Ray Charles Video:

		List Price: $9.98		Label: Live / Artisan Salesrank: 96163 Released: November 19, 2002
		Our Price: $13.67
		Used Price: $4.99
		MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Media: DVD

Sweet Bird of Youth Reviews:
Sweet bird of Youth as Tennessee Williams originally wrote it?
2009-08-09 - The Elizabeth Taylor/Mark Harmon version is much grittier than the 1962 Paul Newman/Geraldine Page version; and in some ways not as well acted. The characters at times seem forced, but it is far from a bad version. It can still grip you with the emotions of a washed up star and a grasping young wanna be star.
This DVD version was done in 1989, not the date of release.
It also has appearances by Rip Torn, who was also in the 1962 version as Boss Finley's son, now in this version as Boss Finley. Valerie Perrine also makes an appearance. The 1962 version did not use Tennessee Williams much more violent ending which is only hinted at and left to your imagination in this 1989 version.
Elizabeth Taylor is always an interesting actress to watch, she steals the screen when she is present, which is no surprise. Mark Harmon affects a southern accent and does a credible job as Chance.
However as ether a warning or an inducement to purchase whichever your wishes are; there is one bedroom scene with Chance and the love of his life Heavenly which is very revealing to say the least. This can be a surprise for a non rated DVD and one that was on television (this scene was probably not broadcast in the US or if it was, it was on a cable station.). So just realize this when you purchase it.




"A Kind Of Magnificence."
2006-05-20 - This 1989 film version of SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH based on the play by Tennessee Williams stars Elizabeth Taylor and Mark Harmon. She is a fading movie actress (Alexandra Del Lago) while he (Chance Wayne) is her driver/escort/confidante/gigolo/actor-want-to-be. The plot is classic Williams: the vulnerable, beautiful woman cast opposite the sexy stud but with a twist since Alexandra has a steeliness reminiscent of Maggie in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Both characters use each other for a quid pro quo: sex for furthering one's acting career. Thrown in for good measure are old-style demagoguery of the 1950's politician, racism, segregation, abortion and adultery. Add to that The theme of the perils of growing old, particularly if one has accomplished little (Chance); and you have quite a lot going on and a plot that does not always work.

Ms. Taylor remains tremendously beautiful here even with big hair and the essential lavender costumes. She plays again the role that she has done many times before, the exotic (often Southern but not always) woman (CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE, RAINTREE COUNTY, et cetera). At times she seems to be playing Elizabeth Taylor; on the other hand, it's great to watch her do only that. A character in the film describes Alexandra as having a "kind of magnificence." I have no words better to describe this screen legend.

Although by no means a perfect film, SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH is certainly worth watching.

Love That Movie!!!!!!
2005-09-15 - Elizabeth Taylor rules as a classic legendary actress who befriends a younger washed up actor using her to revamp his career.It's a must see!!!

yawn
2005-03-26 - This had to have been Liz's last 'glamour' role. To be honest, I expected full-blown schlock and that's what I got. All I could focus on throughout the movie was how the camera was trying to camouflage this once great beauty's girth and double chin! Hellen Mirren's Karen Stone (in Willaims' "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone") is a much more authentic, and moving, portrayal of the consequences of the ravages of time - for a former stage&screen beauty and, indeed, for any of us. Best part of the movie for me was the flash of Mark Harmon's pretty butt - but my, what bushy eyebrows! ps - Fuggettabout Princess del Lago: Whatever happened to "Sexiest Man of the Year" Mark Harmon?! Therein, I suppose, lies Williams' not-so-surprising message...

Tennessee Williams
2003-06-22 - You have to really get the mood set to be an adapt actor for a Tennessee Williams production. I have seen Elizabeth Taylor do a couple of his works. In Sweet Bird of Youth she is just not Elizabeth Taylor but the ageing actress the way Williams would have wanted it. I believe Mark Harmon gave a good performan much different from Paul Newman. As I was watching it kept me interested. Individuals could learn much from this film if they just listen. Tennesse Williams had a message and it sure comes accross.