Customer Reviews

Man Without a Country [VHS]

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

It is really a pity that this film is not availebel in the UK or on DVD, I saw the film as a young girl and want to see it again but cant find it anywhere, Iam living in Belgium so if anyone can help, because this is one of the most beautifull films I ever saw!

Man without A country is an extremely powerful story of a patriot with great passion and love of his country and gross injustice inflicted upon him by the court system as punishment for making a what we would today call a politically incorrect statement.
It is also the story of another young patriot who at great risk to his military career righted the injustice by acting according to courage, conviction and concience inspite of the dictates of a court mandate.
Comparably, today living in an era of litigation courageous acts of decency are indeed dangerous to those who are brave enough to make a decision to do the decent thing. The story holds universal truths which are as significant today as they were in the 19th century.

The man without a country is basically about a man who wishes not to hear his countries name, and was very surprised when he got his wish.
From then on the judge made everyone keep their mouth shut around him.Including cutting paragraphs out of newspapers and hiding flags,ect...
I think he learned his lesson and maybe he will think about what he is gonna say before he actually says it. He learned is lesson and suffered the consequences.

Get plenty of rest before watching. It almost put me to sleep.

in the movie a man without a country phillip noland did not want one specific country to claim. he finally decided that he wanted a country of his own. so he was joined to the u.s. navy.

I thought it was an ok movie. the main problem was that it could not keep my attention very well. there were a few good points in the movie though.

It's about a man that writes poems and fights wars.
It's a true story of a man that likes his country but he has to fight a war.

Ithink the story is important because he wants to do something.
he cuts out newspapper clippings and hide flags.