DRAMAS

Jesus The epic story of the tragedy and triumph of the most controversial life in human history!  Witness the most remarkable story of passion, intrigue, pain and glory as you are taken back two thousand years to the life of Jesus Christ.  A masterpiece created by award-winning producer John Heyman, Jesus was researched for five years and filmed in over 200 locations in the Holy Land.  Time magazine has praised the film's "meticulous attention to authenticity."  Now you too can experience a film which just might change your life!  A Warner Bros. release.  "Fascinating... a vivid portrayal!"  --The Rev. Billy Graham.  Rated G -- for glorious!  Color film.  83 min.  VHS:  $5

Amistad (1998)
From director Steven Spielberg comes this gripping true story of a rebellion aboard a slave ship. When the ship is captured, the slaves next must fight for their lives in the U.S. court system. Stars Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins. Col film. 155 min. Rated R. VHS STILL SEALED $5 (NOTE: This is a panned-and-scanned version).

Assault at West Point (1994)
In 1880, a young black West Point cadet is found beaten, mutilated and tied to his bed. When the academy accuses him of faking the attack himself, the ensuing court martial is the stage for a clash between his own lawyers. Sam Waterston and Samuel L. Jackson star in this powerful true story. Rated PG-13. VHS STILL SEALED $17

Chaplin (1992)
Robert Downey, Jr. gives a remarkable performance as Charlie Chaplin in this inventive biographical film of the famed comedian's life. The world of early Hollywood is recreated with loving attention to detail, and the extraordinary cast also includes Dan Aykroyd, Geraldine Chaplin, Anthony Hopkins and Diane Lane. Col film. 135 min. Rated PG-13. VHS

Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
One of Woody Allen's best films, blending comedy and tragedy in the form of two intersecting storylines. In one, Allen plays a documentary filmmaker reluctantly shooting a vanity film about a pompous comedian (Alan Alda). In the other, Martin Landau plays a man plotting to murder his wife (Anjelica Houston). Also with Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston. Col film. 104 min. Rated PG-13. VHS $5 Box and tape are in excellent condition.

Fanny & Alexander (1982)
Ingmar Bergman retired from filmmaking with this delightful film, which he called "the sum total of my life as a filmmaker." Part comedy and part ghost story, "Fanny and Alexander" is filled with the joy of life. Col film. Subtitled in English. 197 min. Rated R. VHS $20 (NOTE: This is a 1984 edition from Embassy Home Entertainment).

Fargo (1996)
A thriller that is on many critics' list of all-time great movies, Fargo depicts a kidnapping scheme gone wrong, and the patient efforts of a down-to-earth police officer (Frances McDormand) to get to the bottom of things. The snowy Midwestern setting and eccentric characters add charm to the film. Written by Joel and Ethan Coen, and directed by Joel Coen. Also starring William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi.

Col film. 98 min. Rated R. VHS

Gloria (1999)
Sharon Stone plays the tough ex-mistress of a mobster who befriends an orphan boy, in this gritty yet touching drama directed by Sidney Lumet. Col film. 108 min. Rated R. VHS STILL SEALED! $5

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Director Mike Figgis created a strange and somber love story in this film about two doomed people. Ben Sanderson (Nick Cage) is an alcoholic who sets out for Las Vegas with the goal of drinking himself to death. Sera (Elizabeth Shue) is the prostitute who gives him the unconditional acceptance he finds from no-one else. "A masterpiece", says Los Angeles Magazine's David Thompson.

Col film. 111 min. VHS

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Sgt. Raymond Shaw (Lawrence Harvey) is an American hero -- or is he?   Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra) is beginning to suspect otherwise.   Can it be that Shaw is really... a traitor? And how does Shaw's power-mad mother (Angela Lansbury) figure into things?   Withdrawn in the wake of the Kennedy assassination, The Manchurian Candidate was re-released in 1987 to great acclaim. Directed by John Frankenheimer.   This is a digitally-transfered version from MGM/UA Vintage Classics, and includes the original theatrical trailer.   129 min. B&w. VHS $5

The Mystery of Kaspar Hauser (1975)
One day, out of nowhere, a young man named Kaspar Hauser shows up in the Nuremberg town square. Held prisoner in a dungeon for the first 18 years of his life, he cannot speak, and seems barely human. Based on a true story, Werner Herzog's film is a classic of the New German Cinema. A New Yorker Video release. In German with yellow English subtitles. Col film. 110 min. VHS STILL SEALED! $12

Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991)
The adventure begun in "The Blue Lagoon" continues with this sequel in which two children are stranded on a desert island (just like in the original!) Full of action and romance, this is a coming-of-age story the whole family will enjoy. Col film. 121 min. Rated PG-13. VHS $5 (NOTE: There is one brief dropout during the opening titles. The tape appeared to play fine from that point, but I only checked the first few minutes).