Customer Reviews

Secret Service (Broadway Theatre Archive) [VHS]

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Many years ago I had the pleasure of seeing this filmed stage play on PBS and am delighted to see it was finally released on video. Based on the William Gillette play, this Civil War spy story features (VERY young) John Lithgow, Meryl Streep, and Charles Kimbrough (best known for his work in 'Murphy Brown') in the lead roles. (Look quickly for Jeffrey Jones of 'Ferris Buller' fame in a bit as a Southern soldier.)

Lithgow is especially wonderful as the Northern spy passing for Southern officer who loves Southern belle, Streep, but cannot (or can he/) let that interfere with his work. Kimbrough plays the rather smarmy suitor to Streep with great panache.

The old-fashioned plot offers no surprises, but just sit back and enjoy. I think you'll find this one is worth it.

Records are incomplete on SECRET SERVICE. It opened at the Garrick Theater on Oct. 5th, 1896 and ran for about 150 performances, closing some time around March, '97. (In those days, a show that played for this many audiences was considered a major success!)

Its creator, William Gillette also starred in this, his first Broadway triumph. Three years later came the actor/dramatist's most famous role, as Sherlock Holmes. The great wealth Gillette accumulated from stage successes made it possible to construct in rural East Haddam, CT. a replica of a medieval castle. For decades, Gillette Castle has been a popular Nutmeg State tourist attraction.

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The PBS TV broadcast reproduced on this BROADWAY THEATRE ARCHIVES video was the first revival of "Secret Service" since 1915. Sound quality is good. The image has with time lost some color saturation but is still most acceptable.

SYNOPSIS--
Lithgow is a Northern spy in 1864 Richmond whose brother is being held at Libby Prison. With the unknowing help of ladyfriend Streep, 'Capt. Thorne' gains access to the War Room telegraph office and plans to send a false dispatch that will weaken Confederate lines. Historically inaccurate, as there were no Union troops within 6 miles of the city in 1864, but a fine play nonetheless that's enriched by its talented cast's performance of vintage songs between acts. Miss Streep has a beautiful singing voice.

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Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 IMDb viewer poll rating.

(6.9) Secret Service (TV-1977) - Meryl Streep/John Lithgow/Alice Drummond/Mary Beth Hurt/Jeffrey Jones/Joe Grifasi