Son of The Morning Star [VHS]

Son of The Morning Star [VHS]
by Mike Robe

Son of The Morning Star [VHS]

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Product details

Actor: Edward Blatchford, Gary Cole, George Dickerson, Rosanna Arquette, Stanley Anderson
Director: Mike Robe
Cinematographer: Kees Van Oostrum
Editor: Benjamin A. Weissman
Producer: Benjamin A. Weissman
Producer: Cyrus I. Yavneh
Producer: Preston Fischer
Writer: Evan S. Connell
Writer: Melissa Mathison
Edition: VHS Tape
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC, Surround Sound
Running Time: 187 minutes
Release Date: 1998-01-01
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Publisher: Republic Pictures
Studio: Republic Pictures

VHS Movie Reviews of Son of The Morning Star [VHS]

Movie Review: Balanced But Too Long
Summary: 3 Stars

George Armstrong Custer was as controversial in life as he was in death, and more than 100 years later remains so. Each generation rediscovers him and then reinvents him to suit their sociopolitical mores. Thus he has appeared in many guises - the hero (Francis Ford in "Custer's Last Fight" in 1912), the swashbuckler (Errol Flynn in "They Died with Their Boots On" in 1941), the Indian sympathizer (Robert Shaw in "Custer of the West" in 1967), and the villain (Richard Mulligan in "Little Big Man" in 1970). Of all his film treatments, Gary Cole's portrayal in the 3 hour made-for-TV film "Son of the Morning Star" (1991) is probably the most balanced.

The film traces the steps of Custer and Crazy Horse (Rodney Grant) leading up to the Little Big Horn, and narration is done by Custer's wife (Rosanna Arquette) and by an Indian (Buffy Sainte-Marie's voice). The film is based on the 1984 critically acclaimed best-selling book of the same name by Evan Connell.

The role of Custer was originally intended for Kevin Costner but he was busy making "Dances with Wolves" so the versatile Cole took over. Cole has had a very active career in TV - Vice-President Russell in "The West Wing" (1999-2006), Harvey Birdman in "Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law" (2206-7), Wayne Davis on "Desperate Housewives" (2008), Andy Klein on "Entourage" (2008-9), Mike Brady on "Family Guy" (2000-2010), forensics expert in "The Good Wife" (2010), etc. His film career has been more limited, including a few Brady Bunch spoofs and supporting roles in comedies like "Dodgeball" (2004), "Talladega Nights" (2006) and "Pineapple Express" (2008).

Rosanna Arquette is best known for her Emmy nominated role in the TV movie "The Executioner's Song" (1982) and her BAFTA winning performance in "Desperately Seeking Susan" (1985). She's the granddaughter of raucous comedian Cliff Arquette who lit up the Jack Paar Tonight Show from 1958 to 1962 as "Charley Weaver", and the subject of the Toto Top 10 hit " Rosanna", a distinction she earned because she was dating one of the band members.

Dean Stockwell makes a few brief appearances as General Phil Sheridan. Stockwell began acting as a child in the 40s and has been in more than 100 films, earning 4 Emmy nominations for "Quantum Leap" (1990-3), an Oscar nomination for "Married to the Mob" (1988) and winning twice as Best Ac tor at Cannes ("Long Day's Journey Into Night" in 1962 and "Compulsion" in 1959). Stockwell always gives a good performance, but I liked him best in Dune (1984) as the villainous Dr. Huey.

David Strathaim appears as Captain Benteen. Strathaim is best known for his outstanding performance as Edward R Murrow in "Good Night and Good Luck" (2005), and the fact that he didn't win an Oscar is a reflection on the academy, not the actor. He's also given great performances in "LA Confidential" (1997) and "City of Hope" (1991). He's a favorite of director John Sayles who cast him in several films including "Brother from Another Planet" (1984), "Matewan" (1987) and "Eight Men Out" (1988).

The TV film won 4 Emmys (Costuming, Makeup, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing) and was nominated for a fifth (Hairstyling). In 1991 the major Emmy nominated miniseries were "The Josephine Baker Story", "Leona Helmsley: Queen of Mean", and "Sarah Plain and Tall". At 3+ hours it's a little long, and often the action is slow to develop. The film straddles the line between drama and docudrama, and while the domestic scenes are interesting, fans of westerns or actions films may find them boring. They do help to paint a full picture of the times, and certainly give us an aspect of Custer's life that hither fore has not been covered. It's interesting to note that following his death, Custer's wife wrote several books about him and their life together, so there was plenty of material available.

If the direction is not exactly taut, the photography is beautiful and the music is good. The use of alternative narrations to describe the same event is brilliant, and I wish it were used more often. There is probably a good 100 minute film here, but you'll have to endure187 minutes to watch it.

Movie Review: Good Custer Film
Summary: 5 Stars

I agree with many reviewers, one, of not the best, Custer films made. If you want to know about Custer, his wife Libby, why the Big Horn campaign or why is Custer so maligned today, you can see it all in this great and entertaining film.

On a side note: In the mid-1960s, the TV program "F-Troop" was on, a comedy to be sure, about an army fort in the west. Actor Larry Storch played Cpl Agarn. In one story, Gen Custer and his cavalry visited the Fort before the Big Horn campaign. As the General was departing, Cpl Agarn remarked, "Good luck in the Little Big Horn campaign General."

Movie Review: Very Over Due on DVD or Blue Ray
Summary: 5 Stars

Hokahay!
Not much I can add to what has already been stated about this movie. One of the very best and I still watch it converted. Still not the quality a studio would send out on DVD / Blue Ray hopefully. I agree with several that this is way over due to be in DVD form. Sadly I have been waiting since 2004. Get with it Republic or the Gods that decide which is on dvd form. Time to move it and as you can see the $$$ is just waiting for you to release. With some of the junk being released its HIGH Time something as well produced and wanted as this, be done.

It is clearly represented here alone that this movie deserves to be printed on DVD with all extras as soon as possible. I am dating this Nov 2009.. Sadly still waiting.

It is truly a Tanka - a Great! film.. I wanted it so much I even purchased the VHS.
Please if anyone who has authority reads these to descide what goes on DVD . HOKAHAY!!!!!!! LETS GO!
Heartflight(R)

Movie Review: son of the morning star
Summary: 5 Stars

I am extreamly pleased with the movie and quality of this product from amazon! the best yet i have enjoyed of custers story.

Movie Review: Son Of The Morning Star
Summary: 5 Stars

I got this for my husband, he was in the cavalry during desert storm and never got to see it.He liked the movie but would have rather gotten it on dvd instead of vhs. We have a player that runs both so it was not a problem.He gives it a high rating . Thank you,Amelia.

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