Kurt Russell Books

Although no doubt a useful guide to serious researchers interested in the Haffenreffer-Herreshoff collection at MIT, this work's value to the yachtsman starts with Appendix C - the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company Construction Record. This appendix is a facsimile reproduction of the actual construction records of the Company, both sail and power, in order of hull number, and including original owners and yacht names. An invaluable guide for those interested in classic yacht restoration and history.

I know that the Gore factor, in this woundrful movie is always of concern or judgement of this movie....lets see..oh yes, B&W Romeros Dawn Of The Dead Classic has Zombies eating raw intrails from a former victim and another chewing on a hand or body part..NOW that IS GORE.
The so called Gore in The Thing, I thought was State of the art speciall Effects, like never seen before or since because, like another reviewer said.. today it would all be GCI..But the challanges met by the special effects artists/team was masterful and awe inspiring! (Note I said ARTISTS, as called back then)..Now its Special Effects Tec. or direction, because thats all it is today, just techical creations off a Key Board Pad and PC. Viewers/critics back then were not prepared for the realistic horror unlesashed in their Cinamaplex... Not since The Exorcist had vieweres eperienced true dreadful fear,..and it was created by Special Effects ARTISTS, with Pea Soup..tubes..hydraulics..and fantastic Makup by Makeup ARTISTS!....For me, a wanabe Special Effects Artists, this movie was the real deal and right on.. Fear..Dread, and Paranoia.. The Critics after viewing this movie, and after a change of undereware, were totally blindsighted on its release, and dubed it as TO GORY!.."Well, Boo Hoo, I want my mommy"..The THING, succeeded as it wanted to do...To scare the hell out of you! Kudos John Carpenter!!

Okay, you've read all the praise, and it's all true, this is a helluva scary movie, well-made, the effects are outstanding, and it holds up well over time.

But that's not all there is to it.

We've all seen morph effects, one critter transforming smoothly into another, we were pretty bored with them by the early 1990's. Big deal.

But this was made before cheap, cheesy CGI morphs. There's nothing smooth about these transformations. Much the opposite. What's so monstrous about this Thing, is that everything about its transformations is so WRONG. This critter has a rather nasty disregard for the rules, it doesn't care that heads aren't supposed to sprout legs and walk off on their own.

Very imaginative special effects.

I watch this movie every year in the month of January. I love this movie. This is one of the few remakes that is better than the original.

Although this DVD does come with a few extras, such as a short history slideshow explaining the development of The Thing, and a commentary voice-over with Kurt Russell and the director, John Carpenter, it leaves something to be desired in what was released as a "Collector's Edition". I point to examples such as the Collector's Edition of Aliens (the second movie) as a comparison.

That said, it's a great movie and worth adding to any horror/sci fi/Kurt Russell collection. It doesn't get much gorier than a John Carpenter flick, as any of his fans can tell you, but at the same time Carpenter's movies are often written and cast so well that they transcend the camp value of B-movie horror flicks and end up being something much more memorable. "MANOS: The Hands Of Fate" this ain't, folks.

All the way back from the early 80's, John Carpenter's "The Thing" was the hottest Sci-Fi/horror film to be seen. I remember seeing a copy of Cinefex magazine, dealing with the production of the film. There was a ton of imagination and special effects that went into the making of "The Thing".

What makes "The Thing" so creepy is the nature of the "Alien" menace. A creature that attacks and "takes over" it's intended victim at a cellular level, in essence becoming an exact copy of it's victim! What is perhaps it's most disgusting and surprising trait, is when it is either surprised or found out (identified). The laws of nature are thrown out the window, and you are witness to some of the most shocking mutations to ever come from a sick and depraved mind. To this, Carpenter puts into the mix a group of men who have undergone extensive psychological testing, just to be able to work in an isolated environment (no one wants these men going koo-koo a couple of months into their stay).
Well, let's just say that it wasn't enough. Once the menace is identified, little by little, these men come apart at the seams! It's every man for himself (itself?)!

"The Thing" is LOOOOONG on suspense! At times, it's well, nigh unbearable. This is John Carpenter's best film. Rob Bottin's special effects deserved an Oscar. Kurt Russell was just coming out of his "sqeaky clean" teenage image that followed him from his early films.
There is one thing I find curious. On some copies of this film, a Stevie Wonder song is being played in the kitchen scene, and on others, it's different music. Also, there are copies with narration! Perhaps it was added when the film went to cable. This film, like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho", are must-see (if not must-own) films for the horror fanster!

I know that the Gore factor, in this woundrful movie is always of concern or judgement of this movie....lets see..oh yes, B&W Romeros Dawn Of The Dead Classic has Zombies eating raw intrails from a former victim and another chewing on a hand or body part..NOW that IS GORE.
The so called Gore in The Thing, I thought was State of the art speciall Effects, like never seen before or since because, like another reviewer said.. today it would all be GCI..But the challanges met by the special effects artists/team was masterful and awe inspiring! (Note I said ARTISTS, as called back then)..Now its Special Effects Tec. or direction, because thats all it is today, just techical creations off a Key Board Pad and PC. Viewers/critics back then were not prepared for the realistic horror unlesashed in their Cinamaplex... Not since The Exorcist had vieweres eperienced true dreadful fear,..and it was created by Special Effects ARTISTS, with Pea Soup..tubes..hydraulics..and fantastic Makup by Makeup ARTISTS!....For me, a wanabe Special Effects Artists, this movie was the real deal and right on.. Fear..Dread, and Paranoia.. The Critics after viewing this movie, and after a change of undereware, were totally blindsighted on its release, and dubed it as TO GORY!.."Well, Boo Hoo, I want my mommy"..The THING, succeeded as it wanted to do...To scare the hell out of you! Kudos John Carpenter!!

Okay, you've read all the praise, and it's all true, this is a helluva scary movie, well-made, the effects are outstanding, and it holds up well over time.

But that's not all there is to it.

We've all seen morph effects, one critter transforming smoothly into another, we were pretty bored with them by the early 1990's. Big deal.

But this was made before cheap, cheesy CGI morphs. There's nothing smooth about these transformations. Much the opposite. What's so monstrous about this Thing, is that everything about its transformations is so WRONG. This critter has a rather nasty disregard for the rules, it doesn't care that heads aren't supposed to sprout legs and walk off on their own.

Very imaginative special effects.

I watch this movie every year in the month of January. I love this movie. This is one of the few remakes that is better than the original.

Although this DVD does come with a few extras, such as a short history slideshow explaining the development of The Thing, and a commentary voice-over with Kurt Russell and the director, John Carpenter, it leaves something to be desired in what was released as a "Collector's Edition". I point to examples such as the Collector's Edition of Aliens (the second movie) as a comparison.

That said, it's a great movie and worth adding to any horror/sci fi/Kurt Russell collection. It doesn't get much gorier than a John Carpenter flick, as any of his fans can tell you, but at the same time Carpenter's movies are often written and cast so well that they transcend the camp value of B-movie horror flicks and end up being something much more memorable. "MANOS: The Hands Of Fate" this ain't, folks.

All the way back from the early 80's, John Carpenter's "The Thing" was the hottest Sci-Fi/horror film to be seen. I remember seeing a copy of Cinefex magazine, dealing with the production of the film. There was a ton of imagination and special effects that went into the making of "The Thing".

What makes "The Thing" so creepy is the nature of the "Alien" menace. A creature that attacks and "takes over" it's intended victim at a cellular level, in essence becoming an exact copy of it's victim! What is perhaps it's most disgusting and surprising trait, is when it is either surprised or found out (identified). The laws of nature are thrown out the window, and you are witness to some of the most shocking mutations to ever come from a sick and depraved mind. To this, Carpenter puts into the mix a group of men who have undergone extensive psychological testing, just to be able to work in an isolated environment (no one wants these men going koo-koo a couple of months into their stay).
Well, let's just say that it wasn't enough. Once the menace is identified, little by little, these men come apart at the seams! It's every man for himself (itself?)!

"The Thing" is LOOOOONG on suspense! At times, it's well, nigh unbearable. This is John Carpenter's best film. Rob Bottin's special effects deserved an Oscar. Kurt Russell was just coming out of his "sqeaky clean" teenage image that followed him from his early films.
There is one thing I find curious. On some copies of this film, a Stevie Wonder song is being played in the kitchen scene, and on others, it's different music. Also, there are copies with narration! Perhaps it was added when the film went to cable. This film, like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho", are must-see (if not must-own) films for the horror fanster!

Unbelievable movie!! I LOVED It.
Great cast, great story.
Gary Oldman is by far one of the best actors in the world!!!!

This name may not be a big box office hit but wow will it be once you've watched it! Amy Smart is but one of serveral familiar faces to grace this movie. Full of fun, laughs and surprisingly a moral. This is worth buying, it is definetly worth watching at least twice!!

I first found this flick as a movie rental, noting the cast included Gary Oldman, whom I always enjoyed.

What an enjoyable surprise! The film comes to you with a built-in twinkle in it's eye, having a load of fun playing with the viewer. It's like a mature version of Alice in Wonderland, but instead of different creatures, the adventures are focused on people met on the road or in the towns visited.

The film is sprinkled with star cameos. Gary Oldman, as always, creates a totally unique charactor. But as much as I enjoyed Oldman, Chris Cooper was the best gem of them all. He plays an ex-adman, looking for honesty---need I say more.

But, despite all the fun, the movie does make it's point, without hammering you in the head.

You will not be disappointed with Interstate 60. It is weird, it is thought provoking, it is strange it is my favorite movie EVER (including What the Bleep and The Secret which are close 2nds) It is also one of only 3 movies that I have paid full price for.

I can't describe it. Just buy it and you will like it.

I originally downloaded this movie without having any knowledge of it's content. After watching it 6 or 7 times I purchased the retail version. I showed it to friends and family and all of them at least liked it. Many loved it. I have since purchased copies for 5 of my 6 children. The 6th will get a copy when she's old enough. It isn't a movie for those under 17. It has some pretty rough language in spots but no nudity. The story is original and there's a nice ending. I was amazed that no one has ever heard of it considering the cast... Michael J Fox, Gary Oldman, Kurt Russell, Christopher Lloyd, Ann Margret.. You can sum my thoughts up with 3 words... I Loved It!

Unbelievable movie!! I LOVED It.
Great cast, great story.
Gary Oldman is by far one of the best actors in the world!!!!

This name may not be a big box office hit but wow will it be once you've watched it! Amy Smart is but one of serveral familiar faces to grace this movie. Full of fun, laughs and surprisingly a moral. This is worth buying, it is definetly worth watching at least twice!!

I first found this flick as a movie rental, noting the cast included Gary Oldman, whom I always enjoyed.

What an enjoyable surprise! The film comes to you with a built-in twinkle in it's eye, having a load of fun playing with the viewer. It's like a mature version of Alice in Wonderland, but instead of different creatures, the adventures are focused on people met on the road or in the towns visited.

The film is sprinkled with star cameos. Gary Oldman, as always, creates a totally unique charactor. But as much as I enjoyed Oldman, Chris Cooper was the best gem of them all. He plays an ex-adman, looking for honesty---need I say more.

But, despite all the fun, the movie does make it's point, without hammering you in the head.

You will not be disappointed with Interstate 60. It is weird, it is thought provoking, it is strange it is my favorite movie EVER (including What the Bleep and The Secret which are close 2nds) It is also one of only 3 movies that I have paid full price for.

I can't describe it. Just buy it and you will like it.

I originally downloaded this movie without having any knowledge of it's content. After watching it 6 or 7 times I purchased the retail version. I showed it to friends and family and all of them at least liked it. Many loved it. I have since purchased copies for 5 of my 6 children. The 6th will get a copy when she's old enough. It isn't a movie for those under 17. It has some pretty rough language in spots but no nudity. The story is original and there's a nice ending. I was amazed that no one has ever heard of it considering the cast... Michael J Fox, Gary Oldman, Kurt Russell, Christopher Lloyd, Ann Margret.. You can sum my thoughts up with 3 words... I Loved It!

FATES is Vonnegut near his best. Fully exhibiting a deft ability to shift through subjects, decades, moods and viewpoints, the work is a tour de force. Subtitled "A Collage of the 80s" it, like all of his better works, is a collage of his life and much more. Written during the "don't worry, be happy" Reagan era, the author reveals deep concern over the direction of this nation and the world, and offers personal glimpses of human suffering in Africa and Southeast Asia which reveal a profound humanitarianism. Asked to contribute to a 1988 time capsule destined for our heirs a century hence, he wrote that we should have carved this in "great big letters on a Grand Canyon wall," WE PROBABLY COULD HAVE SAVED OURSELVES, BUT WERE TOO DAMNED LAZY TO TRY VERY HARD. And then the afterthought, AND TOO DAMNED CHEAP. Something to think about as we count the probable cost of taming global warming, if it isn't already too late.

and it felt good. let me tell you it was a mind opener this book. i came five times and held the book up in praise while doing it hard and raw. do yourself a favor and pick up this, ridiculously funny and insightful, man's literature.

I read Kurt Vonnegut--not for his stories (though fun and interesting and. . .)--but to see how he thinks. For me, the three books of collected (mostly) non-fiction: "Wampeters, Foma & Granfalloons", "Palm Sunday", and this are his cream. God Bless you, Kurt Vonnegut; thanks for your gadget!

The closest V ever came to autobiography. A collection of essays, borrowed quotes, speeches, poems and other nonfiction. Much more interesting than his other nonfiction work mostly because of the biographical stuff and his musings on mental illness, drugs, war and the inherent sadness and difficulties of life. Cynical but humane and a definite must read for any V fan.

These essays give us a rare look in to the mind of a genius. He expounds on subjects ranging from mental illness, family relationships, death and war. Sounds depressing, but an optimism shows through. Vonnegut masterfully points out the adsurdity around us and shines the light of sanity on it. The essays are as relevant and mind opening today as they were when he wrote them over a decade ago. Although this is not the Veonnegut work I would recommend to someone unfamiliar with his work, anyone will benefit from reading it.

Original, fun, with a sad unconventional ending. A definite love it or hate it movie. Makes you appreciate what you have rather than taking everything for granted as David Ames does. If you "don't get it" at first, watch it again. If you watched it once and hated it...don't bother.

For many years this has been one of my favourite films. The very film itself is very "Faustian", in it's theoretically never ending quest for love, experience and knowledge. It also has a much darker side to it, reminding me somewhat of another absolutely wonderful dark film; "The Jacket", with a touch of "Donnie Darko". I've seen the original Spanish film "Abre los ojos" that this more or less is an exact remake of, and amusingly, it contains the same lovely Penelope Cruz in her role as Sofia Serrano. The lead character David Aames is played by Tom Cruise, not someone I particularly like neither in "real life" nor in this film, but he does a good job in this film, and that is after all what counts. His role as a lucky rich boy with no responsibility and who's "all about fun", in his own words, represents my complete opposite, that being so, he quickly finds himself forced to recognize that "there are consequences in life".

Aames falls completely in love with a girl that his lonely best friend brings to Aames' own birthday party (some friend, huh?). Jason Lee does an excellent role with his character Brian Shelby. The happiness ends suddenly though, after Aames lack of responsibility comes back around to him the morning after and he ends up emotionally and physically crippled afterwards. Cameron Diaz plays the character of the slut stalker of Aames, and no fault of Diaz, her character is completely horrible, an awful person.

Without revealing the end and the entire plot for those of you out there who strangely have not seen this marvellous film yet, I would just like to recommend this beyond words. Even though the upper layer of the film seems very "decadent" and "shallow", it really is about (in my view) the greatest thing of all, the search for knowledge and experience. Add the beautiful Penelope Cruz and a really existentialist theme throughout, which I'm sure everyone who thinks for him or herself can relate to (is the world real or merely an illusion?), and you've got yourself one of my favourite films. The end scene is simply sublime, with what probably is the best song in the world, Sigur Ros' divine "Njosnavellin".

Watch it!

This movie is a love story with some sci-fi elements awkwardly thrown in, but there are some moments of good acting and dialogue that make it worth watching.

All the reviewers who said that this is a movie you love or hate,and I really hated it. It was long, boring, and I just didn't connect with any of the characters. I would have turned it off long before it was over, but I was watching it with other people. The only thing remotely good is Camron Diaz, I guess I did like one character after all. Stay away unless you feel you just have to, and if you hate it, you can jump into our ship!

A film which makes an attempt to pattern itself on the fantasy vs. reality films that had become popular at the turn of the new millennium - David Fichner's "Fight Club" and M. Night Shamalan's "Sixth Sense" both from 1999, Christopher Nolan's "Momento" from 2000, and David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" released the following year (all of which don't surpass the reigning king of this genre when Terry Gilliam released his 1985 masterpiece "Brazil") - by no means fails in this respect since I found it both entertaining and intriguing for the most part, but is noticeably long and certainly may confuse the average '2hr-max-movie-goer'. Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz both stand out playing their respective, 'good gal/bad gal roles and Jason Lee is quite appealing as the best friend of our dashing lead Tom Cruise. Yet Cruise may be viewed as stretching this performance given the physical challenges that are demanded. I hesitate to reveal these challenges to those that have not seen the picture as they are indeed the focal point of the plot. Many good things like the witty Cameron Crowe retrospective soundtrack that is weaved into clever culture references and tributes which are indeed enjoyable and even necessary to solve the riddle presented in 'what's is going on?' scenario of the main character's pressing dilemma which may not be easy to access with a single viewing. But still the ride can be entertaining as Tom runs away and into trouble as he often does in quasi-action films that are laced with mystery and intrigue like Sydney Pollack's 1993 "The Firm", Brian De Palma's 1996 "Mission Impossible" and even the more cerebrally dark, "Eyes Wide Shut" from Stanley Kubrick. As noted by many educated critics as well as the tasteless tabloids Mr. Cruise may be biting off more than he can chew as he dives into the land of independent production. I applaud Tom for his efforts and are rooting for his success yet do believe that his choice for future roles should include a return to comedic territory as a deviation/diversion to selecting elaborate/complicated efforts which could be prove too risky and result in a poor reception at the box office.

Original, fun, with a sad unconventional ending. A definite love it or hate it movie. Makes you appreciate what you have rather than taking everything for granted as David Ames does. If you "don't get it" at first, watch it again. If you watched it once and hated it...don't bother.

For many years this has been one of my favourite films. The very film itself is very "Faustian", in it's theoretically never ending quest for love, experience and knowledge. It also has a much darker side to it, reminding me somewhat of another absolutely wonderful dark film; "The Jacket", with a touch of "Donnie Darko". I've seen the original Spanish film "Abre los ojos" that this more or less is an exact remake of, and amusingly, it contains the same lovely Penelope Cruz in her role as Sofia Serrano. The lead character David Aames is played by Tom Cruise, not someone I particularly like neither in "real life" nor in this film, but he does a good job in this film, and that is after all what counts. His role as a lucky rich boy with no responsibility and who's "all about fun", in his own words, represents my complete opposite, that being so, he quickly finds himself forced to recognize that "there are consequences in life".

Aames falls completely in love with a girl that his lonely best friend brings to Aames' own birthday party (some friend, huh?). Jason Lee does an excellent role with his character Brian Shelby. The happiness ends suddenly though, after Aames lack of responsibility comes back around to him the morning after and he ends up emotionally and physically crippled afterwards. Cameron Diaz plays the character of the slut stalker of Aames, and no fault of Diaz, her character is completely horrible, an awful person.

Without revealing the end and the entire plot for those of you out there who strangely have not seen this marvellous film yet, I would just like to recommend this beyond words. Even though the upper layer of the film seems very "decadent" and "shallow", it really is about (in my view) the greatest thing of all, the search for knowledge and experience. Add the beautiful Penelope Cruz and a really existentialist theme throughout, which I'm sure everyone who thinks for him or herself can relate to (is the world real or merely an illusion?), and you've got yourself one of my favourite films. The end scene is simply sublime, with what probably is the best song in the world, Sigur Ros' divine "Njosnavellin".

Watch it!

This movie is a love story with some sci-fi elements awkwardly thrown in, but there are some moments of good acting and dialogue that make it worth watching.

All the reviewers who said that this is a movie you love or hate,and I really hated it. It was long, boring, and I just didn't connect with any of the characters. I would have turned it off long before it was over, but I was watching it with other people. The only thing remotely good is Camron Diaz, I guess I did like one character after all. Stay away unless you feel you just have to, and if you hate it, you can jump into our ship!

A film which makes an attempt to pattern itself on the fantasy vs. reality films that had become popular at the turn of the new millennium - David Fichner's "Fight Club" and M. Night Shamalan's "Sixth Sense" both from 1999, Christopher Nolan's "Momento" from 2000, and David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" released the following year (all of which don't surpass the reigning king of this genre when Terry Gilliam released his 1985 masterpiece "Brazil") - by no means fails in this respect since I found it both entertaining and intriguing for the most part, but is noticeably long and certainly may confuse the average '2hr-max-movie-goer'. Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz both stand out playing their respective, 'good gal/bad gal roles and Jason Lee is quite appealing as the best friend of our dashing lead Tom Cruise. Yet Cruise may be viewed as stretching this performance given the physical challenges that are demanded. I hesitate to reveal these challenges to those that have not seen the picture as they are indeed the focal point of the plot. Many good things like the witty Cameron Crowe retrospective soundtrack that is weaved into clever culture references and tributes which are indeed enjoyable and even necessary to solve the riddle presented in 'what's is going on?' scenario of the main character's pressing dilemma which may not be easy to access with a single viewing. But still the ride can be entertaining as Tom runs away and into trouble as he often does in quasi-action films that are laced with mystery and intrigue like Sydney Pollack's 1993 "The Firm", Brian De Palma's 1996 "Mission Impossible" and even the more cerebrally dark, "Eyes Wide Shut" from Stanley Kubrick. As noted by many educated critics as well as the tasteless tabloids Mr. Cruise may be biting off more than he can chew as he dives into the land of independent production. I applaud Tom for his efforts and are rooting for his success yet do believe that his choice for future roles should include a return to comedic territory as a deviation/diversion to selecting elaborate/complicated efforts which could be prove too risky and result in a poor reception at the box office.

For a movie made in 1981, this one still packs a whollop! For anyone not familiar with this little gem, this one is not for the faint of heart. In this day of SAW and HOSTEL, this movie still has the ability to scare the crap out of you! It isn't overly bloody or violent, but what it lacks in substance, it more than makes up
for it with it's suspenseful crawl through the ghostly heart of a woman's revenge. Based on the novel of the same name, four old men (Melvyn Douglas, John Houseman, Fred Astaire,and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in their last starring roles) spend their evenings in a New England town swapping ghost stories. Soon they start dropping like flies, starting with one of the Mayor's (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) twin sons, played to the hilt by Craig Wasson in a dual role (beware...there is frontal nudity and it is shockingly displayed). Not long after the mayor falls to his death and soon, the doctor (Melvyn Douglas)is visited by a strange woman in black and dies of a heart attack. The remaining members of the group are beside themselves and Craig Wasson soon reveals his connection to a strange young woman with whom he had a torrid and short lived affair. Alice Krige is just lovely here and at her horrifying best as the object of Craig Wasson's desire and his ill-fated brother's as well. Not long after his twin brother's shocking death, he tells his father's friends what he knows about "Alma" who is later revealed as Eva, the woman whom the old men fancied years before. Eva's sad story is told in flashbacks and what eventually happened to her is one of the most horrifying and heartbreaking aspects of the movie. It doesn't take long for the surviving members (Fred Astaire and John Houseman) to make the connection and figure out they're all in danger. But ghosts have a way of exacting revenge, especially a woman scorned so it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's happening. I have to say this is one of the more enjoyable and certainly one of the best horror movies from the 80s. It's certainly worth a look on a dark and stormy night. But I do take issue with the excessive nudity. It isn't necessary in a movie like this. Alice Krige for all her talent must have felt it was essential for her career to bare her breasts. If that's true, then that's a sad commentary on the world today. Craig Wasson certainly isn't ashamed of his body given the amount of flesh he exposed in this film and in several others. Again, not necessary. There is a sex scene that is quite shocking for all its violence and once you understand Eva's history, I guess it was her way of exacting her revenge. Still it is shocking and even disturbing. It will keep you up nights to be sure. A must for any horror fan.

this was a gift to my sister who had been searching for it. she loved it.

The film is a nice horror movie. There are some moments that will startle you and maybe send shivers down your spine. The movie is not full of blood and gore like most modern "horror" films. There's alot of female and a bit of male nudity and some sex scenes. There isn't much violence, though there is some. There isn't much foul language either.

I'd love to give this film a full 5 stars but I just can't. It's not the dated special effects. The effects are actually fine and are not cheesy.
It's not the acting. Quality actors and actresses all around.

It's the plot or rather some aspects of the plot. Spoilers follow:

The premise of a woman getting her revenge after being murdered 50 years earlier is great. The idea that she materializes into human form, gets a job, eats, drinks and makes love....eh, I found that a bit unbelievable. A ghost working as a secretary at a college...I don't know, seems to me that if she wanted her revenge, she could have done it in a more blatant way. But hey, I'm not a ghost, what do I know?

Another part of the plot which wasn't fully explained was the assistance that the ghost got from those two boys. Okay, they escaped from an insane aslyum and lived in the old house. So why were they helping her? The older of the two kind of explained why towards the end but it didn't make all that much sense. Furthermore, the ghost was doing just fine without them, so why enlist their aid?

Aside from those plot points, the film is entertaining. It's not one you'll watch over and over but it's nice to pull off the shelf every so often if you want an original horror film that doesn't have to rely on special effects and blood/gore.

This was a very pleasant 'Ghost" story. I do not like the horrific ones at all, but this was well made an I enjoyed the entire story. It reminded me of "Dead Poets Society" with Robin Williams.

I read Straub's book AFTER seeing the movie, and I think that's why I enjoyed the film version so much. Had I done the reverse, I would have had the novel in mind all along. GHOST STORY is one of my favorite 80s movies, and a decent enough spooker. I love the Chowder Society, played by Fred Astaire (Ricky), John Houseman (Sears), Melvin Douglas (John) , and Douglas Fairbanks, jr (Edward). Patricia Neal also has a small role as Ricky's wife. Seeing them once again reminded me of how hollywood has (to its shame) nearly shut older actors out of the industry. Of course, the dark core of the story is embodied by Alma (Alice Krige) who is guilt / vengeance / nightmare incarnate. She is back to show the Chowder Society that not all things can be buried and forgotten. Ms. Krige is perfectly cast. I don't know what it is about her, but she has some cold quality that gives me the willies! This in spite of her beauty (even naked!). I kept waiting for her to strike someone dead. She is the reason that I can watch GS repeatedly, especially around halloween (the most wonderful time of the year), when the chill in the air hints at the frozen depths of her eyes...