tehck
Like so many others here, I saw this movie when it premiered and have been looking for it ever since. I'm not desperate or obsessed, but I have never forgotten this version and have always kept an eye out for it. I saw the 'classic' Cocteau version a few years later and found it wanting in comparison. Perhaps my memory has become rose colored, but I'd like to find out. I recall that Scott's makeup was very good, and his performance was what you would expect from one of the greatest actors of his generation. This was my introduction to Ms. Van Devere, whom I found charming, beautiful, and compelling as Belle. The story is, of course, well known, and this version follows the traditional line, but it is a beautiful rendition.
Linda K. Clifford
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale. When this version was first shown on Hallmark Hall of Fame, I thought it was the perfect version and have longed to see it again. I have tried to buy it from Hallmark, but, for some reason this is the one title not available.I wonder if Disney has bought the rights to it in order to squelch the competition. I can't imagine that one movie would hurt them that much but I can't figure out another reason for it not to be available. I love the Disney version but it is a different story all together.I would just love to see this version available for adults with a romantic side to watch.
diabetic_madness
OK, where is it? This was one of the most compelling productions of the story I've ever seen. It was a Hallmark Hall of Fame, I know that because I got the poster from the Hallmark store back then. I agree, there was magic between the two and Scott was at his best. He WAS the Beast. No dancing teapots or children's trappings, this was adult fair and riveting in its emotion. Why isn't this released? Scott is dead, could it be tied up in court somewhere? We need a petition. I remember it being very dark, in subject and in setting. The castle was foreboding and it made Trish V. that much more lovely. The on screen magic between this husband and wife team, at the time, was palpable. I really want to see it again, better yet, own it!
MartinHafer
It's actually rather hard to review this made for TV movie for a variety of reasons. First, it has not been re-shown for decades and so it's hard to remember it with full clarity. Plus, I saw this movie before I saw either the Jean Cocteau or Disney versions. It makes sense with the Disney version, as it came out long after most people's memory of the George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere version had dimmed. I remembered the film as extraordinarily well-acted and beautiful throughout--so much so, that I developed a real deep love for the story. Now with so many intervening years, I don't really know which version I like best--if they would only put this one on video I could find this out once and for all!UPDATE: I finally DID find the film on YouTube. While the print isn't great, it is the movie in its entirety. Unfortunately, the soundtrack is out of sync slightly--and you will notice it. But, it's the only available version I know of at this time. Fortunately, it turns out that this Hallmark version is much different than the other two more famous films. The French film by Jean Cocteau is much more artsy and poetic. The Disney version is the best cartoon ever made. This Hallmark one is lovely because it is so romantic-- with a much stronger emphasis on the relationship between Belle and Beast. It also has an interesting contrast because her family, for the most part, ends up being scum! All in all, a terrific made for TV film...about as good as I remembered!
AD
