Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986)

Gene Saks, an old hand at directing Neil Simon's work on film (The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park), here takes a stab at Simon's most autobiographical work, which stars Jonathan Silverman as an aspiring writer living with two families under one roof in 1937 Brooklyn. Following his old working formula, Saks keeps an eye on the cast's energy and timing but otherwise stays out of the way and lets Simon's story and dialogue tumble wonderfully from the mouths of good actors. Cast in the lead in this 1986 film, the young Silverman (later the star of NBC's Single Guy) makes a very good impression, as does Bob Dishy as his narrator-father. The DVD release has a full-screen presentation. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Authenic and humorous experiences of early 20th Century days in America!!

This movie is authentic in it's depiction of what it was like to live in situations of American's living in crowded cities, with extended families and having European relatives trying to get over here in a time of War and hardship. However, this movie brings such a humorous and poignantly real glimpse into the life of one son, an adolescent boy steeped in the dreams of sexuality, baseball and writing the perfect novel. I love the characters responses to the difficult times of the era, especially the way this boy brings such life and laughter to those viewing the movie. I watch it as often as I can!! May 29, 2008

Stagy but enjoyable

"Brighton Beach Memoirs", the first of Neil Simon's three autobiographical plays (the other two being "Biloxi Blues" and "Broadway Bound"), sees Simon's alter-ego, Eugene Jerome (Jonathon Silverman) coming of age in 1930's Brooklyn as his family struggles to make ends meet, while worrying about what the imminent war will mean for their relatives in Poland.

Of the two film versions of Simon's autobiographical plays that I have seen, I think "Biloxi Blues" is the better play/film. In "Brighton Beach Memoirs", Jerome serves largely as an observer of the action that is going on around him, not a participant, and as a result, it makes it difficult to identify or sympathize with him. This is a problem that I didn't find in "Biloxi Blues", where Jerome plays a more active role in the story (I think this is largely due to Jerome's age in each of these plays). Also, "Brighton Beach Memoirs" has a certain staginess to it - not so much in the location (the action does move around a lot), but more in the way the actors behave and deliver their lines.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy "Brighton Beach Memoirs" very much. I have liked Neil Simon's work since I was five and this film didn't disappoint. It is a very funny film and the acting is excellent. Watch this, and see "Biloxi Blues". You won't be disappointed.
March 30, 2008

A Gift

This was a cute movie.This was also a gift and the person loved. She actually watched it 6 times since Christmas. January 18, 2007

DVD sales

Was kept informed throughout busy holiday season, first, that DVD was out of stock, but that it would be available in about a week. I was informed when the item was shipped, and it actually arrived earlier than expected. Very pleased with service and communication. January 18, 2007

Very Funny

Neil Simon is one of the best comedy writers of our time, probably because he writes what he knows about. This film is good for many laughs and a feel for life in America right before our entry into World War II. November 11, 2006

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