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Norris captures in almost obsessive detail the darker side of life in a still-young San Francisco.
The classic novel by Frank Norris is revisited in this 1989 recording by an immensely talented and well-directed group of actors. Set in 1899 San Francisco, Norris's story relates the life and times of a dentist, played wonderfully by Stacy Keach, and his wife, Trina (Carol Kane). With a celebrity cast of nearly 40 players that features superior performances from, among others, Helen Hunt, Ed Asner, Marsha Mason, Teri Garr and Hector Elizondo, the production is flawless and captivating. With music and realistic sound effects, director Gordon Hunt takes full advantage of the performing weapons at his disposal. Notable standouts include Joe Spano, who plays Trina's jealous cousin, Katherine Helmond as Miss Baker and Bud Cort portraying an array of secondary characters. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Anonymous
Posted July 8, 2006
Riveting is right! One would never know that this book was originally published in 1899. It reads like a modern novel, and I found it extremely hard to put down. You have a sensation of being carried from page to page by the author, without being aware of the words which transport you. The psychological tension was built very artfully. And it was so delightful to read about everyday life in San Francisco in the 1890's -- I went out and bought some genuine San Francisco Anchor steam beer afterwards! The story was so popular that one director created a 10-hour B&W silent version of the book in the 1920's! This was the first book I read by Frank Norris, and I was oh so pleasantly surprised. What a tragedy that Norris died at the age of 32 what a wealth of fine literature he could have provided us. This is a great book on many levels, and the B&N Library of Essential Reading edition is especially handsome and readable.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 8, 2006
I had to read this book for a class. It starts out as a nice story, but it takes you to a place that is so unexpected! When I think about the beginning and the end of this book, no one could guess that it would end up like it did. I loved the shock of where the book leads the story. I hated what happened, but because of where it went, it will forever be in my mind. I really enjoyed reading this book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 12, 2005
I read this novel over 20 years ago and it still comes to mind. The characterizations of the young couple in new urban life was very compelling and memorable. In addition, the film adaptation by Silent Film Director Von Stronheim (acted in Sunset Boulevard - Max) will be showing at LACMA on January 22nd.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 22, 2002
i liked this book. i had to read it for english, and it was really good.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 23, 2001
If you're looking for a book that epitomizes the Naturalist movement at the turn of the 20th century, then this is the book for you. Rich with symbolism, this novel is a great contrast to the reform novel
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Its a great read; felt sort of like a precursor to The Great Gatsby.
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Posted January 29, 2012
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Overview
Frank Norris' graphic portrayal of the seamy side of survival in turn-of-the-century urban America remains shocking and powerful today -and its conclusion just as harrowing.Norris captures in almost obsessive detail the darker side of life in a still-young San Francisco.