Customer Reviews

Off the Menu - The Last Days of Chasen's [VHS]

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

 

 

I have seen this wonderful film in Hollywood, New York and Wasington D.C. and it never disappoints. There is so much in it that it is always interesting and a joy to watch. There are many fascinating persnalities--both the Chasen's staff and old Hollywood personalities-and they are portrayed with amazing sensitivity, humor and intelligence.

Off the Menu is a beautifully produced movie about one of the places where old Hollywood legends where made. It is filmed as a documentary but it comes off as an entertaining collection of stories about Hollywood and the people that made it famous.

Chasens is no longer operating but is actually still standing, or was at the begining of October '99. Going inside after seeing the movie was great. The old set-up is still there and, given a bit of imagination, I could feel what it might have been like at the top of its time.

A great movie overall - I'm buying two!

RRH - 10/15/99

"Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's" is the best documentary I've seen in a long time. The documentary catches the audience and in a fascinating and human way describes the atmosphere, the staff who dedicated their lives serving the stars, but also deals with the evolution in the restaurant business that played a role in the closing of this famous Hollywood restaurant. It's a great documentary! Buy it!

THAT'S HOW JAY LENO JOKES WHEN INTERVIEWED IN THIS DOCUMENTARY ABOUT A LOS ANGELES LEGEND CALLED CHASEN'S. THE HEARSE IN THE OPENING SEQUENCE MAY AS WELL BE CARRYING THE SOUL OF ALL THE FAMOUS PATRONS WHO EVER VISITED THE FAMED RESTUARANT. TORN DOWN TO MAKE WAY FOR A MORE PROFITABLE MALL, CHASEN'S NOW LIVES ON ONLY IN THIS DOCUMENTARY. OVER THE YEARS, THE CLIENTELLE INCLUDED THE BIGGEST STARS IN HOLLYWOOD, BUT THE REAL STAR OF THIS FILM IS CHASEN'S.****RENT OR BUY IT ! *******

I celebrated my 30th birthday at Chasens as well as a few others years later. I've also attended partys there, one before the place closed and later, when the location was used as a 'rent-out'. The film really captured the flavor of the establishment and has a great deal of heart.

Some viewers may not be able to relate to the material, especially if they never dined at Chasens. However I found it fascinating. My uncle knew Dave Chasen and ate there every week, it was his favorite place and he's eaten all over the world. At any rate, I thought the movie was great.

When I moved to Beverly Hills in 1977 after leaving University, one of the first 'Hollywood moments' I had was walking around the neighborhood a couple days after moving in. As I walked down Beverly Boulevard I saw uber-producer Robert Evans walking towards me flanked by a two gorgeous women--a blonde and a brunette. It was a warm night but he was wearing a scarf. Drunk with opportunity I caught his eye and nervously gushed out "Mister Evans I'm A Huge Fan Of Yours And I Know You Don't Want To Be Bothered But Please Tell Me One Thing That Will Help My Career I Will Be In Your Debt Forever!!!"

He stopped in his tracks, reining in the girls. Looked at me, and turned around and pointed down Beverly Boulevard and said "Eat at Chasen's.." As he resumed walking he yelled back at me "...and leave a big tip!"

I managed to make it there a number of times over the years, and although it lost the allure for some it was the closest you could get to finding the last glimpses of the old Hollywood I had grown up reading about.

OFF THE MENU captures that magic for those lucky enough to have experienced the magic, and brings it to life for those who can only wonder. Whilst not as seamless as it could be, and lacking a few more celebrity reminiscences that would have added value, It leaves you satisfied, but still wanting one more taste for dessert.

This movie was very interesting because my daughter's grandfather-in-law was the matre d at Chasens for years. His son has pictures of him with all the Hollywood stars of the 40s and 50s.

This is an excellent movie, it's being used in the classroom to teach beginning Restaurant/Hospitality students.

More than a documentary on a Hollywood hot-spot, "Off the Menu" speaks about a rare crew of people who have dedicated their lives to serving the stars. This eclectic and engaging group arrests the audience with their dedication, sorrow, and, in some cases, flamboyance. The most human film I've seen in a long time.

This must be the WORST documentary I have ever watched. I love Hollywood legends & I love old LA restaurants. Musso & Franks and Cantors on Fairfax were favorites when I was working out there. I never got to Chasens & would have loved to know more about it, but all I saw in this awful thing were a bunch of unhappy soon-to-be-ex-employees grousing repeatedly about their sad lot & the "good old days" but no evidence at all of the latter. 60 years of history, yet nothing at all about the menu, the decor, no details about the clientele other than that they were "stars". Well, maybe the medium is the message here & it was nothing but fame walking in & out the door & people sneeking a peek, but the food was really mediocre along with the decor. Lucky they lasted as long as they did I guess. Certainly the owners & employees I saw kvetching up on the screen didn't make me regret never going there.