Product Details

• Actors: Jack Nicholson, Kathleen Turner, Robert Loggia, John Randolph, William Hickey
• Directors: John Huston
• Writers: Janet Roach, Richard Condon
• Producers: John Foreman
• Format: Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
• VHS Release Date: September 29, 1998
• Run Time: 130 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305164215
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,483 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

It may not seem like the most obvious kind of Huston country, but this black Mafia comedy fits perfectly with the John Huston mindset. Adapted from Richard Condon's novel, the film stars Nicholson as a none-too-bright hit man for a Mafia family who falls in love with an independent operator--a female killer played by Kathleen Turner. The two make a surprisingly funny couple, whether taking a fling at domesticity or comparing professional notes. But their romance is threatened by the woman Nicholson has jilted: the don's daughter, played by Anjelica Huston in a particularly well-etched and poisonous portrayal, for which she won an Oscar. Look for equally tasty turns by cast members William Hickey, John Randolph, and Robert Loggia. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Star-Cross'd Hit Persons, July 23, 2003

By 

Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Prizzi's Honor (DVD)

Only after seeing this film can you be expected to believe that this is a charming comedy about two killers (PC: hit persons) who are deeply involved with mob families, fall madly in love, and then....

One is Charley Partanna (Jack Nicholson), a contract laborer for the Prizzi family headed by Don Corrado (William Hickey) on the East Coast; the other is Irene Walker (Kathleen Turner), based on the West Coast, who had already accepted an assignment from the Prizzis before meeting Partanna and then falling in love with him. The romance flourishes for a time. The complications that ensue are best revealed while viewing the film.

Previously, Partanna had ended his relationship with Maerose Prizzi (Angelica Huston), Don Corrado Prizzi 's beloved but volatile granddaughter. She is determined to regain the favor of the family's elders, especially its Don. Later, Huston received an Academy Award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role. She deserved it. Although apparently quite talented in his line of work, Charley often seems somewhat dimwitted, at least when contrasted with Irene who seems highly intelligent as well as physically attractive. Watching Nicholson play a smitten, almost schoolboyish Charlie is indeed a treat.

Director John Huston does a brilliant job of juxtaposing romantic comedy with mob-directed violence. Amidst all the laughter, people really do get killed. William Hickey certainly deserved his nomination for an Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role, won in 1985 by Don Ameche for his work in Cocoon. Hickey and other members of the cast were blessed with having an immensely clever script by Richard Condon, based on his novel. Listen carefully to Hickey's reading of his lines while also paying close attention to his masterful use of body language. Don Corrado Prizzi is indeed a lovable but deadly senior citizen. Yes, this film is highly entertaining. Witty, at times zany. However, as directed by John Huston, it also has layers of subtle menace as it examines darker regions of human nature.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bada Bing!, October 30, 2002

By 

L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (Huntington Beach,CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Prizzi's Honor (DVD)

A young boy, in his cub scout uniform at Christmas, recieves his first pair of brass knuckles. Then as a young man we see him taking a blood oath and swearing loyalty to "The Family". "The Family" is the Prizzi's, and the boy has grown up to be their number one hit man. He is Charlie Partanna, godson to Don Corrado Prizzi, head of "The Family". Another sequel to the Godfather? NOT!
"Prizzi's Honor"(based on a novel by Richard Condon) is a comedy with it's own brand of humor, a take off of mob family style movies. Director John Huston spins us a web of loyalties, and deciets,and schemes so out there you just have to laugh.
When Charlie meets and falls for Irene, a woman outside the family,he discovers that she also is a "contractor". As a matter of fact she has done a job for the family, but has also ripped them off. Charlie doesn,t know whether to "ice her or marry her"
So he marries her.They do jobs together. All seems well. But it is not...MaeRose the grandaughter of The Don, who has loved Charlie all her life, has been dishonored in the eyes of the family due to a break up with Charlie five years earlier. She is determined to get back in with the family, and with Charlie, and she has her own way of icing the competition, no guns or knives needed. Her scheme sets into motion a chain of events that leaves the whole family not knowing who to trust,and loyalties,especially Charlie's are put to the test.
This comedy/drama has a terrific cast... Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner will blow you away with their performances as "contractors" in love, William Hickey brings his own special brand of charm as "The Don". Angelica Huston, who we first see in a black and red dress that makes you think of a black widow spider,is superb and won Best Supporting Actress for her role as the jilted Mafia Princess. Also look for Robert Loggia in his usual great style as a heavy.
The Anchor Bay DVD is great. The picture and colors are clear and bright. It looks like a new film. The sound is in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo and sounded very good. Everything was distinct. It is in widescreen,with full screen on the other side.
There are no special features with this one, but I can't take anything away from the film or DVD for that. Maybe someday they'll have a special edition in 5.1 with some added features and then we'll have to go to 6 stars. I enjoyed this DVD just the way it was. If you're a Nicholson fan,you will too!
Kick back and enjoy this one..........Laurie

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Movie, December 31, 2006

By 

Alex "ALEX" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prizzi's Honor (DVD)

I highly recommend this movie. The performances were great and so was the writing. I wished there had been some extras on the DVD .