Customer Reviews

Something for Everyone [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The film opens with Conrad (Michael York) bicycling through a lovely forest in Germany. He stops for a rest and looks up at a majestic castle perched on a hill, then opens a storybook--at which point "Fairy Tale " music starts playing in the background as the pages turn to reveal the film's credits.

Thus begins the best dark comedy since " Kind Hearts and Coronets "

The castle is inhabited by the widowed Countess (Angela Lansbury ) and her two teenagers. They are upper class but impoverished since the war.

"How odd " says Lansbury (who has never been better) " to have to concern oneself with the price of strawberries ". This is directed at her solicitor/accountant. When he replies with some bromide about how times change and how we all must adapt she seethingly counters with: " Not eagles, even in captivity they just sit there and glare "

The countess is a descendant of Attila the Hun.

Conrad enters into their lives as a lowly servant. Well he doesn't enter, exactly, he casually commits murder to make a vacancy for himself, seduce the (well everyone, really) and set into motion a scheme to make his childhood dream come true; to become the lord of a castle---with millions to spare.

Conrad, wonderfully played by York, joins the ranks of Richard the Third, Professor Moriarty and Orson Welle's 'Harry Lime ' in 'The Third Man' as one of the most engaging and absolute villains ever created, and for the same reasons: He is a logical genius, who anticipates every ruthlessly evil move he makes with flawless cunning.

It's all part of his sweet boyish charm.

Enjoy.

I never heard about this movie before which is odd because I am very well informed about cult movies..Really twisted really smart ..just..i just watched it ! I am speechless...I thought Cabaret (again with Michael York with his ambigious sexuality) had clever moments..see this one..how can you top a dialogue like this :
- you sleep with whomever you want don't you ?
- yes.if i have to.but i have my preferences
and then the very unexpected ending !
JUST AMAZING...CANNOT WAIT FOR DVD RELEASE !

Introducing someone to this gem of a movie is like taking a friend to see the ocean for the first time. This delicious-- and delicious it is-- movie should be compared to the things that bring you most pleasure in life: New York cheesecake, a cold Kir on a spring day, the smell of honeysuckle in June.

Even though I have seen this most delightful of black comedies more times than any other movie, it still makes me laugh out loud. Certainly in the top five of my favorite movies, this may be number 1. Although I don't want to give the wonderful plot away, it's all about "murderers" and "perverts." Michael York certainly is all things to all people and as he says can sleep with anyone "but I have my preferences." Angela Lansbury, as an aging but broke aristocrat who prefers not to called either "common" or "cautious," was never better.

Unfortunately, they don't make movies like this anymore. If you rent a copy, you'll want one for your collection as this movie certainly is a keeper. "Something for Everyone" is as good as movies get.

Harold Prince's storybook concoction of an almost-impoverished countess in Bavaria (deliciously played by Angela Lansbury in one of her unjustly-forgotten performanaces) is based on the novel "The Cook," which was good but vastly improved by Prince's vision. This film is part romance, part thriller, part mystery, and part black comedy. Michael York is the perfect blend of romantic icon and creepy schemer. Anthony Corlan is dreamy. Jane Carr gives a smashing and hilarious performance, especially when she enjoys a little prebreakfast chocolate cake. (Many of you might remember Jane from "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" with Maggie Smith or in later years as a cast member of "Dear John" with Judd Hirsch.) This has been a personal favourite film of mine for years. It will appeal to cynical romantics as well as to lovers of the old "Fractured Fairy Tales."

This celebrated black comedy from 1970 marked the directorial debut of legendary Broadway producer Harold Prince. It has justly earned cult status and a devoted following due, in great part, to Angela Lansbury's remarkable virtuoso performance. She has flawless support from the delectable Michael York, a very seductive young Anthony Corlan, and gifted Jane Carr.

Against a picture-perfect Bavarian backdrop, Konrad (York) rides into town sporting the sexiest legs ever seen in cycling shorts. He pauses to admire Castle Ornstein with visions of grandeur dancing in his head, and we get another gander at those gorgeous gams. He quickly `arranges' (and therein lies the fun) a job as footman to the impoverished Countess von Ornstein (Lansbury), focusing his attentions on her beautiful, lonely son Helmut (Corlan). An epicurean choice, as Helmut is as physically stunning as Konrad. His sister Lotte (Carr), is improbably dumpy, frumpy, annoying, and furtive. She has Konrad's number right off the bat, though, and asks him which he is, murderer or pervert. His response is congenial and commendably candid.

Simultaneously, Konrad dupes a snobbish, social-climbing family, debauching their beautiful, lonely daughter. So, his perpetual pursuit of passion, power, and position proceeds apace: he has it - and them - all. But his baroque scheme suddenly begins to career dangerously out of control. The end, with several clever twists, bears mercilessly down upon poor Konrad.

The talent and beauty of Michael York and Anthony Corlan notwithstanding, the film belongs to Angela Lansbury. Her every gesture and movement bespeak consummate skill, drama, humor, and camp. Few actors could pull off such theatrical monologues as she does, with the command of Callas incarnating Tosca.

Mr. Prince underscores the operatic nature of his story by introducing Wagner early in the film. Tristan und Isolde personify the intensity, if not the incandescence of his perfect protagonists. Even with its delicious, decidedly 70's bisexuality and social outlook, this minor masterpiece remains fresh as a daisy after 35 years. It deserves the full DVD treatment, lovingly re-mastered and in wide-screen.

An impoverished young man has a dream--to be very wealthy, and preferably own a castle. He earnestly sets about his dream, overcoming obstacles with a winning combination of intelligence and lack of morality. He schemes and maneuvers, charming everyone, including the audience, and sleeping with just about everyone, until he attains his goal... sort of.

The cunning of Michael York's footman, pretended innocence of the family, Angela Lansbuys superb performance & surprise ending serve up a great evening of entertainment!

This brilliant black comedy was unjustly overlooked when it came out but it is a treasure to be sought. The cast is first rate and Hal Prince's direction (yes, THAT Hal Prince) is concise. Angela Lansbury sparkles and Michael York is brilliant. The crisp script will leave you smiling at the conclusion. Not to be missed!

Please someone, put out a high-quality DVD of this gem!

I do not have this movie at home - but I will snatch it up Immediately when it comes out on DVD! It is hard for me to believe it isn't out already, as it is one of my all time favorite movie memories.

I saw this flick, actually, when i was 18 years old, and a freshman in college - in Munich (Germany), which is about an hour or less from the location of the very famous castle where it was filmed. It's one of the many places built by King Ludwig - mostly by plundering the Bavarian treasury. Some of you may know Neuschvanstein - sp? as the castle used in the film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", as well.

Anyhew - I never forgot this film. It was way ahead of its time, and seems to be one of those films that you either caught when it came out - and loved! - or have never heard of. Michael York is amazing, and Angela Lansbury is brilliant as the matriarch of this extremely disfunctional family. I hope that they are doing a good DVD job on this one - and that there will be some commentary by its stars, if at all possible.

The cunning of Michael York's footman, pretended innocence of the family, Angela Lansbuys superb performance & surprise ending serve up a great evening of entertainment!