22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good version of a powerful short story, December 29, 2004
This review is from: Man Without a Country [VHS] (VHS Tape)
It's a pity this isn't out on DVD so more people could see it. A long time ago, Edward Everett Hale's story "The Man Without A Country" was a standard part of public education. I was fortunate enough to have a teacher that had her class read the story, memorize (yes, memorize) the poem it contained, and then watch the movie. Although not as powerful as the literary work, the movie did serve to reinforce a number of the messages in the story. I was glad to see that it is still commercially available and have added it to my own collection.
The short synopsis of the story is that Philip Nolan, an officer in the US Army throws in with Aaron Burr in an abortive rebellion. He is tried for treason and found guilty and in a fit of pique Nolan exclaims that he wishes he would never hear mention of the United States ever again. He is granted that wish through perpetual confinement aboard various US Naval vessels. It is during this confinement that he discovers how much home and country really mean to him. Anyone who has ever spent a large span of time away from their country will find that they can relate to what Nolan goes through.
In today's political climate, the movie and story would probably be viewed as jingoist, but there's something to be said for the idea that a person's country should be important in his or her life. I recommend the movie, but buy an anthology with the story in it as well so you can compare the author's intent with the cinematic translation.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Did any reviewer actually watch this movie???, December 16, 2004
This review is from: Man Without a Country [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Did anyone who wrote a review actually watch this movie? It is an awesome program with a terrific message! I taught 8th grade and used this for years to show how powerful words can be. Philip Nolan, in a moment of passion, wished he would never have to hear the name of his country again. He got his wish and lived his life never hearing or seeing the name of his country. Even the mention of it was removed from all newspapers. If you want a movie that has a powerful message, this is it. It is not a modern film to be sure, but it certainly ought to make one think.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Man Without a Country Entertaining But Slow, February 6, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Man Without a Country [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Perhaps Cliff Robertson's best role as Phillip Nolan, the "man without a country". Overall, solid but not extraordinary - the film moves slowly, the dialog is occasionally stilted, the supporting cast is workman-like adequate. Yet Robertson's excellent performance makes the film worth seeing - an excellent character study.
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