[Savage Beast]

I agree with you.

For a real shouldabeen abortion, see (no don't see!) the 1940s version of Pride and Prejudice with Greer Garson and (I think) Lawrence Olivier. It's awful. Lady Catherine is a sweet old lady who only wants what's best for her dear nephew. From there it deteriorates.

If you haven't seen the Anthony Hopkins version of War and Peace, run--do not walk--to the nearest movierentplace and get it. Get lots of popcorn. No. Get several excellent bottles of excellent wine and/or some good Russian vodka and caviar, have your wife sit next to you on the sofa, and get ready for one of the most wonderful movie experiences of your life. When you have finished watching all 12 or 15 or so episodes (you might want some beef stroganoff for dinner between some of the episodes), read (or re-read) the book. Then email me and let me know how it went.

~S

[Family Guy]

I saw the version of Pride and Prejudice that you're talking about and, although it had some good qualities, the director decided to change plot points that were perfect in the book, like the kind Lady Catherine you talked about. I just don't understand it. Of course things that work in a book sometimes don't work in a movie, but the 1995 version made everything work perfectly, why couldn't the 1940 version do that as well?

OK, I'll have to add War and Peace with Anthony Hopkins to my list. With a recommendation like that, I've gotta see it.