairytale (DVD)

Whoever said this version doesn't have Tom Waits in it, you are 100% wrong. I just bought this off Amazon and he is throughout the entire film! Maybe you just didn't recognize him as a brunette? Of course how could you not recognize that voice?!

I would like to say that despite some poor reviews, I really enjoyed this movie. He steals the show (as usual) and it might not make sense to some, but in a generation of constant remakes and plots being laid out word for word like a poorly made anime cartoon(over-explaining) I'm glad films like this exist.

As for everyone else, try watching The A-Team (2010), Predator(2010), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) - maybe those are more suited to your taste.