Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever

XoWizIama Excellent adaptation.

BoardChiri Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

Brenda The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

valeripaxtonsteele I am not sure if this is the right movie, so this may or may not be a spoiler-type of question. Is this the one where a body is in a crate of some kind and Ruth Gordon chops off his foot because it is sticking out? I have vague memories from when I was a kid, and if, indeed, that is this particular film, I loved it! Thanks in advance for your help!

madfliesler I remember "Isn't It Shocking?" from way back in the 70's when TV movies were bad. How often are you going to see Ruth Gordon, Louise Lasser, and Alan Alda in the same movie? They are 3 of my favorite actors. Ruth Gordon - amazing in anything and the movie is worth watching just to see her.Louis Lasser flinging birdseed always makes me laugh. It's a dark comedy (not a good drama).Alan Alda - well he's good in everything -right? I'm trying to get a copy but not easy. The 1970's were bad bad bad for movies but the made-for-TV genre had a feel about them (yes, "They Only Kill Their Masters" is a perfect example), and every once in a while they are good for bowl of popcorn on a snowy night.If you like this type of movie "Isn't It Shocking?" is worth watching just for the few moments of the 3 actors mentioned.

a_l_i_e_n There have been a number of excellent films about murder and mayhem occurring in small towns. "They Only Kill Their Masters, "Sherlock Holmes & The Scarlet Claw", "Winter Kills", and "Five Card Stud" come to mind, and this 1973 ABC movie-of-the-week has got to be one of the very best ever made.An increase in the death rate among the older residents of a small New England community is initially labeled as being due to natural causes. But something about it doesn't feel right to Daniel Barnes, the local chief of police. Barnes, (excellently played by Alan Alda) refuses to believe the official findings and begins an investigation to prove there's something rotten going on in his little town. The excellent supporting cast includes Will Geer as a nicotine addicted coroner, Louise Lasser of "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" fame as the police station's wise-cracking receptionist, and Ruth Gordon cast to type as a dotty old lady who may be in danger of becoming the next senior to sign off. Directed by John Badham of "WarGames" fame, the film maintains a superb balance between both the story's darker aspects and the folksy charm of the familial setting and characters. The method of murder alluded to in the movie's title is refreshingly unique and the film's tense climax features some surprising character revelation. There's even an action-packed car chase that, appropriate to the film's setting, takes place in a corn field. Lane Slate's script is as funny as it is intriguing, and he clearly has a great feel for small town characters. The undeclared courtship between Alda and his receptionist, Lasser, is particularly fun to watch as they joke and natter away about bird watching and other mundane things because neither is willing to risk declaring to the other their true feelings. It's as endearing as it is amusing and the chemistry between these two actors is remarkable. David Shire's score effectively captures the feel of the rural setting while injecting the right note of menace to reflect the darker and at times melancholy aspects of the story.ABC Movies Of The Week were quickly shot and a mere 90 minutes in length, but for some reason the 2 hour TV-movies we get today seldom approach the quality of a little classic like this, and that truly is shocking.

Loulou-8 This is a great TV movie with a good story and many comic moments thanks to the excellent cast.The only problem this movie has is that it hasn't stood the test of time as well as it might have.Despite this, it's definitely worth viewing, particularly if you are an Alan Alda or Ruth Gordon fan.